Dear Sisters and brothers in Christ,

 

As we continue to look at 1 John, we are reminded that as Christians we are both confessors of the faith we have come to believe in through the revelation of Christ Jesus and we are to be actors in living out that faith, that is, we honor God by our obedience to that which Christ Jesus taught, namely that we love one another. To know God in Christ is to obey the life he has taught us to lead: "Now by this we may be sure that we know him, if we obey his commandments" (1 John 2:3).

 

The freedom we have from the power of sin through the atoning sacrifice of Christ Jesus and our obedience to his teachings are two sides of the same tapestry. Our Christian freedom and our obedience to Christ go hand-in-hand. Acting on this freedom that we have in Christ apart from obedience to his way makes us deceitful liars: "Whoever says, 'I have come to know him,' but does not obey his commandments, is a liar, and in such a person the truth does not exist" (2:4). The writer of 1 John is seriously concerned about the consequences and effects of a Christian community that confesses a faith in Christ Jesus but, intentionally or otherwise, fails to live out the faith in falling short of loving one another, all of God's children.

 

As Christians, we are called, indeed commanded, "to walk just as Jesus walked" (2:6). It is a walk from the darkness of sin into God's eternal light, a light that transcends that which promotes hate and division. The writer of 1 John warns, "Whoever says, 'I am in the light,' while hating a brother or sister, is still in the darkness" (2:9).

 

The writer of 1 John also warns about being too connected to the ways of the world which run contrary to the light of God in Christ, "The love of the Father is not in those who love the world" (2:15). The love of the world is described in 1 John as "the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, the pride in riches" (2:16). Such desires and pride are transitory but the will of God is eternal (2:17).

 

The light of Christ casts out the darkness of sin and evil, and clears a path to righteousness and peace.

 

Stay safe and stay strong in faith!  Pastor John

September 15th:

 

Good day to all my Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

 

The writer of 1 John shares this: :See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God's children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. And all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure" (3:1-3).

 

To know and understand that we are children of God is quite a blessing, a wonder of majestic proportions. God desires that we are family with God, and that God looks out for us as a loving parent to the children. Within this family of God, we place our hope, a hope that cannot and will not be diminished by any supposed power at work in this world that runs contrary to God's eternal will. Our future is in God's hands, a future that will not be defeated at the hands of unbelief.

 

The writer of 1 John encourages the faithful to continue their walk in this life with the certainty that we are God's children whom God loves. But there is more in store, for the revelation of God in Christ Jesus bears further witness, a promise of the faithful becoming just like him, a presence of purity and clarity, "for we will see him as he is" (3:2).

 

But in the meantime, as children of God, we must have our eyes open to those supposed powers that operate out of deception and the diabolical. "The Son of God was revealed for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil. Those who have been born of God do not sin, because the children of God abide in him" (3:8-9). 

 

In the risen Christ, as the writer of 1 John acknowledges, "We know that we have passed from death to life because we love one another. Whoever does not love abides in death... We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us- and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. How does God's love abide in anyone who has the world's goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses to help?" (3:14-17).

 

It is about love, God's love for us, and our love for each other. And thus the writer of 1 John encourages us, "Little children, let us love, not only in word or speech, but in truth and action" (3:18).

 

Stay strong in the faith and be safe.  Pastor John

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dear Sisters and brothers in Christ,

 

As we continue to look at 1 John, we are reminded that as Christians we are both confessors of the faith we have come to believe in through the revelation of Christ Jesus and we are to be actors in living out that faith, that is, we honor God by our obedience to that which Christ Jesus taught, namely that we love one another. To know God in Christ is to obey the life he has taught us to lead: "Now by this we may be sure that we know him, if we obey his commandments" (1 John 2:3).

 

The freedom we have from the power of sin through the atoning sacrifice of Christ Jesus and our obedience to his teachings are two sides of the same tapestry. Our Christian freedom and our obedience to Christ go hand-in-hand. Acting on this freedom that we have in Christ apart from obedience to his way makes us deceitful liars: "Whoever says, 'I have come to know him,' but does not obey his commandments, is a liar, and in such a person the truth does not exist" (2:4). The writer of 1 John is seriously concerned about the consequences and effects of a Christian community that confesses a faith in Christ Jesus but, intentionally or otherwise, fails to live out the faith in falling short of loving one another, all of God's children.

 

As Christians, we are called, indeed commanded, "to walk just as Jesus walked" (2:6). It is a walk from the darkness of sin into God's eternal light, a light that transcends that which promotes hate and division. The writer of 1 John warns, "Whoever says, 'I am in the light,' while hating a brother or sister, is still in the darkness" (2:9).

 

The writer of 1 John also warns about being too connected to the ways of the world which run contrary to the light of God in Christ, "The love of the Father is not in those who love the world" (2:15). The love of the world is described in 1 John as "the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, the pride in riches" (2:16). Such desires and pride are transitory but the will of God is eternal (2:17).

 

The light of Christ casts out the darkness of sin and evil, and clears a path to righteousness and peace.

 

Stay safe and stay strong in faith!  Pastor John

September 15th:

 

Good day to all my Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

 

The writer of 1 John shares this: :See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God's children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. And all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure" (3:1-3).

 

To know and understand that we are children of God is quite a blessing, a wonder of majestic proportions. God desires that we are family with God, and that God looks out for us as a loving parent to the children. Within this family of God, we place our hope, a hope that cannot and will not be diminished by any supposed power at work in this world that runs contrary to God's eternal will. Our future is in God's hands, a future that will not be defeated at the hands of unbelief.

 

The writer of 1 John encourages the faithful to continue their walk in this life with the certainty that we are God's children whom God loves. But there is more in store, for the revelation of God in Christ Jesus bears further witness, a promise of the faithful becoming just like him, a presence of purity and clarity, "for we will see him as he is" (3:2).

 

But in the meantime, as children of God, we must have our eyes open to those supposed powers that operate out of deception and the diabolical. "The Son of God was revealed for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil. Those who have been born of God do not sin, because the children of God abide in him" (3:8-9). 

