Belonging to Jesus means that we will live like Jesus. This process of transformational growth requires practice. For those who are born of God, we are led through this practice by God's Spirit.

The reality of salvation for 1st century Christians was their adoption into Christ as evidenced through their participation and perseverance with God's family.

For assurance of eternal life, John draws our attention to the key which is personal knowledge of God - a relationship with our Heavenly Father. This saving relationship is the source for discipleship in how we live and act, in what we love, and in defining who and whose we are.

The Apostle John's emphasis to his readers centers around our Christian commitment to the family of God. The unity of the body is under attack - Jesus has taught us and shown us how to preserve that unity with love.

The action of confession of sins is quite varied in today's Christianity. In John's first epistle he focuses on confession as the central ingredient for a discipleship that has eternal life.

The world around us is fixated on self-promotion, self-posting, and selfies! Wherever there is someone to impress we'll find a temptation to pursue worldly strategies and strength. The Bible shows us another way...

The follower of Jesus must find the fullness of their identity in Jesus. When this is our desire, we will find a corresponding growth in our discipleship as we are shaped by our efforts to rest in Christ Jesus.

Sometimes well-meaning evangelists will make our faith sound too easy. They will offer promises without cost, and blessings without sacrifice. Jesus routinely spoke of Kingdom disciples having to "count the cost". We will see that keeping our eyes on Jesus is the answer to the question: "Is Christianity easy or hard?"

The miracle of salvation is that it is offered to sinners. When we were still enemies with God, Jesus died for us. It is His grace in salvation that moves us towards good works for His glory and praise.

Our relationship with God will determine the characteristics of "dead" and "alive" in our lives.  According to our identity in Christ, we are united with him as presently "dead to sin" - and this reality, grounded in the facts of Jesus' resurrection, will result in new life now!