If you haven’t finished up with Paige, you still have a few days to do so.
But before we watch Paige again, I want you to share your favorite part from her teaching last week. Mine was when she talked about how John closes his opening with: “I write these things so our joy may be full.” (1 John 1:4) There is nothing, absolutely nothing, in my mind than seeing someone you care about come into the joy of knowing Jesus. She compared it to the clips from Clemson Life, a University that accepted mentally disabled individuals into their school — and how they are received. Watch this:
Every time God makes a new creation, their joy makes my joy full. We have had so many pickleball players come to Christ in the last 15 years. The latest are my friends Donn and Lauri. They can’t stop watching Jesus videos or asking questions — their joy is contagious. There is a beautiful humility and honesty in their many questions.
I asked them to write a testimony for our church website — this is what they wrote:
Lauri and I searched a few years for our new place of worship after relocating to Door County.
“The Orchard” home church became our church home. Our growth in Christ has increased
exponentially as a result. The intimate fellowship at “The Orchard” creates an environment of
love and peace, as we pursue God’s Word. Despite being somewhat aged, we are newborns in
Christ. Our journey has been whole heartedly supported by fellow church members through
their love, their knowledge of the Bible, and their willingness to share that knowledge. We thank
God for bringing “The Orchard” into our lives so that we may better know and love him.
Sunday:
- How have you experienced the goodness of God this week?
Monday: Finish up Paige Lesson 1
You can find her by going to YouTube and typing in Paige Brown 1 John.
2. Finish up Paige and share your notes. If you already finished, answer this: How do you know Jesus is real?
Tuesday: Favorite Part and God Shot
My God Shot was that God gives joy to the true Christian who has truly tasted Him and found Him good. Joy is the indicator light of the reality of God in your life. We may know sorrow, yet our joy is inextinguishable.
3. What was your God shot?
Wednesday through Saturday: Paige # 2.
Listen, take notes in a notebook, and come back and share highlights day by day here. If you don’t finish, you can do so early next week.
87 comments
Sunday:
1. How have you experienced the goodness of God this week?
—Something very simple and very sweet blessed my life last night. We had gone over to our son Tyce’s home and were watching the football game together. When I say watching the game together if you are a Nebraskan that means only one team. The Cornhuskers. It’s a tradition for born and bred Nebraskans. We wear red, eat food together, cheer them on and complain that they have had too many losing seasons in the recent years. 🥴😀 (But we are really loving our Cornhusker volleyball team now.) 🎈Go Big Red is the rally cry for Nebraskans.
Anyway Tyce looked over during a break in the action and said to his dad and me “I love having you live close to us.” It was a sweet moment for us doing something together we have literally done together his entire life. We have a very sports oriented family. We have always supported our kids and grandkids in any sport or activity they have participated whether they were good at it or not. My husband’s family just simply loved watching sports together. But in that particular moment of hearing the affirmation from my son of just loving being together it was a gift of goodness from God to allow us the privilege of being together. It was more than about the game but we were just enjoying being together. It may have helped that I made him a Reeses Peanut Butter cream pie. 😁
OH I LOVE THAT!
How sweet it is! I want some of that pie 😆!
Love the sweet moment with your son. I will have to get your recipe. My boys love peanut butter pie and I don’t know the Reese’s recipe.
Reese Peanut Butter Cream Pie! I dont think I ever had a slice of that! Sounds yummy! The gift of food is always special.
What a lovely moment, Bev, “I love having you close by.” Nothing better to warm a mom’s heart. I will have to google that pie recipe. I’m the thanksgiving pie baker, and this PB pie might make a good addition to the dessert menu.
What a beautiful Blessing, Bev!! Thank you for sharing!❤️❤️❤️
1. How have you experienced the goodness of God this week?
Oh, God is so good! I normally don’t get to sleep very much…so I have been intentional in trying to go to bed early so I can get up early to do my Bible study and do my best at getting to work on time (for once). I’m a night owl so this is truly difficult for me. I have been blessed by Him, as He has helped me do both well. I feel more relaxed and that is good! I actually have gotten a lot of other things completed too! Thank You Lord for getting me through it all.
Oh, sleep. That elusive luxury!
That’s great, Laura. It’s hard to change our clocks, but I’m glad you are making progress!
