Sermons

A Faithful Walk

Following Jesus’ Great Commission to make disciples of all nations, Christianity has spread throughout the Roman Empire, including the region of Asia Minor (modern day Turkey), where east meets west in a melting pot of cultures, philosophies, ideas and religions. Unfortunately, this is not always a good recipe for churches as some of these worldly influences creep in. Thankfully, the last surviving apostle of the original twelve, John, is stationed in Ephesus of Asia Minor in order to help the churches in the surrounding region to stay healthy. In the case of 3 John, he writes to Gaius, a beloved brother in the ministry, commending him for “walking in the truth” and “acting faithfully” by opening his home to Christian missionaries. At the same time, John condemns a leader in the church named Diotrephes, who has been acting unfaithfully in word and deed. John’s third epistle causes us to ask what faithful and non-faithful ministry looks like and how can the church stay theologically sound, especially with ungodly influences?