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Counterfeit or Genuine

1 John 3:1-10

December 10, 2023 • Pastor Jeff Cramer • 1 John 3:1–10

The bigger picture of 1 John is focused on counterfeit Christians who were trying to convince genuine Christians that a person could be saved and still practice sin. In chapters 1&2 John focused on the test of “fellowship.” Because the talk of believers was not matching the lives of believers. We’ve learned when a person says they’re a Christian it’s biblically sound to expect fruit. It’s the evidence of what’s expected. We’ve learned that biblical fellowship is seen in a life characterized by “doing” not just “saying.” It’s an active faith NOT a said faith. In these verses, John underscores the motivation of genuine belief. And he is telling the Church we cannot be born again and then live a life of “practicing sin.” - It’s impossible!!! 

More from 1 John

A Changed Heart = A Changed Life (Pt. 2)

March 10, 2024 • Pastor Jeff Cramer • 1 John 5:6–21

History tells the story about Alexander the Great and how there was a man in his army who was not acting brave in battle. When he should have been pressing in he was lingering back! Alexander approached & asked “What’s your name soldier?” The man answered: “Sir my name is Alexander.” The great general looked this soldier in the eye & said “Get in there and fight or change your name!” John teaches us that when we identify our life with Christ, by faith, we overcome the world! No longer do we shrink back in defeat but we stand strong until Satan flees!

A Changed Heart = A Changed Life

March 3, 2024 • Pastor Jeff Cramer • 1 John 5:1–5

John concludes this book by speaking of the reality of being changed forever! I’ve pastored this church for the last 12-years and I see the church as the family of God on earth with many needing to be connected to God’s truth. Yet, one of the challenges of our time is that people have a fascination with identifying problems and treating symptoms to feel better but never getting better!

The Balance of the Christian Life

February 18, 2024 • Pastor Jeff Cramer • 1 John 4:7–21

John continues on with the third test on how a child of God should understand the balance between the assurance God gives us and the warnings He lays out! We’ve been told repeatedly that God is love and we’ve also been instructed that because God is love we too should love! So what does that love look like?