 

In the risen Christ, as the writer of 1 John acknowledges, "We know that we have passed from death to life because we love one another. Whoever does not love abides in death... We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us- and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. How does God's love abide in anyone who has the world's goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses to help?" (3:14-17).

 

It is about love, God's love for us, and our love for each other. And thus the writer of 1 John encourages us, "Little children, let us love, not only in word or speech, but in truth and action" (3:18).

 

Stay strong in the faith and be safe.  Pastor John

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dear Sisters and brothers in Christ,

 

As we continue to look at 1 John, we are reminded that as Christians we are both confessors of the faith we have come to believe in through the revelation of Christ Jesus and we are to be actors in living out that faith, that is, we honor God by our obedience to that which Christ Jesus taught, namely that we love one another. To know God in Christ is to obey the life he has taught us to lead: "Now by this we may be sure that we know him, if we obey his commandments" (1 John 2:3).

 

The freedom we have from the power of sin through the atoning sacrifice of Christ Jesus and our obedience to his teachings are two sides of the same tapestry. Our Christian freedom and our obedience to Christ go hand-in-hand. Acting on this freedom that we have in Christ apart from obedience to his way makes us deceitful liars: "Whoever says, 'I have come to know him,' but does not obey his commandments, is a liar, and in such a person the truth does not exist" (2:4). The writer of 1 John is seriously concerned about the consequences and effects of a Christian community that confesses a faith in Christ Jesus but, intentionally or otherwise, fails to live out the faith in falling short of loving one another, all of God's children.

 

As Christians, we are called, indeed commanded, "to walk just as Jesus walked" (2:6). It is a walk from the darkness of sin into God's eternal light, a light that transcends that which promotes hate and division. The writer of 1 John warns, "Whoever says, 'I am in the light,' while hating a brother or sister, is still in the darkness" (2:9).

 

The writer of 1 John also warns about being too connected to the ways of the world which run contrary to the light of God in Christ, "The love of the Father is not in those who love the world" (2:15). The love of the world is described in 1 John as "the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, the pride in riches" (2:16). Such desires and pride are transitory but the will of God is eternal (2:17).

 

The light of Christ casts out the darkness of sin and evil, and clears a path to righteousness and peace.

 

Stay safe and stay strong in faith!  Pastor John

September 15th:

 

Good day to all my Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

 

The writer of 1 John shares this: :See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God's children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. And all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure" (3:1-3).

 

To know and understand that we are children of God is quite a blessing, a wonder of majestic proportions. God desires that we are family with God, and that God looks out for us as a loving parent to the children. Within this family of God, we place our hope, a hope that cannot and will not be diminished by any supposed power at work in this world that runs contrary to God's eternal will. Our future is in God's hands, a future that will not be defeated at the hands of unbelief.

 

The writer of 1 John encourages the faithful to continue their walk in this life with the certainty that we are God's children whom God loves. But there is more in store, for the revelation of God in Christ Jesus bears further witness, a promise of the faithful becoming just like him, a presence of purity and clarity, "for we will see him as he is" (3:2).

 

But in the meantime, as children of God, we must have our eyes open to those supposed powers that operate out of deception and the diabolical. "The Son of God was revealed for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil. Those who have been born of God do not sin, because the children of God abide in him" (3:8-9). 

 

In the risen Christ, as the writer of 1 John acknowledges, "We know that we have passed from death to life because we love one another. Whoever does not love abides in death... We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us- and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. How does God's love abide in anyone who has the world's goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses to help?" (3:14-17).

 

It is about love, God's love for us, and our love for each other. And thus the writer of 1 John encourages us, "Little children, let us love, not only in word or speech, but in truth and action" (3:18).

 

Stay strong in the faith and be safe.  Pastor John

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dear Sisters and brothers in Christ,

 

As we continue to look at 1 John, we are reminded that as Christians we are both confessors of the faith we have come to believe in through the revelation of Christ Jesus and we are to be actors in living out that faith, that is, we honor God by our obedience to that which Christ Jesus taught, namely that we love one another. To know God in Christ is to obey the life he has taught us to lead: "Now by this we may be sure that we know him, if we obey his commandments" (1 John 2:3).

 

The freedom we have from the power of sin through the atoning sacrifice of Christ Jesus and our obedience to his teachings are two sides of the same tapestry. Our Christian freedom and our obedience to Christ go hand-in-hand. Acting on this freedom that we have in Christ apart from obedience to his way makes us deceitful liars: "Whoever says, 'I have come to know him,' but does not obey his commandments, is a liar, and in such a person the truth does not exist" (2:4). The writer of 1 John is seriously concerned about the consequences and effects of a Christian community that confesses a faith in Christ Jesus but, intentionally or otherwise, fails to live out the faith in falling short of loving one another, all of God's children.

 

As Christians, we are called, indeed commanded, "to walk just as Jesus walked" (2:6). It is a walk from the darkness of sin into God's eternal light, a light that transcends that which promotes hate and division. The writer of 1 John warns, "Whoever says, 'I am in the light,' while hating a brother or sister, is still in the darkness" (2:9).

 

The writer of 1 John also warns about being too connected to the ways of the world which run contrary to the light of God in Christ, "The love of the Father is not in those who love the world" (2:15). The love of the world is described in 1 John as "the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, the pride in riches" (2:16). Such desires and pride are transitory but the will of God is eternal (2:17).

 

The light of Christ casts out the darkness of sin and evil, and clears a path to righteousness and peace.

 

Stay safe and stay strong in faith!  Pastor John

September 15th:

 

Good day to all my Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

 

The writer of 1 John shares this: :See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God's children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. And all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure" (3:1-3).

 

To know and understand that we are children of God is quite a blessing, a wonder of majestic proportions. God desires that we are family with God, and that God looks out for us as a loving parent to the children. Within this family of God, we place our hope, a hope that cannot and will not be diminished by any supposed power at work in this world that runs contrary to God's eternal will. Our future is in God's hands, a future that will not be defeated at the hands of unbelief.

 

The writer of 1 John encourages the faithful to continue their walk in this life with the certainty that we are God's children whom God loves. But there is more in store, for the revelation of God in Christ Jesus bears further witness, a promise of the faithful becoming just like him, a presence of purity and clarity, "for we will see him as he is" (3:2).

