Bible passages

2 Peter 3:1–7

Remember God's Word When People Mock the Promise

Read with an adult. The answer to mockery recalls a flood and warns of future fiery judgment.

2 Peter 3:8–13

God's Patience Calls for Repentance and Holy Living

Read with an adult. Burning-world imagery is joined to patience and hope for a righteous new creation.

2 Peter 3:14–18

Read Carefully and Keep Growing in Grace

The ending openly admits some teaching is hard while warning against twisting it.

1 John 1:1–4

Heard, Seen and Touched: Life Shared with Others

The opening presents witnessed life as a message inviting fellowship and fulfilled joy.

1 John 1:5–10

Live Honestly in God's Light

The passage challenges claims of sinlessness and offers forgiveness through honest confession.

1 John 2:1–6

Jesus Helps Sinners, and Knowing Him Changes Life

The aim is to avoid wrong, yet help is offered when someone sins.

1 John 2:7–14

Love Shows Whether Someone Walks in Light

The command is familiar, yet the writer also calls it new as true light is already shining.

1 John 2:15–17

Do Not Give Your Love to Passing Desires

The warning defines the world it rejects by desires and pride, then asks what lasts.

1 John 2:18–23

Test the Denial of Jesus, Not Every Questioner

Read with an adult. The writer calls particular departing opponents antichrists and identifies their central denial.

1 John 2:24–29

Keep the First Message and Remain in Christ

The repeated word remain joins the heard message, eternal life, truth and a fitting life.

1 John 3:1–10

God's Children Are Called to Live His Way

Read with an adult. The strong sin contrasts belong with the letter's words about confession and Jesus' help.

1 John 3:11–24

Love in Actions, Not Only Words

Read with an adult. The passage contrasts Cain's violence with Christ's self-giving and help for someone in need.

1 John 4:1–6

Test Spiritual Claims by Their Message about Jesus

The loving warning asks readers to examine teaching rather than accept every spiritual claim.

1 John 4:7–21

God Loved First, So Love One Another

The passage points to God's Son before asking that love become visible among people.

1 John 5:1–8

Faith, Love and Agreeing Witness about Jesus

The passage joins trust in Jesus with loving God's children and obeying his commands.

1 John 5:9–12

God Gives Eternal Life in His Son

The testimony concerns one central gift and the Son in whom it is given.

Poetry and prayer

1 John 5:13–17

Confidence to Pray, with a Serious Warning about Sin

Read with an adult. Assurance of life comes first; the later distinction about sin and death is not fully explained.

1 John 5:18–21

Know the True One and Guard against Idols

Read with an adult. The closing's strong no-sin and evil-one statements belong with the letter's confession and help passages.

2 John 1:1–3

The Elder Greets the Chosen Lady in Truth and Love

The letter's opening repeats truth and love before naming grace, mercy and peace.

2 John 1:4–6

Walk in Truth by Loving One Another

A glad report leads to a familiar command that should keep shaping daily life.

2 John 1:7–11

Do Not Support Teaching That Denies Jesus' Human Coming

Read with an adult. The warning gives a severe limit on welcoming teachers who bring the denial described.

2 John 1:12–13

More to Say Face to Face

The writer hopes for a visit that will bring shared joy, then passes on a final greeting.

3 John 1:1–4

Joy at Gaius Living in the Truth

The elder's warm greeting joins prayer for health with joy over a truthful life.

3 John 1:5–8

Supporting Travellers Makes Partners in Truth

Gaius' hospitality is praised as dependable work that helps a journey continue.