October 4, 2014 - Church at Worship

Sermon: “If We Claim. . .” Part 2 — Radical! - Randy Roberts

Pastoral Welcome: Roy Ice

Child Dedication: David Giovanni Santos - Randy Roberts

Responsive Reading: 1 John 1:8 – 2:2, TNIV - Burt and Shandi Clark 

Note: Child Dedications and Baptisms are on the extras section of the dvd.

Sermon Notes:

How recently have you been aware of your need for the forgiveness of God? If we’re honest with ourselves, most of us will say that it hasn’t been very long. We are more acquainted than we might ever wish to be with the accusings of a guilty conscience. Therefore, we are keenly aware of the desire to be forgiven.

If such is true for you, then you will be pleased to remember that one of the most precious promises of Scripture is embedded in today’s passage. Do you remember claiming this promise as your own? “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9, TNIV). Those words have served to hearten and encourage countless Christ-followers throughout the Christian era. They provide reassurance that sin’s condemnation is not the last word—the forgiving grace of God is!

And yet, those words are surrounded by a context in which John is discussing one of the key affirmations of his letter: that God is light! The context makes clear that this section of 1 John is rich with a meaning that goes beyond just forgiveness—as important as that is. So what do these two affirmations have to do with each other? And what does it mean to suggest that God is light?

It is to such realities that we turn our thoughts today.

Randy Roberts

Senior Pastor