Life Together (2)

Service Notes

Time of prayer with Courtney in afternoon service

Seedline this coming weekend

Books of the Bible / Keynote

Genesis - Oct 2013

Exodus - Aug 2014

Leviticus - May 2009

Numbers - March 2015

Deuteronomy - November 2015

Joshua - Jan 2007

Judges - 2007

Ruth - December 2015

1 Samuel - June 2016

2 Samuel - November 2016

1 King - March 2017

2 Kings - January 2018

1 Chronicles - March 2018

2 Chronicles - August 2018

Ezra - October 2018

Nehemiah - February 2019

Esther - May 2019

Job - July 2019

Psalm - January 2020

Proverbs - October 2017

Ecclesiastes

Song of Solomon

Isaiah - August 2018

Jeremiah - October 2019

Lamentations

Ezekiel

Daniel

Hosea - March 2011

Joel - July 2016

Amos - August 2016

Obadiah - August 2016

Jonah - September 2016

Micah - October 2016

Nahum - November 2016

Habakkuk - November 2016

Zephaniah - November 2016

Haggai - December 2016

Zechariah - January 2017

Malachi - March 2017

Matthew - December 2015

Mark - August 2018

Luke - February 2021

John - July 2012

Acts - April 2009

Romans - December 2013

1 Corinthians - September 2011

2 Corinthians - December 2012

Galatians - June 2016

Ephesians - February 2014

Philippians - March 2010

Colossians - Sept 2010

1 Thessalonians

2 Thessalonians

1 Timothy - July 2006

2 Timothy -

Titus

Philemon - September 2010

Hebrews - July 2009

James

1 Peter - July 2008

2 Peter

1 John

2 John

3 John

Jude -

Revelation - February 2011

Core Values (10th Anniversary)

· Truth Filled Music

· Jesus is the Rightful Owner of the Church

· Missions Training and Sending

· Bible Centered Discipleship

· Gospel Centered Outreach

· Salvation by Grace, alone

· Text Driven Preaching

· Every Member a Minister

· Diversity in People & Unity in Faith

· Equipping the Next Generation

Chosen, a topic and a passage for today.

Introduction

If you are new to Vision I want you to know that we are celebrating 16 years as a church

Before I say anything about the past let me emphasize a couple of the announcements. Great Weekend

We were briefly a church in a basement, then a church in some offices, then a long stretch in a warehouse, and for the last 5 years in this building

51 of 66 Books of the Bible

Date Completed - Book

Genesis - Oct 2013

Exodus - Aug 2014

Leviticus - May 2009

Numbers - March 2015

Deuteronomy - November 2015

Joshua - Jan 2007

Judges - 2017

Ruth - December 2015

1 Samuel - June 2016

2 Samuel - November 2016

1 King - March 2017

2 Kings - January 2018

1 Chronicles - March 2018

2 Chronicles - August 2018

Ezra - October 2018

Nehemiah - February 2019

Esther - May 2019

Job - July 2019

Psalm - January 2020

Proverbs - October 2017

Isaiah - August 2018

Jeremiah - October 2019

Hosea - March 2011

Joel - July 2016

Amos - August 2016

Obadiah - August 2016

Jonah - September 2016

Micah - October 2016

Nahum - November 2016

Habakkuk - November 2016

Zephaniah - November 2016

Haggai - December 2016

Zechariah - January 2017

Malachi - March 2017

Matthew - December 2015

Mark - August 2018

Luke - February 2021

John - July 2012

Acts - April 2009

Romans - December 2013

1 Corinthians - September 2011

2 Corinthians - December 2012

Galatians - June 2016

Ephesians - February 2014

Philippians - March 2010

Colossians - Sept 2010

1 Timothy - July 2006

Philemon - September 2010

Hebrews - July 2009

1 Peter - July 2008

Revelation - February 2011

Books Left

2 Peter

Ecclesiastes

Song of Solomon

Lamentations

Ezekiel

Daniel

1 John

2 John

3 John

1 Thessalonians

2 Thessalonians

2 Timothy

James

Titus

Jude

During this same time we have have experienced some things that are unique to our church family

Lang’s Pad Thai and Leisa Banana Pudding in one meal

Ongoing Monday night teen Bible study been going on for over 10 years

We have seen AWANA started and grow and we are excited to see them outgrowing their space

We have been blessed to send out over 40 missionary families.

We have seen kids grow up here and get married. We have had many, many weddings

We have sung nearly 8000 times together

When we sing we make a wonderful noise to the Lord, though it is very similar to other churches but is unique to this congregation

We have been blessed in some wonderful, special, and unique ways as a church.

