How do you know if the words of a speaker are truly inspired by the Spirit of God? How can you identify a 'false prophet'? John helps us in today's text - 1 John 4:1-6.

John uses the word 'know' in his letters over 30 times. What CAN we know? We can know that when our hearts condemn us, we have a loving heavenly Father who is willing to forgive us.

Think about it... it John's understanding love is the evidence of life and self-sacrifice is the essence of love. We are to love by means of deeds and in truth. Actions really do speak louder than words.

Who your 'father' is (as well as your mother) determines so much of who you are. Obviously, the same is true spiritual! So who is your spiritual father - are you practicing righteousness or caught up in the practice of sinning?

Is it "the last days"? What does the Bible truly say? Why is it such an urgent matter for John?

Yes, the terms are tough. We are called to be obedient! But John wants them to have a bit of assurance and guidance for their steps ahead. And in the words of Dallas Willard, "Grace is opposed to earning, not to effort."

How can we KNOW if we are walking in the light or in the darkness? John provides three valid tests for us: the moral test, the social test, and the doctrinal test.

Many people identify themselves as "Christians" who hardly ever worship with other Christians. Someone once referred to them as "Chreasters" - showing up for Christmas and Easter. John said that you cannot say you know God and not walk in the Light. Where are you?

Where do you find certainty in the midst of a very shaken world? How do you know? What is it that confirms the truth?

Why does John write these three letters and to whom? He does give us three statements that begin with some variation of the phrase, "We/I write these these things so that...". One of those is so that we can know that we have eternal life!