Play intro to 1st John from p.c. Well brethren, that is what I am hoping to achieve today, dispelling some untruths about the gospel and Yahoshua. I would have preferred to simply read from the letter without adding or subtracting; but I know many Christians want to be entertained, even with the words of God so I am going to inject with my own words. John’s letter is relatively short and left me sufficient time to mention some other supporting scriptures.  I suppose if simply reading the words were sufficient, there would not be the variety of beliefs among Christians or God’s people.

Written in about A.D. 90 we can tell John wrote this letter by the similarities between

it and the Gospel of John. Usage of words and phrases like truth, light, in the light and born of God. What I like about John is his anonymity. Unlike Paul or Peter he never uses his authority as an apostle to substantiate his message. Like many preachers and others today who say the Holy Spirit told me in order to add weigh. Many speak as if they have a daily audience and conversation with god closer than Moses or the prophets.

This letter is to church members of Asia Minor and covered broad topics for those believers who faced new challenges to their faith. Even then there was an emergence of various groups whose teachings oppose those truly following the Messiah’s ways. They infiltrated the assemblies opposing Yahoshua’s deity and resurrection to which some newly converted gave in. Infiltration may have been from the gentiles as we know from events as Acts 2, day of Pentecost, 3,000 mainly Jews and later 5,000 switched from expecting the Messiah to accepting He had come.

As opposition to the believers faith arose, they were encouraged to continue walking in fellowship with Yahoshua and not be drawn away by such denials. The temple had been destroyed about 20 yrs earlier and the escalation of their persecution was yet to come by Emperor Trajan (A.D. 98 -117). The letter was dealing the heresies not political events.

It is suggested the letter is divided into four major sections. 1) Indifference to morality and sin 1:1-2:11.
2) Admonition of love for things of the world rather than things of Yahoshua. (2:12-28) 3) importance of the believer exhibiting a pure and righteous love especially in relation to another brother or sister in Yahoshua (2:29-3:22). Lastly that a true faith in Yahoshua as the son of God is the foundation on which the message is based (3:23-5:21). We shall see that this true faith is doing ALL the things given by God through Moses with the exception that the Temple sacrificial system has not been dispensed but made better utilising the High Priest office of Yahoshua and His body as the sin offering. Adherence not to sin remains as sin is transgression of the law; but as before if one does sin, repent and seeking the offering of His blood for your atonement.

Letter:
1Jo 1:1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; 1Jo 1:2 (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) 1Jo 1:3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Yahoshua. 1Jo 1:4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. 1Jo 1:5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
Sin and deception of satn is darkness. Get rid of both. Work out your salvation with fear and trembling.
So what we have is that Yahoshua, the Word of life was from the beginning not from the New Testament.
Joh 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Joh 1:2 The same was in the beginning with God. Joh 1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. Joh 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us,

He came from God and was manifest into human flesh. He is the manifested word of life which God gave through Moses.
Deu 30:15 See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil; Deu 30:19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: Deu 8:3 And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of Yahweh doth man live. Pro 4:4 He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.

1Jo 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
1Jo 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Yahoshua his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 1Jo 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 1Jo 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1Jo 1:10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
Many think they conform to this because the deceiver has told them some of God’s sins are not sins. Or the sin has been redefined. Or breaking some sins are ok and does not affect their salvation. Or they already have salvation and it cannot be lost. This leads to a rude awakening on their judgement day. Coming before god with unrepentant sins. Luk 13:3 unless repent you shall perish. Not keeping the fourth commandment on the seventh day ( from Friday eve) or god’s other instructed holy days of Lev 23 is one breach of His commandments of which many will not have repented. True repentance is turning away from the wrong doing and doing it right not mere words of the mouth.

1Jo 2:1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: 1Jo 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. 1Jo 2:3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 1Jo 2:4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. So we cannot know him without keeping His commandments similarly we cannot love him without first keeping His commandments. I want to make this clear as some teach and belief first we love Him and our love leads us to then keep the commandments. This is their understanding of if you love me keep my commandments.
DRAW PIC OF DOG WITHOUT LEGS ETC THEN ADD ask how know it is a dog… because it has recognisable things of a dog. The things come first before the recognition.

1Jo 2:5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. 1Jo 2:6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
1Jo 2:7 Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning.
Is that not clear. Sin not. Transgress the law NOT. But God forbid if through our lust and weak minds we do we have an advocate in the son IF we truly repent. We know Him if we keep His father’s commandments; one is in the other, they being ONE. This did not come from the New Testament but from the beginning, the foundation of the world.
1Jo 2:8 Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth. 1Jo 2:9 He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. 1Jo 2:10 He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. 1Jo 2:11 But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes. This is Mat 22:39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Which is taken from Lev 19:18.

