Radiant Church Visalia

1st John: Can I get a witness up in here ?

Travis Aicklen

radiantvisalia.com
 Can I get a witness up in here ? (1 John 1:1-5)

Scripture References: 1 John 1:1-4, 1 John 2:26, Deuteronomy 19, Matthew 18, John 1:1-14, Genesis 1.

Intro:

  • Welcome and introduction to the Q&A format.
  • Highlight Micah Stipik's question about unity with false teachers.
  • Question: Have you ever been part of a handoff or transition?
  • John's letter is a crucial handoff, written by the last living apostle.

Key Points:

  • Context of 1 John:
    • Written around AD 85 to house churches in modern-day Turkey.
    • John combats false teachings that threaten the church.
    • Gnosticism: a belief system that devalues the physical world.
    • Gnostic beliefs challenged the incarnation of Jesus.
  • John's Apostolic Witness:
    • John emphasizes his eyewitness account: "which we have heard," "seen," "touched."
    • He proclaims the truth, not hidden knowledge.
    • "From the beginning": refers to Jesus Christ, the eternal Word (John 1:1).
    • Emphasis on the physical reality of Jesus.
  • The "We" and Fellowship:
    • "We" refers to the apostolic eyewitnesses.
    • John invites believers into fellowship with the apostles and God.
    • Fellowship is found in trusting the apostolic witness and aligning with the New Testament.
    • Local Church is a place to connect to the "We".
  • Complete Joy:
    • John's purpose: "that our joy may be complete."
    • Joy as a byproduct of satisfaction, exaltation, and strength.
    • Joy is a powerful force, rooted in God's work through Christ.
    • Joy strengthens us.

Conclusion:

  • John's testimony is trustworthy, based on eyewitness accounts.
  • We are invited into fellowship with God through the apostolic witness.
  • True joy is found in Christ and shared with the community of faith.

Call to Action:

  • Trust the apostolic witness of the New Testament.
  • Participate in a local church that upholds apostolic teaching.
  • Seek shared joy with the community of faith.
  • Partake in communion, remembering Christ's sacrifice.
  • Allow the joy of the Lord to strengthen you.

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