Sermon Follow-up

The Last Hour 1 John 2:18–29 Summary of What Was Preached The apostle John declares that the Church is living in “the last hour,” a period that began with the coming of Jesus Christ and will continue until the consummation of His kingdom. The last days, therefore, are not merely a brief period of turmoil immediately preceding Christ’s return, but the present age of redemption inaugurated by His incarnation. John identifies one of the distinguishing characteristics of this age as ...

Two Inevitable Conclusions 1 John 2:7–17 Summary of What Was Preached The apostle John presents two inevitable conclusions that arise from the revelation of God in Jesus Christ. These conclusions are necessary consequences of genuine fellowship with the Father and His Son. Those who have believed the gospel and are walking in the light of Christ, as John puts it, have entered into a new relationship with God, and that relationship must necessarily influence how they live.   The first ...

Proof of Life 1 John 2:1–6   Summary of What Was Preached The apostle John teaches that a genuine profession of faith in Jesus Christ must be accompanied by evidence of spiritual life. The gospel does not merely change what a person believes or professes; it changes how that person lives. John begins with a tender expression of pastoral concern, addressing his readers as his little children and urging them not to sin. Yet he immediately reminds them that when ...

Fellowship with the Father and with His Son 1 John 1:1–10 The Christian faith is founded upon the historical reality of Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God Who came into the world in human flesh. The apostle John begins his first epistle by declaring that he and the other apostles personally heard, saw, and touched the incarnate Word of Life. Their testimony is not based upon speculation or religious imagination, but upon their firsthand experience with the Savior. The ...

Naboth's Vineyard 1 Kings 21 Summary The account of Naboth’s vineyard reveals the destructive consequences of sinful desires when men and women disregard the authority of God’s Word. King Ahab coveted a vineyard belonging to Naboth, a man who faithfully honored the inheritance entrusted to his family under the Law of God. When Naboth refused to surrender his property, Ahab responded with resentment and self-pity. His evil wife Jezebel arranged for Naboth to be falsely accused and murdered. Their actions ...