Web of Security
As we’ve worked through the letter of 1st John, we’ve seen the Apostle weave a web of security for the people of God…a web of security that shields us from the fears and insecurities that seek to hunt us down and rob us of the joy of knowing where we stand with Him. What a blessing it is that God desires for us to know and experience assurance and security in Him!
In 1st John 5:1-5, John brings the main points of this web of security together as he moves toward his powerful conclusion. I look forward to studying this with you as we gather for worship.
Love One Another
As we continue our series in 1 John, we come to the familiar and yet remarkable text of chapter 4 verses 7-12. Here we find John once again returning to what is, perhaps, his favorite theme. The theme of love. As he grounds and motivates God’s people to love one another, John shows us the Source of love and then sets it in a Showcase. He then concludes with a statement that is both awe-inspiring and persuasive to our hearts. These are challenging days my friends. We need love…we must love one another. We must ever return to the source of love and gaze at Him.
Be Christological
The Real Jesus Makes a Real Difference
As you know, we’ve titled this series “Secure”. Security is a big deal in our world. Billions and billions of dollars are spent each year with the aim of keeping our stuff, safety, and health secure for this brief period of time that we have on this earth. My friends, God is ALSO concerned that you would feel secure – in the present. But, the security He’s after isn’t related to your stuff or even your health…but for your eternal soul. He wants you to KNOW that you are HIS! He wants you to be able to lay your head on your pillow each night knowing that no matter what happens, you’re good because you’re in HIM!
1st John will help us to see that this security God intends for us to have is rooted in an Accuracy with regard to Jesus that leads to Authenticity with regard to Faith.
God Is Greater Than Our Self-condemning Hearts
Today as we study 1 John 3:19-24, we come to one of the most encouraging texts in this letter aimed at our SECURITY. Led by the Spirit, John knew that the sensitive hearts of believers would struggle with self-incrimination. He knew that we would be tempted to believe Satan’s lies and plunge into seasons of doubt. So he wrote 1 John 3:19-24. What a blessing this text is to our hearts. We’ll see here that while our feelings are fallible, well-placed faith is formidable against our fear.
The Evidence of Love Part 3
Today we continue the message from last week (June 13, 2021) that primarily focused on 1 John 3:16-18. In this text, we saw the kind of love that Christians should have. It’s the kind of love that Christ has displayed and His children should give. Last week we noted that this kind of love is Super and Selfless. We will see that it is, furthermore, a love that Sees and Serves. Reflected in our lives, God’s love has eyes and hands.
The Evidence of Love – Part 2
We see the kind of love that Christians should have in 1 John 3:10-18. It’s the kind of love that Christ has displayed, a love that is Super and Selfless. A love that sees and services, this the love God’s children have been given.
The Evidence of Love
Please join Pastor Dustin Rogers today as we study at 1 John 3:10-18. We see today a second major litmus test in John’s letter as he aims at helping people find security in their relationship with God.
The Christian Isn’t Hard to Spot
From a distance, it would be difficult to discern a Christian from a non-Christian. Christians don’t wear special clothes or have special hairstyles. At some level, Christians look like normal people. Normal human beings living in the world. But up close, the differences should be obvious. Up close, the Christian’s mindset and habits should signal a much different direction of life. Up close, the Christian’s loyalties are clear. In 1 Jn. 3:4-10a, the Apostle John says that it will be “Evident” who are the children of God and the children of Satan respectively.