I do not want to make judgements on whether someone is a Christian or not if they claim to be one. However, John unsettles my tolerant comfort because he writes to the churches to give them ways to discern true … Read more
Category: 1 John
1 John 2.7-17. The old is new
To derail trust in God we simply present a new thing to trust in. This sales pitch will be effective because, in our city ‘new’ means more up-to-date, more relevant, faster, more affordable… better. John, in his first letter to … Read more
1 John 1. Certainty
To a people who are uncertain John proclaims the certainty Jesus Christ as the coming of life himself into the world. Like us, the people who John wrote to knew we cannot live without certainty and were aware of different … Read more
1 John (introduction). Joy, Holiness, Confidence
Why think about 1 John?
John gives three reasons for writing his letter to the churches: to complete our joy (1:4), to promote holiness (2:1) and to build up confidence in the truths of Christianity (5:13). He writes against, false … Read more
1 John. Reprise. Keep yourself from idols
John wants uncertain and damaged communities to have certainty, assurance in God. The certainty that John wants Christians to have is a discerning and tested assurance – not an unexamined fundamentalism. His path to certainty and assurance are truth (about … Read more
1 John 5.13-21. Freedom
Many ages have their uncertainties but ours are legion. The paradox is the promise of individual freedom detatched from God has made us and our decisions insignificant. If we can believe what we like, love whom we like – this … Read more
1 John 5.1-5. Overcome the world
John tells the church that truth, love and obedience is what helps us to overcome the pressure to conform to what everyone else does, believes and says. It is not church marketing or management, showmanship in either pop or high … Read more