Sweet to hear Laura 😴😊💕
Laura, I hear you in this as a former teacher myself: “Thank You Lord for getting me through it all.” I am in a singing mode today so here is one song for you:
Through it all, through it all I’ve learned to trust in Jesus; I’ve learned to trust in God
Through it all, through it all, I’ve learned to depend upon His Word.
It can be so hard to start a new habit, I’m glad you are having success at it. I remember some winter mornings dragging myself out of bed to go to work at school, and saying to myself “I can take a nap when I get home.” LOL
What a great way to start the year, Laura! Hard to change gears in the fall. Praying for you to have a blessed and wonderful year at school and home!
Sunday:
How have you experienced the goodness of God this week?
Monday: Finish up Paige Lesson 1
2. Finish up Paige and share your notes. If you already finished, answer this: How do you know Jesus is real?
Oh, yes. I have tasted the goodness of God this week, more so because of this lesson with Paige. And so, my answer to 1 & 2 are the same. I really had to think of how I know Jesus is real. Listening to the last part of Paige’s message on how we know if we have joy and Jesus is real-the story about the apple-this helped me realize why I know Jesus is real. It’s because I can keep my eyes on Christ even when the hardest parts of this life weigh me down and bring me to the door of despair. When I am tempted to give in to hopelessness, I remember the verse I have taped to my wall beside my bed, Nahum 1:7 “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.” The Lord gave me this verse during the hardest times of my life and continues to minister to me through it. I have grief in this life that continues to try to do me in and drag me to doubting castle where giant despair would love to make me his prisoner, but the Lord is good! He has given me the key to get out of that prison, and his name is Jesus!
thanks for sharing this verse from Nahum!
Nahum 1:7 “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.
Yes, thank you!
Yes such a good verse. The Word carries us through life. It truly is living and active. 💕
I have grief in this life that continues to try to do me in and drag me to doubting castle where giant despair would love to make me his prisoner, but the Lord is good! He has given me the key to get out of that prison, and his name is Jesus! Amen!
Jesus, Jesus
there’s just something about that name
Master, Savior, Jesus…
To have experienced grief/pain and continue to struggle at times, and still you say “The Lord is good.” I can see Jesus is very real in your life, Chris.
Oh, he is ❤️ and thank you all for your encouragement.
Thank you for sharing all of this, Chris. I love this verse from Nahum. And I love that you have it right next to your bed! I am keeping your post to re-read when I need encouragement!
So good:
The Lord gave me this verse during the hardest times of my life and continues to minister to me through it. I have grief in this life that continues to try to do me in and drag me to doubting castle where giant despair would love to make me his prisoner, but the Lord is good!
He has given me the key to get out of that prison, and his name is Jesus! Amen!
Monday
I know Jesus is real because He lives in me. That may sound like a cliche, “You ask me how I know He lives, He lives within my heart,” as the hymn goes.
I recall when God opened my eyes to Who He was, and who I am, and quickened me. I remember very clearly the first time I heard “Body truth,” and realized that I now was IN Jesus, and He was IN me! I remember an evangelist loudly repeating the words of Poul, “Oh, that I may know Him!” This was near the end of the apostle’s lifen and he was STILL longing for Jesus. These events/experiences sparked a real hunger in me for the Word of God, and the hunger has never stopped. I could speak of the myriad times the Lord has provided guidance, protection, comfort, support, conviction, forgiveness, strength, and wisdom throughout the passed 56 years. The love of Jesus constrains me, so that my desire is to please Him and help others grow.
If you want physical proof, such as John’s record, I have none, BUT I can show you a life that has been transformed from the inside out.
Wow-Cheryl! Thanks for your testimony! “If you want physical proof, such as John’s record, I have none, BUT I can show you a life that has been transformed from the inside out.”
Amen!
Amen to Bing and Chris!
Monday: Finish up Paige Lesson 1
You can find her by going to YouTube and typing in Paige Brown 1 John.
2. Finish up Paige and share your notes. If you already finished, answer this: How do you know Jesus is real?
—As I consider the question “How do you know Jesus is real?” I looked at what Paige presented and concur that the three things she presents have all had an impact on my “knowing” Jesus and knowing that He is real.
