A Reminder of God’s Great Love

1 John 5:9-13 and John 1:12; 3:16-18; 5:24

Pastor Jon Hanson

Introduction

The Gospel of John and his first epistle are intricately connected. The emphasis of these books is the nature of Christ and how He impacts the nature of man. The Gospel of John was written to show a person how to have eternal life (come to the light) by belief in Christ, but his first epistle was written to show how to remain in fellowship (walk in the light) with Christ. Both were written to advance fellowship, knowledge, obedience, and love. But there are those who stand against such teaching. Many in the Church today teach that personal works and perseverance must be added to our belief. Thus, your eternal destiny becomes unknowable and your walk with Christ becomes confused.

God’s Testimony is Greater than Man’s – vv. 9-10

• “Witness” = “Testimony” = “μαρτυρία (martyria)
• We willingly receive the testimony of men, yet the testimony of God is greater
• His testimony concerns His Son

God’s Testimony About His Son – vv. 11-12

• God bestowed life through His Son (see John 5:26)
• God’s gift is exclusive: He who has the Son has life
• How does one get the Son? (John 1:12; 3:16-18; 5:24)

Why was this Passage Written? – v. 13

• This passage was written to those who believe in the name of the Son of God
• Those who so believe have eternal life
• Because we are assured of our eternal life, we should continue to believe and live accordingly in the name of the Son of God – Jeshua – YHWH is salvation!

Timeless Truth

We can be certain about our eternal destiny. God has given testimony regarding His Son, Jesus, the Christ. God’s testimony is true. He has bestowed eternal life on all who believe in Jesus. And that gift is exclusive. The only way to receive the promise of eternal life is to believe that Jesus is the Christ. Given this great level of assurance, we ought to live in fellowship with God the Father and His Son.

Living Lesson

If you believe in Jesus as the Son of God, then you can be assured that you have eternal life. Since you have that life, you should now live in fellowship with God. How do you respond to the following questions? Do I hold a correct belief concerning the person and work of Christ? Do I obey God's commands? Do I love my brothers in Christ? If you can give an affirmative answer to these questions, then you are in fellowship with your heavenly Father.

We need more help with our Sunday School classes. See Ron Aller for information.

Please consider helping with our Nursery during the worship service. See Marlene for details.

Prayer: Tuesday, 6 PM at TFL. If you can't make it, please send your prayer requests to prayer@truthfellowshiplive.com

Prayer with Fasting: We need to Pray, now more than ever for our nation. 1) Pray for the unity of our nation, 2) pray for the lord to confuse and confound the plans of those who operate counter to the truth, 3) pray that the church (followers of Jesus) would be the light of the world, 4) pray that our federal government leaders would recognize, understand, and yield to the truth, 5) pray that state legislatures will take up their responsibility to review state election systems and expose any corruption or manipulation, 6) pray that God’s people would resolve to stand firm and unwavering in the power of God’s might, and 7) pray for the leaders in the church and its members that we would demonstrate the love of Christ to our neighbors and one another.

Mail: We are receiving mail at our new location. Please mail donations and other items to our new address: 2702 East Rosser, Bismarck, ND 58501.

Faithlife and Logos Training: Pastor Jon will begin training for Faithlife and Logos Bible Software. Training on Faithlife and Logos will be available on an as-needed basis. Please text Pastor Jon at 701-390-7311 regarding the training you need.

Sunday Schedule:

9 - 10 AM -- Adult Education

10 - 10:30 AM -- Fellowship

10:30 - 11:55 AM – Worship

10:50 AM Children's Sunday School

Would you like a visit? Call Pastor Jon at (701) 390-7311 or email jon.hanson@truthfellowshiplive.com