 

But in the meantime, as children of God, we must have our eyes open to those supposed powers that operate out of deception and the diabolical. "The Son of God was revealed for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil. Those who have been born of God do not sin, because the children of God abide in him" (3:8-9). 

 

In the risen Christ, as the writer of 1 John acknowledges, "We know that we have passed from death to life because we love one another. Whoever does not love abides in death... We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us- and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. How does God's love abide in anyone who has the world's goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses to help?" (3:14-17).

 

It is about love, God's love for us, and our love for each other. And thus the writer of 1 John encourages us, "Little children, let us love, not only in word or speech, but in truth and action" (3:18).

 

Stay strong in the faith and be safe.  Pastor John

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dear Sisters and brothers in Christ,

 

As we continue to look at 1 John, we are reminded that as Christians we are both confessors of the faith we have come to believe in through the revelation of Christ Jesus and we are to be actors in living out that faith, that is, we honor God by our obedience to that which Christ Jesus taught, namely that we love one another. To know God in Christ is to obey the life he has taught us to lead: "Now by this we may be sure that we know him, if we obey his commandments" (1 John 2:3).

 

The freedom we have from the power of sin through the atoning sacrifice of Christ Jesus and our obedience to his teachings are two sides of the same tapestry. Our Christian freedom and our obedience to Christ go hand-in-hand. Acting on this freedom that we have in Christ apart from obedience to his way makes us deceitful liars: "Whoever says, 'I have come to know him,' but does not obey his commandments, is a liar, and in such a person the truth does not exist" (2:4). The writer of 1 John is seriously concerned about the consequences and effects of a Christian community that confesses a faith in Christ Jesus but, intentionally or otherwise, fails to live out the faith in falling short of loving one another, all of God's children.

 

As Christians, we are called, indeed commanded, "to walk just as Jesus walked" (2:6). It is a walk from the darkness of sin into God's eternal light, a light that transcends that which promotes hate and division. The writer of 1 John warns, "Whoever says, 'I am in the light,' while hating a brother or sister, is still in the darkness" (2:9).

 

The writer of 1 John also warns about being too connected to the ways of the world which run contrary to the light of God in Christ, "The love of the Father is not in those who love the world" (2:15). The love of the world is described in 1 John as "the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, the pride in riches" (2:16). Such desires and pride are transitory but the will of God is eternal (2:17).

 

The light of Christ casts out the darkness of sin and evil, and clears a path to righteousness and peace.

 

Stay safe and stay strong in faith!  Pastor John

September 15th:

 

Good day to all my Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

 

The writer of 1 John shares this: :See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God's children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. And all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure" (3:1-3).

 

To know and understand that we are children of God is quite a blessing, a wonder of majestic proportions. God desires that we are family with God, and that God looks out for us as a loving parent to the children. Within this family of God, we place our hope, a hope that cannot and will not be diminished by any supposed power at work in this world that runs contrary to God's eternal will. Our future is in God's hands, a future that will not be defeated at the hands of unbelief.

 

The writer of 1 John encourages the faithful to continue their walk in this life with the certainty that we are God's children whom God loves. But there is more in store, for the revelation of God in Christ Jesus bears further witness, a promise of the faithful becoming just like him, a presence of purity and clarity, "for we will see him as he is" (3:2).

 

But in the meantime, as children of God, we must have our eyes open to those supposed powers that operate out of deception and the diabolical. "The Son of God was revealed for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil. Those who have been born of God do not sin, because the children of God abide in him" (3:8-9). 

 

In the risen Christ, as the writer of 1 John acknowledges, "We know that we have passed from death to life because we love one another. Whoever does not love abides in death... We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us- and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. How does God's love abide in anyone who has the world's goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses to help?" (3:14-17).

 

It is about love, God's love for us, and our love for each other. And thus the writer of 1 John encourages us, "Little children, let us love, not only in word or speech, but in truth and action" (3:18).

 

Stay strong in the faith and be safe.  Pastor John

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dear Sisters and brothers in Christ,

 

As we continue to look at 1 John, we are reminded that as Christians we are both confessors of the faith we have come to believe in through the revelation of Christ Jesus and we are to be actors in living out that faith, that is, we honor God by our obedience to that which Christ Jesus taught, namely that we love one another. To know God in Christ is to obey the life he has taught us to lead: "Now by this we may be sure that we know him, if we obey his commandments" (1 John 2:3).

 

The freedom we have from the power of sin through the atoning sacrifice of Christ Jesus and our obedience to his teachings are two sides of the same tapestry. Our Christian freedom and our obedience to Christ go hand-in-hand. Acting on this freedom that we have in Christ apart from obedience to his way makes us deceitful liars: "Whoever says, 'I have come to know him,' but does not obey his commandments, is a liar, and in such a person the truth does not exist" (2:4). The writer of 1 John is seriously concerned about the consequences and effects of a Christian community that confesses a faith in Christ Jesus but, intentionally or otherwise, fails to live out the faith in falling short of loving one another, all of God's children.

 

As Christians, we are called, indeed commanded, "to walk just as Jesus walked" (2:6). It is a walk from the darkness of sin into God's eternal light, a light that transcends that which promotes hate and division. The writer of 1 John warns, "Whoever says, 'I am in the light,' while hating a brother or sister, is still in the darkness" (2:9).

 

The writer of 1 John also warns about being too connected to the ways of the world which run contrary to the light of God in Christ, "The love of the Father is not in those who love the world" (2:15). The love of the world is described in 1 John as "the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, the pride in riches" (2:16). Such desires and pride are transitory but the will of God is eternal (2:17).

 

The light of Christ casts out the darkness of sin and evil, and clears a path to righteousness and peace.

 

Stay safe and stay strong in faith!  Pastor John

September 15th:

 

Good day to all my Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

 

The writer of 1 John shares this: :See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God's children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. And all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure" (3:1-3).

