In today’s text I want you to note a phrase that occurs three times in these verses. It’s the phrase, “Whoever says,” (vv. 4, 6, 9) and it introduces a series of three tests by which anyone can know beyond a shadow of a doubt whether or not they are a child of God.

You see, according to this text, the believer can and should enjoy the confident assurance of knowing that they are really saved, but that assurance is to be built on an objective source of certainty. This objective source is the result of personal examination that reveals the practical evidence in their lives that John outlines for us in today’s text.

You see, John wants his readers to understand that the work of Christ is the basis upon which the Christian may approach God to receive full forgiveness and cleansing. To do this, John uses three terms to describe how Jesus has made it possible for us to approach God.

This morning, as we look at the Truth About Sin, I want to talk about three false statements about sin that are still popular today. Now each of these false claims about sin is introduced by John’s use of the term, “if we say” and is also followed by John’s denial of that same claim.

That is why this morning, as we look at the first five verses of chapter 1 of 1 John, let me share with you three things about “Real Christianity” so you may see what it means to live a New Kind of Life.

Since chapter 13 is best understood in light of chapter 10, I want to look carefully at each one of their four broken promises as a reminder to us why it is so important to Stand by our Promises.

These believers exhibited four counter-cultural traits that have application for us today. Therefore, let me give you four ways God wants you, the church, to live.

This morning, as we study Nehemiah 10, let me share with you three values you should embrace that will demonstrate your commitment to God.

In order to put the first things first you need to have a firm grasp on…

• The Greatness of God (1-6)

• The Goodness of God (7-30)

• The Grace of God (31-37)

Therefore, as we focus more on this passage of scripture this morning, I want you to see that there are 3 ways, according to Nehemiah 8 that you can Rejoice over God’s Word in order to drive each you toward spiritual renewal.