Let’s not look at what makes our church unique maybe to other churches but lets look at what makes the church unique to anything in this world.

Overview of 1 John

1 John 1:1 “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, of the Word of life;”

1 John 2:24 “24 Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.”

They had the truth right at the beginning because it was delivered to them by apostles. They had the truth about the gospel right. They had the truth about the person of Christ right. They had the truth about their own sinfulness right. They had the truth about righteousness and obedience right.

However, after some period of time, they had false teachers come in and they were getting another message.

1 John 3:11–24 (KJV 1900)

11 For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.

12 Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous.

13 Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.

14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.

15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.

16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

17 But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

19 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.

20 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.

21 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.

22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.

23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.

24 And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.

Intent of the passage

Those who do not have a genuine love for their brother should reexaime if they have a sincere love for the Father

The believers that make up this congregation will realize in salvation you were given a new capacity to love that should be lived out in your relationships in this church and should be a demonstration of the power of the Gospel to change lives to this world.

Summary Statement on Screen

Introduction

The Book of 1 john is wonderful book that helps us understand what new life in Christ looks like lived out in life together.

Incredible Introduction 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, of the Word of life;

Giving testimony of seeing Jesus first hand. Now we are being told of it first hand.

The writers want us to enjoy the same experience they were given. 1 John 1:3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

How do we know..

that we have passed from death unto life?

Is it not just like God that he should design the church so that we get the joy of loving and being loved, and He gets the glory for being the one who has provided all we need to live in this manner?

we are of the truth?

that He abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us?

These are very valid and important questions as a church.

We are not made up of believers who have passed from death unto life we are not a church at all

If we are not walking in the truth we are leading a generation astray

We are not guided by the Holy Spirit we are absolutely powerless in this community to make any lasting difference in the lives of those we meet

Have we passed from death to life? If so we will love the brethren.

1 John 3:14 (KJV 1900)

14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.

New life comes with a new walk.

We are to walk in the good works he has given us. Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Contrast with that of Cain. 1 John 3:12 Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous.

There’s just one Old Testament reference in this entire epistle and the only proper name.

How does Cain relate to the unloving. 1 John 3:15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.

Cain was presented as a religious man

Cain and Abel had the same parents, Adam and Eve. T

They were raised in the same home.

They had the same influences.

They were called to the same God to offer sacrifice. They both brought sacrifices to God.

Cain is never presented as an atheist. He is presented as a religious man.

The only God they knew about was the creator God, and they knew the God who was Creator.

Outward ritual, outward religiosity is no proof that a person is born of God.

Cain failed the test of love.

It’s clear that even though he was not an atheist, even though he was worshiping the true God, he was worshiping Him in a wrong way and he was worshiping him from a wicked heart.

The real test of Cain’s true religion wasn’t just his sacrifice. That was one test; that wasn’t the full test.

We could say, “Well, he was trying to get there by works and that’s bad.” It was worse than that. He despised the man who was obedient to God. He despised the man who was truly righteous.

John 13:35 (KJV 1900)

35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

We see two clear proofs of being from death to life in 1 John

1 John 3:10 (KJV 1900)

10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.

Much of 1 John is about how Jesus came to overcome the evil one.

Being that the Spirit lives inside of us sin will never have a permanent dwelling place. (no mother-in-law suite)

In our Life Together we call one another to a life of repentance and rejoicing.

The new life is a life together.

When are raised to walk in walk in newness of life we do this in the context of a church family that is going to walk with us.

Jesus models this for us; the multitudes, the 70, the 12, the 3, John the Beloved, when he went to be alone he took people with him

Paul has same example Acts 17:15 And they that conducted Paul brought him unto Athens: and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timotheus for to come to him with all speed, they departed.

Not just Paul but the entire church. Acts 2:46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

Evidently clear in Scriptures this life together is commanded for us

The Apostle Paul picks up the theme and gives over a dozen ways.

We are now made one. Romans 12:5 “So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.”

We are told to be affectionate one unto another. Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love;

Out doing in showing each other honor. Romans 12:10 ..in honour preferring one another

We should help build up one another. Romans 14:19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

We are to help instruct one another. Romans 15:14 And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.

We should provide equal care to one another. 1 Cor 12:25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.