 

To know and understand that we are children of God is quite a blessing, a wonder of majestic proportions. God desires that we are family with God, and that God looks out for us as a loving parent to the children. Within this family of God, we place our hope, a hope that cannot and will not be diminished by any supposed power at work in this world that runs contrary to God's eternal will. Our future is in God's hands, a future that will not be defeated at the hands of unbelief.

 

The writer of 1 John encourages the faithful to continue their walk in this life with the certainty that we are God's children whom God loves. But there is more in store, for the revelation of God in Christ Jesus bears further witness, a promise of the faithful becoming just like him, a presence of purity and clarity, "for we will see him as he is" (3:2).

 

But in the meantime, as children of God, we must have our eyes open to those supposed powers that operate out of deception and the diabolical. "The Son of God was revealed for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil. Those who have been born of God do not sin, because the children of God abide in him" (3:8-9). 

 

In the risen Christ, as the writer of 1 John acknowledges, "We know that we have passed from death to life because we love one another. Whoever does not love abides in death... We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us- and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. How does God's love abide in anyone who has the world's goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses to help?" (3:14-17).

 

It is about love, God's love for us, and our love for each other. And thus the writer of 1 John encourages us, "Little children, let us love, not only in word or speech, but in truth and action" (3:18).

 

Stay strong in the faith and be safe.  Pastor John

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dear Sisters and brothers in Christ,

 

As we continue to look at 1 John, we are reminded that as Christians we are both confessors of the faith we have come to believe in through the revelation of Christ Jesus and we are to be actors in living out that faith, that is, we honor God by our obedience to that which Christ Jesus taught, namely that we love one another. To know God in Christ is to obey the life he has taught us to lead: "Now by this we may be sure that we know him, if we obey his commandments" (1 John 2:3).

 

The freedom we have from the power of sin through the atoning sacrifice of Christ Jesus and our obedience to his teachings are two sides of the same tapestry. Our Christian freedom and our obedience to Christ go hand-in-hand. Acting on this freedom that we have in Christ apart from obedience to his way makes us deceitful liars: "Whoever says, 'I have come to know him,' but does not obey his commandments, is a liar, and in such a person the truth does not exist" (2:4). The writer of 1 John is seriously concerned about the consequences and effects of a Christian community that confesses a faith in Christ Jesus but, intentionally or otherwise, fails to live out the faith in falling short of loving one another, all of God's children.

 

As Christians, we are called, indeed commanded, "to walk just as Jesus walked" (2:6). It is a walk from the darkness of sin into God's eternal light, a light that transcends that which promotes hate and division. The writer of 1 John warns, "Whoever says, 'I am in the light,' while hating a brother or sister, is still in the darkness" (2:9).

 

The writer of 1 John also warns about being too connected to the ways of the world which run contrary to the light of God in Christ, "The love of the Father is not in those who love the world" (2:15). The love of the world is described in 1 John as "the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, the pride in riches" (2:16). Such desires and pride are transitory but the will of God is eternal (2:17).

 

The light of Christ casts out the darkness of sin and evil, and clears a path to righteousness and peace.

 

Stay safe and stay strong in faith!  Pastor John

September 15th:

 

Good day to all my Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

 

The writer of 1 John shares this: :See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God's children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. And all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure" (3:1-3).

 

To know and understand that we are children of God is quite a blessing, a wonder of majestic proportions. God desires that we are family with God, and that God looks out for us as a loving parent to the children. Within this family of God, we place our hope, a hope that cannot and will not be diminished by any supposed power at work in this world that runs contrary to God's eternal will. Our future is in God's hands, a future that will not be defeated at the hands of unbelief.

 

The writer of 1 John encourages the faithful to continue their walk in this life with the certainty that we are God's children whom God loves. But there is more in store, for the revelation of God in Christ Jesus bears further witness, a promise of the faithful becoming just like him, a presence of purity and clarity, "for we will see him as he is" (3:2).

 

But in the meantime, as children of God, we must have our eyes open to those supposed powers that operate out of deception and the diabolical. "The Son of God was revealed for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil. Those who have been born of God do not sin, because the children of God abide in him" (3:8-9). 

 

In the risen Christ, as the writer of 1 John acknowledges, "We know that we have passed from death to life because we love one another. Whoever does not love abides in death... We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us- and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. How does God's love abide in anyone who has the world's goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses to help?" (3:14-17).

 

It is about love, God's love for us, and our love for each other. And thus the writer of 1 John encourages us, "Little children, let us love, not only in word or speech, but in truth and action" (3:18).

 

Stay strong in the faith and be safe.  Pastor John

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dear Sisters and brothers in Christ,

 

As we continue to look at 1 John, we are reminded that as Christians we are both confessors of the faith we have come to believe in through the revelation of Christ Jesus and we are to be actors in living out that faith, that is, we honor God by our obedience to that which Christ Jesus taught, namely that we love one another. To know God in Christ is to obey the life he has taught us to lead: "Now by this we may be sure that we know him, if we obey his commandments" (1 John 2:3).

 

The freedom we have from the power of sin through the atoning sacrifice of Christ Jesus and our obedience to his teachings are two sides of the same tapestry. Our Christian freedom and our obedience to Christ go hand-in-hand. Acting on this freedom that we have in Christ apart from obedience to his way makes us deceitful liars: "Whoever says, 'I have come to know him,' but does not obey his commandments, is a liar, and in such a person the truth does not exist" (2:4). The writer of 1 John is seriously concerned about the consequences and effects of a Christian community that confesses a faith in Christ Jesus but, intentionally or otherwise, fails to live out the faith in falling short of loving one another, all of God's children.

 

As Christians, we are called, indeed commanded, "to walk just as Jesus walked" (2:6). It is a walk from the darkness of sin into God's eternal light, a light that transcends that which promotes hate and division. The writer of 1 John warns, "Whoever says, 'I am in the light,' while hating a brother or sister, is still in the darkness" (2:9).

 

The writer of 1 John also warns about being too connected to the ways of the world which run contrary to the light of God in Christ, "The love of the Father is not in those who love the world" (2:15). The love of the world is described in 1 John as "the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, the pride in riches" (2:16). Such desires and pride are transitory but the will of God is eternal (2:17).

