S11E40: From the Beginning (Agape: The Love of God pt. 1)

Sermon #601

We're beginning a new series for the season of Easter based in the first general epistle of John.  The purpose of John's letter was to dispute the twin heresies of Docetism and Gnosticism that was rising in the First Century church.  Using statements that contrast dark and light, righteousness and sin, John systematically presents a case that shows that God is light and in him there is no darkness at all (1:5).  He also addresses the Gnostic assertion that some secret knowledge is required for salvation, saying that all that is necessary is repentance and faith.  He assures his readers that when we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive our sin and to cleanse us from all iniquity (1:8).  All this is made manifest in the work and person of Jesus Christ, the personification of God's love to the world.  And the word that we use to describe this perfect love is the Greek word Agape.  This will be the focus of our series and it is the message that we receive this day.

1 John 1:1-2:2

Recorded at Hudson UMC on April 7, 2024

Watch on YouTube

S.D.G.