Running Pastor

In 1 John 4:1-6 John calls us to "test the spirits" as he reminds us that many false prophets and teachers are led by "the spirit of the antichrist" rather than the Holy Spirit.

In 1 John 3:19-24 John gives us another test of true Christianity and helps us apply this to times when we doubt whether God could love or accept us.

in 1 John 3:11-18 John once again calls us to love one another, but this time gives us examples of what this looks like, and what it doesn't.

He also makes clear to us where this love comes from. Hint: It isn't from us mustering it up inside of us!

IN 1 John 2:18-27 John warns the recipients of his letter about "many antichrists that have come." He tells us who they are, why we should be aware of them, and how we can protect ourselves against their teachings.

As we continue working our way through 1 John we look at chapter 2::12-17 to see where our identity lies, and why this is another reminder of why we should abstain from loving the things of this world.

As John continues to use the main theme of "God is light" he now gives us three distinct ways to know whether or not we are Christians. Are you walking in these ways?

In 1 John 1-2 John gives us a big theological statement "God is Light, and in Him is no darkness at all."

Then in a very pastoral way he goes on to apply this to 1. identifying false-teachers 2. considering our relationship with God.

I am convinced that John was a man that loved being loved by Jesus, and in this letter he is writing to others to make sure that they are not led astray by false teachers. This week we are introduced to the author and look at some big claims in the first 4 verses

As we finish up "Zechariah's Song" from Luke 1:67-79 we see what John's role is going to be in Jesus' ministry, what Jesus will offer when He comes to visit us, and why God was willing to offer us all of this!

On Christmas Eve we looked at the first half of Zechariahs prophecy/song found in Luke 1 (known as "The Benedictus") and will look at the second half of it on Sunday December 29th.

It is all about How God left Heaven to ransom sinners like us.