1 John 4:7-21 talks a lot about love. We can love because we have known the love of God, displayed uniquely and fully on the cross.

In 1 John 4:1-4, there is a call for the people of God to be a discerning people. Martin urges us towards this goal, showing us why discernment is so crucial and how we can receive it as a gift from God. 

In 1 John 3:11-24, John emphasizes the central message of knowing and showing love, urging believers to love one another as evidence of their faith. This passage underscores the importance of genuine, sacrificial love, reflecting God's love for us. By living out this love in actions and truth, believers demonstrate their identity as God's children and fulfill His command to love one another deeply and authentically.

In 1 John 2:28 - 3:10, John highlights the profound identity of believers as children of God, urging them to abide in Christ and live righteously. This passage reveals the transformative love of God, which sets believers apart and calls them His own. By embracing this divine identity, believers are encouraged to reflect God's nature, purify themselves, and practice righteousness, embodying the true characteristics of God's children.

In 1 John 2:18-27, John warns believers about the emergence of the antichrist, those who deny Jesus as the Christ, emphasizing the urgency of the last hour. He cautions against deceivers and urges the faithful to remain steadfast in the truth they have received. This passage highlights the importance of vigilance, encouraging believers to hold firm to their faith in Jesus and rely on the anointing of the Holy Spirit to discern and resist false teachings.

In 1 John 2:3-17, John outlines the path to spiritual maturity, emphasizing that knowing God is evidenced by obedience to His commands and love for others. This passage encourages believers to turn away from worldly desires and abide in God's truth, fostering a deeper, more mature faith. By living in obedience and love, we grow in our relationship with God and reflect His light in the world, following the true path to spiritual maturity.

1 John 1:5-2:2 In this letter, John makes the simple and wonderful statement that God is light and in him there is no darkness at all. As we look upon the one who is light we recognise the insidious darkness that dwells within us and we start to realise just how good it is that Jesus stands, in his righteousness, as our advocate.

In John 14:12-14, Jesus promises that those who believe in him will do greater works, including praying for the sick and seeing them healed, through the abiding power of the Holy Spirit. He emphasizes in verse 12 that faith in Him enables us to perform extraordinary deeds. John 14:16 assures us of the Holy Spirit's constant presence, empowering our prayers. John 15:1-5 and verse 5 highlight the importance of staying connected to Christ, as a branch to the vine, to bear fruit, including the fruit of healing. Isaiah 32:14-16 further illustrates the Spirit's transformative power, bringing life and renewal. Together, these passages reveal that abiding in Christ and relying on the Holy Spirit empowers us to pray for the sick and witness miraculous healings.

The gift of the Holy Spirit is one that should thrill and excite us - God himself has come to live inside of us! In this four part series we are looking at this gift and understanding what having the Holy Spirit really means for our lives. 

2 Corinthians 3:17-18 The power of the Holy Spirit is one that changes us. As we look upon God, our inner being is transformed to be more and more like him. 

The gift of the Holy Spirit is one that should thrill and excite us - God himself has come to live inside of us! In this four part series we are looking at this gift and understanding what having the Holy Spirit really means for our lives.