 

The light of Christ casts out the darkness of sin and evil, and clears a path to righteousness and peace.

 

Stay safe and stay strong in faith!  Pastor John

September 15th:

 

Good day to all my Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

 

The writer of 1 John shares this: :See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God's children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. And all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure" (3:1-3).

 

To know and understand that we are children of God is quite a blessing, a wonder of majestic proportions. God desires that we are family with God, and that God looks out for us as a loving parent to the children. Within this family of God, we place our hope, a hope that cannot and will not be diminished by any supposed power at work in this world that runs contrary to God's eternal will. Our future is in God's hands, a future that will not be defeated at the hands of unbelief.

 

The writer of 1 John encourages the faithful to continue their walk in this life with the certainty that we are God's children whom God loves. But there is more in store, for the revelation of God in Christ Jesus bears further witness, a promise of the faithful becoming just like him, a presence of purity and clarity, "for we will see him as he is" (3:2).

 

But in the meantime, as children of God, we must have our eyes open to those supposed powers that operate out of deception and the diabolical. "The Son of God was revealed for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil. Those who have been born of God do not sin, because the children of God abide in him" (3:8-9). 

 

In the risen Christ, as the writer of 1 John acknowledges, "We know that we have passed from death to life because we love one another. Whoever does not love abides in death... We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us- and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. How does God's love abide in anyone who has the world's goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses to help?" (3:14-17).

 

It is about love, God's love for us, and our love for each other. And thus the writer of 1 John encourages us, "Little children, let us love, not only in word or speech, but in truth and action" (3:18).

 

Stay strong in the faith and be safe.  Pastor John

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dear Sisters and brothers in Christ,

 

As we continue to look at 1 John, we are reminded that as Christians we are both confessors of the faith we have come to believe in through the revelation of Christ Jesus and we are to be actors in living out that faith, that is, we honor God by our obedience to that which Christ Jesus taught, namely that we love one another. To know God in Christ is to obey the life he has taught us to lead: "Now by this we may be sure that we know him, if we obey his commandments" (1 John 2:3).

 

The freedom we have from the power of sin through the atoning sacrifice of Christ Jesus and our obedience to his teachings are two sides of the same tapestry. Our Christian freedom and our obedience to Christ go hand-in-hand. Acting on this freedom that we have in Christ apart from obedience to his way makes us deceitful liars: "Whoever says, 'I have come to know him,' but does not obey his commandments, is a liar, and in such a person the truth does not exist" (2:4). The writer of 1 John is seriously concerned about the consequences and effects of a Christian community that confesses a faith in Christ Jesus but, intentionally or otherwise, fails to live out the faith in falling short of loving one another, all of God's children.

 

As Christians, we are called, indeed commanded, "to walk just as Jesus walked" (2:6). It is a walk from the darkness of sin into God's eternal light, a light that transcends that which promotes hate and division. The writer of 1 John warns, "Whoever says, 'I am in the light,' while hating a brother or sister, is still in the darkness" (2:9).

 

The writer of 1 John also warns about being too connected to the ways of the world which run contrary to the light of God in Christ, "The love of the Father is not in those who love the world" (2:15). The love of the world is described in 1 John as "the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, the pride in riches" (2:16). Such desires and pride are transitory but the will of God is eternal (2:17).

 

The light of Christ casts out the darkness of sin and evil, and clears a path to righteousness and peace.

 

Stay safe and stay strong in faith!  Pastor John

September 15th:

 

Good day to all my Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

 

The writer of 1 John shares this: :See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God's children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. And all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure" (3:1-3).

 

To know and understand that we are children of God is quite a blessing, a wonder of majestic proportions. God desires that we are family with God, and that God looks out for us as a loving parent to the children. Within this family of God, we place our hope, a hope that cannot and will not be diminished by any supposed power at work in this world that runs contrary to God's eternal will. Our future is in God's hands, a future that will not be defeated at the hands of unbelief.

 

The writer of 1 John encourages the faithful to continue their walk in this life with the certainty that we are God's children whom God loves. But there is more in store, for the revelation of God in Christ Jesus bears further witness, a promise of the faithful becoming just like him, a presence of purity and clarity, "for we will see him as he is" (3:2).

 

But in the meantime, as children of God, we must have our eyes open to those supposed powers that operate out of deception and the diabolical. "The Son of God was revealed for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil. Those who have been born of God do not sin, because the children of God abide in him" (3:8-9). 

 

In the risen Christ, as the writer of 1 John acknowledges, "We know that we have passed from death to life because we love one another. Whoever does not love abides in death... We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us- and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. How does God's love abide in anyone who has the world's goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses to help?" (3:14-17).

 

It is about love, God's love for us, and our love for each other. And thus the writer of 1 John encourages us, "Little children, let us love, not only in word or speech, but in truth and action" (3:18).

 

Stay strong in the faith and be safe.  Pastor John

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dear Sisters and brothers in Christ,

 

As we continue to look at 1 John, we are reminded that as Christians we are both confessors of the faith we have come to believe in through the revelation of Christ Jesus and we are to be actors in living out that faith, that is, we honor God by our obedience to that which Christ Jesus taught, namely that we love one another. To know God in Christ is to obey the life he has taught us to lead: "Now by this we may be sure that we know him, if we obey his commandments" (1 John 2:3).

 

The freedom we have from the power of sin through the atoning sacrifice of Christ Jesus and our obedience to his teachings are two sides of the same tapestry. Our Christian freedom and our obedience to Christ go hand-in-hand. Acting on this freedom that we have in Christ apart from obedience to his way makes us deceitful liars: "Whoever says, 'I have come to know him,' but does not obey his commandments, is a liar, and in such a person the truth does not exist" (2:4). The writer of 1 John is seriously concerned about the consequences and effects of a Christian community that confesses a faith in Christ Jesus but, intentionally or otherwise, fails to live out the faith in falling short of loving one another, all of God's children.

 

As Christians, we are called, indeed commanded, "to walk just as Jesus walked" (2:6). It is a walk from the darkness of sin into God's eternal light, a light that transcends that which promotes hate and division. The writer of 1 John warns, "Whoever says, 'I am in the light,' while hating a brother or sister, is still in the darkness" (2:9).

