Video O: 1 John 5:13-21 (05-14-17)

In this topsy-turvy world do you sometimes wish there was something you could know for sure? We chase answers. Our minds race. We search for someone we can depend on. We wonder if anyone is listening. We forget what we once thought we had learned.

Even those who were once lost, but now are found, recognize moments when they are disoriented and unsure of just exactly where they are. And lose sight of who they are. In times like these we too often seek satisfaction and assurance in things and situations that disappoint and confuse us.

If only I get the right job, then I'll know. If only I find the right spouse, then I'll know. If only I study harder, then I'll know. If only I withdraw "to find myself", then I'll know. If only I had more money, had more time, had more patience, had more luck, had more sense, had more stuff, had more space... then I'd know. If only. Then I'd know. I'd know what I'm supposed to know.

The Christian life sure would be easier if someone would just tell us what we need to know. Maybe they could write it down for us so that we could refer back to it from time to time and remind ourselves. Maybe it could be written as a sort of love letter, even. That would be great. We'd love that, wouldn't we? A love letter telling us what we really need to know to really experience living, to really have life... that's what we want. Perhaps. It's what we need. For sure.

In God's perfect providence He has given us just this, through the pen of the Apostle John. God's people come together as the people of God to sing, pray, confess, rejoice, learn, and proclaim. The sermon examines 1 John 5:13-21, a portion of John's letter of love to his brothers and sisters in Christ.