Revelation 19:6-10
 
The Marriage Supper of the Lamb.
 
Here is a short story that was sent to me.  After reading the scripture, read the story, then we will look at the message.
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There was a woman who was diagnosed with a terminal illness and had a few months to live.  As she was getting her things in order, she contacted her pastor to discuss certain aspects of her final wishes.  They discussed which songs to be sung, what scriptures to read, her favorite Bible, and outfit to be dressed in.  After getting the items in order, and as the pastor was leaving, she remembered something important to her. “There’s one more thing,” she said. “What’s that?” the pastor replied.  “I want to be buried with a fork in my right hand,” she stated.
 
The pastor looked at her with a puzzled expression, not knowing what to say.  “That surprises you, doesn’t it?” the woman asked.  “I am curious as to why this strange request,” said the pastor.  She explained, “In all my years of attending church socials and potluck dinners, I always remember as the dishes were being cleared away from the main course, someone would lean over and say, keep your fork.  When I heard that, I knew that something better was coming…like a deep-dish pie.  Something wonderful and had substance!  It was my favorite part.  So, I want people to see me in the casket with a fork in my hand, and I want them to wonder, what’s with the fork?  I want you to tell them, keep your fork…the best is yet to come!”

The pastor’s eyes welled up with tears of joy as he hugged the lady good-bye.  He knew this would be one of the last times that he would see her before her death.  But he knew that she had sincere grasp of Heaven.  She KNEW something was coming, and it was better.  At the funeral, people were walking by the casket and saw her nice outfit, her Bible, and the fork in her hand.  Numerous times, the pastor could hear the question, “what’s with the fork.”  And over and over he would smile.

During his message, the pastor told the congregation of the conversation he had with the woman not long before her passing.  He described the symbolism of the fork and what it meant to her.  The pastor told the people of how he could not stop thinking about the fork, and that they would probably would not stop thinking about it either.  He was correct.  So, the next time you reach for your fork, let it remind you that the best IS yet to come.
 
Do we have our forks ready? 

• What excuses will we give? In Luke 14:15-24, Jesus tells the parable of the great feast; people gave excuses why not to go.
• Will we be properly dressed? In Matthew 22:1-14, Jesus tells of the wedding feast; the man did not have a wedding garment. In Revelation 7:9-14, it tells of the robes of white.
• Where will we spend eternity? In Luke 16:19-31, is the story of the rich man and the beggar.

 
God sent the Invitation, Christ prepares the Feast, and the Holy Spirit knocks at the Hearts door.
 
“The Wedding Invitation” by Kyla Rowland.
You’re invited to a wedding, that will be held soon.
We are the bride; Christ is the groom.
With a crown to wear, and a long white robe.
We’ll walk down the aisle, made of pure gold.
 
What is your answer, how will you respond?
The groom is asking, the bride to come.
And the supper will be in heaven, our new home above.
Here’s a wedding invitation, He’s sending with love.
 
 
The judgment of the wicked and the wedding feast of the Lamb and His bride (“wife”), the church, which is made up of all faithful believers throughout all time, come to an end here. We can see the contrast between the extravagant attire of the great whore in Revelation 17:4 and 18:16 with that of the bride. The righteousness of the saints is the bride’s attire. These are the works of Christ to save us, not the religious works of believers (Revelation 7:9).
 
Jesus is the focal point of God’s disclosure and His plan of redemption as reported by the prophets. As we read through the book of Revelation, we ought not get stalled in every one of the subtleties of these marvelous visions. Yet, we are to recollect that the overall topic in each of the visions is the definitive triumph of Jesus Christ over all evil.
 
Where do you stand today? Are you dressed in the righteousness of Christ? And, do you have your fork ready for the great wedding feast in heaven?

Revelation 3:14-22
 
Flies don’t land on a hot stove.
 