 

The writer of 1 John also warns about being too connected to the ways of the world which run contrary to the light of God in Christ, "The love of the Father is not in those who love the world" (2:15). The love of the world is described in 1 John as "the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, the pride in riches" (2:16). Such desires and pride are transitory but the will of God is eternal (2:17).

 

The light of Christ casts out the darkness of sin and evil, and clears a path to righteousness and peace.

 

Stay safe and stay strong in faith!  Pastor John

September 15th:

 

Good day to all my Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

 

The writer of 1 John shares this: :See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God's children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. And all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure" (3:1-3).

 

To know and understand that we are children of God is quite a blessing, a wonder of majestic proportions. God desires that we are family with God, and that God looks out for us as a loving parent to the children. Within this family of God, we place our hope, a hope that cannot and will not be diminished by any supposed power at work in this world that runs contrary to God's eternal will. Our future is in God's hands, a future that will not be defeated at the hands of unbelief.

 

The writer of 1 John encourages the faithful to continue their walk in this life with the certainty that we are God's children whom God loves. But there is more in store, for the revelation of God in Christ Jesus bears further witness, a promise of the faithful becoming just like him, a presence of purity and clarity, "for we will see him as he is" (3:2).

 

But in the meantime, as children of God, we must have our eyes open to those supposed powers that operate out of deception and the diabolical. "The Son of God was revealed for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil. Those who have been born of God do not sin, because the children of God abide in him" (3:8-9). 

 

In the risen Christ, as the writer of 1 John acknowledges, "We know that we have passed from death to life because we love one another. Whoever does not love abides in death... We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us- and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. How does God's love abide in anyone who has the world's goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses to help?" (3:14-17).

 

It is about love, God's love for us, and our love for each other. And thus the writer of 1 John encourages us, "Little children, let us love, not only in word or speech, but in truth and action" (3:18).

 

Stay strong in the faith and be safe.  Pastor John

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dear Sisters and brothers in Christ,

 

As we continue to look at 1 John, we are reminded that as Christians we are both confessors of the faith we have come to believe in through the revelation of Christ Jesus and we are to be actors in living out that faith, that is, we honor God by our obedience to that which Christ Jesus taught, namely that we love one another. To know God in Christ is to obey the life he has taught us to lead: "Now by this we may be sure that we know him, if we obey his commandments" (1 John 2:3).

 

The freedom we have from the power of sin through the atoning sacrifice of Christ Jesus and our obedience to his teachings are two sides of the same tapestry. Our Christian freedom and our obedience to Christ go hand-in-hand. Acting on this freedom that we have in Christ apart from obedience to his way makes us deceitful liars: "Whoever says, 'I have come to know him,' but does not obey his commandments, is a liar, and in such a person the truth does not exist" (2:4). The writer of 1 John is seriously concerned about the consequences and effects of a Christian community that confesses a faith in Christ Jesus but, intentionally or otherwise, fails to live out the faith in falling short of loving one another, all of God's children.

 

As Christians, we are called, indeed commanded, "to walk just as Jesus walked" (2:6). It is a walk from the darkness of sin into God's eternal light, a light that transcends that which promotes hate and division. The writer of 1 John warns, "Whoever says, 'I am in the light,' while hating a brother or sister, is still in the darkness" (2:9).

 

The writer of 1 John also warns about being too connected to the ways of the world which run contrary to the light of God in Christ, "The love of the Father is not in those who love the world" (2:15). The love of the world is described in 1 John as "the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, the pride in riches" (2:16). Such desires and pride are transitory but the will of God is eternal (2:17).

 

The light of Christ casts out the darkness of sin and evil, and clears a path to righteousness and peace.

 

Stay safe and stay strong in faith!  Pastor John

September 15th:

 

Good day to all my Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

 

The writer of 1 John shares this: :See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God's children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. And all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure" (3:1-3).

 

To know and understand that we are children of God is quite a blessing, a wonder of majestic proportions. God desires that we are family with God, and that God looks out for us as a loving parent to the children. Within this family of God, we place our hope, a hope that cannot and will not be diminished by any supposed power at work in this world that runs contrary to God's eternal will. Our future is in God's hands, a future that will not be defeated at the hands of unbelief.

 

The writer of 1 John encourages the faithful to continue their walk in this life with the certainty that we are God's children whom God loves. But there is more in store, for the revelation of God in Christ Jesus bears further witness, a promise of the faithful becoming just like him, a presence of purity and clarity, "for we will see him as he is" (3:2).

 

But in the meantime, as children of God, we must have our eyes open to those supposed powers that operate out of deception and the diabolical. "The Son of God was revealed for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil. Those who have been born of God do not sin, because the children of God abide in him" (3:8-9). 

 

In the risen Christ, as the writer of 1 John acknowledges, "We know that we have passed from death to life because we love one another. Whoever does not love abides in death... We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us- and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. How does God's love abide in anyone who has the world's goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses to help?" (3:14-17).

 

It is about love, God's love for us, and our love for each other. And thus the writer of 1 John encourages us, "Little children, let us love, not only in word or speech, but in truth and action" (3:18).

 

Stay strong in the faith and be safe.  Pastor John

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dear Sisters and brothers in Christ,

 

As we continue to look at 1 John, we are reminded that as Christians we are both confessors of the faith we have come to believe in through the revelation of Christ Jesus and we are to be actors in living out that faith, that is, we honor God by our obedience to that which Christ Jesus taught, namely that we love one another. To know God in Christ is to obey the life he has taught us to lead: "Now by this we may be sure that we know him, if we obey his commandments" (1 John 2:3).

 

The freedom we have from the power of sin through the atoning sacrifice of Christ Jesus and our obedience to his teachings are two sides of the same tapestry. Our Christian freedom and our obedience to Christ go hand-in-hand. Acting on this freedom that we have in Christ apart from obedience to his way makes us deceitful liars: "Whoever says, 'I have come to know him,' but does not obey his commandments, is a liar, and in such a person the truth does not exist" (2:4). The writer of 1 John is seriously concerned about the consequences and effects of a Christian community that confesses a faith in Christ Jesus but, intentionally or otherwise, fails to live out the faith in falling short of loving one another, all of God's children.

