New Testament Archives

To Destroy the Works of the Devil (1 John 2:28-3:7)

In this passage John challenges us to "abide in Him" in order that we be prepared for the Day of Judgment. Persevering all the way to the end can seem overwhelming, and so we consider the practical approach of Dr. William Osler, a Christian physician who advocated living life in separate "day-tight" compartments. We also

To Destroy the Works of the Devil (1 John 2:28-3:7) View Lesson

By This We Know Love (1 John 3:10-24)

John tells us that to be of God, we must do two things: practice righteousness and love one another. In this lesson we focus on what it means to love others. While love is often described as an emotion that we feel, Jesus demonstrated and described the love we are called to imitate, in order

By This We Know Love (1 John 3:10-24) View Lesson

God is Love (1 John 4:1-16)

John makes the famous statement: "God is love." In this lesson we explore the loving nature of God as revealed throughout the Scriptures. Many struggle with seeing God as a loving, merciful and compassionate Father. Having a clear picture of the nature and character of God will transform how we handle trials in this life,

God is Love (1 John 4:1-16) View Lesson

Perfect Love Casts Out Fear (1 John 4:17-21)

In this lesson we focus on two extraordinary statements made by John. The first: "No one has seen God at any time." But what about all the examples in the Old Testament where it says someone did see God? Early Christians provide a fascinating explanation that resolves this apparent contradiction. The second, we look at the

Perfect Love Casts Out Fear (1 John 4:17-21) View Lesson

This is the Love of God (1 John 5:1-5)

John tells us that the acid test of whether we love God is if we keep His commands. Yet over the centuries, Christians have invented many ways to try to get around this plain teaching. This lesson includes a significant portion of an 18th century sermon by John Wesley entitled Holiness is Not Legalism. Wesley tackles this

This is the Love of God (1 John 5:1-5) View Lesson

He Who Has the Son Has Life (1 John 5:6-13)

In this passage John makes a very strong statement: "He who has the Son has life; He who does not have the Son does not have life." Without faith in the Son of God, no one can have eternal life. How can Christians hold on to such an exclusive statement without being arrogant toward those

He Who Has the Son Has Life (1 John 5:6-13) View Lesson

Answered Prayer and Sin Leading to Death (1 John 5:14-21)

John says that if we ask anything according to God’s will, He we will have what we ask for. So, why am I not receiving the things I pray for? In this message we wrestle with that tough question in the light of this and other Scriptures on prayer. We also consider John’s puzzling statements

Answered Prayer and Sin Leading to Death (1 John 5:14-21) View Lesson

The Goal of Our Faith (1 Peter 1:1-9)

Peter’s letter begins with a demolition of the modern so-called "prosperity gospel." He reminds us that our goal is heaven, not a comfortable life here on earth. We can rejoice in the face of suffering, which serves to refine our faith as gold is refined by fire. Peter’s challenges are especially compelling in view of

The Goal of Our Faith (1 Peter 1:1-9) View Lesson

As the Prophets Wrote (1 Peter 1:10-13)

The ‘Spirit of Christ’ was in the prophets, who testified of Jesus' sufferings and the glories to follow. This includes things so remarkable that even angels desire to look into them! Peter’s masterful use of the Old Testament, whether addressing Jews or Gentiles, demonstrates the practicality and usefulness of the Old Testament to us today.

As the Prophets Wrote (1 Peter 1:10-13) View Lesson

The Word that Endures Forever (1 Peter 1:14-2:3)

Peter calls us to live holy lives, following Jesus, who suffered before entering His glory. One important reason to do this, according to Peter, is because we will be judged by our works. How do we reconcile that with the idea that we are saved by God’s grace? Peter also speaks of the word of

The Word that Endures Forever (1 Peter 1:14-2:3) View Lesson