Lesson 8 - Perfect Love - Cornerstone Church of Christ

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Lesson 8 - Perfect Love

Living Out Our Divine Design in Relationships

October 23, 2024 • Matthew Allen • 1 John 4:7–21

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Unlike animals or plants, humans are uniquely self-conscious. We can appreciate beauty, experience emotions, reason, and gain wisdom. This allows us to connect deeply with others and, most importantly, God. It is within these relationships that we find the richest of human experiences—love. The human heart craves love more than anything else. Whether expressed in music, books, or art, love is the universal theme of human longing. But what we seek is not just any love—perfect love.

Lesson 11 - Walking in Truth and Love

November 13, 2024 • Matthew Allen, Matthew Barnhart • 2 John

2 John reminds us of the vital connection between truth and love in our Christian Walk. Living in a world filled with conflicting messages and potential deception, we must ground ourselves in the truth of God's Word. John's teachings encourage us to love one another sincerely, reflecting the unwavering love that God has shown us. It is essential to see that our commitment to obeying God's commands is not a burden but a pathway to true freedom, enabling us to live in harmony with one another and stand firm against challenges. By embracing these principles, we foster a community rooted in love and truth, capable of withstanding the trials of persecution and false doctrine. Let us strive to walk in this threefold manner of truth, love, and obedience, encouraging one another as we fulfill our calling as children of God.

Lesson 10 - Five Assurances We Hold on To

November 6, 2024 • Matthew Allen, Kyle Fletcher • 1 John 5:13–21

In this letter, John aims to assure his readers about God's revelations regarding salvation. The main argument concludes in 5:12, while verses 13–21 serve as a postscript. His final thoughts aren’t random; they culminate powerfully from everything he has discussed. Throughout the letter, John revisits various tests to discern true Christians. These tests are directed at doctrine, exposing insincere believers and false teachers—deceivers known as antichrists—and practical, as they offer growing confidence and reassurance to authentic believers. As the epistle reaches a powerful conclusion, John emphasizes five assurances that we can hold onto eternal life: answered prayers, victory over sin, their belonging to God, and the divinity of Christ.

Lesson 9 - God's Testimony About Jesus

October 30, 2024 • Matthew Allen, Nathan Armstrong • 1 John 5:1–12

At the core of our faith lies a relationship among belief, love, and obedience, as articulated by the Apostle John. Transitioning from chapter 4 to chapter 5, John highlights the significance of our response to God's testimony regarding Jesus Christ, which plays a crucial role in shaping our eternal destiny. This lesson encourages us to examine the relationship between our faith in Jesus, our love for God and fellow believers, and our dedication to following His commands. Through this exploration, we aim to reveal how these components interact to define true Christianity and demonstrate the effects of being reborn in Christ. As we engage with this critical teaching, let us consider the ramifications of our beliefs and actions, understanding that our bond with God and each other is grounded in belief, love, and obedience.