 

As Christians, we are called, indeed commanded, "to walk just as Jesus walked" (2:6). It is a walk from the darkness of sin into God's eternal light, a light that transcends that which promotes hate and division. The writer of 1 John warns, "Whoever says, 'I am in the light,' while hating a brother or sister, is still in the darkness" (2:9).

 

The writer of 1 John also warns about being too connected to the ways of the world which run contrary to the light of God in Christ, "The love of the Father is not in those who love the world" (2:15). The love of the world is described in 1 John as "the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, the pride in riches" (2:16). Such desires and pride are transitory but the will of God is eternal (2:17).

 

The light of Christ casts out the darkness of sin and evil, and clears a path to righteousness and peace.

 

Stay safe and stay strong in faith!  Pastor John

September 15th:

 

Good day to all my Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

 

The writer of 1 John shares this: :See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God's children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. And all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure" (3:1-3).

 

To know and understand that we are children of God is quite a blessing, a wonder of majestic proportions. God desires that we are family with God, and that God looks out for us as a loving parent to the children. Within this family of God, we place our hope, a hope that cannot and will not be diminished by any supposed power at work in this world that runs contrary to God's eternal will. Our future is in God's hands, a future that will not be defeated at the hands of unbelief.

 

The writer of 1 John encourages the faithful to continue their walk in this life with the certainty that we are God's children whom God loves. But there is more in store, for the revelation of God in Christ Jesus bears further witness, a promise of the faithful becoming just like him, a presence of purity and clarity, "for we will see him as he is" (3:2).

 

But in the meantime, as children of God, we must have our eyes open to those supposed powers that operate out of deception and the diabolical. "The Son of God was revealed for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil. Those who have been born of God do not sin, because the children of God abide in him" (3:8-9). 

 

In the risen Christ, as the writer of 1 John acknowledges, "We know that we have passed from death to life because we love one another. Whoever does not love abides in death... We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us- and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. How does God's love abide in anyone who has the world's goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses to help?" (3:14-17).

 

It is about love, God's love for us, and our love for each other. And thus the writer of 1 John encourages us, "Little children, let us love, not only in word or speech, but in truth and action" (3:18).

 

Stay strong in the faith and be safe.  Pastor John

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dear Sisters and brothers in Christ,

 

As we continue to look at 1 John, we are reminded that as Christians we are both confessors of the faith we have come to believe in through the revelation of Christ Jesus and we are to be actors in living out that faith, that is, we honor God by our obedience to that which Christ Jesus taught, namely that we love one another. To know God in Christ is to obey the life he has taught us to lead: "Now by this we may be sure that we know him, if we obey his commandments" (1 John 2:3).

 

The freedom we have from the power of sin through the atoning sacrifice of Christ Jesus and our obedience to his teachings are two sides of the same tapestry. Our Christian freedom and our obedience to Christ go hand-in-hand. Acting on this freedom that we have in Christ apart from obedience to his way makes us deceitful liars: "Whoever says, 'I have come to know him,' but does not obey his commandments, is a liar, and in such a person the truth does not exist" (2:4). The writer of 1 John is seriously concerned about the consequences and effects of a Christian community that confesses a faith in Christ Jesus but, intentionally or otherwise, fails to live out the faith in falling short of loving one another, all of God's children.

 

As Christians, we are called, indeed commanded, "to walk just as Jesus walked" (2:6). It is a walk from the darkness of sin into God's eternal light, a light that transcends that which promotes hate and division. The writer of 1 John warns, "Whoever says, 'I am in the light,' while hating a brother or sister, is still in the darkness" (2:9).

 

The writer of 1 John also warns about being too connected to the ways of the world which run contrary to the light of God in Christ, "The love of the Father is not in those who love the world" (2:15). The love of the world is described in 1 John as "the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, the pride in riches" (2:16). Such desires and pride are transitory but the will of God is eternal (2:17).

 

The light of Christ casts out the darkness of sin and evil, and clears a path to righteousness and peace.

 

Stay safe and stay strong in faith!  Pastor John

September 15th:

 

Good day to all my Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

 

The writer of 1 John shares this: :See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God's children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. And all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure" (3:1-3).

 

To know and understand that we are children of God is quite a blessing, a wonder of majestic proportions. God desires that we are family with God, and that God looks out for us as a loving parent to the children. Within this family of God, we place our hope, a hope that cannot and will not be diminished by any supposed power at work in this world that runs contrary to God's eternal will. Our future is in God's hands, a future that will not be defeated at the hands of unbelief.

 

The writer of 1 John encourages the faithful to continue their walk in this life with the certainty that we are God's children whom God loves. But there is more in store, for the revelation of God in Christ Jesus bears further witness, a promise of the faithful becoming just like him, a presence of purity and clarity, "for we will see him as he is" (3:2).

 

But in the meantime, as children of God, we must have our eyes open to those supposed powers that operate out of deception and the diabolical. "The Son of God was revealed for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil. Those who have been born of God do not sin, because the children of God abide in him" (3:8-9). 

 

In the risen Christ, as the writer of 1 John acknowledges, "We know that we have passed from death to life because we love one another. Whoever does not love abides in death... We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us- and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. How does God's love abide in anyone who has the world's goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses to help?" (3:14-17).

 

It is about love, God's love for us, and our love for each other. And thus the writer of 1 John encourages us, "Little children, let us love, not only in word or speech, but in truth and action" (3:18).

 

Stay strong in the faith and be safe.  Pastor John

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dear Sisters and brothers in Christ,

 

As we continue to look at 1 John, we are reminded that as Christians we are both confessors of the faith we have come to believe in through the revelation of Christ Jesus and we are to be actors in living out that faith, that is, we honor God by our obedience to that which Christ Jesus taught, namely that we love one another. To know God in Christ is to obey the life he has taught us to lead: "Now by this we may be sure that we know him, if we obey his commandments" (1 John 2:3).

