#360 1 John Series# 1, Experience Divine Union

#360 1 John Series# 1, Experience Divine Union
By: Pastor Karl Thomas

Experience Divine Union, 1 John 1:1-4

The Bible was not written to you but it was written for you.
This was a personal letter written to very specific people 2000 years ago.
We must understand who wrote this letter, who it was written to and why it was written.

The Author — John
Matthew 4:21-22“He called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him.”
Mark 3:17“James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James, to whom He gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder’”

Luke 9:54 “James and John saw this, they said, ‘Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, just as Elijah did’”
John was thought to be the youngest disciple. Probably late teens.

1 John 4:8“He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.”
John 13:23“Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved.”
Jesus loves ME!!! Not sharing a theological paper but telling you about God my greatest friend!!!

John 19:26-27“When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, ‘Woman, behold your son!’ Then He said to the disciple, ‘Behold your mother!’ And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home.” John take care of my Mom!!!

Tertullian in his writing “The Prescription of Heretics”spoke of John being publicly boiled in oil by Emperor Domitian at Rome and suffering nothing from it. It is said that all in the audience of Colosseum were converted to Christianity upon witnessing this miracle.
He was older when he did his writings … reflecting back on his experience with Jesus and with CHURCH … wants to be sure they don’t get led astray!!!

1 John 4:15 “Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.”
Matthew 16:16-17 “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God … flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven” Salvation comes as an act of God … Faith alone!!!

These are not conditions or tests to determine if your a child of God.
2:9“He who hates his brother is in darkness.”
3:8“He who sins is of the devil.”
3:14 “He who does not love his brother abides in death.”
These are calls to express your fellowship. God’s word brings life not fear and insecurity … know you have life

I John 1:1-4
“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life— 2 the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us— 3 that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. 4 And these things we write to you that [a]your joy may be full.”

1. Jesus Was God Manifest
John 1:14 (NLT) “So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.”

John 1:18 (NLT)“No one has ever seen God. But the unique One, who is himself God, is near to the Father’s heart. He has revealed God to us.”
Jesus is the clear revelation of God! He was personally revealed to me.

2. We Experienced Him Fully
“we have heard”(akouō):— to attend to, consider what is or has been said, to understand, perceive the sense of what is said.
He didn’t talk like anyone else.   Had authority … But people would follow him and listen for days
He turned things around.   Not you must serve God but God came to serve you. He loves you accepts you!!!
He was gracious and kind.   You enjoyed listening to him. He got invited to all the parties. Never rude!
He prayed to His Father. When he pray he talked to His father … told us to do it to. He fulfilled law … He was the way

“we have seen”(horaō) :— to stare at, to discern clearly, to see with the mind, to perceive, know.
He did some amazing things. / Turned water into wine. / Walked water and calmed storms.
Miraculous catch of fish. / Fed thousands!!! / Walked through walls.

“we have looked upon”(theaomai):—to behold, look upon, view attentively, contemplate, look with admiration.
Gave widow back her son. / Restored Samaritan woman. / Touched lepers.
Loved sinners. Zacheaus / Healed all comers!

“hands have handles” (psēlaphaō) :— to handle, touch and feel.
I used to lean on Him to eat. / His hand fed me breakfast. / We jumped around together.
He washed my feet! / Thomas touched his nail scared hand!

3. Enjoy The Same Fellowship
(koinōnia):—intimacy, communion, joint participation, intercourse
Be a part of the family of God
Enter complete union with the greatest community ever!
Forever experiencing
UNION with CHRIST!!!

4. Be Overwhelmed With Joy
(chara):— gladness, cheerfulness to experience exceeding great joy.
A living abiding relationship with Jesus will give you JOY on the inside that will never fail no matter what is happening in your life!!!

Jesus totally manifest God.
I have fully experienced Him.
You can have the same intimacy.
It will fill you with great JOY!!!
Come on and join the family!!!

360 1 John Series# 1, Experience Divine Union, PowerPoint Slides