What does it mean to be a church of casual Christianity?  How does a church become casual?  Is it speaking of the church building or the church body?  Or does it refer to the church members, the individual Christians?
 
Look at the churches depicted in Revelation 2 & 3.

• Ephesus – Revelation 2:1-7
  • The Loveless Church
• Smyrna – Revelation 2:8-11
  • The Persecuted Church
• Pergamos – Revelation 2:12-17
  • The Lenient Church
• Thyatira – Revelation 1:18-29
  • The Compromising Church
• Sardis – Revelation 3:1-6
  • The Lifeless Church
• Philadelphia – Revelation 3:7-13
  • The Obedient Church
• Laodiceans – Revelation 3:14-22
  • The Lukewarm Church

 
Today we will focus on the last church in Laodicea.
 
Corrupting Malaise -
Laodicea was the most affluent of the seven cities, known for its financial industry, production of fleece, and a clinical school that delivers an eye ointment. In any case, the city consistently had a problem with its water supply. At one time an aqueduct was worked to carry water to the city from underground aquifers, some hot springs. Yet, when the water arrived at the city, it was neither hot nor refreshingly cool. It was just tepid. It had become lukewarm. The church congregation had become as dull as the lukewarm water that came into the city.
 
Definition of Lukewarm –

• Feeling or showing little concern.
• Lacking a high degree of intent or devotion.
• Lacking conviction.

Being lukewarm starts within the individual then it spreads inside the church.
 
Tepid or lukewarm water makes for a sickening beverage. The congregation in Laodicea had gotten tepid and, in this manner, it had become offensive and repulsive. The believers did not represent anything. Aloofness and indifference had driven them into inactivity. By failing to do anything for Christ, the congregation had become solidified, hardened, and smug, and it was annihilating itself. God does not need nor want us to be cold, yet there is more expectation for a radical to atone than for a weak, in-name-only Christian who is independent and self-sufficient. Try not to fall into following God midway. Allow Christ to start up our faith and get us right into action.
 
Characteristic Marks –
Laodicea was known for its extraordinary riches; however, Christ advised the Laodiceans to purchase their gold from him (spiritual treasures). The city was puffed up and proud for its clothing and coloring industries, yet Christ advised them to buy white garments of clothing from him (his righteousness). Laodicea valued its valuable eye treatment that mended many eye issue; however, Christ advised them to get medication from him to recuperate their eyes so they could see the truth (John 9:39). Christ was showing the Laodiceans that genuine worth, true value was not in material belongings but rather in a right connection with God. Their accomplishments and possessions were worthless in comparison with the never-ending future of Christ's Kingdom.

• Worship – public/private. How do we stand in these areas?
• Wealth – public/personal. Do we lay-up treasures in heaven? How do we measure up?
• Witness – public/private. Are we too comfortable with our small group that we do not reach out? Have we lost the sense for other people’s eternal destiny? Do we risk ridicule and rejection by not sharing Christ?
• Walk – lifestyle.
  • 1 John 2:6, He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
  • 1 John 1:6, If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth.

 
God would chastise and discipline this tepid lukewarm church unless if they abandoned their lack of interest toward him. His motivation in discipline is not for punishment, however, but to cause individuals to come back to him. Is it true that we are tepid in our dedication to God? God might discipline us to help get out of our uncompassionate demeanor, however he utilizes just loving discipline. We can keep away from God's discipline by gravitating toward to him again through repentance, worship, service, and examining his Word. Similarly, as the spark of affection can be revived in a marriage, so the Holy Spirit can reignite our zest for God when we permit him to work in our hearts and souls.
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The Laodicean church was smug and rich. They felt satisfied yet they did not have Christ among them. He knocked at their heart's door, yet they were too caught up with appreciating common delights that they did not see that he was attempting to enter. The delights of this world - wealth, security and material belongings can be perilous on the grounds that their temporary fulfillment makes us apathetic regarding God's proposal of everlasting fulfillment. If we wind up feeling not interested in church, to God, or to the Bible, we have started to close God out of our lives. We should leave the entryway of our heart continually open to God then we will not have to stress over missing him knocking. Letting Christ in is the only hope for eternal peace.
 