First it’s is factual and it is the Word of God itself that presents the facts. When presented with those facts from the Bible I made the intellectual choice to believe them. Even though I was very young I believed the truth of what I was hearing about Jesus. And secondly even though I had no idea what the theological truths about God and Jesus were being presented to me the Word was presenting God to me as He really is and over time and with age I began to appreciate and understand the theological side of my Christianity. Thirdly coming to know Jesus was real was that my personal life was impacted by the presence of the Holy Spirit. In believing in Jesus my personal relationship with Jesus grew as the Holy Spirit revealed Him more clearly to me through God’s Word and deepened my understanding of God as my Father and the truth that Jesus is the exact representation of God. For me personally He has became real and even more so over time as I have had fellowship with Him. My Christianity began with the Bible and it continues with the Bible.
Paige made the comment that “The Word is no older today than when John wrote it down. It is living and active.” The Bible is always relevant to our lives. It’s truths have stood the test of time and God speaks as clearly through it today as when the very first words were written down for us. The Lord speaks to me through it and reveals Himself to me as real. I have fellowship with my Lord and Savior.
It is a privilege to study God’s Word with you ladies on this blog and hear your personal stories of how Jesus is real in your lives. It has become a place of sweet fellowship because of Jesus.
So true, Bev. “it is a privilege to study God’s Word with you ladies on this blog and hear your personal stories of how Jesus is real in your lives. It has become a place of sweet fellowship because of Jesus. “
Amen, again! Very well put Bev.
Yes, wonderfully stated!
Yes, Bev, sweet fellowship, and no donuts.
I too loved Paige’s comment that the Bible is no older today. What book, written thousands of years (or more) ago could be so clear and relevant?
Amen, Amen to the others, Bev. This blog is a place of sweet fellowship because of Jesus. Jesus makes all the difference every day. I need to keep my focus on Him alone.
Sunday:
How have you experienced the goodness of God this week?
I am learning to “taste and see” that the Lord is good- finding last-minute meaningful gifts for the two little kids who were dedicated to the Lord yesterday. Several Christian sisters are offering to help with our church booth for this coming Saturday’s Old Fashioned Saturday Night in our town. Several Bibles are being donated to give to interested youth and adults who would stop by the booth. All His goodness the last few days made me think that He must have smiled at the myriad of ideas floating in my head and provided “rescue” for me to show His unconditional love.
Monday: Finish up Paige Lesson 1
You can find her by going to YouTube and typing in Paige Brown 1 John.
2. Finish up Paige and share your notes. If you already finished, answer this: How do you know Jesus is real?
The destination of the proclamation is fellowship with God and with others:
Fellowship that is secured for us (Hallelujah, what a Savior!)
Fellowship that is shared among us (We are one in the bond of love)
We have ultimate fellowship with one another because of Jesus.
Koinonia is built on what is most significant-Jesus.
The most important commonality we have with each other is fellowship with God.
I know Jesus is real because the Bible tells me so. And He provided John’s proclamation among other evidences. John was an eyewitness to Jesus being touchable, hearable, and seeable. And I believe the Bible is the Word of God, His letter of truth to us. I know He is real because He came to die for my sins, and He is always in pursuit of me. I know He is real because He is my Jesus. He came for me.
I love how each of us has our own distinct testimony according to our personal relationship with Jesus based on 1. The historical record in the Bible 2. The theological reasoning presented in the Bible and 3. Our own personal experience with our Savior. All of this comes together to make our assurance of salvation.
Yes, Bing, “He is always in pursuit of me.”
So true, Bing. I love all that you wrote. The fellowship with God. He is always in pursuit of me. He came that we may know Him. He came for me. His love is beyond our our comprehension.
