Reading 1 John

Peter Englert
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Dr. Ron Hall, professor and pastor, and Peter Englert, pastor, help you delve into 1 John. Understand the context and background while applying this practical book of the Bible to your life.

  1. Oct 19

    1 John 5:13-21

    Welcome to “Reading First John,” the podcast where we unpack Scripture's timeless truths one chapter at a time. In this episode, hosts Peter Englert and guest Ron Hall dive into the climactic closing of 1 John chapters 5:13‑21—the passage that ties together confession, assurance, prayer, and the call to keep ourselves from idols.  Starting with the opening declaration, “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know you have eternal life,” Peter and Ron explore how this confidence fuels our approach to God, especially when we pray according to His will. They unpack the distinction between sins that “do not lead to death” and the sin that does, and what that means for everyday believers facing real‑world struggles. The conversation then shifts to community responsibility: how we’re called to pray for, rebuke, and support fellow believers caught in sin. Ron shares vivid, contemporary illustrations—from gluttony at church potlucks to the subtle grip of gambling—highlighting the importance of accountability and small‑group fellowship. Throughout the dialogue, they reveal John’s literary genius—his cyclical pattern of repeating key themes to drive home the deity of Christ, the reality of the evil one, and the necessity of walking in the light. They also touch on the painful reality of suffering, drawing on personal stories (including Ron’s own spinal‑cord injury) and the testimony of inspiring figures like Joni Eareckson Tada. Finally, the “mic‑drop” verse—“Dear children, keep yourselves from idols”—is examined as the natural, if unexpected, culmination of the letter’s warnings against anything that eclipses our relationship with God. Peter and Ron connect this ancient admonition to modern idolatry, from materialism to the subtle worship of sin itself. What you’ll hear: A clear, practical breakdown of 1 John 5:13‑21 Insight into why John’s repetition is purposeful, not redundant Real‑life applications for prayer, suffering, and community accountability in 2026 A heartfelt closing prayer that ties the whole discussion togetherAccess more notes at / https://bit.ly/3VuenCf

    1 John 5:13-21

  2. Oct 18

    1 John 5:6-12

    Unpacking the Testimony of Water, Blood, and Spirit (1 John 5:6‑12) Welcome to the Reading First John, the show where pastor‑professor Ron Hall and host Peter Englert guide you through the heart of John’s epistle—one verse at a time. In this episode, we dive deep into 1 John 5:6‑12, the passage that famously declares that Jesus “came by water and blood” and that the Spirit, the water, and the blood all testify to who He is. What makes this short section so powerful?  Christ’s Incarnation – Ron explains how these “testimonies” refute the ancient heresies of Gnosticism and Docetism, insisting that Jesus truly became flesh, was baptized, and shed literal blood on the cross. Three‑fold Witness – The trio of Spirit, water (John’s baptism), and blood (the crucifixion) form a “triple testimony” that validates the gospel claim far beyond any human oath. Baptism & Belief – Peter connects the ancient imagery to today’s practice of adult baptism, reminding listeners that our rites point back to Christ’s own baptism and the ultimate sacrifice that follows. Eternal Life Explained – Ron uncovers the Greek nuance between bios (physical life) and zoe (spiritual, eternal life), showing how the passage promises not just future hope but present, life‑changing power. A Call to Decision – The duo highlights John’s urgent invitation: do we accept this testimony and receive life, or reject it and remain in spiritual blindness?Throughout the conversation you’ll hear lively banter, theological depth, and practical take‑aways—exactly the “fly‑over” perspective you need to keep reading the epistle, then come back for a richer, layered understanding. Stick around as Peter and Ron unpack the symbolism, wrestle with tough questions about belief, and leave you with a clear, actionable invitation: what does it really mean to believe in the Son of God on a typical Tuesday morning?  Access more notes at / https://bit.ly/3VuenCf