Challenging Message –
Jesus is knocking on the entryway of our heart’s door each time we sense that we should go to him. He wants to have us fellowship with him. He wants us to freely open ourselves to him. He is patient and tireless in attempting to commune with us, not breaking and entering, however, but by knocking. He permits us to choose whether or not to open our lives to him. Do we purposefully keep his power and presence on the opposite side of the door?

• What is the condition of our Christian reputation?
• What is the condition of our repentance?
• Revelation 3:16, So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
• 2 Timothy 3:5, Having a form of godliness, but denying the power there of: from such turn away.
• Malachi 1:10, Who is there even among you that would shut the doors for nought? neither do ye kindle fire on mine altar for nought. I have no pleasure in you, saith the Lord of hosts, neither will I accept an offering at your hand.

 
A cold church is a dead church, but a hot church is alive.
 
 
A Church of Casual Christianity –

• Chooses popularity over righteousness.
• Has a profession but it has no power.
• Does not ask for forgiveness of sin.
• Is only saved from the consequences of sin.
• Is controlled by the flesh.
• Rarely shares the Gospel.
• Loves themselves more than others.
• Does not Fully Rely On God but relies only in their own plans.

 

Jude 1:12
 
Jude wrote this letter to warn believers of false teachers (Colossians 2:4) that were teaching the Christians that they could do what they wanted without fear of reprisal from God. Many believers in todays churches may still act in this manner. We need to heed the warning of these false teachers and of living a false life. Jude 1:1-16 discusses the danger of false teachers. Jude 1:17-25 discusses the duty to fight for God’s truth.
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This letter was to encourage believers to action. The Christians needed to recognize and defend themselves against the teachings from these false teachers. How true it is today that believers still need to watch out for false teachings? I want us to focus today on verse twelve of the book of Jude.
 
“These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear.”
 
Before believers celebrated the Lord's Supper in the early church, they ate a regular meal prior to communion. This meal was designed to be a sacred fellowship time as the believers prepared their hearts when they partook of the communion. That is why it was called the “feasts of charity” or love feasts. It reminds me of a fellowship dinner on a Sunday afternoon after morning service. Unfortunately, many false teachers joined in these feasts causing the feasts to turn into gluttonous and drunken parties. Many ate most of the food while others went hungry (1 Corinthians 11:20-22).

These people claimed to be Christians but did not live the life of a believer (Philippians 3:19). They were only concerned with their personal desires and not the needs of others. It was as if these false shepherds were more into feeding themselves in lieu of ensuring the flock was fed (2 Peter 2:13). While at these feasts, which were for promoting love and unity among the believers, the false teachers gossiped and slandered any who opposed them. These people were guilty leading others away from God (1 Corinthians 11:27).

These spots can be translated as hidden rocks. And hidden rocks cause many a shipwreck of the faith (1 Timothy 1:19-20). They did not treasure the faith, nor did they did not keep their conscience clear. This led to hardening of their hearts.
 
“Clouds they are without water, carried about of winds.”

False teachers might look like they are filled with God’s Word, but they are only dry and empty (Proverbs 25:14). They may be dressed in fine clothes, appearing to be pious and they may be eloquent of speech. But they are only pretty and drifting clouds going across the sky (2 Peter 2:17). They appeared to be filled with water but never gave any. Do not get caught up in the ‘wind’ of the false teachers, where we can get carried about in false doctrine (Ephesians 4:14). How many are like Jeremiah, sunk in the mire of a dungeon, where there is no water? (Jeremiah 38:6) A well without water is a dry well. If there is no water, then there is no life. A dry well is a danger to others. We should always look to Christ, the Living Water (John 4:14).
 
“Trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots.”

Christ gave a warning about false teachers (Matthew 7:20). Every plant that is not planted by God will be rooted up (Matthew 15:13). If the plant is not fruitful, it will be cursed (Mark 11:12-20).  These men were spiritually dead, having returned to their transgressions after knowing of the truth (Luke 9:62).  The apostates are dead in sin, and whose bodies will also die. To put it another way, when a person is born once (naturally), that person will die twice (naturally and spiritually). But when a person is born twice (naturally and spiritually), that person will only die once (naturally).

• Matthew 15:13, But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.

 
How much do we value the Word of God, church fellowship, and obeying Christ? Numerous false teachers are out there waiting to break down the credibility of the Word of God, the unification of the church body, and our own life which is centered in Christ. We must not allow church functions to be an event to where selfishness, disorder, gluttony, or any sins, to come in and dismantle our church unity or to interfere with the purpose of any church assembly.
The church needs to be reminded of the need for continued vigilance, to remain strong in the faith and to defend itself against heresy.

3 John 1:1-14
 
Where is our hospitality? Are we a Diotrephes or a Demetrius?
 
 
In verses 1-8:

• Letter gives important glimpse into early church
• John is telling how he felt after hearing about Gaius.
• Concerned for health and well-being
  • Romans 12:13, Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
• In early church days, traveling preachers/teachers were helped by local churches and members
• This is what Gaius did, opened his home
• Is it not exciting to know that someone from our past is still preaching, singing, etc?
  • Colossians 1:10, That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
• Praise the Lord, God is still working in that person’s life
• Sometimes during revivals, the visiting preacher would stay at a church members home, not a motel, the church cared for the ministers needs
• God’s true ministers do not preach/teach to make money, but out of love for God
• Do churches still do that? Are they ashamed of what the minister might see?
• Those who help are vital to the ministry

 
In verses 9-10:

• We see here that Diotrephes was self-centered, cared more for his position, his titles, than God's church and how the church could prosper. He wanted to control the church
  • Matthew 19:30, But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.
• He refused to listen to other spiritual leaders, slandered other leaders, he was a bad example for refusing to welcome other Gospel teachers
  • Matthew 20:16, So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.
• He had sin of pride, and jealousy
  • Mark 10:31, But many that are first shall be last; and the last first.
• Church leaders are to be sound stewards, be in unity
  • Luke 13:30, And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last.
• Churches should not allow a Diotrephes to take control, one who refuses to allow Gospel teachers and preachers of sound doctrine
  • Philippians 2:3, Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

 
In verses 11-14:

• Demetrius had a good report of all men, a good witness, lived what he said
  • Psalm 34:14, Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.
• John saw and heard of this good witness in Demetrius
• His character was true because he followed the Truth
• 2 John emphasizes refusal of false teachers
• 3 John urges hospitality to those that speak the truth
• Again, we see that John wanted to speak face to face instead of writing
• He greeted them proclaiming Peace
  • Matthew 7:16-20, Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

 

2 John 1:1-13
 
Do not just read but obey. To walk in truth, one knows how to act, what to do, is willing to learn, and is determined to do so.
 
In verses 1-3:

• John was an elder, he loved the church, he was writing this letter to warn the church and congregation to watch out for false teachers.
• The Truth is Jesus.
  • 1 John 2:21, I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.
  • John 14:6, I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father but by me.
• When we have accepted the truth, we have accepted Jesus, we know that He abides in us.
• Grace - unmerited favor of God.
• Mercy - kindness of God.
• Peace - binds together, well-being, stability.

