Final Greetings
I had much to write to you, but I would rather not write with pen and ink. I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face. Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends, each by name.
3 John 13–15
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Final Greetings
Our parents gave us names. Giving someone a name is an activity of authority. That is why it hurts so badly when people call you all kinds of names. They are exerting a false authority over you, they are bullying you, trying to change your good name, and manipulate you for their purpose. So also, your God gives you a name. He names you in the waters of baptism and calls you his own child. He puts “Father, Son, and Holy Spirit” on you, and he seals up the deal with a cross for your forehead and a cross for your heart. You are marked as one redeemed by Christ the crucified. Here on earth, the spiritual powers know you belong to Jesus. In heaven, Jesus writes your name in the book of life. There in heaven, everyone knows you are one of the faithful and righteous. Thanks be to God that he has declared us to be his own and has washed away our sins in his crucifixion. We greet each other by name and in the name of our God.
3 John 13–15
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Final Greetings
Our parents gave us names. Giving someone a name is an activity of authority. That is why it hurts so badly when people call you all kinds of names. They are exerting a false authority over you, they are bullying you, trying to change your good name, and manipulate you for their purpose. So also, your God gives you a name. He names you in the waters of baptism and calls you his own child. He puts “Father, Son, and Holy Spirit” on you, and he seals up the deal with a cross for your forehead and a cross for your heart. You are marked as one redeemed by Christ the crucified. Here on earth, the spiritual powers know you belong to Jesus. In heaven, Jesus writes your name in the book of life. There in heaven, everyone knows you are one of the faithful and righteous. Thanks be to God that he has declared us to be his own and has washed away our sins in his crucifixion. We greet each other by name and in the name of our God.
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2023
January
Responding to GodLamentationSeek GodThe Day of the LordA Matter of FaithThe Secure and the ComplacentThe Pride of the PeopleFrom Depths of WoeVisions of FireA Plumb LineAmaziahSummer FruitA Final VisionA Word of HopeA VisionHumiliationDisplacedStanding AloofHouse of FireRestorationHeeding God’s CallOverboardInside the Great FishFor a Second TimeMessage ReceivedNot Fair
2022
January
In One SpiritHe is ComingA Light for the NationsDepart in PeaceThe BenedictionWise Men SeeTrusting in the EmptinessWilted BlossomsConceiving TroubleWhat Comfort?SolaceWorn OutTorn With WrathLike a WarriorA Pure PrayerHeavenly WitnessA Ready GraveA Pledge for YouA Byword of the PeoplesHold OnNight into DayWhere is My Hope?Into the DustHunting for WordsOur Own FlameCaught in a TrapDeath ConsumesTo Know GodMy ErrorsNo JusticeHe Has Taken the Crown
February
No AnswerForsakenRock BottomRedemption!The Root of the MatterDo You Not Know?Fly AwayBittersweetUpon the RiversConstant CravingsBurning AngerEnduring WitnessesGod’s PortionKeep ListeningThe Rod of GodIs Not Their Prosperity in Their Hand?The Lamp of the WickedEqualizationThe House of the PrinceEmpty NothingsProfitable to GodOutward AppearancesWater Covers YouWhat Does God Know?Foundations Washed AwayConsumed by the FireGold and SilverLife Up Your Face to God