The apostle John saw Jesus in the flesh face to face and what he witnessed in his participation with the Lord’s earthly ministry changed him forever.  In 1 John 1:1-4, John writes:

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.  And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.

Personal knowledge of Jesus Christ had given the apostle John joy and he wished to impart that knowledge and joy to others.

While John by inspiration wrote letters which form a good portion of the New Testament, there were many things he wanted to express to his fellow Christians face to face.  Second John is a brief letter including this statement near the end explaining its brevity, “Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full” (2 John 12).  Third John is even shorter and ends with these words, “But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name” (3 John 14).

Obviously, there is something to seeing others face to face, being physically present with them, and calling them by name.  Anyone who has gone through a lengthy automated phone system (where pressing a number just leads to another automated message) quickly feels a strong desire to speak to an actual person.  Technology that allows us to communicate with others all around the world has also made us more mobile; thus, good friends often move away from each other.  Ironically social media that is intended to connect people seems to promote less authentic, surface relationships that can leave individuals feeling lonely.

The need for Christians to “come together” (1 Cor. 11:17, 18, 20, 33, 34; 14:23, 26) in one physical location to worship God and commune with Him and one another in the Lord’s Supper is still very real even in the 21^st century.  We are affected by who comes in the assembly (James 2:2-3).  We can be encouraged by the presence of others or discouraged by their absence.  Thus, we must still make every effort to provoke one another to love and good works, not by forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, but by encouraging one another (Hebrews 10:24-25).

Look at the influence Jesus had on the world by being present with those whom He came across in His earthly life.  Read the Gospel accounts and be impressed with the effect Jesus had on those in His presence.  Are you present with those who are around you or is your mind and attention elsewhere?  Are you present when we come together and worship?  Tremendous good can be done if we learn to show the love of God to others face to face

All accountable people have sins. 1 John 1:8 says, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us”. One preacher said, “You cannot spell “sin” without the “I,” and where is the “I”? It is smack dab in the middle of the word. The wages of sin is death, Romans 6:23. What Shall We Do With Our Sins?

One person says, “‘I’ll forget I have any, so maybe they won’t really exist.” You may forget about (or try to forget) your sins, but God doesn’t. The psalmist wrote in Psalm 25:7, “Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness’ sake, O Lord.” He knew his sins would be remembered by God.

Another person says, “I’ll run away from sin.” But where will you run? Psalms 139:7-8 teaches, “Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there”. This is comforting to those that love him. That they will never be where they may not find their God. Yet this is a fearful thought to those that disobey Him. That, as much as they may wish it and try as they might, they can never find a place where there is not a holy God!

Someone else says, “I’ll blame my sin on others.” God had commanded that Adam and Eve were not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, Genesis 2:17, 3:1-3. They sinned when they disobeyed God, Genesis 3:6. Adam in effect blames God because He was the one who gave her to him. Adam blames the woman, the woman blames the serpent. How well did that work? See Genesis 3:22-24

Another person says, “I’ll cover up my sins.” You cannot hide your sins, God knows everything because “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good”, Proverbs 15:3. This statement is a terror to the sinful and great encouragement to the faithful. Christ told the church at Smyrna, “I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” Revelation 2:9-10.

Some people say that they’ll get rid of their sin tomorrow or at a more convenient time when they put off obeying God’s will. God says we must do it NOW. 2 Corinthians 6:2 teaches, “…behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”

We should plan for eternity, not tomorrow like the rich fool did in Luke 12:16ff. We should not say “Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee” like Felix did in Acts 24:25. As far as we know this “convenient season” never came for him.

Dear friend, don’t try to ignore, run away from, pass the blame, try to hide, or put off dealing with your sin. Obey the Gospel today. Believe that Jesus is the Son of God, Repent of a life of sin, Confess the name of Christ, be Baptized for the forgiveness of your sins, and live your life in obedience to Christ. Do it today. You will never regret it.

-Jerry D. Sturgill