 
In verses 4-6:

• I found of thy children walking in truth:
  • Does the church walk in truth?
  • Does the church keep God's commandments?
  • Does the church 'daily walking close to thee'?
• John saw the church in harmony, spirit, truth.
  • Do we - her hair looks different
  • He did not shave, the nerve of him
  • He is in jeans; her dress is cut too low
• Keep your eyes on Christ
• I beseech thee - pay attention, listen, and hear closely
• We had this commandment from the beginning
  • Leviticus 19:18, Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself: I am the Lord.
  • John 13:34, A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another, as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
• It is one thing to say it, but do we do it, do we show it

 
In verses 7-9:

• Since the fall of man, Satan has been set on deceiving as many people as possible
• He has led countless times astray, pretending to be something he is not
• John was warning that not only would false teachers come from outside the church, but could come from inside the church as well

• 1 John 4:1, Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

• False teachers twist the truth, make it sound good, but denies the power of the Holy Spirit
• Unbelievers are led further away from the Truth by false teachers, and may refuse God outright
• Examine ourselves
  • Matthew 7:3, And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
• How have we served God? Have we done what we Should do?
• False teachers say 'look at me, look at me'
• When they should be saying 'look to Jesus, look to Jesus'
  • Matthew 7:21-23, Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of Heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
• Do we abide in the doctrine of Christ?
• Some refuse to accept the virgin birth, the resurrection, and the ascension
• They add to or take away from the scriptures

 
In verses 10-13:

• Do not encourage false teachers, by letting them in, you approve of what they say
• In early times, some church meetings were held in homes
• Here John is saying do not let them in
• Guilty by association
• If we are seen with a certain type of people, others may believe we are the same as them
• We are a peculiar people
  • 1 John 3:1, Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
  • Matthew 6:24, No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
• Work to win them to Christ but watch out for the devil's traps
• John felt it was too important to continue writing a letter, felt he could explain more in person
• False teaching is serious, do not overlook it

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1 John 5:16-21
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All believers have sinned, but we have an advocate with the Father to ask for forgiveness.  And, we are not to put anything between us and God.
 
In verses 16-17:

• Commentators differ in thoughts regarding what the sin unto death is. 
• Is it a physical death or a spiritual death? 
• The Apostle Paul had written that a few Christians had died since they took communion disgracefully
  • 1 Corinthians 11:27-30, Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.
• Ananias and Sapphira gave up the ghost (died), when they lied to God (Acts 5:1-11)
• Blaspheming against the Holy Spirit brings about spiritual death
  • Mark 3:29, But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation.
• An individual who betrays Christ dies a spiritual death
  • Hebrews 6:4-6, For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
• It may be the case that John was considering believers that had left the Christians fellowship.
• By rejecting the only way to salvation, people are putting themselves out of the reach of prayer
  • Hebrews 10:26, For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
• Even if we knew what the 'sin of death' was, we cannot know if someone has committed it.
• We should continue praying for others, and let God be the judge.

• We can't ask that the sins of the remorseless and unbelieving ought to be excused them; or that leniency ought to be conceded to them, while they stubbornly proceed with such.
• Be that as it may, we may appeal to God for their repentance, for their being advanced with faith in Christ.
• We ought to petition God for other people, just as for ourselves, importuning the Lord to absolve and recuperate the fallen, and to give ease to the enticed and distressed.
• Believers, when asked by other believers, should offer prayer and support
  • James 5:14-15, Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
• John urges them to acknowledge that in spite of the fact that transgression is transgression, not all wrongdoings lead to death.

 
In verses 18-19:

• All of humanity are isolated into two domains; that which has a place with God, and that which has a place with the devil.
• Genuine believers have a place with God, and they are of God; while the rest, are in the might of the devil
  • John 10:28-29, And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
• This general affirmation incorporates all unbelievers, whatever their calling, station, or circumstance, or by whatever name they might be called.
• The Son drives believers to the Father, and they are in the affection and favor of both; in unification with both, by the inhabiting and working of the Holy Spirit.
• Cheerful are those to whom it is given to realize that the Son of God is come, and to trust and depend on Him.
• Christians that commit sins, request that God forgive them, and they keep on serving Him.
• God has liberated believers from subjection to Satan.
• God guards the believers from Satan's constant assaults.
• Except a sinner comes to know Christ, they choose the option to obey Satan.
• There is no center ground.
• Either believers have a place with God and obey Him, or they live under Satan's influence.