    1 John 5:6-12

  3. Oct 17

    1 John 5:1-5

    “Reading 1 John 5:1‑5: The Four‑Question Journey” Welcome to the Reading 1 John podcast, where we peel back the layers of Scripture one verse at a time. In today’s episode, hosts Peter Englert and Ron Hall take us through the powerhouse passage of 1 John 5:1‑5, framing their study around four pivotal questions that unlock the heart of John’s message: Who is born of God? – Peter and Ron dig into the deep, non‑trivial meaning of “born again,” revealing that true rebirth is rooted in a locked‑in belief that Jesus is the Christ, not a casual claim.How can we know we love God’s children? – The duo shows that love isn’t a warm‑fuzzy feeling but an active obedience to God’s commands, a love that manifests in concrete deeds toward fellow believers.What does love for God look like? – Moving beyond sentimental worship, they argue that authentic love for God is expressed through joyful, willing obedience—commands that are not burdensome but life‑giving.Who overcomes the world? – The final question ties the thread together: victorious living comes from genuine faith in Jesus, a love‑driven obedience that sets believers apart from the world’s fleeting desires.Throughout their conversation, Peter and Ron blend biblical insight with everyday examples—from the pitfalls of “wish‑ful‑belief” in sports to the challenges of modern “pick‑and‑choose” spirituality—while reminding listeners that the apostle John writes from the perspective of an elder disciple, offering timeless, hard‑won wisdom. Access more notes at / https://bit.ly/3VuenCf

    1 John 5:1-5

  4. Oct 16

    I John 4:13-21

    Welcome to “Reading 1 John” – the podcast where theology meets everyday life. In this episode, host Peter Englert sits down with his longtime friend and theologian, Pastor Ron Hall, to dive deep into one of the most quoted passages of Scripture: 1 John 4:13‑21, the “perfect love casts out fear” section. Before the verses even roll, Peter asks Ron for a listening strategy that helps us hear John’s heart, and the conversation quickly moves from the historical backdrop of early‑church heresies to the modern‑day anxieties that keep us glued to the news. Together they unpack what “fear” really means in John’s context—distinguishing the terror of judgment and worldly pressure from the healthy reverence the Old Testament calls “the fear of the Lord.”  From there, the duo explores how true Christianity is defined by a lived‑out love for God and for our neighbors. They show how John’s black‑and‑white language (either you love God and love others, or you’re not in the faith) confronts today’s legalism, “libertine” mentalities, and the political echo chambers that threaten to turn love into division. By weaving in related Scriptures—Proverbs 29, Psalm 23, Philippians 2, and even a Robert Frost‑Whitman tennis metaphor—they illustrate how the Holy Spirit’s perfect love drives out fear, transforms our relationships, and equips us to love even those we disagree with.  Whether you’re wrestling with personal anxiety, navigating church conflict, or simply curious about how an ancient letter still speaks to our modern fears, this episode gives you a roadmap: hear the text, understand the layers of fear, and walk away with practical steps to let God’s love fill you, so you can both receive and pour out love in today’s noisy world. Stay tuned—faith, fellowship, and a fresh perspective are just a listen away. Access more notes at / https://bit.ly/3VuenCf

    I John 4:13-21

  5. Oct 15

    1 John 4:7-12

    Episode Intro – “Hard‑Earned Love: Diving Deep into 1 John 4:7‑12” Welcome to the Reading 1 John podcast! In this episode, hosts Peter Englert and Ron Hall unpack one of the New Testament’s toughest love lessons—1 John 4:7‑12.  From the moment they open the Bible, Peter sets the tone: loving others isn’t a feel‑good, “wedding‑type” experience; it’s the gritty, daily grind of the Christian life. Ron echoes this, reminding us that the passage forces believers to examine whether they truly belong to Christ—if we can’t love the brother we see, how can we love a God we’ve never seen? Together they explore: The language of love – why the Greek word agape shows up 28 times in John and how it differs from romance, friendship, or infatuation. Love as a verb – John’s call to “love in action,” not just sentiment, and how this turns faith into tangible deeds. The vertical‑to‑horizontal flow – God’s love for us fuels our love for one another; without the divine source, our love stalls. Real‑world challenges – personal stories of hurt, resentment, and the temptation to become a doormat or a bully, and the importance of recognizing forgiveness as a fragrance rather than a forced reconciliation. Practical “litmus tests” – how we can tell if we’re truly living as children of God (e.g., loving enemies, treating the rich and poor alike).Peter and Ron pepper the conversation with vivid analogies—a sinful woman washing Jesus’ feet, a basketball coach “rebounding” for a player, and even a modern‑day AI thought experiment—to illustrate that love is a relentless, transformative practice. If you’ve ever wondered why loving others feels so hard, or how to bridge the gap between knowing God and showing that love, this episode gives you the theological depth, practical insight, and honest confession you need to keep walking in the light.  Access more notes at / https://bit.ly/3VuenCf