Tuesday: Favorite Part and God Shot
I guess today as I have read through 1 John and read through my notes again on Paige’s teaching, I find myself troubled about my son-in-law. He is the one deconstructing his faith. She says seeing and hearing does not necessarily grant fellowship-true. She also says, if we have lost our joy, we have broken fellowship with the Lord and an indicator is resentment towards those who do have joy. Do we have joy? Is he real to me? This is all true for believers. What about those who do not believe and claim to be happy? My SIL has claimed to have such relief since he decided not to believe. Now he is happy. What??! How do I reconcile this claim? My daughter is so agitated that her husband has decided not to believe. They have sold their house and now have 3 weeks to find a new home. They have been looking a while already and are getting nervous about everything coming together in time. I assured them that the Lord has the perfect home ready for them and it will come just in time, as we know the Lord often works that way. Regardless, they have the option to live with us or a sibling if necessary. I’m betting that this situation is pressing his thoughts about faith in God and praying the Lord works in his heart. He does not come from a family that believes, but he has joined a family that DOES. Praying the Lord shows him faith in Jesus is where the Joy is. All this to say, we can have assurance as believers from 1 John, and unbelievers can be deceived. I’m excited to see what else Paige has to say about 1 John.
Chris, I will pray for your daughter and family, with your SIL’s need of faith and for his heart and mind to be open to Jesus. Such a hard situation.
Thank you, Patti.
I think for your DIL it may be relief because she was trying to follow a different God — not our loving sacrificial one. Or denial. Lord, only You!
2. Finish up Paige and share your notes. If you already finished, answer this: How do you know Jesus is real?
Jesus was seen and known by many people of His time. Books have been written about His life. I know I have something inside of me that tells me He is with me. Every so often I get a glimpse of a “kiss” from the king. Many prophecies have come true in the Bible. He is mentioned over in the Old Testament.
Tuesday: Favorite Part and God Shot
3. What was your God shot?
—One of the things that stood out to me were her comments saying that John’s purpose in writing was to proclaim Jesus ”So that you might have relationship“ and so that He might be everything to us. John is giving an invitation to relationship and to fellowship.
She related from John 17 that Jesus says eternal life is to know God and Jesus. “And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”
John 17:3 ESV
Life is all about knowing Him.
My God shot was her point that concerning Jesus it was “Not that He came to be seen, heard or touched but the whole purpose of the incarnation is so He could pursue us. He came to see and to hear and to touch.”
She said “The miracle is that is what Jesus came for.
He was looking for you before you were ever looking for Him.”
I really liked this part as well.
Looking for us before we were ever looking for Him!
Lauren Winner says, “When I look back in my life it is as clear as Miss Scarlet in the conservatory with the rope.”
Oh, I love that Dee! I wonder how many remember that game!
CLUE was my absolute favorite board game.
2. Finish up Paige and share your notes. If you already finished, answer this: How do you know Jesus is real?
The joy Jesus gives is in my soul, in spite of my circumstances. He is my strength. The world is not the source of my strength. Jesus is my underpinning, He is my all. I need to trust His way and His purpose, even when I cannot see the light. He is the light and I will one day know clearly, what now looks cloudy.
That is my true joy.
Love this, Patti.
Prayer request: some of you are praying for my daughter whose husband is in a treatment program. Please pray against fear and for trust in the Lord for all. Also, please pray for her special needs daughter who is struggling to adjust to attending the local elementary school after being home schooled. The whole situation is so hard.
I will pray for your daughter and her special needs daughter in elementary school. This is the daughter, whose husband is in treatment. Is it your other Son in law, who has chosen not to believe. I’m sorry I just wanted to make sure I’m praying for the correct thing for the correct person.🥰🙏
Thank you all for praying. Funny but both sons-in-law are named Zach. God knows. Both need to have a saving faith that transforms their life. So it is my other son-in-law who has decided not to believe and is deconstructing his faith. Thank you all for praying. The heart break we feel for our children is overwhelming at times. If anyone would have told me that I would have two children with such trials in their marriages this year…or that my DIL would struggle so with a pregnancy of twins…oh Lord help us to see your grace. I know that others suffer much more and are persecuted for their faith; and that these trials will pass and bring some good into our lives as you use trials for your good plan and pain as a megaphone.
Still praying. The fact that you see others suffering as greater, Chris, in now way diminishes your heartaches. I share your sorrow.
Praying right now.
I will pray Chris.
1. How have you experienced the goodness of God this week? I experienced his goodness most this week in the peace that He’s given me despite circumstances that could cause anxiety.
My husband still hasn’t gotten a job and although he is entitled to 26 weeks of unemployment, he has only gotten 7 weeks. Yet we have been able to pay our bills. It seems that something always happens at the last minute that gets us through, not quite the George Mueller experience, but sufficient to show that God is taking care of things.