 
In verses 20-21:

• Jesus came to earth to die for us to cover our sins.
• Jesus is completely God and completely human simultaneously.
  • John 1:1, In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
  • Luke 24:45, Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
• Our opinion of Jesus is key to our educating, preaching, and living.
• Through confidence and faith in Jesus, we can have everlasting life.

• May we be kept by God’s power through faith, unto unceasing salvation.
  • John 15:5, I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
  • John 17:3, And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

• An idol is whatever substitutes genuine faith for anything that denies Christ of His deity and His humanity, any human thought that professes to be more legitimate than the Bible, or any dedication that replaces God as the focal point of our lives
  • 1 Corinthians 10:7, Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.
• May this be to our benefit; that we will therefore be kept from all false doctrines and idols.
• May we be kept from the idolatry of worldly things
  • 1 Thessalonians 1:9, For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;

• Who is Jesus Christ to you?

 

1 John 5:1-15
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When we accept Christ as our Savior, we become a child of God and have eternal life.

In verses 1-5:

• We know that if we love God and keep His commandments, then we love the children of God
• God determines who our family members are, we are to accept and love them
• As we love our earthly family, we should love our spiritual (Christian) family
• Jesus never promised that following Him would be easy
• Jesus overcame the world; therefore, we can overcome the world because Christ lives in us
• Hard work and self-discipline are no burden to those who serve Christ and love Him
• Matthew 11:28-30, Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest, Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me: for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
• John 16:33, These things I have spoken unto you, that ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.

 
In verses 6-10: 

• Came by water and blood may refer to Christ' baptism and crucifixion
• Bear record in Heaven - Father, Word, Holy Ghost are one Spiritual witness
• Bear witness in earth - Spirit, water, blood agree in one to the world
• We receive the witness of man by our ears,
• The witness of God is greater for we hear it with our hearts
• God declared Jesus His Son at baptism
• Matthew 3:17, And lo a voice from heaven saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
• God testified of His Son at transfiguration
• Matthew 17:5, While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.
• If we have Jesus (God's Son) in our hearts, then we have the witness

 
In verses 11-15:

• God gave His Son that we could have life
• John 3:16-17, For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
• If we believe, we have life
• Simple verse, simple statement, simple meaning
• We do not have to wait for it
• We do not have to work for it
• We do not need to worry
• We have been given eternal life by God
• Some people hope for eternal life
• John states we can know we have eternal life
• Eternal life based on facts, not feelings
• God said it, Jesus did it, I believe it, Just do it, It is done
• By God's will, not ours, Confidence = belief
• Communicating with God is not demanding what we want, we discuss what He wants for us, align our prayers to His will

1 John 4:7-21 
 
Agape - unconditional love (Godly)
Storge - family love
Philia - beneficial love (brotherly)
Eros - romantic love
 
If we center ourselves on God, abiding in His giving Love, there could be no avenue for the works of the flesh to enter our lives.
  
In verses 7-10: 

• We know that love comes from God, and with the love of God in us, we love others
• Ever been in a service where the Spirt of God moved from person to person, toughing our hearts so much that you didn't want the service to end? Our differences where set aside as God's love moved, pouring through everyone.
• We need to keep it that way, especially toward the world
• How does, or how will the world know that we have the love of God in us? They will see it.
• How did God show His love for mankind? He gave His only begotten Son - John 3:16
• He could have sent some other Heavenly being, but He gave Jesus
• I do not think that I could give my child for someone else, could you?
• God did, that's how much He loves His creation

  
In verses 11-13: 

