Witnesses to Life

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Witnesses to Life

February 5, 2023 • Mike Burt • 1 John 1:1–4

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Walk with me! 2023

Jesus called to 4 men early on in His ministry with the simple appeal – ‘follow me!’ Those fishermen did and it changed their lives and they changed the World through the message of the Gospel. I have chosen 3 accounts of men who followed the Word of God for this year’s sermon schedule. We begin with John and his summary of faith after 60 years following the empty tomb. What a view – God has been good and Jesus has been true. I want us to hear the words of the aged Apostle (the last remaining Apostle) and feel the trust and the joy he still has in Christ.

Three things are highlighted for us in this introduction: A relationship, a fellowship, and a joy that follows. But it must all begin with this matter of relationship, for John is concerned first about the family of God. John and Peter and Paul all have different ministries, as I have shared in other message series and sermons. It was Peter's task to talk about the kingdom of God, Paul about the church of God, but John is concerned with the family of God. These are all the same thing, but they are viewed from three different aspects. It is into the intimacy of the family circle, now, that the Apostle John takes us. This letter can be properly described as introducing us to life with the Father, what it means to be in the family of God.

If you read through the letter, as I hope you will many times while we are studying together, you will find there are several reasons John gives for writing this letter- the first is in our beginning message: "And we are writing this that your joy may be complete." (1 John 1:4)

Eternal Life is witnessed by the Apostles and preached by the believers – this week I will take us through the first 4 verses to savor this Eternal Life – and its Experiences, Expressions and Enjoyments! Even into his 90’s John is still thrilled by the touch of God through the promises of Christ – come and hear! Walk with me this year in God’s Word and walk with someone else as we Grow in Christ to Grow Others!

Pastor Mike

Confidence! - 1 John 5:13-21

May 28, 2023 • Mike Burt • 1 John 5:13–21

What we know for sure is that God is true and His Grace is real! Nothing fake or artificial - He is genuine! Warren Wiersbe wrote, "Like a child eating cotton-candy at the circus, many people who expect to bite into something real end up with a mouthful of nothing. They waste priceless years on empty substitutes for reality." No fluff in this passage - just real truth that come from real promises based on real faith! Have you ever had to take back something to a store? Most stores will stand behind their products but they need to know that they were the seller - so they ask for a receipt. God gives His receipt with his promises - His Word! In this short paragraphs we have three huge promises - God hears our prayers - God protects us - God keeps His Word. Each promise building on the one before and assuring us of His love and our hope. Join me Sunday as we look at the last few words of 1 John and God gives to us His closing remarks - His receipts. See you Sunday - Pastor Mike

Who do you say I am?

May 14, 2023 • Mike Burt • 1 John 5:5–12, Matthew 16:15, Mark 8:29, Luke 9:20

We will be continuing our way through 1 John on this coming Sunday, May 14th. Join Pastor Mike as he takes us through these verses. See you there!

We Shall Overcome

May 7, 2023 • Denis Garijo • 1 John 5:1–5

"For whoever has been born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith." 1 John 5:4 When I started to walk with God, I believed that it was my responsibility to please Him, to keep His commandments, to do my best to love him and my neighbor, and not allow my old self to be in His way. And that became a burden and the reason for many frustrations as I failed to accomplish it. In this session (1 Jo 5:1-5), John teaches us a lesson that I learned in my faith journey years later. We overcome the world not by our strength but by surrendering to whom we believe, the Son of God. "The Christian faith is ultimately not only a matter of doctrine or understanding or of intellect, it is a condition of the heart." ~ Martyn Lloyd-Jones I appreciate your prayers and look forward to seeing you Sunday. Pastor Denis Garijo