God has designed a divine gateway to absolute freedom to protect our hearts from the growing darkness, hostility, and temptations of this world.
Welcome back to our small group study! John Barnett here. I want you to imagine we are sitting right across the table from each other, maybe at Panera or Starbucks, with our Bibles open, our journals ready, and a warm cup of coffee. Today, I am incredibly excited to introduce a class that zeroes in on the epistles written by the last living apostle, John, between AD 90 and 95. If you want to move from feeling aimless and anxious to walking in a vibrant, unshakeable confidence, you absolutely must join us for this lesson. Let me walk you through four memorable, life-changing truths we will unpack together:
1. The Fountain of Overflowing Joy: Freedom from Emptiness
Scripture References: 1 John 1:4; John 7:38; John 10:10
Summary of What’s Covered: We kick off the class by addressing the quiet affliction of emptiness that so many people struggle with today in their marriages, careers, and personal pursuits. Jesus did not design us to live unfulfilled or restless lives. We will study why God breathed out this letter to John so that our joy might be full. We will discover how to experience the overflowing, abundant life that Jesus promised—flowing out of our innermost being like a gushing river of living water.
2. The Advocate’s Shield: Freedom from Guilt
Scripture References: 1 John 2:1; John 8:11.
Summary of What’s Covered: Next, we will confront the burden of guilt that so easily entangles us. We will look at how John affectionately addresses us as "little children," writing so that we may not sin, yet immediately offering the ultimate comfort: if anyone does sin, we have a divine Advocate with the Father. Along the way, I will share the fascinating history of Bishop Langton, who divided our Bibles into chapters so that believers could systematically read through the Word of God.
3. The Indwelling Guide: Freedom from Deceptions
Scripture References: 1 John 2:26–27; John 8:44; John 10:10.
Summary of What’s Covered: We will also learn how to protect our minds from spiritual lies in an era of rampant deception. Satan is a liar and a murderer who comes to kill, steal, and destroy. We will discover that we do not need elite initiations or secret teachers to unlock divine truth. Instead, the Holy Spirit, who is the Spirit of Truth, indwells every believer at the moment of salvation, anointing and teaching us through the scriptures. I will also celebrate the incredible milestone of over 100 people writing to Bonnie and me since 2020 to share how these simple Bible study videos led them to saving faith in Jesus Christ.
4. The Anchor of Assurance: Freedom from Fear
Scripture References: 1 John 5:13; John 14:2; John 15.
Summary of What’s Covered: Lastly, we will tackle the constant fear and anxiety that plagues many believers regarding their salvation or the end of the world. We will unpack John’s beautiful, rock-solid promise: these things are written so that we may know with absolute certainty that we have eternal life. By actively abiding in Christ, we can replace our doubts with deep, supernatural peace and become the most confident, bold, and peaceful people in this world.
If you want to experience the absolute freedom from emptiness, guilt, deception, and fear that God has prepared for you, you need to listen, grab your Bible, get your pen ready, and let’s ask the Lord to open our eyes together!
From FTGC-49b – https://youtu.be/ho4IcYfgH20
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