It always amazes me that God lives within us. It seems like I don't have much trouble with the idea that we live in God. After all he is pretty big and capable of including all of us. But he lives in us! All that life, all that love, all that righteousness, all that creative power in me …that is mysterious and frightening. But our text tells us that just as we live in God, he also lives in us. He does so by his Spirit.

The main idea of our text this week is assurance so that the believer can appeal to God in prayer with confidence. Verse 19 picks up on a theme discussed in the previous verses. It refers back to the idea in the previous verse that we are to love with words and actions. When we do so we gain confidence that we live in the truth. In other words, our Christ-like behavior helps to assure us that Jesus, (the truth) is alive and well in us. This assurance helps us whenever we are prone to periods of doubt or self-condemnation. Even if our hearts condemn us, God is greater than our hearts and knows everything about us. When we are alarmed by our self-examination. When our actions deny our beliefs, God knows better than our hearts and his opinion of us trumps our opinion of ourselves.

We pacify our hearts by loving one another and realizing that God knows our true allegiance. This in turn gives us confidence in prayer. Nothing will hinder our prayer and God will answer anything we ask according to his will. Praying with confidence then is linked to inner peace. This is the usual state of the believer's heart. This is possible because we have direct and immediate access to the cure for sin: He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins (1 John 1:9).

There is one other source for confidence in our prayer life and security in our relationship with God. It is the Holy Spirit's presence in us. John introduces this idea of the Spirit as inner witness of our salvation since he is reflecting upon the Upper Room Discourse in his Gospel chapters 14-17, as he has so often in his epistle. There Jesus encouraged his disciples with the truth that the Spirit would lead and guide them into all truth when he was no longer physically present. He would not leave them comfortless.

Questions for Discussion:

1. Slide 3. What is mysterious, disturbing and amazing to you about God living inside you?

2. Slide 7-8. From your own experience, can you relate to the self-condemnation John references? Have you ever found that your love for others is a way to pacify your heart? Why is God's verdict regarding your salvation more important than your own view of your state of heart?

3. Slide 9-13. How important is bold and confident prayer? What hinders your prayer life? What is the antidote to wimpy prayer?

4. Slide 14-17. Discuss the unique view of John regarding the role of the Holy Spirit. Refer to John's gospel chapters 14 to 17 to hear Jesus talk about the Holy Spirit is a similar way. How has this role of the Spirit been experienced in your life?

It always amazes me that God lives within us. It seems like I don't have much trouble with the idea that we live in God. After all he is pretty big and capable of including all of us. But he lives in us! All that life, all that love, all that righteousness, all that creative power in me …that is mysterious and frightening. But our text tells us that just as we live in God, he also lives in us. He does so by his Spirit.

The main idea of our text this week is assurance so that the believer can appeal to God in prayer with confidence. Verse 19 picks up on a theme discussed in the previous verses. It refers back to the idea in the previous verse that we are to love with words and actions. When we do so we gain confidence that we live in the truth. In other words, our Christ-like behavior helps to assure us that Jesus, (the truth) is alive and well in us. This assurance helps us whenever we are prone to periods of doubt or self-condemnation. Even if our hearts condemn us, God is greater than our hearts and knows everything about us. When we are alarmed by our self-examination. When our actions deny our beliefs, God knows better than our hearts and his opinion of us trumps our opinion of ourselves.

We pacify our hearts by loving one another and realizing that God knows our true allegiance. This in turn gives us confidence in prayer. Nothing will hinder our prayer and God will answer anything we ask according to his will. Praying with confidence then is linked to inner peace. This is the usual state of the believer's heart. This is possible because we have direct and immediate access to the cure for sin: He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins (1 John 1:9).

There is one other source for confidence in our prayer life and security in our relationship with God. It is the Holy Spirit's presence in us. John introduces this idea of the Spirit as inner witness of our salvation since he is reflecting upon the Upper Room Discourse in his Gospel chapters 14-17, as he has so often in his epistle. There Jesus encouraged his disciples with the truth that the Spirit would lead and guide them into all truth when he was no longer physically present. He would not leave them comfortless.

Questions for Discussion:

1. Slide 3. What is mysterious, disturbing and amazing to you about God living inside you?

2. Slide 7-8. From your own experience, can you relate to the self-condemnation John references? Have you ever found that your love for others is a way to pacify your heart? Why is God's verdict regarding your salvation more important than your own view of your state of heart?

3. Slide 9-13. How important is bold and confident prayer? What hinders your prayer life? What is the antidote to wimpy prayer?

4. Slide 14-17. Discuss the unique view of John regarding the role of the Holy Spirit. Refer to John's gospel chapters 14 to 17 to hear Jesus talk about the Holy Spirit is a similar way. How has this role of the Spirit been experienced in your life?

This Easter Sunday, we continue our series: What is God Like? So far, we've looked at how God is Life, God is Light and God is Righteous. Today, especially as we reflect upon Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection, we focus on how God is Love.

This Easter Sunday, we continue our series: What is God Like? So far, we've looked at how God is Life, God is Light and God is Righteous. Today, especially as we reflect upon Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection, we focus on how God is Love.

