The Alley Church Podcast

1 John 1:1-4

Before we read this, let’s jump in with “we” are the apostles, eyewitnesses, and disciples...perhaps just a few were left on Earth, but mainly John is saying, look...this gnosticism is crap... I WAS THERE, WE WERE THERE...And we are telling you there is JOY in this. Back then personal testimony held huge weight so he is starting out strong and establishing his authority to be heard.

“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes (recognized), which we have looked at (observed His glory) and our hands have touched —this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. (2) The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. (3) We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. (4) We write this to make our joy complete.” This is God’s word!

Woven into this letter are three main points:

1. True teaching (true understanding) Do you get it?
2. True living (we obey God’s commands) Do you obey it?
3. True loving (we love others because we are loved by God, and God is love) Do you prove it?

We start a new book today and so let's watch a quick overview of 1 John by the amazing people at The Bible Project. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3QkE6nKylM
John 1:1-4

In 1st John we are going to examine,

What does it mean to be a follower of Jesus?

So ASK...What does it mean to be a follower of Jesus?

Background information:

Who wrote this letter? John the disciple of Jesus, James brother the sons of Zebedee, a fisherman, one of the 3 closest to Jesus, and the disciple who witnessed Jesus' crucifixion. And an Apostle. And as far as we know the only Apostle to die of natural causes rather than martyred for his faith.

John wrote other books of the Bible? What are they?

John is writing this to 2nd and 3rd generation believers and probably some 4th generation toddlers. It may be hard to conceive of the fact that first century Christianity was going through some major issues that was causing these 2nd and 3rd generation Christians to falter in their faith. So John is writing to encourage them through his first hand knowledge of who Jesus is, and all He has done for us.

There are 3 things John wants for every believer in Jesus Christ.

1. True teaching, (true understanding)
2. True living, (we obey God’s commands)
3. True loving, (we love others because we are loved by God, because God is love)

Today is a topic from one of you.

If you have something you’d like us to talk about, please let us know and if you could put it in writing and give it to Sandy, or John that would be great.

So today’s topic is answering the question about what is Progressive Christianity and how we in our church be lovingly “inclusive” of everyone.

This is a very important topic because it’s very relevant to our culture today. Shandel and I sat in churches ourselves but didn't hear any talk on this and other difficult conversations on “Progressive Christianity” or other culturally significant subjects that quite often divide people.
The purpose this morning is not to defend mainstream Christianity or progressive Christianity, but to look at what the Bible has to say about many of these social issues that are very relevant today that raise a lot of questions in people's minds as to how I should respond to these very polarizing topics.

What is living an abundant life?

John 10:10

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. Abundantly here is defined as “that which exceeds necessity”.

Today we’re going to talk about 3 ways to help you live an abundant life.

When you think of an abundant life what does that mean to you?

Are you living an abundant life?

Living an abundant life is satisfying, thrilling, and purposeful. It is the life we talked about during our James study as “the good life”. Because the good life “does” according to humble wisdom.

The humble wise person puts their time and attention into things that matter. The things that matter have eternal significance. Dot on the line of eternity.

So what does it take to live an abundant life?

1st it takes understanding your purpose.

2nd it’s obedience

3rd it takes absolute trust.

1st it takes understanding your purpose.

And our purpose is a relationship with God.