May 7, 2023 • Pastor Jim Thomas • John 15:4–5, 1 John 2:18–29
What is the difference between happiness and joy? If you were to list the top four things that add joy in life, what might be on that list? As believers in Jesus, we have been called to live out our faith in a world that is increasingly syncretistic and secularized. Within that context, if you wanted to, how would you measure the vitality and effectiveness of your own spiritual life? The apostle John was one of the closest disciples of Jesus and John’s writings offer us both pastoral and practical insight into what it looks like to “walk in the truth” of the Gospel and to know the joys of faithful discipleship. Join Pastor Jim as he teaches through this short but powerful ancient letter we call 3 John.
The second epistle of the Apostle John opens with an affectionate greeting that sets the tone for the letter's central message: the truth of God's love in the person and work of Jesus Christ. In a time when many believers were being deceived by false teachers, this message of assurance provided a firm footing for a steady walk of faith. We invite you to join Pastor Tommy and The Village Chapel as we consider the practical and timeless wisdom this letter offers us today.
What does the Bible have to say to the question of certainty about our salvation? Can a person really know they have been saved? Or do we all just have to nervously cross our fingers, wish upon a star and hope that whenever our time on this earth is over, we have been good enough to persuade God to let us into heaven? What are the distinctive characteristics of authentic, biblical, saving faith? Join Pastor Jim as he unfolds the reassuring promises and hope believers can find in this final study of 1 John and the Gospel of God’s grace through Christ.
