1 John

1 John 1

September 29, 2011

1 John 1

Bible Passage:  1 John 1

1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life— 2 the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us— 3 that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. 4 And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.

~ 1 John 1: 1-4

Today’s reading is short, just 10 verses. What did we learn and how did we feel after reading?

Authenticity

Keeping it real.

Staying true.

The above four verses mention the early disciples of God having heard, seen and handled the things of God. A first-hand account of anything is most accurate because the person who relates a certain happening was on hand to see, hear and experience the incident. A friend who has spent much time with you will know your character better than someone who may have heard of your quirks through another friend.

But what did these early disciples of God see, hear and handle, which they felt was so important that they are sharing it with us today?

  • The Word of life
  • God manifested – Jesus
  • Eternal life

The apostles and several other disciples spent time in the company of Jesus, learning the word, hearing His teachings and some even witnessed His resurrection. The message of Christianity and salvation which they are declaring to us today through the Bible is what they have received and experienced for themselves!

Each of their accounts as penned faithfully in the Bible is real and true.

Today, some of us have chosen our faith and are baptised Christians. But what was the basis of our choice in the beginning?

How do we strengthen our beliefs, practice our faith and renew our faith each day?

Do we truly know whom we believe?

Hymn 136 “I Know Whom I Have Believed” comes to mind, and the accompanying verse from 2 Tim 1:12:

“For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.”

In relooking the status of our faith today, we also want to make sure we are not merely following somebody else’s faith e.g. parents, children, spouses, friend. We also search our hearts and make sure we are not only making an appearance of our fervency and faith.

“For you were hypocrites in your hearts when you sent me to the Lord your God, saying, ‘Pray for us to the Lord our God, and according to all that the Lord your God says, sp declare to us and we will do it.’ And I have this day declared it to you, but you have not obeyed the voice of the Lord your God or anything which He has sent you by me.”

~ Jeremiah 42: 20-21

Let us search our hearts today – whether or not our faith in God genuine, and our fellowship with Him and our fellow brethren true (John 14:16-17; 1 John 1:7).

 

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2 Comments

  • PS
    October 3, 2011 at 2:51 AM Reply

    生命可以通过言语来传吗？Can life be passed on by words?

    John said that it can. Moreover this life which is passed on is the eternal life which is from the beginning.

    We have received the complete gospel. Do we feel the urgency to pass on the eternal life through words we speak?

    1 John 1:10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make God a liar, and His word is not in us.

    James 4:17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.

    Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

    The grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus saves us.

    Colossians 3:3 says that the life of a baptized member is hidden with Christ in God.

    Take courage from our source of life. Use our words to pass on the life given to us freely.

    (This thought crossed my mind and pulled me out of my slumber: if i do nothing (prayer, sharing, tracting…anything, just do something) to participate in preaching His gospel of life, i m like a piece of invalid member in the body of Christ. When Lord Jesus comes again, i m doomed.)

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