Uncertainty and fear fill our world. We long for assurance of peace and insurance against calamity. Yet, in the midst of all the turmoil so little thought is given to spiritual truth and salvation. In this episode John finishes his letter with a crescendo of truth and assurance that are given to every believer. What a relief and what joy has been given by Christ---the only redeemer! 

In a world that crowds social media to give you their take on everything from racial justice to Oscar happenings--- it is refreshing to have the Apostle John give us God's opinion on the most important event ever. God's testimony is so far above ours. May we listen to Him and believe! 

The bible idea of an overcomer is not like so many false teachers claim. This has to do with real victory over sin and the devil and entrance into heaven--weighty stuff. In this lesson we can judge ourselves to see if we actually are overcomers or not. 

Our culture has a terrible idea of what love is. Terrible is not even an apt description. This passage is another of the Apostles tests of salvation. If you know God you love others. If you don't love others you don't know God. John's blunt and forthright approach is always refreshing. Brace yourself for conviction. Spoiler alert: you don't measure up. Fall on your face with me and ask God for His help in loving others.  

Test the teaching and teacher. Use discernment. False teachers are everywhere today in the Church. Most Christians are totally oblivious to them. John teaches us how to test to see if the teacher is true or false. Dont be fooled by a fake. 

We continue through this passage while looking for evidence of salvation in our own lives. 

Be honest. You do it. You doubt. You doubt the most important aspect of your life. You, at times, doubt your salvation. John Gives us clear evidence that will prove a great assurance for our souls. We also talk about our conscience and its role in our lives. We can presume we are saved. We can assume we are saved. We can live in fear of not being saved. OR-- we can gain assurance through His word that His salvation has come to us. 

John is so clear and stark in style. I love it! In a world of grey John is black and white. The issue is not of skin but sin. It is not the color of our skin but the color of our hearts before God. As Christians we give evidence to our salvation in a number of ways; the greatest way is LOVE. 

Many will face Christ thinking they are saved and will be rejected. How do you know that you are saved. John gives us at least three ways in this episode. Hope you enjoy. 

If you lost your hope this will encourage you!