We are being formed by everything we take in. We need discernment to test the ways we might be deceived by false teaching, and the ways we might be distracted from the gospel. Scripture: 1 John 4:1–6

Living hope isn’t based on a feeling, it’s based on the Living God. For the Christian, death does not get the last word, because in Christ we have an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading—a living hope. 

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:3–4

This passage highlights the stark difference between our own accusing heart and God’s voice of grace. When the heart convicts, that can be a sign of life, but in Christ, our hearts shouldn’t condemn us anymore. The way to deal with your condemning heart is to humble it in front of the throne of God, with confidence in his character and heart.

Scripture: 1 John 3:19-24

Being part of God’s family causes us to live differently. We never fully arrive this side of glory, but we are being slowly shaped to look more like Jesus. To be part of the family of God means to be changed by God’s values. God said love one another, so as children of God, we aim to live and love like Jesus.

Scripture: 1 John 3:10–18

This passage really gets at the heart of our identity as God’s children, and what it means to be transformed by Jesus over time. Between the first coming of Christ and His resurrection, and the second coming that is to come with the resurrection of the Saints, we are in the already not yet, lawless, yet still children of God by God’s grace. Scripture: 1 John 2:28–3:10

We are living in a time where it can be hard to know what is real and true? John writes to Christians to give them confidence in the reality of Christ and help them discern how to hold on to the truth. Scripture: 1 John 2:18–27

This passage serves as a warning. John is reminding his listeners of the very nature of our hearts to focus on the things of the world instead of God, because our hearts are deceptive. Instead of looking to the world for identity and meaning, John urges us to look to the age to come when God finally sets the world right. It’s only in God that life eternal is found.

Scripture: 1 John 2:15–17

Guest Preacher: Dr. Jonathan Pennington

Forgiveness of sin is a once and for all act of grace. We continually need it and God continually gives it. Which means our obedience doesn’t have to be perfect, because Jesus is our advocate and our propitiation, we can rest in that assurance, while still pursuing obedience.

In this passage, John unpacks the message that God is light, meaning his very nature and character is always right and true, and good. Out of this confession, our conduct reflects what we believe, and our confidence is bolstered in the one true Savior. Scripture: 1 John 1:5-2:2

Today we begin a new series in the letters of John. The world in which John is writing these letters is not so different from our own—a world with many false teachers, looking for answers everywhere but Jesus. John’s reminder to them is still true for us: If you believe in the gospel of Christ, then you believe in what is true, and even with an imperfect faith, you stand with a long line of Christians with weak hands but a strong Savior.