Sermon Preview For Sunday, October 18, 2026: Fellowship with the Father and with His Son

Sermon Preview

For Sunday, October 18, 2026

Fellowship with the Father and with His Son

1 John 1:1–10

This Lord’s Day, we will begin a new sermon series on the First Epistle of John, one of the most practical and encouraging letters in the New Testament. Writing as an eyewitness of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, the apostle John presents the essential truths of the Christian faith in language that is remarkably clear and direct. His purpose is not merely to communicate what Christians should believe, but to demonstrate how those beliefs must influence the way we live. Throughout this letter, John will emphasize the relationship between genuine faith, obedience to God’s Word, and our fellowship with the Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and one another.

In the opening chapter, John introduces two foundational truths that will govern much of his teaching. First, Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God who entered this world in human flesh, bringing the promise of everlasting life. Second, God is perfectly holy, and those who claim to know Him must demonstrate the reality of that relationship in their conduct. John describes this distinction in terms of light and darkness, reminding us that a profession of faith must be accompanied by a life that reflects the character of the God we worship. Yet John also brings us a wonderful message of hope: although we are sinners, God has provided the means by which our sins may be forgiven and our fellowship with Him established.

As we begin this new series, we will consider what it truly means to know God and enjoy fellowship with Him. How can sinful human beings enter into communion with a perfectly holy God? What evidence should appear in the lives of those who profess to belong to Jesus Christ? And how should the knowledge of God’s grace influence our relationships with others? These are among the important questions John will help us answer.

I encourage you to read the first chapter of First John in preparation for our worship together. May the LORD use this study to deepen our understanding of His Word, strengthen our assurance in Christ, and increase our joy in the wonderful privilege of fellowship with Him.

Additional thoughts:

“Penitent confession and acknowledgment of sin are the believer’s business, and the means of his deliverance from his guilt.” Matthew Henry

“The heralds of the Gospel chosen by Christ were those who were fit and faithful witnesses of all those things which they were to declare.” John Calvin

“Religion without morality is an illusion.” John Stott

“The more we see [our sins] the more we shall esteem and value the remedy.” Matthew Henry

“Love is a sweet word, but sweeter the deed.” Augustine