IS GOD TRUTHFUL?

One of the most difficult and most direct portions of the New Testament is found in 1 John.  The difficult part is in trying to understand the meaning of "...there are three that bear witness, the Spirit, the water, and the blood;..."  Many Biblical scholars have worked that statement over and come to various conclusions.  But, even more fascinating to me is the "direct" part that is found in I John 5:10.  "Whoever does not believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has borne concerning his Son."  As usual, Spurgeon drove this home in a great way when he said this.  . “The great sin of not believing in the Lord Jesus Christ is often spoken of very lightly and in a very trifling spirit, as though it were scarcely any sin at all; yet, according to my text, and, indeed, according to the whole tenor of the Scriptures, unbelief is the giving of God the lie, and what can be worse?” 

Let's be ready to encourage one another in believing, loving, and serving God this Thursday morning as we come together to study 1 John 5.

Are you signed up to come to the Ladies Spring Luncheon?  You don't want to miss it.  This Saturday morning at 11 am.  Adria Hanson will be sharing about God's amazing work in her life. 

VICTORIOUS, OR DEFEATED--IT'S YOUR CHOICE

Would you measure your life as a victorious life?  I'm thinking that the average person would say "no," either because they don't know what such a life looks like, or they don't know how to attain it.  A truly victorious life has nothing to do with what our society calls success, but, has everything to do with living in a close and obedient fashion to God.  Consider this great verse-- 1 John 5:4 "For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith."  For just some clarification on the meaning of "the world" think about this.  "...all that is opposed to keeping the commandments of God, or draws us off from God, in this world, including our corrupt flesh, on which the world’s blandishments or threats act, as also including Satan, the prince of this world..." JFB   We can have victory over all of these possible and likely areas of defeat--according to God.  Also, Spurgeon makes clear what "faith" really is.  “Look at any Greek lexicon you like, and you will find that the word [faith or believe] does not merely mean to believe, but to trust, to confide in, to commit to, entrust with, and so forth; the very marrow of the meaning of faith is confidence in, reliance upon.” Do you see the victorious living that is possible and essential for those who belong to the Lord?  We must trust Him and His ways way above anything this world has to offer.  That is why the day before Jesus was crucified He was able to say, "I have overcome the world."  Wow! 

Did you know there is a Spring Luncheon coming up on April 1st 11 am for all the ladies of the church.  You don't want to miss hearing Adria Hanson's story of how she came to the Lord--amazing!  Sign up in the foyer this Sunday morning so that we have a good count for the food preparers.  Bring a friend.

See you tomorrow morning as we study 1 John 5:1-5.

IS MY LOVE SACRIFICIAL?

"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.  He who does not love does not know God, for God is love."  1 John 4:7-8Let's think deeply about these two verses that make God's kind of love (agape) in our lives the evidence of whether we belong to Him, or not.  Do we show this sacrificial love to our husband? Our children? Other believers? Those who hate us?  Remember, "it is not a feeling but a determined act of will, which always results in acts of self-giving." John MacArthurConsider this very seriously, because it is not a question to lightly pass by; we will be discussing it on Thursday morning.  See you then!