Sunday, February 23, 2025 – Today’s message is titled “Living in Obedient Love” as we continue our study on 1 John, focusing on 1 John 2:1-6. As the title suggests, the word “living” implies a daily exercise or progression. John teaches that the life of a Christian is one of progress, moving from striving not to sin but recognizing that if one does sin, God has a plan for forgiveness, provided one understands the role of Jesus as their advocate in God’s court of heavenly justice. I realize I just said a lot that you may not fully understand, and that’s okay because that’s what this message is about. We will discuss what an “advocate” is and their vital role. Scripture shows us that both the Holy Spirit and Jesus bear the title of advocate. Both are essential, bringing sinful mankind back into a just and holy relationship with a Holy and Just God. However, they differ in function and location, and we will explain that. The end result of learning to live in “obedient love” is that we obey Jesus' commands not because we “have to” or because we “need to” but because we “want to.” When we reach that stage in our mature Christian walk, we can experience the Joy of the Lord as our strength, living a fulfilled life now while looking forward to a rewarding and joyful eternity. Worship and study with us.