Purpose! Newsletter - September 2026
Third John – One Chapter
In review: Though a short letter it has much to say about Truth. As they say in the courthouse, The truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
Truth is mentioned six times in five verses by John in this epistle. And then there is the word true, used one time. Me thinks God and John were trying to get a point across. Don’t be a liar, don’t be fake, and don’t be a phony.
Truth Scriptures
1. Verse 1: The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.
2. Verse 3,4. For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.
4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
These truths we covered last month. Let us move forward to the remaining mentions of truth.
3. Verse 8: We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.
Now, in verses 5-7 the Apostle John commends Gaius (of Latin origin meaning “lord”). for his faithful ministry of hospitality toward itinerant preachers, known and unknown to Gaius. Again it is testified to by those he has cared for. People like speaking well of this man. First for his life of truth and now for his charity, his kindness to those servants of the Lord who came to him. He receives them, he helps them, and then he sends them forward in a godly way. More than likely these evangelists are given opportunity to minister to the church while they are in town.
7 Because that for his name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.
These were dedicated, servants of the Lord with no sponsors or big donors. Gaius made sure they had their needs met.
In doing so he became fellowhelper to the truth. He helped to spread the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I have known many a good Pastor who helped me in my many journeys. Special people those.
On the other hand, and in contrast, we have Diotrephes. He is the Pastor of the other church.
9 I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.
10 Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.
11 Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.
Diotrephes was diametrically opposed to, and the polar opposite of, our dear brother Gaius.
He does not welcome other preachers. They may preach better than him and be more gifted.
He will not be outshone. He loves the spotlight and the preeminence in his pulpit. He receives no one, especially an apostle of John’s caliber, a man who walked with Jesus himself and leaned back into and inhaled the breath of the Master. John’s testimony surpassed anything Diotrephes could even make up. He could not handle any competition even if it was in his own imagination. I have known some of these also, unfortunately. Jealousy ruled and the idiotic idea they were the greatest. They would not risk losing their alleged importance. Sad.
Diotrephes not only did not welcome men of God like John, he would also diminish them verbally so others would not follow. And he went beyond. Those who sought proximity to one of the inner circle of Jesus, he would cast out of the church. Association with John and his kind was forbidden! Well, Apostle John would come to town eventually, and there would be some reckoning!
John concludes with: 11 Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God. Gaius was in, Diotrephes was out!
Oh wait. There is one more man.
4. Verse 12
12 Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true.
Demetrius has a threefold witness. First, all men give a good report concerning him. Secondly, the voice of truth speaks up in agreement. Finally, The Apostle John himself, who is a true reliable source confirms the reports concerning Demetrius.
May God bring men of this character into our churches to serve the Lord and minister truthfully to the body of Christ. May we measure up to John, Gaius, and Demetrius as people of truth. Amen. -PJF-
And now a word from Pastor Shirley…
By Faith
“Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1
If you continue to read Hebrews 11, you will see the many things that were accomplished by faith.
By faith Abel had a more excellent sacrifice.
By faith Enoch entered into eternity without seeing death.
By faith Noah built an ark that saved his family and the animals.
By faith Abraham started a brand new life and a nation.
By faith Sara was able to conceive past child bearing years.
By faith God’s people crossed the Red Sea on dry land.
By faith the walls of Jericho fell down.
By faith Rahab, a prostitute, helped God’s people and saved her and her family from death.
By having faith in God they moved, and they accomplished great things.
Have faith in God and keep your faith in God. Obstacles arise in life all the time. Circumstances change, all the time. These factors do not intimidate God. They do not cause him to change his mind concerning the plans he has for you. No matter what, keep moving ahead with your faith grounded in God. When it is all said and done, you will be able to stand and say, all this was accomplished by faith. -SAF-
In Memoriam
Mark W. Kinchen Sr.
August 21, 1964 – August 11, 2026
Last month a beloved friend and man of God went home to be with our Lord. Pastor Mark Kinchen turned his barn into a church and served the Lord there faithfully for many years.
We are glad to have fellowshipped with him over the years and had communications from him in regard to our work. He was real.
He and his wife Rhonda have done a great work there in Carriere, Mississippi.
We send our condolences to Pastor Rhonda and family, and the wonderful folks at Harvest Barn Ministries.
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Pastors PJ and Shirley Flores
Purpose! Ministries
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