A message from the series “The First Book of John.” Chapter five opens with John driving home the core message of the entire Christian movement: belief in Jesus = life. This life in Jesus (new birth) leads to a supernatural desire to obey God. Obedience shifts from drudgery to delight when we experience a love relationship with our Creator. This faith in Jesus makes us conquerors in this world. Finally, John points to the three-fold testimony of the water (baptism of Jesus), the blood (crucifixion of Jesus), and the Spirit (Holy Spirit) as evidence that Jesus is the Son of God and the source of true life for all human beings.

A message from the series “The First Book of John.” As we begin to land the plane on chapter four, John points our hearts to some exciting truths. God has given us His Spirit. Friend, we have the same Holy Spirit inside of us that raised Jesus from the dead! This should cause us to freely confess the Son. In a day and age when professing a Christian worldview has gone out of vogue, we ought to unashamedly testify to the Son who saved us and set us free. In turn, this should cause us to trust the Father’s love, even in the face of the day of judgment. Followers of Jesus have nothing to fear in life or death! This reality frees us up to love God with all of our hearts, and to love one another like He has loved us.

A message from the series “The First Book of John.” The number one mark of a born-again Christian is a love relationship with God that is evident in how we love one another. The command in this section is clear: love one another. John then gives several reasons why this is so critical in the Christ follower’s life. Firstly, we love because God is the genesis of love. We can’t possibly know the source of love and not live a life of love. Secondly, we love because this is God’s greatest gift to us, in the form of Jesus. Lastly, our love makes an invisible God visible to the world in a way that points them to their Creator and brings Him the glory He deserves.

A message from the series “The First Book of John.” Believe it or not, we were all born into a raging spiritual war. The invisible realm is every bit as real as the chair you’re sitting on right now. Westerners tend to either disbelieve in the spiritual world, or become obsessed with the unseen realm in an unhealthy way. Many spiritual teachers, even in the Church, are false prophets leading many astray. As Christ followers, we are called to test everything we hear, read or see. We test our own thoughts and take everything captive to the obedience of King Jesus. The filter of truth is the gospel of Jesus. He came, lived, died, rose and now rules & reigns at the right hand of the Father. If Jesus isn’t at the center, it’s not from God. We must learn to be a people of discernment and truth in a spiritually dark culture.

A message from the series “The First Book of John.” So far, John has focused the first part of his letter on the concept of God as Light. Now, he begins the shift into the second major section of his letter by focusing on God as Love. He does so by using the art of contrast. Love vs. hate. Cain vs. Christ. At the end of the day, the point is clear: no love = no life. Love for one another is a critical mark of the believer. As those who have been loved extravagantly, we in turn love our brothers and sisters in Christ sacrificially and generously. This kind of love serves as assurance that our faith is genuine and very much alive.

A message from the series “The First Book of John.”

A message from the series “Standalone Messages.” As we look back to some beautiful things God has done in us and through us a community of faith over the last year, we pause to celebrate God’s continued goodness to us. As we look forward to a future God already inhabits, we’re encouraged by the blueprint we find in Acts 2 of a church living in community, impacting the world around them, and multiplying disciples who found and followed Jesus joyfully in a hostile world. God has given each follower of Christ a role to play in His grand plan of redemption through time and history. The only question that remains is: will you play your part in His plan of drawing people from darkness to light through Jesus?

A message from the series “The First Book of John.” Last week, John introduced us to the first two tests of genuine faith. The test of obedience and the test of love. This week, John will give us the third and final test, the test of belief. But before he gets there, he aims to encourage believers by reminding them of who they are in Christ. Forgiven, known by the Father, and victors over the evil one. John reminds us that love for the ways of the world is not compatible with love for God. The truth is, right belief in Jesus, while being empowered by the Holy Spirit makes living for God instead of the world not only possible, but our greatest delight!

A message from the series “The First Book of John.” Throughout this little letter, John gives his readers three tests that can help determine whether they truly know God or are merely giving Him lip-service. The test of obedience, the test of love, and the test of belief are all great guides to help determine where we each stand with the Lord. This week, we’ll jump into the first two tests: the tests of obedience and love. The truth is, many people today claim to know God, but deny Him with their life. While none of us reach sinless perfection on this side of eternity, there should be a growing and evident desire to love God and obey Him as an overflow of that love.

A message from the series “The First Book of John.” The concept of sin is completely out of vogue in our culture. Even many churches have strategically removed the concept of sin from their teaching as to not offend the masses. And it sort of makes sense, right? It can be hard to admit that we’re sinners and that we’ve fallen short. And yet, when we refuse to hide or deny our sin and instead confess it, we find forgiveness and freedom in Jesus. Walking in the light means learning how to press into a life of obedience that actually leads to our joy and the glory of our Savior!