In this kick-off sermon of a new series on the book of 1 John, Pastor Josh answers the questions: Who was John and why should we listen to him today?

John writes to Christians as a loving Father who desires the best for his children, and longs for us to experience the assurance of knowing we are God's children. John gives us two unique tests to apply to our life that we might have this assurance, and in the sermon, Pastor Josh unpacks them both and explains how Jesus being our advocate frees us to walk in this assurance and explains how it changes how we live and love. Although the Christian will never be perfect, we can and will experience progress in the Christian life as we look to Jesus and walk with the Father away from our sin.

Can a Christian lose their salvation? How do we know a true teacher from a false teacher? Is there a difference between Christianity and Mormonism? How can a Christian persevere to the end? These questions and more Pastor Josh answers as he unpacks John's 4 marks of authentic Christianity.

What is the difference between condemnation and conviction? How do we live so that we have confidence in the presence of God rather than cower in shame? What does it mean to truly believe in the name of Jesus and all he taught, claimed, accomplished, and commanded? These questions and more Pastor Josh answers in this uniquely practical sermon on how to grow as a disciple of Jesus in gospel confidence and conviction.

With a Father's heart, Grandpa John writes to Christians urging them to exercise wisdom and discernment by testing the spirits of prophets who claim to be from God and speak for God. False teaching abounds and comes at us from every side, so the warning and command could not be more timely. However, this is not license to be mean and critical of brothers and sisters in Christ, lest we become false teachers ourselves. In this very practical sermon, Pastor Josh lays out very clear ways to identify false prophets, examples of abuses of this text, and rules of engagement to follow when dealing with a teacher that appears to be outside the scope of biblical doctrine.

In this sermon, Pastor Josh unpacks the doctrine of Regeneration as explained by John. The powerful reality of being "born of God" changes everything in the life of the believer. Struggling with sin? Temptation? Discouragement? Doubt? Understanding the new birth will change how you view the pursuit of holiness and purity and obedience to God's commands forever.

As he concludes his letter, Grandpa John wants Christians to know what is essential and available in Christ. Pastor Adam unpacks 10 life-changing truths to give confidence and assurance to children of God. Listen to this sermon to hear 10 things that John wants you to know that you know that you know.