This week, as we continue our "What is God Like?" series, we look at God's righteousness and how this affects us.

This week, as we continue our "What is God Like?" series, we look at God's righteousness and how this affects us.

This week we are looking at what is perhaps the key message of John's little letter: God is Light, in him there is no darkness at all. Some think that this is his thesis statement around which the entire letter is formed. John claims to have heard this from Jesus himself. The Gospels do not record these exact words but he could have heard this in private conversation with Jesus or he could be making this conclusion from all the other things Jesus said about God. For example, Jesus does state that he is the light of the world in John 8:12. Light is a common metaphor for God in the Old Testament. He appeared to Moses as light and fire. He was said to be clothed in light and splendor by the Psalmist and He is our light and our salvation in Psalm 27:1.

In our text John dismisses three false claims made by teachers who were leading the church astray. He insists that: 1. If you walk in darkness you cannot have fellowship with God; 2. If you claim to be without sin, you deceive yourself; and 3. If you claim to have never sinned, you make God out to be a liar. These are fundamental beliefs that our Christian faith is built upon. God is completely pure, we are not. That's why we need Jesus. To distort this theology puts us in danger of being outside the light.

In the midst of John's corrective teaching we learn some important things about fellowship and the nature of Jesus' advocacy for us. We are not alone in the Light. We are with others "we have fellowship with one another" in the light and the blood of Jesus purifies us from all sin. It is not circumstantial that John connects fellowship (koinonia) with forgiveness. He links it because it is while we share the common life that we discover our sin. Our awareness of sin is not simply an internal matter. Sin is revealed in community. In isolation we can think we are pretty mature and free from sins like envy, greed, pride and lust. But when we live lives that are in close proximity to others our sin rises to the surface. It is uncomfortable but it is a necessary part of growing and developing as Kingdom people. Spiritual formation occurs in community. You may be saved when you are by yourself but in order to grow you must be part of an authentic community of believers.

Questions for Discussion:

1. Slide 2. Discuss why Light is a fitting metaphor for God.

2. Slide 6. Discuss how God illuminates, measures and energizes. Why is it important to understand that there is absolutely no darkness in God? How does that affect you personally?

3. Slide 7-8. What does it mean to walk in darkness? Why would someone say they know the Lord yet walk in darkness? What promises are given to those who choose to walk in the light?

4. Slide 9. Does sin continue to be a problem once we are in the light? Why? What is the solution?

5. Slide 10-11. Why would anyone claim they have never sinned? What does this false claim do to the power of the Word in us? What does Jesus' role as "advocate" (Greek: Paraclete: the one who comes alongside) say about his response to our sin? Why is this such good news?

6. Slide 12. Discuss Bible stories that give evidence of these main ideas: God is Good, We are Not, Jesus is the solution. How might you be more intentional about sharing your life with others?

This week we are looking at what is perhaps the key message of John's little letter: God is Light, in him there is no darkness at all. Some think that this is his thesis statement around which the entire letter is formed. John claims to have heard this from Jesus himself. The Gospels do not record these exact words but he could have heard this in private conversation with Jesus or he could be making this conclusion from all the other things Jesus said about God. For example, Jesus does state that he is the light of the world in John 8:12. Light is a common metaphor for God in the Old Testament. He appeared to Moses as light and fire. He was said to be clothed in light and splendor by the Psalmist and He is our light and our salvation in Psalm 27:1.

In our text John dismisses three false claims made by teachers who were leading the church astray. He insists that: 1. If you walk in darkness you cannot have fellowship with God; 2. If you claim to be without sin, you deceive yourself; and 3. If you claim to have never sinned, you make God out to be a liar. These are fundamental beliefs that our Christian faith is built upon. God is completely pure, we are not. That's why we need Jesus. To distort this theology puts us in danger of being outside the light.

In the midst of John's corrective teaching we learn some important things about fellowship and the nature of Jesus' advocacy for us. We are not alone in the Light. We are with others "we have fellowship with one another" in the light and the blood of Jesus purifies us from all sin. It is not circumstantial that John connects fellowship (koinonia) with forgiveness. He links it because it is while we share the common life that we discover our sin. Our awareness of sin is not simply an internal matter. Sin is revealed in community. In isolation we can think we are pretty mature and free from sins like envy, greed, pride and lust. But when we live lives that are in close proximity to others our sin rises to the surface. It is uncomfortable but it is a necessary part of growing and developing as Kingdom people. Spiritual formation occurs in community. You may be saved when you are by yourself but in order to grow you must be part of an authentic community of believers.

Questions for Discussion:

1. Slide 2. Discuss why Light is a fitting metaphor for God.

2. Slide 6. Discuss how God illuminates, measures and energizes. Why is it important to understand that there is absolutely no darkness in God? How does that affect you personally?

3. Slide 7-8. What does it mean to walk in darkness? Why would someone say they know the Lord yet walk in darkness? What promises are given to those who choose to walk in the light?

4. Slide 9. Does sin continue to be a problem once we are in the light? Why? What is the solution?

5. Slide 10-11. Why would anyone claim they have never sinned? What does this false claim do to the power of the Word in us? What does Jesus' role as "advocate" (Greek: Paraclete: the one who comes alongside) say about his response to our sin? Why is this such good news?

