Without intention, we often adopt perspectives that aren't Christian. When getting old acquaintances, and in the context of joking about death, we will often hear people exclaim the phrase, "Its better than the alternative." Today we will see that it's only under very specific circumstances that that saying can be proven true.

The danger of idolatry is one that will not go away for the believer. We must categorize it as the sin that it is, and flee from it by clinging to Jesus.

John writes with direct revelation of God about the testimony of where eternal life is found. Because this life comes from God, it follows that we must experience it according to His design and purpose.

Our presentation of God to others will influence their understanding of Him. Unfortunately, it is too easy for Christians to misrepresent God both accidentally and intentionally according to the world's designs and definitions.

There are many voices out there that all claim to stand for truth or an expression of truth. How can a Christian know that they're living according to the truth today?

The Apostle John's main concern is for the authenticity of eternal life found evidenced in the church. There is no greater example for the presence of God's Spirit than in a love for God's children that reflects the love of Jesus.

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.