One of our sons was admitted to the hospital this week with an accelerated heart rate. They had to keep him for a couple of days while they ran tests and got him stable. I was concerned, but not anxious.
Dawn, Your testimony of God’s goodness and providence is so encouraging to me. The peace that you have is truly “peace that passes all understanding,” in the face of these circumstances. Thank You, Father, for Your love and watchcare for Dawn and her family.
Amen to Cheryl’s prayer for you and your family, Dawn. Thank you for sharing these sweet ways God is caring for you and your family
Father, please give Your peace that understanding to this family. In Jesus Name I pray. I meant this for Chris, but pray it for Dawn too!
Thank you, Dee and prayers for Dawn’s family, too!
3. What was your God shot? Mine was that it isn’t that we see Jesus, but that He sees us. Individually, not as a collective group of mankind, but personally, intimately.
Love this, Dawn: Individually, not as a collective group of mankind, but personally, intimately.
Just finished listening to Paige Live, and there are tears in my eyes. Her words about God turning His face towards me and wanting me… I won’t say anymore, you’ll hear it yourselves at the end of her message. Oh the Love of God!
I thought Paige comparing the many lines that fold into one melody of One Last Day and then her singing
Beloved
I write these things
So that you might KNOW…..
was genius.
I loved that too. I want to go online and watch it!
I went online and intended to watch just that scene …..watched it all! So moving!
Thursday Paige 20 minutes
The tests in John are not for us to fail, but they are tests of confirmation, so that we may know He is real, and that WE are real. Paige talks about all the overlapping themes which can be separated for study but NOT for life. I can not pick and choose what I want to believe. Am I a real Christian, is the question I need to ask.
One theme false teaching. John calls us to assess people, not their hearts but what they are teaching. Paige asks us to check out everything she says, and that is what we need to do for anyone who preaches/teaches. We have the Holy Spirit within us to help us discern false teaching. WE are not judging the person, but examining the teaching/coverstaion. Has anyone felt disquieted when hearing something? I have, and have even gotten up and left the room because of untruth (this happened at my daughter’s Baccalaureate service).
We are examing what preachers/teachers are saying, but I think we also need to carry that over into daily relationships. I have been in the position of leadership, and women have felt comfortable talking to me. One woman talked bout a “missionary” who was visiting with her, “she is so kind, and wants to help me.” I had to tell her that the “misssionary” did not believe the same things we professed. Another friend became involved with a deck of “angel cards,” that a nice person had told her about. I had to tell her that angels had no power to grant her anything, they were God’s messengers. Worship God, not angels. My friend was very disappointed, but she threw away the cards.
Great she threw away the cards!
I can’t wait to listen to Paige after reading the comments so far. Praise God for your willingness to say hard things and speak truth to your friends, Cheryl.
Oh, the deep, deep love of Jesus – Selah This lyric video filled my heart today. John tells about the love of God over and over. How He loves us!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hzYKovRsJ8&list=RDMMJ2003weT6Rk&index=27
Thank you for the link, Cheryl.
Thursday
I appreciate the perspective that Paige gives us concerning 1st John. She said the purpose in writing it is for us believers as much as the ones he wrote the letter for. In her opening prayer she referred to it as It is ancient and current. After reading the scripture passages she said it is “alive”. The Word is definitely a living book and it is good to be reminded of that fact.
It was a crack up watching and hearing her when she was emphasizing the purpose of the book and got so animated explaining and singing Les Miserables “One Day More”. I did go listen to her recommendation and as she said it is musical genius.
Her point that these scriptures that John repeats and overlaps
are all combined for our living. Not to be studied in a linear or compartmentalized way. And all are necessary for our assurance.
In the middle of all that she made a really important point. She said
John writes this book because “God wants us to be absolutely secure in Christ!”
She certainly is never boring. 😊
She certainly isn’t!
Right — never boring!
We dive into the main part of the letter by asking are we for real? Are we really Christians?
How do you know you’re a Christian? How do others know you are “tagged” as a Christian? John keeps coming back, repeatedly, to amplify this point. There are 3 things…the test of truth (do we believe He is real?), then the test of obedience (do we do what He says?), and the relationship test (do we love like He loves?).