• If God so loved us, and we claim to have the love of God in us, then we should love one another, no questions asked
• 1 Peter 3:8, Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren be pitiful, be courteous:
• 1 Peter 1:22, Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:
• We may disagree on certain issues, but God's love can overcome those issues
• How can the world believe in God's love unless we tell them? We SHOW them.
• No one has seen God, but His love can be seen in us

  
In verses 14-16: 

• Are we an eyewitness?
• Picture a reporter doing a live interview... "I just saw that crazy man run out the store waving and pointing his gun at people, the police showed up, told him to drop it, the man raised his gun like he was going to shoot at this lady, then the police shot the man"
• Now, from a spiritual perspective - "sir, how do you know God's in there?"
• What would we do and how would we respond to the reporter?
• When we profess God’s love, we are an eyewitness to the truth, we should show it / tell it with enthusiasm
• Hebrews 13:1-3, Let brotherly love continue, be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.

  
In verses 17-21: 

• On judgment day, will we proclaim Jesus, or hang our heads in shame
• I know where my soul will go when my body ceases to exist on this earth
• I often wonder how my life will stand, did I do enough, did I proclaim Jesus enough
• I thank God for His Son Jesus, and what He did for me
• I cannot repay Him; I must strive to do what I can daily
• God's love is the source of our love
• Being at church on Sunday is good and we need it
• But the real test of love is during the week, how we treat others, how we are doing or not doing for the world
• 1 Corinthians 16:22, If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha. (let him be cursed, our Lord will come to take vengeance)

1 John 3:15-24 
 
The life of grace is the start and first standard in the heart of a Believer. Those who have disdain in their hearts for their brother must be deprived of love.
​
Jesus taught that hate is the same as murder. The life of Jesus, eternal life, cannot abide in us if we hate others. Do we detest any of our fellow Christians, or for that matter, anyone?
 
In verses 15-16:

• John repeats Jesus' words that one who loathes someone else is a killer in his heart
• Christianity is in the heart, outward consistence alone isn't sufficient
• Harshness against somebody who has wronged you is an insidious disease inside you and will in the long run annihilate you
• Try not to let a base of harshness develop in you or your congregation
• Genuine love is an activity, not an inclination
• A sacrificial and selfless giving is what love creates in us
• The best demonstration of love anybody can do is to give himself for other people
• How might we lay our lives down for another?
• At times it may be simpler to state we'll give our lives for others than to genuinely live for them, which includes putting others' wants first
• Jesus instructed this rule of love in
• Matthew 5:21
• John 8:44
• Hebrews 12:15
• John 15:13
• John 3:16
• Romans 5:8
• Ephesians 5:2

  
In verses 17-18:

• These verses give a case of how to set out our lives for other people
• Christians must show their love, and one approach to do that is to give cash or material belongings to help address others' issues
• This is strikingly like James' lessons
• How obviously do your activities state you truly love others?
• Is it true that you are as liberal as you ought to be with your cash, assets, and time?
• Offer what you have with the individuals who need it
• James 2:14-17
• Luke 3:11
• 1 John 4:20
• Romans 12:9

  
In verses 19-20: 

• Many are apprehensive that they don't love others as they ought to
• They feel regretful on the grounds that they think they are not doing what's needed to demonstrate legitimate love to Christ
• So, their conscience begins to irritate them
• John had these individuals as a primary concern when he composed this letter
• How would we get away from the biting allegations of our own conscience?
• We should not disregard them or justify our conduct; we should set our hearts to rest in God's affection
• If we feel regretful, we ought to advise ourselves that God sees our hearts and our activities
• Our conscience is not as strong as God's voice of assurance
• If we keep ourselves in Christ, He won't denounce us
• If we are living for the Lord yet feel we are sufficiently bad, we should advise ourselves that God is greater
• Romans 8:1
• Hebrews 9:14
• Romans 12:9

  
In verses 21-22:

