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

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 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.