You can pull out different phrases in the letter but by the end it becomes one line. “Beloved one, I write these things that you may know.” She is a hoot with the Les Mis singing! Hahaha! I can’t wait to go watch the stage performance of it (Royal Albert Hall)!
I KNEW YOU’D LOVE THAT PART, LAURA!
Friday Paige second 20 minutes
In the meantime (last hour/days before the return of Jesus) those spirits that are accomplices of the devil (who are in direct opposition to Christ) are alive and well. We are to test the spirits. Paige said all heresy is ultimately Christological attacking the Person of Jesus Christ, not what He did but Who He is. What He did determines Who He is – WRONG Who He is (the Son of God) determines what He did
The defining issue/question is, “Is Jesus the Son of God?” This is the touchstone upon which we MUST be immoveable.
This brings to my mind the controversy of some about Jesus being Savior, but not Lord. How someone can claim Him as Savior, but it’s another step to acknowledge Him as Lord. I think this is what Paige is talking about, “He died for my sin – He’s my Savior,” vs “He is the Son of God, not just my Savior but my Lord.”
John does not mince words when he talks about those professing to be Christian that are twisting the gospel, Liars, Decievers, False, and anti-Christ. We need to stand firm and not be polite when it comes to Jesus Christ and Who He is, the Son of God, Lord and Savior. The only way to do that is to KNOW the TRUTH, the Word of God.
Hand in hand with attacks of Jesus are attacks on the Bible.
Good point — if He’s not your Lord, He’s not your Savior. However I do think we grow in Lordship. What do you think, Cheryl?
Definitely, Dee, as more is revealed to us in His Word and experiences build our faith and trust, we grow. Trust and obey.
Amen, Cheryl and Dee!
Love your entire post, Cheryl. Such a powerful lesson.
When I studied 1 John, using Dee’s book: Woman of Joy, with my women’s group, that was the first time I had really notice John’s verbiage. I printed the lesson resources that Paige mentions, and to see those words listed (and hear her talk) really impacted me again.
There are so many good points on this lesson. There is so much, I had to make an outline!
We must Assess and discern all information from professing Christians and Christian writings.
We must Confess our faithfulness in Christ and Christology.
We must Possess a relationship with Jesus. We cannot be in a relationship with the Father without the Son.
The eternal Son of God became flesh.
Who Jesus is, is the Heart of Christianity.
Only once did the Whole Heavenly Host show up to Proclaim JESUS WAS BORN.
The Parameters of Biblical Truth are Jesus is fully human and fully God. We are to confess Him before man. We confess with our life, not just our words.
God’s Word is the external content ~ the fullness of truth.
God’s Spirit is the internal content in anointing us with the truth, the Holy Spirit. The verses about the truth of us are about the truth of Him. I need to have His truth indwell in my heart.
It is important to test the spirits. The “anti -Christ” spirits distort and deny Jesus and the truth of the scripture. They oppose spiritual truth. Do not follow a Jesus who follows me. Follow the real Jesus, who convicts you and confess the Real Jesus of Faithful Scripture.
Contemplate Jesus so much that we know HIM. The convicting Spirit does not work independent from the Word of God.
Take away: We need to hold all teaching of Christ, as the Touchstone for everything else. Yes, He must be our Lord and our Savior. Help me grow in this, Lord!
Great outline, Patti. “Only once did the Whole Heavenly Host show up to Proclaim JESUS WAS BORN!” I hadn’t really thought of the sinificance of that until Paige talked about it. Nowhere else in the Bible do we read about more than one or two angels appearing to people.
Cheryl, I felt the same way! I love “O the Deep Deep Love of Jesus” . Thank you for sharing that!
Paige Last 20 minute
The test is not political, national, social, or behavioral. “Not only must we assess, we must confess. Confess the REAL Christ.” We need to confess with our life, not just with our mouth – committment. Confession without committment does not matter, even the demons do that. Our external content of truth is God’s Word,a dn we must cling to it. The internal is the Anointing of the Holy Spirt (the seal of our inheritance, the guide to all truth, God In us).
It’s not enough for me to say I believe and live a godly life, I must go public with the good news. I have been content to be used where I am, but now I am wondering if there is more. I pray that the Lord would stretch me and push me out of my “box.” I pray His love would compel me forward, to the praise of His glory.