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!
Forever in His Presence – Part 4
June 9, 2024
The next message in our “Forever in His Presence” series explores what it means to have the Holy Spirit living inside of us, teaching us all things. John even says they don’t need anyone to teach them, because they have an intuitive knowing of truth about Jesus!
You’ll also be challenged by the statement that you’re as righteous as Jesus Christ. Could that really be true?
Check out this message packed with powerful truths that encourage you to see yourself as God sees you!
Discussion Questions:
1. 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?
2. 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?
3. 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!
4. Read verses 1-3. What does the purification refer to? What’s the motivation for this purification?
5. Read verse 6. How are we to interpret this passage if Christians still fall into temptation and commit sins?
6. Read verse 7. React to this statement: I am as righteous as Jesus Christ.
7. Read verse 10. How does the word “obvious” play into our understanding of John’s contrast between righteousness and sin, light and darkness, believer and deceiver? Why is this word so important for those who get caught in morbid introspection of their performance?
Forever in His Presence – Part 5
June 16, 2024
1 John makes clear distinctions between love and hate, light and darkness, care and murder. These contrasts are obvious and meant to show believers they have a new practice now. This doesn’t mean we perform perfectly, but now there’s a new tendency – a new trend in our lives since we are born of God.
John also mentions “commandments” but he doesn’t mean Moses! No, he’s not talking about following the Law. He’s describing the marks of a true believer – faith in Jesus and a natural love for God’s people.
Watch now to break free from a performance mentality and embrace your new-hearted identity in Jesus!
Discussion Questions:
1. Read verses 10-12. How do the words “obvious”, “love”, and “hate” make John’s point clear?
2. Read verses 13-15. How does John continue to drive the “obvious” contrast home for us in these verses?
3. Read verses 16-18. How is Jesus the example? Example of what?
4. Read verses 19-22. Why is this not a “name it, claim it” passage? What is John’s meaning instead?
5. Read verses 23-24. What two commandments is John referring to? Why is it important to define “commandments” in this context? How are these the natural mark of every believer?
6. React to this statement: A majority of this entire passage is descriptive, not prescriptive. Now, how does this statement keep us from a performance mentality and help us to identify ourselves as new-hearted believers? (Note: Verses 16 and 18 are indeed prescriptive.)
Forever in His Presence – Part 6
June 23, 2024
Are you ready to dive deep where others merely wade? In this next message in our “Forever in His Presence” series, we’re slicing through the fog of misinformation and reclaiming the truth about Jesus – His divinity, His humanity, His everything!
In a culture that often prizes openness to the point of absurdity, we stand firm. Are you prepared to be labeled “close-minded”? Good. Because when it comes to the truth about Jesus, we believers are as immovable as mountains.
Plus, you’ll discover what it truly means to “live through Him.” It’s all about His scandalous love for us, not our feeble attempts at “loving Him more.” And when we love each other the way He loves us? That’s when God becomes visible.
Tune in to this latest message and arm yourself with truth!
Discussion Questions:
1. Read verses 1-3. What is the “antichrist” teaching that John mentions? And why is the truth important in this regard?
2. Read verses 4-6 and react to this statement: There is absolute truth about Jesus, and we can be “close minded” about it if we know Him.
3. Read verses 7-8. What is the main mark of knowing God? Why is this the case?
4. Read verse 9. What does it mean to “live through Him”?
5. Read verse 10. Why is “not that we loved God” so important here? What does “propitiation” mean and how does it factor in?
6. Read verses 11-12. How do we help people “see God”?
7. Read verse 13. In what way does this help to clarify the meaning of “abide”? Can you know that you abide in Him? If so, how?
8. Read verse 14. How do verses like this (and John 3:16) show the fallacy of “limited atonement” – the false idea that Jesus only died for individuals pre-selected by God?
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 8
July 7, 2024
I’m excited to invite you to our latest message in the “Forever in His Presence” series, where we dive into the rich themes of 1 John 5.
We explore what it means to overcome the world through our trust in Jesus and the powerful testimony we have within us when we believe in the Son of God. Discover why having the Son means having life, and how this challenges the notion of needing a “second blessing.”
We also clarify common misinterpretations of prayer and God’s will, and unpack the difference between “the sin leading to death” and “the sin not leading to death.” Learn what it means that no one born of God continues in sin, and how Christ’s finished work keeps us safe from the evil one.
Don’t miss this message packed with encouraging truths about your unbreakable fellowship with God!
Discussions Questions:
1. Read verses 4-5. What does it mean for us to overcome the world? How does our faith in Christ offer us this victory?
2. Read verses 6-8. What significance do you find in Jesus coming by water and blood? How does the Spirit’s testimony confirm this?
3. Read verses 9-11. How does believing in the Son of God give us the testimony within ourselves? What is the testimony?
4. Read verse 12. Can you have the life without the Son? What does this mean for the teaching of a “second blessing”?
5. Read verse 13. What assurance do we have as believers in the Son of God? How can this knowledge affect our confidence?
6. Read verses 14-15. How might this passage easily be misinterpreted? What does it really mean in context? (Hint: Use verse 16 to help you.)
7. Read verses 16-17. What is the difference between “the sin leading to death” and “the sin not leading to death”? Why can’t we pray someone out of the sin leading to death?
8. Read verse 18. What does it mean that no one who is born of God sins? How exactly does the finished work of Christ keep us safe from the evil one?
9. Read verses 19-21. Discuss the contrast between being of God and the world lying in the power of the evil one. How does knowing the truth affect your perspective on the world’s belief systems?
Forever in His Presence – Part 9
July 14, 2024
Discussion Questions:
1. What did you learn in this series about your forgiveness?
2. What did you learn about your compatibility with Christ?
3. What about your righteousness? Be specific.
4. How are the new commandments on your heart different from the Law?
5. How do you feel about the final judgment? Why?
6. Recall the husband-wife analogy. How does a husband want his wife to feel? How does Christ want you to feel?
