Forever in His Presence – Part 7

The Grace Message

Forever in His Presence – Part 7

June 30, 2024

A believer’s unbroken fellowship with God is at the core of our “Forever in His Presence” series. In this message, we explore the simplicity of salvation to see that it is heartfelt belief, not “magic words” or perfect behavior, that brings us into a saving relationship with God.

We also reflect on God’s incredible love for us, which sets us free from fear and gives us confidence for Judgment Day. Contrary to what the religious world might say, knowing the depths of His love also means we can stop trying to love Him more!

Furthermore, understanding that “we love because He first loved us” helps us see that loving God and loving others are naturally intertwined.

I encourage you to listen to this message and be inspired by the permanent presence of God’s love and grace in your life!

Discussion Questions:

1. Read verse 15. How hard is it to be saved? What’s required exactly? Did you think this involves just saying some “magic words” or something more? If so, what?

2. Read verse 16 and react to this statement: I believe the love which God has for me!

3. Read verse 17. What are the two reasons we can be confident on Judgment Day?

4. Read verse 18 and react to this statement: I will never be punished for any of my sins!

5. Read verse 19. Explain why getting this divine order of things right is so important.

6. Read 1 John 4:20-5:1. Why do loving God and loving others go hand in hand?

7. Read verses 2-3 of chapter 5. What are His commandments? (Note: Consider 1 John 3:23 in your answer.) Also, why are His commandments “not burdensome”? And how are these any different from being under the Old Testament law?

8. What does it mean that we now “overcome the world”?

Forever in His Presence – Part 1

May 19, 2024

In this first message of our new series on 1 John, “Forever in His Presence,” we explore how “experiencing the presence of God” has often been miscommunicated in the church, missing the incredible truth of our constant union with Christ. We also address common misunderstandings about “fellowship” with God. Many think our fellowship with God can be lost or broken, especially when we sin. But we’ll discuss what really happens with the Holy Spirit when we stumble and what remains unchanged. Plus, you’ll discover that 1 John 1:9 was written – not as a “bar of soap” for daily forgiveness – but to those denying their sinfulness. (And, yes, this means we as believers already have complete forgiveness and cleansing of all unrighteousness!). Join us and get encouraged by the profound truths of our unbreakable fellowship with God! Discussion Questions: 1. How has “experiencing the presence of God” been communicated popularly in the church today? How does this perspective fall short of the amazing truth? 2. How has the concept of “fellowship” been misunderstood in the Christian world today? What is the truth about our fellowship with God? 3. What about when we sin? What happens with the Holy Spirit? What does not happen with Him? (Be specific on the consequences of sin and what we retain.) 4. What heresies is John combating in his first chapter? Why is this so important to understand? 5. How do verses 8 and 10 shed light on who needs the solution of verse 9? Explain. 6. React to this statement: 1 John 1:9 was written to sin deniers, and we believers already have forgiveness and cleansing of all unrighteousness, forever!

Forever in His Presence – Part 2

May 26, 2024

In the second message of our series, “Forever in His Presence: Understanding Our Unbroken Fellowship with God,” we examine the rock-solid evidence that 1 John 1:9 is directed at sin-deniers, not Christians! This distinction is crucial for grasping the completeness of our forgiveness in Christ. We’ll also unpack how Chapter 2 further clarifies that 1 John 1:9 is written to unbelievers, making the audience of this landmark passage unmistakable. Plus, we explore the profound truth that walking in the light means salvation, not just a temporary state of fellowship. Join us for this enlightening message and be inspired by the liberating truth of your once-for-all forgiveness and unshakeable fellowship with God! Discussion Questions: 1. Which verses in today’s message prove that light here means salvation, not a temporary state of “fellowship”? Why is this important? How does it help us understand 1 John 1:9 even better? 2. How does 1 John 2:12 help solidify that 1 John 1:9 is addressing the sin denier who says they have no sin and is in the darkness (unsaved)? 3. 1 John 1:9 is written to someone who does not have the truth in them. How does 1 John 2:4 further define this person as being an unbeliever? 4. What does John say to older believers and younger believers in verses 13 and 14? Why the different messages to different audiences? 5. What is the “commandment” that John keeps referring to in this passage? What evidence do we see in this passage for this conclusion? 6. What is the biggest takeaway from today’s message for you? Why?

Forever in His Presence – Part 3

June 2, 2024

My latest message in the series “Forever in His Presence,” reminds us that with God, there’s no musical chairs – no bouncing in and out of fellowship – and no mood swings! As we dive deeper, you’ll find yourself anchored in the truth that you already know God, even when you wish you felt or “experienced” more with Him. We’ll also radically rethink the term “antichrist” and better understand what John is really talking about – and it’s not what you grew up hearing! Don’t miss this one. It’s a lot of fun! Discussion Questions: 1. Why is verse 12 written to “little children” with a past tense verb such an important marker of transition from chapter 1? (Hint: Consider 1 John 1:9). 2. Verses 13-14 emphasize that we already know God. How can this encourage you when you’re wishing you felt more or “experienced” more with God? 3. How might verses 18-22 radically change the way we use the term “antichrist” compared with the common use of the term today? 4. Read verse 24. Recall the best understanding of “abiding in Christ.” How does this passage affirm the truth about abiding? 5. Verse 25 holds a promise for us related to the truthfulness of God. What is it? How does it relate to our security with God? 6. Verses 26-27 reveal that one purpose for John’s letter is to contrast believers and deceivers. How does this give us more fuel for understanding 1 John 1:9 and its surrounding verses? 7. Read verses 28 and 29 and react to this statement: I can have confidence upon Jesus’ return because I am born of God and as righteous as He is!