Cultivating a Biblical Church Culture - Dave Dickmann

Principles from the Epistle of James can instruct us in the culture God intends for our local churches:

1. Commit to enduring various trials together - James 1:2.

2. Pray together with expectation that God will give generously - James 1:5.

3. Humbly receive God's Word, which enables us to put off remaining sin and be saved from many problems - James 1:21.

4. Care sacrificially for needy ones - James 1:27.

5. Avoid partiality and divisions - James 2:1.

6. Value those who teach God's Word despite their various failings - James 3:1-2.

Testing Your Assurance - Nathan Rages

One of the main topics in the book of 1John is that of Assurance, meaning that someone is sure that he or she is actually saved.  

God wants every Christian to have Assurance (1John 5:13, Hebrews 10:22, 2Peter 1:10, and 2Corinthians 13:5).  On the other hand, the Bible warns us about having a false Assurance, meaning that someone thinks they are saved when they're actually not (Matthew 7:22-23, Titus 1:16, 2Timothy 3:5, Judas Iscariot, Simon the Sorcerer, and Demas). 

In John's letter, he repeatedly refers to three tests by which we can evaluate whether or not we are genuine Christians: 

1. Test of Obedience (to God's commands).  1John 2:3-6, 2:29, 3:3, 3:6-10, 3:24, 5:3

2. Test of Love (for the brethren).  1John 2:9-11, 3:11-12, 3:14-18, 4:7-12, 4:20-21, 5:1-2

3. Test of Truth (particularly about Christ Himself).  1John 2:22-24, 4:1-3, 4:15, 5:1, 5:5

Christ Our Propitiation - Nathan Rages

"and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world." 1John 2:2

"In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins." 1John 4:10

Christ Our Propitiation

1. What does the word mean?

2. When did Christ accomplish this?

3. What was God’s motivation for doing this?

4. How do I know that it’s actually for me?

Rescued from Darkness and Transferred into the Beloved Son's Kingdom - Z...

Colossians 1:13  "For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son"

Balanced Thinking About Our Remaining Sin - Nathan Rages

"My little children, 

I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. 

And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous;"  1John 2:1

As Christians, we have no greater challenge than dealing with our own remaining sin.  In this one verse, the Apostle John provides balanced instruction on the matter.  His two statements provide "guardrails" to protect us from two "ditches" into which we may easily slide: (1) being too lenient about our sin or (2) despairing after we have sinned. 

Walking in the Darkness or in the Light? - Nathan Rages

1John 1:6-10 6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; 7 but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us. 

In these verses, the Apostle John contrasts those who "walk in the darkness" (unsaved people) with those who "walk in the light" (Christians).  Folks in the darkness love their sin, but often deny their sin problem.  Those walking in the light, on the other hand, have confessed their sins to God and received His complete forgiveness and cleansing through the blood of Jesus His Son.  God is faithful and righteous to bestow this wonderful salvation upon all who embrace this simple Gospel promise! 

God is Light! - Nathan Rages

"This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all."  (1John 1:5)

Light symbolizes:

1. God’s revelation of truth.

2. God’s moral purity.

This great truth, that “God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all”...

1. Is the right starting point.

2. Is both refreshing and terrifying.

3. Gives confidence in God’s Word.

4. Gives comfort regarding God’s actions.

5. Is necessary to understand the Gospel.