Faithful to the End

Graceway Church of Michiana

Here at Graceway Church of Michiana our desire is to glorify God by Exalting Him, Edifying and Encouraging one another, and engaging our community. Here you will be able to easily access Pastor Dave’s latest sermons as well as guest speakers at Graceway.

  1. 6d ago

    Confident Abiding

    As John continues, he again calls these believers to abide, to remain in Jesus. This command, to abide, comes with a reason for abiding and the results of abiding. John reminds them that God, Jesus, is righteous and we must engage with him based on his character. True believers demonstrate their real faith by living in line with the righteousness of God. John affirms the love of God for believers, as his children. From that affirmation, John builds out the glorious benefits of salvation. One of the glories of salvation is anticipating the return of Jesus. Jesus is coming back and true children anticipate his return and are being transformed because of it. True children remain in fellowship with Jesus and demonstrate that relationship with Jesus by their choices and actions.  1 John has often been described as a letter written to offer assurance to believers. Believers can know that they have indeed been delivered from their sins and stand justified before God, only through Jesus, and a right understanding and belief about him and in him alone. John also makes statements about not living in darkness or continuing in the practice of sin 1 John 1:6-8; 3:9-10; 5:18. These statements can seem confusing and this is one of the elements of the epistles of John that can be hard to fully understand. How can we be sure of our salvation, of our relationship with Jesus, if the measure is not sinning anymore? We can confidently know that we are believers, resting in the finished work of Jesus. John’s epistles are unique, in that, John is clearly addressing antagonists against Jesus, the gospel and these believers (the audience may be the churches of Asia Minor that he addresses in Revelation). No matter the audience, there is clearly antagonism from outside the church, from some who have left the church, but are still causing chaos and confusion for those remaining in the church.  Remember, belief in Jesus alone saves; the evidence of salvation flows from this belief.

  2. Aug 11

    Conflicted Perseverance

    Conflicts exist in the church, they are, unfortunately, too often part of the church body. John here addresses the conflict that has confronted this congregation. This conflict has created an ongoing ripple effect, even as the dissenters have left the congregation. John addresses why their leaving evidences their lack of genuine relationship with God. As believers, we must be discerning about conflict and persevere in truth despite conflicts.  1 John has often been described as a letter written to offer assurance to believers. Believers can know that they have indeed been delivered from their sins and stand justified before God, only through Jesus, and a right understanding and belief about him and in him alone. John also makes statements about not living in darkness or continuing in the practice of sin 1 John 1:6-8; 3:9-10; 5:18. These statements can seem confusing and this is one of the elements of the epistles of John that can be hard to fully understand. How can we be sure of our salvation, of our relationship with Jesus, if the measure is not sinning anymore? We can confidently know that we are believers, resting in the finished work of Jesus. John’s epistles are unique, in that, John is clearly addressing antagonists against Jesus, the gospel and these believers (the audience may be the churches of Asia Minor that he addresses in Revelation). No matter the audience, there is clearly antagonism from outside the church, from some who have left the church, but are still causing chaos and confusion for those remaining in the church.  Remember, belief in Jesus alone saves; the evidence of salvation flows from this belief.

  3. Aug 3

    Who do you love?

    In this very familiar passage, John offers the first command of this epistle - do not love the world. What does that mean? It has often been stretched and made to say things John did not necessarily intend. John is still addressing the issues that are confronting this church, but through this command, calls the believers not to be influenced by those who have left the church and by their actions demonstrate a love and commitment for the world that preempts their love for God. True believers must live a life motivated by love for God displayed in obedience to his will. John connects love with obedience again in this text.  1 John has often been described as a letter written to offer assurance to believers. Believers can know that they have indeed been delivered from their sins and stand justified before God, only through Jesus, and a right understanding and belief about him and in him alone. John also makes statements about not living in darkness or continuing in the practice of sin 1 John 1:6-8; 3:9-10; 5:18. These statements can seem confusing and this is one of the elements of the epistles of John that can be hard to fully understand. How can we be sure of our salvation, of our relationship with Jesus, if the measure is not sinning anymore? We can confidently know that we are believers, resting in the finished work of Jesus. John’s epistles are unique, in that, John is clearly addressing antagonists against Jesus, the gospel and these believers (the audience may be the churches of Asia Minor that he addresses in Revelation). No matter the audience, there is clearly antagonism from outside the church, from some who have left the church, but are still causing chaos and confusion for those remaining in the church.  Remember, belief in Jesus alone saves; the evidence of salvation flows from this belief.

  4. Jul 28

    Christian Identity

    John now takes a brief aside to offer these believers assurance, foundational hope, based on their Christian identity through Jesus. John focuses on forgiveness of their sins, he focuses on them knowing God and having victory over the evil one. As believers in Christ, you have been given hopeful assurances to sustain and strengthen you. 1 John has often been described as a letter written to offer assurance to believers. Believers can know that they have indeed been delivered from their sins and stand justified before God, only through Jesus, and a right understanding and belief about him and in him alone. John also makes statements about not living in darkness or continuing in the practice of sin 1 John 1:6-8; 3:9-10; 5:18. These statements can seem confusing and this is one of the elements of the epistles of John that can be hard to fully understand. How can we be sure of our salvation, of our relationship with Jesus, if the measure is not sinning anymore? We can confidently know that we are believers, resting in the finished work of Jesus. John’s epistles are unique, in that, John is clearly addressing antagonists against Jesus, the gospel and these believers (the audience may be the churches of Asia Minor that he addresses in Revelation). No matter the audience, there is clearly antagonism from outside the church, from some who have left the church, but are still causing chaos and confusion for those remaining in the church.  Remember, belief in Jesus alone saves; the evidence of salvation flows from this belief.

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About

Here at Graceway Church of Michiana our desire is to glorify God by Exalting Him, Edifying and Encouraging one another, and engaging our community. Here you will be able to easily access Pastor Dave’s latest sermons as well as guest speakers at Graceway.