Calvary Chapel Bakersfield

1 John 5: 13-21

Tonight as we study chapter 29 we come to the reign of Hezekiah. Besides King David, King Hezekiah would be the greatest king in the history of God’s people. In the following four chapters, we’ll see revival break out, and in studying them, hopefully we’ll learn how revival can be ignited in our own hearts, as well. I don’t know about you but I am really excited to study these chapters with you and to pray that we too would experience revival in our own lives too.

John is like a family album in that it reveals for us God’s family. In the same way children resemble their parents, God’s children share in His likeness. Thomas Manton wrote, “None walk so evenly with God, as they who are assured of the love of God.”.

One of the good kings of Judah, King Uzziah has passed on and now his son Jotham is reigning in his place.

If there is a single word that best describes what we are studying tonight the word would have to be INFLUENCE

John here not only repeats the imperative to love one another in 4:7-5:4, but also he hits it longer and harder than at any other point in the book. 28 times in 21 verses John speaks of love as He wants to make sure that we understand that love is not an optional virtue in the believers life. Love is to be the distinguishing mark of the church in the world. John goes so far as to say that if you do not love others, you do not know God, 1 John 4:8. With this in mind this morning we all need to examine our own lives by God’s love. As we read the text again this morning there are 8 points John seems to make to teach us “Whats Love Got To Do With It”

. The Promise is To You 2. That it Might Grow In You 3. To Pass through You 4. To change the world round You

6 For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 His government and its peace will never end.”

Biblical love is a self-sacrificing, caring commitment that shows itself in seeking the highest good of the one loved.

If there is a single word that best describes what we are studying tonight the word would have to be INFLUENCE

What’s love got to do with it? Everything for God is love! John the apostle of love talked about love in this little epistle more than any other writer As the Apostle of love John enjoyed the benefits of Gods love. He recognized Gods love for Him. Love is what transformed John’s Life. 3 1/2 years with Jesus

John is writing to us to let us know there is a division among us, those in tune with God who are thinking and applying the truth to their lives, to test the spirits, and those who are seeking to draw people away from the truth… the human factor has the ability to go astray, to water down the Word of God and to become lazy regarding doctrine. We live in very perilous times. The last days of deception.

In our study through Chronicles we study to learn, to grow, to be warned and reminded of God’s faithful judgements.