1 John 1.1-4
“Faith in the deity of Christ is necessary to being a Christian. It is an essential part of the New Testament gospel of Christ. Yet in every century the church has been forced to deal with people who claim to be Christians while denying or distorting the deity of Christ.” – RC Sproul
Life is revealed in this Man and this message (verses 1-3a)
John 1.1-14; 3.16; 17.2-3
Fellowship is had because of this Man and this message (verse 3b)
Joy is found in this Man and this message (verse 4)
Jesus is this Man and the Gospel is this message
It was not only necessary for Jesus to be our substitute and receive the punishment due for our sins; He also had to fulfill the law of God perfectly to secure the merit necessary for us to receive the blessings of God’s covenant. Jesus not only died as the perfect for the imperfect, the sinless for the sinful, but He lived the life of perfect obedience required for our salvation. – RC Sproul
Questions for Caregroup
Did you agree with Jim's statement: "Right belief results in right relationship – with God Himself through the Son, Jesus Christ. So, denying Christ? No faith? No fellowship. Distorting Christ? Wrong faith? No fellowship." Why or Why not?
Is Christ the only way to have fellowship with God? Why or why not?
Is Christ the only basis for biblical fellowship between people? Why or why not? How does your answer inform your practice of fellowship?
Why would "preaching the gospel" to folks who already know it protect and encourage them?
How could this practice inform your counseling other Christians?