6. Slide 12. Discuss Bible stories that give evidence of these main ideas: God is Good, We are Not, Jesus is the solution. How might you be more intentional about sharing your life with others?

Our new series is based on the Epistle of First John. This little letter contains all kinds of interesting and practical instruction about Jesus. It is one of my favourite New Testament books. In particular, I really enjoyed sharing the message of this letter back when I was involved in trying to witness to hippies during my high school days. It contains the wonderfully "hip" comment that "God is Love" and this in fact was the opening into many discussions with the "it's all about love; make love not war; free love" generation.

John is writing his epistle in order to correct some strange thinking about the person of Jesus Christ. Some teachers were advocating that Jesus was not truly both God and man. This heresy was called Gnosticism and held that matter is evil and that God could not come in the flesh since he was wholly spirit and therefore good and would never subject himself to the evil of a human form. To them salvation was escape from the body which was not achieved by faith but by special knowledge (gnosis in Greek). This heresy led to moral evil since they believed matter was evil and not breaking God's law (1 Jn. 3:4). Breaking any moral law was of no consequence since what you were "in spirit" was the only thing that counted.

Out text reveals that Jesus was a real human being and not simply an apparition or spirit. He was touched and seen by the Apostles. In fact, they examined him carefully. He was the real deal. He was one with the Father and he embodied Eternal Life. Without this fundamental understanding of Jesus, testified to by these eye, ear and hand witnesses, it would be impossible to have fellowship with the Father and to enjoy the promises of the Kingdom today.

Questions for Discussion:

1. Slide 2. What do your friends think God is like? Were there views represented in the video clip?

2. Slide 5-6. Why does John delay the subject to his sentence until after the four "that which" clauses? Why the mystery? How does this strengthen his argument that Jesus is the Word? Does he expect his readers to know Genesis 1:1 and John 1:1? Imagine the shock of someone maintaining that they had touched God, literally. What does that say to the reader?

3. Slide 7-9. Why do you think the translators capitalized the "Word?" (Usually this means it is referring to the person and not simply the message). Think of John's gospel and his emphasis on Eternal Life. What scriptures come to mind? Discuss how John connects the Father, the Son and Eternal Life.

4. Slide 10-11. In what ways is the Church both the mission and the message? What difference does this make in how we perceive our work as Christ's servants in fulfilling his commission?

5. Slide 12. Why is koinonia so important to John? What part does joy play in Christian living? Does John imply that if the readers don’t get this very important understanding of the person-hood of Jesus that they would fall out of fellowship? What does that tell us, if anything, about the essence of what it means to be a Christian?

Our new series is based on the Epistle of First John. This little letter contains all kinds of interesting and practical instruction about Jesus. It is one of my favourite New Testament books. In particular, I really enjoyed sharing the message of this letter back when I was involved in trying to witness to hippies during my high school days. It contains the wonderfully "hip" comment that "God is Love" and this in fact was the opening into many discussions with the "it's all about love; make love not war; free love" generation.

John is writing his epistle in order to correct some strange thinking about the person of Jesus Christ. Some teachers were advocating that Jesus was not truly both God and man. This heresy was called Gnosticism and held that matter is evil and that God could not come in the flesh since he was wholly spirit and therefore good and would never subject himself to the evil of a human form. To them salvation was escape from the body which was not achieved by faith but by special knowledge (gnosis in Greek). This heresy led to moral evil since they believed matter was evil and not breaking God's law (1 Jn. 3:4). Breaking any moral law was of no consequence since what you were "in spirit" was the only thing that counted.

Out text reveals that Jesus was a real human being and not simply an apparition or spirit. He was touched and seen by the Apostles. In fact, they examined him carefully. He was the real deal. He was one with the Father and he embodied Eternal Life. Without this fundamental understanding of Jesus, testified to by these eye, ear and hand witnesses, it would be impossible to have fellowship with the Father and to enjoy the promises of the Kingdom today.

Questions for Discussion:

1. Slide 2. What do your friends think God is like? Were there views represented in the video clip?

2. Slide 5-6. Why does John delay the subject to his sentence until after the four "that which" clauses? Why the mystery? How does this strengthen his argument that Jesus is the Word? Does he expect his readers to know Genesis 1:1 and John 1:1? Imagine the shock of someone maintaining that they had touched God, literally. What does that say to the reader?

3. Slide 7-9. Why do you think the translators capitalized the "Word?" (Usually this means it is referring to the person and not simply the message). Think of John's gospel and his emphasis on Eternal Life. What scriptures come to mind? Discuss how John connects the Father, the Son and Eternal Life.

4. Slide 10-11. In what ways is the Church both the mission and the message? What difference does this make in how we perceive our work as Christ's servants in fulfilling his commission?

5. Slide 12. Why is koinonia so important to John? What part does joy play in Christian living? Does John imply that if the readers don’t get this very important understanding of the person-hood of Jesus that they would fall out of fellowship? What does that tell us, if anything, about the essence of what it means to be a Christian?