 

The freedom we have from the power of sin through the atoning sacrifice of Christ Jesus and our obedience to his teachings are two sides of the same tapestry. Our Christian freedom and our obedience to Christ go hand-in-hand. Acting on this freedom that we have in Christ apart from obedience to his way makes us deceitful liars: "Whoever says, 'I have come to know him,' but does not obey his commandments, is a liar, and in such a person the truth does not exist" (2:4). The writer of 1 John is seriously concerned about the consequences and effects of a Christian community that confesses a faith in Christ Jesus but, intentionally or otherwise, fails to live out the faith in falling short of loving one another, all of God's children.

 

As Christians, we are called, indeed commanded, "to walk just as Jesus walked" (2:6). It is a walk from the darkness of sin into God's eternal light, a light that transcends that which promotes hate and division. The writer of 1 John warns, "Whoever says, 'I am in the light,' while hating a brother or sister, is still in the darkness" (2:9).

 

The writer of 1 John also warns about being too connected to the ways of the world which run contrary to the light of God in Christ, "The love of the Father is not in those who love the world" (2:15). The love of the world is described in 1 John as "the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, the pride in riches" (2:16). Such desires and pride are transitory but the will of God is eternal (2:17).

 

The light of Christ casts out the darkness of sin and evil, and clears a path to righteousness and peace.

 

Stay safe and stay strong in faith!  Pastor John

September 15th:

 

Good day to all my Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

 

The writer of 1 John shares this: :See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God's children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. And all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure" (3:1-3).

 

To know and understand that we are children of God is quite a blessing, a wonder of majestic proportions. God desires that we are family with God, and that God looks out for us as a loving parent to the children. Within this family of God, we place our hope, a hope that cannot and will not be diminished by any supposed power at work in this world that runs contrary to God's eternal will. Our future is in God's hands, a future that will not be defeated at the hands of unbelief.

 

The writer of 1 John encourages the faithful to continue their walk in this life with the certainty that we are God's children whom God loves. But there is more in store, for the revelation of God in Christ Jesus bears further witness, a promise of the faithful becoming just like him, a presence of purity and clarity, "for we will see him as he is" (3:2).

 

But in the meantime, as children of God, we must have our eyes open to those supposed powers that operate out of deception and the diabolical. "The Son of God was revealed for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil. Those who have been born of God do not sin, because the children of God abide in him" (3:8-9). 

 

In the risen Christ, as the writer of 1 John acknowledges, "We know that we have passed from death to life because we love one another. Whoever does not love abides in death... We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us- and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. How does God's love abide in anyone who has the world's goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses to help?" (3:14-17).

 

It is about love, God's love for us, and our love for each other. And thus the writer of 1 John encourages us, "Little children, let us love, not only in word or speech, but in truth and action" (3:18).

 

Stay strong in the faith and be safe.  Pastor John

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dear Sisters and brothers in Christ,

 

As we continue to look at 1 John, we are reminded that as Christians we are both confessors of the faith we have come to believe in through the revelation of Christ Jesus and we are to be actors in living out that faith, that is, we honor God by our obedience to that which Christ Jesus taught, namely that we love one another. To know God in Christ is to obey the life he has taught us to lead: "Now by this we may be sure that we know him, if we obey his commandments" (1 John 2:3).

 

The freedom we have from the power of sin through the atoning sacrifice of Christ Jesus and our obedience to his teachings are two sides of the same tapestry. Our Christian freedom and our obedience to Christ go hand-in-hand. Acting on this freedom that we have in Christ apart from obedience to his way makes us deceitful liars: "Whoever says, 'I have come to know him,' but does not obey his commandments, is a liar, and in such a person the truth does not exist" (2:4). The writer of 1 John is seriously concerned about the consequences and effects of a Christian community that confesses a faith in Christ Jesus but, intentionally or otherwise, fails to live out the faith in falling short of loving one another, all of God's children.

 

As Christians, we are called, indeed commanded, "to walk just as Jesus walked" (2:6). It is a walk from the darkness of sin into God's eternal light, a light that transcends that which promotes hate and division. The writer of 1 John warns, "Whoever says, 'I am in the light,' while hating a brother or sister, is still in the darkness" (2:9).

 

The writer of 1 John also warns about being too connected to the ways of the world which run contrary to the light of God in Christ, "The love of the Father is not in those who love the world" (2:15). The love of the world is described in 1 John as "the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, the pride in riches" (2:16). Such desires and pride are transitory but the will of God is eternal (2:17).

 

The light of Christ casts out the darkness of sin and evil, and clears a path to righteousness and peace.

 

Stay safe and stay strong in faith!  Pastor John

September 15th:

 

Good day to all my Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

 

The writer of 1 John shares this: :See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God's children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. And all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure" (3:1-3).

 

To know and understand that we are children of God is quite a blessing, a wonder of majestic proportions. God desires that we are family with God, and that God looks out for us as a loving parent to the children. Within this family of God, we place our hope, a hope that cannot and will not be diminished by any supposed power at work in this world that runs contrary to God's eternal will. Our future is in God's hands, a future that will not be defeated at the hands of unbelief.

 

The writer of 1 John encourages the faithful to continue their walk in this life with the certainty that we are God's children whom God loves. But there is more in store, for the revelation of God in Christ Jesus bears further witness, a promise of the faithful becoming just like him, a presence of purity and clarity, "for we will see him as he is" (3:2).

 

But in the meantime, as children of God, we must have our eyes open to those supposed powers that operate out of deception and the diabolical. "The Son of God was revealed for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil. Those who have been born of God do not sin, because the children of God abide in him" (3:8-9). 

 

In the risen Christ, as the writer of 1 John acknowledges, "We know that we have passed from death to life because we love one another. Whoever does not love abides in death... We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us- and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. How does God's love abide in anyone who has the world's goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses to help?" (3:14-17).

 

It is about love, God's love for us, and our love for each other. And thus the writer of 1 John encourages us, "Little children, let us love, not only in word or speech, but in truth and action" (3:18).

 

Stay strong in the faith and be safe.  Pastor John

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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