TRUE AND FALSE

Grace Bible Church

Media App

TRUE AND FALSE

February 26, 2023 • Denis Garijo • 1 John 2:1–11

Give

Pilate asked Jesus – ‘what is truth?’ (John 18:38) – the irony of the question was that Truth was literally staring him in the face – Jesus is Truth!

John begins chapter 2 with the ideal desire of God – do not sin – yet we know our frailty and our weaknesses – it will happen. So when it does what do we do? Make accusations as Adam and Eve did or give excuses like Achan did to take loot from Jericho or doing what seems right in our own eyes as the end of Judges? When sin is in our life – we do what John said in chapter one verse 9 – confess! How do we know that is enough? It is not about us it is about Jesus and what He did. Jesus is the one making intercession for us. But there is something unique about this legal defense. This defense before the Judge is not based on our life or actions, but on Jesus’ life and Jesus’ actions. Jesus only defends those who confess their guilt. He does not defend those who maintain innocence. Our defense works completely different. If we try to plead not guilty to the crimes, we will be found guilty and bear the consequences on our own. However, if we confess our sins and admit that we are guilty of the charges, we have Jesus our Advocate who pleads for mercy on our behalf on the basis of his own perfect life. Jesus is the righteous one, not us, in this defense. Jesus has the ability to help and is the only one who can help. We need a righteous intercessor. Anything less would leave sinner without the sure access to the God of mercy.

Sunday we will talk about walking forgiven – walking in obedience and walking in love. So I say to you all – 'Come walk with me!' See you Sunday,

Pastor Mike

“The Christian man must aim at that complete obedience to God in which life finds its highest happiness, its greatest good, its perfect consummation, its peace.” William Barclay

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