• You can come to God unafraid, sure that your requests will be heard, if your conscience is clear
• John reaffirms Jesus' guarantee, 'Ask and it will be given you'
• If we obey, we will receive
• When we obey, we ask in accordance with God's will
• This doesn't imply that we can have anything we want
• If we are genuinely looking for God's will, there are a few solicitations we won't make
• Matthew 7:7
• Matthew 21:22
• John 9:31
• James 5:16

  
In verses 23-24:

• We believe on the name of Jesus and in His person as the Son of God
• Believing 'on the name' signifies we design our lives after Jesus, to be more similar to Him by joining ourselves with Him
• Dwelling in Him is a fundamental relationship that shows itself in Christians who keep three basic orders:
  • Belief in Christ
  • Love the brethren
  • Live a moral life
• The presence of the Spirit is not only spiritual but practical
• His presence is verified in our conduct
• Romans 8:9
• 1 John 2:3
• 1 John 2:5
• 1 John 2:27

1 John 3:8-9 
 
What is victory and what does it mean?

• Victory - a conquest, a gaining of superiority in a contest, overcoming an enemy, success in a struggle, to endeavor against odds or difficulties.
• Defeat - to suffer, prevention of success, loss of a contest, failure, to be overthrown.

 
Have you ever felt victory over something? Defeat?
 
Ever had hills to climb, rivers to cross, valleys to go through? Maybe something in your life was a struggle. You fought for a while. Maybe you gave up because you lost hope. Or maybe, you said to yourself, whatever happens, oh well.
​
In this passage, John writes, the person that dwells in Christ, proceeds not in the act of transgression. Denying sin is the incredible evidence of the spiritual association with continuation in, and the saving grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ. He that doeth righteously is upright, and being a follower of Christ, shows his faith in his obedience and sufferings. Be that as it may, a man cannot act like the devil, and simultaneously be a disciple of Christ Jesus. A regenerated person should not sin as he did before being born again. Why? Because Christ's light that is in his heart shows the evil malignancy of sin, whereby he should oppose and hate sin. Let us not serve or enjoy what the Son of God came to destroy.

We all have areas where temptations and old habits are hard to conquer. This is where Satan can attack us, so we must be vigilant and be prepared. John is referring to people who continue to sin and try to find ways to justify their behavior. “Doth not commit and cannot sin” means that the child of God does not deliberately try to sin. All believers sin, but we should be continually striving to overcome sin. “His seed remaineth in him” refers to the children of God abiding in God. A new life was born in us so we should not make a practice of sin.

Being Born of God, is when a person has accepted Christ as their Savior. Being born again is a rebirth into a new family because we have accepted Christ's death as the propitiation for our sins. God the Father then forgives us and accepts un into this new family. Then, the Holy Spirit moves into our hearts and minds and begins to change us to be more like Christ.
 
So, what are these three steps to finding victory over sin?
 
First, we should continually read the Word of God and seek the power of the Holy Spirit.
Second, we should run away from lecherous impulses (lustful desires). And third, we should look for assistance from other believers. We can accomplish this by renewing our minds daily.

• Romans 12:2, And be not conformed to this world but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
• Ephesians 4:22-24, That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

 
Victory brings happiness, joy, and contentment. Defeat brings heaviness, sorrow, and pain.

• Isaiah 41:10, Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
• Isaiah 43:18-19, Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.
• Psalms 118:6, The Lord is on my side, I will not fear, what can man do unto me?
• Ecclesiastes 3:1, To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.
• Job 23:10, But he knoweth the way that I take; when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

 
 
Church Hymnal, page 120, Victory in Jesus
 
I heard an old, old story, how a Savior came from glory,
How He gave His life on Calvary to save a wretch like me;
I heard about His groaning, of His precious blood's atoning,
Then I repented of my sins and won the victory
 
O victory in Jesus, my Savior, forever,
He sought me and bought me with His redeeming blood;
He loved me ere I knew Him, and all my love is due Him,
He plunged me to victory, beneath the cleansing flood.