An introduction to our new series on John where we will be looking at his epistles, gospel & apocalyptic writings.

1. Everlasting Mercy Fellowship 1 John

2. Why John? Because I am commanded by scripture to teach the word of God (Titus 2:1-3) Because the writing of John are written with a universal frame of mind. They are most often recommended to both new converts & the unconverted or unbelieving. Because you will grow in love for Jesus. Because you will grow in love for one another. Because the world around us is transitioning, the writings of John are becoming more relevant. Because we are in transition.

3. Commentary & Overview of 1st John 1st John 1 Witness to the Word of Life (1:1-4) Walking in the Light: The Fundamental Pattern (1:5--2:27) The Character of God (1:5) The Atonement of Christ (1:6--2:2) 1stJohn 2 Obedience to God's Commands (2:3-6) The Fundamental Command: Love One Another (2:7-11) Encouragement to the Faithful (2:12-14) Warnings Against Unfaithfulness (2:15-17) Warnings Against Antichrists (2:18-27) The Privileges of the Children of God (2:28--3:3) Remembering Who We Are: The Children of God (2:28--3:24)

4. Commentary & Overview of 1st John 1st John 3 Family Likeness (3:4-10) A Rift in the Family (3:11-17) 1st John 4 Walking in the Light: Belief and Love (4:1--5:12) Discerning the Spirits (4:1-6) Let Us Love One Another (4:7-12) Abiding in Faith and Love (4:13--5:5) 1st John 5 Testimony to the Son (5:6-12) Closing Exhortations (5:13-21) Concluding Assurances and Admonitions (5:18-21)

5. Historical Background – Who is John? Who is John? John is an original apostle (Matthew 10:2-4) John, like Jesus, also had a brother named James (Matthew 10:2) John had 2 parents, Zebedee & Salome (Mark 15:40-41) Zebedee owned a fishing business (Mark 1:20) while Salome is known as the woman who asked Jesus that he place her sons on his left & right hand in glory (Matthew 20:20-21). Salome was also one of the women that ministered to Jesus at the cross (Matthew 27:55-56) John & his brother James were called to follow Jesus while they were working for their dad’s fishing business (Mark 1:19-20) John & his brother were given the nickname “The Boanerges” AKA “The Sons of Thunder” because they were impetuous (Mark 3:17). John’s behavior changed significantly by the time He wrote his gospel as evidence by his reluctance to use his own name in his recounting of his witness. He would often refer to himself as the “beloved disciple” or the “one that He loved”.

6. Historical Background – Who is John? John was a part of Jesus inner circle along with Peter (Mark 5:37; Mark 9:2-4; Mark 14:33) John was 1 of 3 disciples to witnessed the resurrection of the daughter of Jairus, who was a San Hedrinor ruling Pharisee (Mark 5:21-24) John was 1 of 3 disciples to witness Jesus being transfigured meaning Jesus elevated Himself to His Godly form. While witnessing this, He also got a chance to meet Moses & Elijah (Mark 9:2-13) John wrote 1 gospel, 3 epistles & 1 apocalyptic book The Gospel of John 1st John 2nd John 3rd John Revelation or The Apocalypse

7. Historical Background – Who is John? John was a pillar of the early church (Galatians 2:7-9) According to Foxe’s Book of Martyrs The "beloved disciple," was brother to James the Great. The churches of Smyrna, Pergamos, Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea, and Thyatira, were founded by him. From Ephesus he was ordered to be sent to Rome, where it is affirmed he was cast into a cauldron of boiling oil. He escaped by miracle, without injury. Domitian afterwards banished him to the Isle of Patmos, where he wrote the Book of Revelation. Nerva, the successor of Domitian, recalled him. He was the only apostle who escaped a violent death. According to historic tradition, it is believed that John survived his contemporary apostles and lived to an extreme old age, dying naturally at Ephesus in about AD 100 at the age of 94.