NorMel House Devotions

Read 1 John 2:18-27 Our Bible passage today comes under the heading, "Warning against the anti-christs." John warns the readers that there are already anti-christs in the world. A sense of urgency is apparent through the repeated use of the word "last." Twice in verse 18, he says it is the "last hour." John believed the end of days was already there. He wanted the readers to be alert and prepared so they wouldn't be led astray by false prophets and anti-christs. John called the early Gnostics anti-christs because they denied Christ's humanity. In 2 Thessalonians 2:3, Paul also warns against them when he refers to the "man of lawlessness." He warns that there will be a falling away from faith; an active rebellion leading the forces of evil. In Matthew 24:24, Jesus said, "For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect - if that were possible." Jesus said this while e...

Read Colossians 1:1‭-‬10 Our passage has much to teach us but I think I an important thing to note is that Paul prayed without ceasing for God's people. In several of his letters, Paul makes the point of thanking God for the people and/or praying for them for various reasons. In Romans 1, he thanks God for them because their faith is talked about all of the world. He remembers them in his prayers at all times. In 1 Corinthians 1 verse 4, Paul thanks God for them because of God’s grace given them in Jesus Christ.  In  Philippians 1 verse 3, he tells them how he thanks God for them with joy. Then, in Colossians 1 verse 3, Paul thanks God for them because of their faith in Christ and love for the saints.  He goes on in verse 9 to say he does not stop praying for them and asking that they be filled with spiritual wisdom and understanding.  In 1 Thessalonians 1:2, Paul again says that he always thanks God for them; remembering their work produced by faith, labor prompted ...