Jeff Stevens

It is not a common message on Easter to consider that we too are resurrected. Paul's message to us in Ephesians 2 helps us understand that through the power of Jesus Christ, we are risen with Jesus, seated in the heavenly places, and created for good works. So, what will knowing that you are already risen in Christ do for your walk tomorrow? Ask yourself: Resurrection...Then what?

John appeals to those whom he loves in the church, his beloved. This is such an important message for the church. In John's time, many antichrists were working to create division and lead people away from Jesus. This is still a problem today. We are called to test every sprit, to see if they are from God!

1 John 4:1-6

We glaze over the importance of this command from Christ. The Church will focus on many other things about grace and mercy and all of the things that are wonderful about God, and leave this important point aside. This is a non-negotiable! We must love our brothers and sisters in Christ!

1 John 3:11-24                

The dilemma that is faced in this passage has to do with being a believer and still dealing with the trouble of sin! Sin should burden us, as God's children! Are you a child of God? Or, are you a child of the Devil?

This is a message of good news. That God the Father has chosen us to be his children. And as His children, we have hope. Hope that we are conforming into the image of Jesus Christ!

1 John 3: 1-3

We have an anointing when we abide in Jesus Christ. And because of that anointing, we can have the confidence to stand in righteousness and not shrink away, when our Lord Jesus returns! This is such good news!

John has prepared us for this message by teaching us about spiritual maturity. The world is full of lusts of flesh, eyes and pride. Antichrists make their way into the church who desire division. Christ gave us to church to be able to discern and protect children the faith from them. God is good and He does not fail!

John gives a description of spiritual maturity in the Body of Christ. This is an important message because he is preparing believers for a message about the dangers of the world. The good news is that God has given us the church to prepare, love and care for each other!

It seems confusing at first. John says there this is not a new commandment, but then it is a new commandment. But what is really happening is that John is accentuating what Christ has already renewed, our love for one another. The Law and the Prophets hangs on 2 commandments; our love for the Lord and our love for each other. We are not just called to love, but to love as Jesus loves!

John's call to the church in this message is to stop sinning. Perspective is key here. We do not stop sinning to gain favor with God. Conversely, we stop sinning because we know who we are in HIM and recognize that Jesus is our Advocate with the Father! This is good news!