1 John 1:1 - 2:17

I know it is a lot but this is the passage we will be covering (or attempting to cover) this Sunday morning. So, in addition to your at least weekly reading of the whole book in a single setting, I am asking you to read just this section (1:1-2:17)with some particular focus. As you do so, keep these questions in mind:

1. In the introduction (1:1-4), what does John teach his churches about a) Jesus and b) the undergirding reason for his writing? Does this passage echo any other passages in the Bible you can think of?

2. How does section 1:8-2:2 either seem to balance or contradict section 2:3-11? Especially 2:1 vs. 2:4?

3. When reading section 2:12-14...try to hear it as one of John's church members might have. How would you take it?

Thanks...can't wait to see you guys this Sunday morning!

Oh, I also need to post some notes form last week for those who weren't here and want to catch up with our journey in 1 John. I'll try to do that.

casey

This Sunday, June 14th

This week we start a new series of lessons that I am really excited about. Reading the results of the class survey we handed out back in March, one thing that resounded over and over was the desire for the class lessons to really dive into the Word of God. This is completely in line with my own desires, so we will be studying the book of 1 John for the whole summer.

The curriculum we were (mostly) following is also studying 1 John, but only for the month. I want to dig into the Bible and really try to understand the truths of 1 John and how to apply them on their own terms, instead of quickly going through selected portions topically...if that makes sense.

Caleb and I are going to try some new things as well so you can take advantage of what we feel are some of our individual strengths. This Sunday I will be just giving an introduction to the book and how we will be studying it. I've already had a blast just preparing for this introduction.

What you can do: PLEASE try to take some time in the next few days and spend 15-30 minutes to read through the whole book of 1 John in a single setting.

There are only five chapters folks, its not too hard. I recommend reading through the whole book in a single sitting so you can try to grasp the meaning of the whole work, as it was intended to be read, rather than only focusing in a few verses or passages within the book. Those verses and passages make much more sense, sometimes, when you have a good feel for the context of the whole book. If you don't seem to get much out of it the first time, don't worry, after reading it a few more times it starts to sink in...and that is exaclty what I'll be encouraging us to do while we are studying it....read through the whole thing at least once a week.

I hope on Sunday to hear some of your initial thoughts or reactions to 1 John as a whole.

See you Sunday morning!

casey