With our new found liberty we should serve one another. Galatians 5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

We are called on to bear one another’s burdens. (many times this comes in the form of moving furniture) Galatians 6:2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

We are to do with patiently. Ephesians 4:2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;

We are even called to submit to one another. Ephesians 5:21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

We are to fight for the good of one another. 1 Thess 5:15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

It is not just with Paul (or is it depends on who you think wrote Hebrews)

God uses us to encourage one another to good works. (church announcements are a big way he does) Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

James adds James 4:11 Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.

We help those who have confessed sin and repented to be healed. James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

The Peter adds 1 Peter 4:9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging.

Never said this and probably will never again. But look to the brother or sister beside you and say “we have a high maintenance relationship.”

Don’t worry you will see we have been remade with a higher capacity to love then you might even think possible!

So between the death of Christ and the Last Day it is only by gracious anticipation of the last things that Christians are privileged to live in invisible fellowship with other Christians. It is by the grace of God that a congregation is permitted to gather visibly in this world to share God’s Word. Not all Christians receive this blessing. The imprisoned, the sick, the scattered lonely, the proclaimers of the Gospel in heathen lands stand alone. They know that visible fellowship is a blessing. - Bonhoeffer / Life Together

How do you view this idea of life together?

Extreme 1 Not looking for any real friendships here. Ill see you next Sunday, maybe.

Extreme 2 I am desperate for friendships and it is your job to create programs that make that happen for me

Both extremes need to discover what real love is, and why God designed us to give it and to receive it from Him and from each other.

Life together is how God designed us to live and worship Him. 1 Peter 2:5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

Do we belong to the truth? If so we will love the brethren.

1 John 3:19 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.

Christians can have a basic assurance that they are participating experientially in the truth

Refers back to 1 John 3:17-18 But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? 18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

High School Class taught about the back of our church sign. James 1:22 “22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”

Great capacity to love one another.

Belonging to truth allows us to love fervently. 1 Peter 1:22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:

Seeing that / since that

The command is based upon the capacity. Since God has wrought that in you, that capacity, do it fervently.

The Christian that I am the closest to is my wife. I can testify that I have seen her capacity to love grow from year to year.

God is not calling us to do in love what he has not given us the capacity to do.

Example of a common couple named Aquila and Priscilla

Remembered they let that young man Apollos in their home.

They helped Paul on his journey.

They had their home open to others.

Life on the line for others Romans 16:4 Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.

Seemingly larger demand.

Ever seen a brother in need and ignored him?

Are you willing to lay down you life for another? 1 John 3:16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

This will bring conviction to us all.

Greater Grace is offered

1 John 3:19–20 (KJV 1900)

19 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.

20 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.

Can you imagine how Peter felt when he had to answer Jesus with the question “lovest thou me?”John 21:17 And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.”

We can come to go with confidence in prayer.

Though imperfect in our love for one another

We desire to live out this truth. God knows our love for Him and one another

1 John 3:21–22 (KJV 1900)

21 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.

22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.

Summary thus far..

As a Christian actively engages in showing love one to another, we have boldness before God in prayer because we are living out God’s command for our lives

Does the Spirit abide in us? If so we will love the brethren.

1 John 3:24 (KJV 1900)

24 And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.

John showed that this kind of life is the manifestation of the indwelling God.

The way a believer can verify that God lives in him is by the operation of God’s Spirit in his life.

One commandment 1 John 3:23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.

First verse I read as the Pastor last year was Matthew 22:37 (1) Love the Lord, with all your heart, soul, and mind (2) love your neighbor

Two commandments so intertwined they appear as one.

We determined we wanted whatever ministry that would come as an outflow of loving God and loving one another.

Isn’t it amazing the joy we have been allowed to experience as he calls upon us to love one another and provides for us the capacity to do so?

Conclusion

What we need as a church moving forward is a great capacity to love one another. I am so thankful today that is not something I responsible to create or program for you. It comes with your new life in Christ.

If you are new to Vision we would love for you to know about this new life.

Purpose of 1 John stated like this 1 John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

You may have heard how it alters your eternity but we want you to know that the Gospel is transform everything about your life.

Including the ability to give and receive love.

Believer -

I would like to call upon you to move forward in your commitment to one another.

Consider what is your next step? Have you been baptized, have you made a commitment to the church through joining, maybe it is just being willing to take that person up on the offer to get together sometime and talk.

1 John 3:11 KJV 1900

11 For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.

Acts 2:46 KJV 1900

46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

John 13:34–35 KJV 1900

34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

Then Paul picks up the theme and gives over a dozen ways.

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Romans 15:5–7 (KJV 1900)

5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:

6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.