    1 John 4:7-12

  6. Oct 14

    1 John 4:1-6

    Welcome to the “Reading 1 John” Podcast – Episode 4: Discernment in a World of Deception In this episode, we dive deep into 1 John 4:1‑6, the passage where John warns us, “Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” Pastor Ron Hall and host Peter Englert unpack what that looks like for believers today—​from the ancient battle against false teachers who denied Christ’s incarnation, to the modern‑day “prosperity gospel,” social‑justice theologies, and even the subtle ways the world can erode our faith. Together they explore three layers of discernment that John outlines:  What belongs to God – learning to spot the spirit of truth versus the spirit of falsehood. What the message says – why affirming that Jesus “came in the flesh” is the litmus test for any teaching. Who is of God and who is of the world – the comforting truth that “greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world.”Peter shares how discernment isn’t just about life‑changing decisions like career or marriage; it’s the series of tiny, everyday choices that shape our spiritual walk. Ron adds biblical depth, linking John’s call to “walk in the truth” with Hebrews 5:14, John 17:17, and the daily cross‑bearing of Luke 9:23. We’ll also hear vivid illustrations—a bank teller testing counterfeit money, the “little foxes” that spoil the vine, and historical flashbacks to early heresies like Docetism, Gnosticism, and the modern‑day antichrist spirit that still prowls.  By the end of the hour you’ll walk away with practical tools for testing spirits, a clearer picture of why the incarnation matters, and a renewed confidence that the Christ who dwells in us is far stronger than any worldly influence.

    1 John 4:1-6

  7. Oct 13

    1 John 3:19-24

    Welcome to “The Reading 1 John Podcast,” where Scripture meets the everyday challenges of faith. In this episode, host Peter Englert sits down with Pastor Ron Hall to unpack the rich, practical truths of 1 John 3:19‑24. Together they explore: What it means to have confidence before God even when our hearts feel condemned. The battle between a deceitful heart and a God‑empowered conscience, and why the latter should be our spiritual barometer. Truth as an active “adjective”—living out the gospel rather than merely believing it—pointing us to Christ as the embodiment of truth. The link between love, obedience, and the Holy Spirit’s witness, showing how genuine belief is evident in the fruit of our lives. Real‑world applications, from marriage and gossip to daily habits, illustrating how a clean conscience and obedient habits lead to freedom, joy, and spiritual maturity.Peter and Ron weave biblical insight—from Jeremiah’s warning about the heart, to Romans 8’s inner testimony of the Spirit—with contemporary concerns like “fake news,” cultural desensitization, and the search for assurance. Their conversation offers listeners practical tools for cultivating a heart that reflects Christ, a conscience that discerns rightly, and a life that confidently approaches God in prayer. Stay tuned as they bring the ancient text into today’s reality, inviting you to experience the peace and purpose that come from “truth‑living” and obedient love. 🎙️✨ Access more notes at / https://bit.ly/3VuenCf

    1 John 3:19-24

  8. Oct 12

    1 John 3:11-18

    Episode Introduction – “Living Love: 1 John 3 11‑18 in Action” Welcome to the Reading First John podcast, where we unpack Scripture — one verse at a time — and discover how it transforms everyday life. In today’s episode, your hosts Pastor Peter Englert and Professor Ron Hall dive deep into one of the New Testament’s most powerful love passages: 1 John 3:11‑18. From the opening call to “love one another” to the stark warning that hating a brother is the same as murder, Peter and Ron lay out the timeless tension between our call to community love and the reality of a world that hates the message of Christ. Using the familiar Cain‑and‑Abel narrative as a lens, they explore how John borrows the Old‑Testament story to illustrate the deadly consequences of jealousy, sin, and indifference. What does “love in action” really look like? The duo unpacks John’s challenge to move beyond words: give what you have to a brother or sister in need, forgive the unforgivable, and let our lives reflect the sacrificial love of Jesus. Along the way, they connect these verses to: The Gospel of John’s insistence that Satan is the father of lies and the source of Cain’s evil. New‑Testament parallels—James’ “doers” (James 1), Paul’s “one another” commands (≈ 50 passages), and Christ’s own example of laying down His life (John 15, John 13). Practical questions for modern believers: How do we love in the midst of a hateful, media‑flooded world? How do we respond when the people we’re called to love have hurt us?Expect a lively conversation that blends solid theological insight with real‑world application, peppered with humor (“Amen, we’re grabbing water!”), personal anecdotes, and a heartfelt invitation to practice love with our hands, not just our lips. Whether you’re a seasoned disciple or just curious about what the Bible says about love, this episode equips you to turn love from a feeling into a daily, tangible reality. Access more notes at / https://bit.ly/3VuenCf

    1 John 3:11-18
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About

Dr. Ron Hall, professor and pastor, and Peter Englert, pastor, help you delve into 1 John. Understand the context and background while applying this practical book of the Bible to your life.

Information

  • Creator
    Peter Englert
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Peter Englert

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