Section 2, love for things of God not the world:
1Jo 2:12 I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake.
1Jo 2:13 I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.
1Jo 2:14 I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one. 1Jo 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
1Jo 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
1Jo 2:17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
1Jo 2:18 Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. 1Jo 2:19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. 1Jo 2:20 But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.
1Jo 2:21 I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth. 1Jo 2:22 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Yahoshua is the Messiah? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. 1Jo 2:23 Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also. 1Jo 2:24 Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. 1Jo 2:25 And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life. 1Jo 2:26 These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. 1Jo 2:27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. 1Jo 2:28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.
First we heard that at that time some were in the congregation learning of what the apostles testified and taught. Then left; seduced away. That is how the church of Rome stole the church of God. Persecution, death threats, laws outlawing anything called “Jewish” was passed. No Judicising as keeping the Sabbath or feast days, circumcision or die. They can keep the Roman days as Sunday, those to gods as Ishtar etc. In short, that new Catholic church continued until the breakaway of Protestism in about the 16th Century, then todays Pentecostals etc from about 110 yrs ago. Many value these large churches and think anyone returning the teachings of the apostles and way of God are the breakaway. Study the correct history and see who are the really of God and who are not.

We do not come to god and His son to get things of the world or things the world can give us. Prosperity as many teach. Cherry picking scriptures as “abundant life”. Did Yahoshua, John the Baptist, prophets, apostles have prosperity or martyrdom? Things of the world pass away. We come to God through His son for what the world nor satn can give, the promise of eternal life after death of this one. Note John did not say they HAD eternal life; but expectation of receiving it. A promise is something for the future not something already received. And to receive it we have to do the will of God. We should all know where to find that. Where He spoke in Genesis to Deuteronomy.

Section 3 Pure and righteous love.
1Jo 2:29 If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.
1Jo 3:1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knows us not, because it knew him not. 1Jo 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 1Jo 3:3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
1Jo 3:4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
1Jo 3:5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.
1Jo 3:6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.
1Jo 3:7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
1Jo 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. 1Jo 3:9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. Bible says to be born of incorruptible seed not corruptible as many are.
1Jo 3:10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. 1Jo 3:11 For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. 1Jo 3:12 Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous. 1Jo 3:13 Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you. 1Jo 3:14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. 1Jo 3:15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. 1Jo 3:16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 1Jo 3:17 But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? 1Jo 3:18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
1Jo 3:19 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.
1Jo 3:20 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.
1Jo 3:21 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. 1Jo 3:22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
3:5 said in the Son, who is one in the Father, there is no sin. No transgression so no need to repent. Yet the bible speaks of god repenting. In a few places Exo 32:12 being one, it associates repentance with a return to a former state. Here Moses requested of god He “Turn from thy fierce wrath, and repent of this evil against thy people”. Turn away from His anger regarding the people and return to seeing them as He did before His anger. I have not examined all the use of the word repent; but it could be said to repent is to return to God and His ways. If we never do, we have never repented. Mat 7:23 speaks of some who thought they had repented; but were told “I never knew you”.

Baptism is a new birth. Unless born again cannot enter kingdom of heaven. We are told we have to do righteousness to be born again, yet many teach works have no part in salvation. The world doesn’t know us not things of God. We, like God and His son, should be set apart holy peculiar to the world people. They do no reverend the same holy days as us if any at all, nor have same teachings. Deu 4:6 Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. The Messiah came to take away sin not by saying it nor the law nolonger exist otherwise the New Testament would not constantly say sin still exist and we should not do it. Sin is taken away when we purify ourselves and stop doing it. Stop giving in to our lusts or deceits of satn. Follow His example. He came as flesh like us to show it can be done by knowing the Word of god to quench the darts of the devil. Renew or minds and be reborn. Committing sin, transgressing the law is of the devil. If a single sin for which you repent, you were merely overcome by the devil for that period; but fortunately had the conviction and knowledge to turn to God for forgiveness. However, those who continue in their sin, continue being of the devil, in darkness and separated from God. Remember Paul wrestled with sin Rom 7:19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Rom 7:20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. Rom 7:21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. Rom 7:22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: Rom 7:23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. Rom 7:24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? Rom 7:25 I thank God through Yahoshua the Messiah.
Phi 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

And don’t think the righteous do not suffer. Did Cain not kill Abel because he was righteous? And this is the one I like. Disobedient Christians like to quote 3:22 “And what so ever we ask we receive”. Prosperity, the Holy Spirit etc. As usual they always claim the benefits without the payment. Thieves!! They forget to whom Yahoshua or the apostles were speaking and that the hearers were Sabbath, feast day and law keepers. Scripture here says we are given “because we keep His commandments” and do things (actions, works) that are pleasing in His sight not ours! Similar to Eze 36:27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.
I searched the New Testament to see if anyone ever claimed to have the Holy Spirit. The nearest I got was Paul saying 1Co 7:40 But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God. In referene to the advice he just gave regarding married and non married women. There are 2 more scriptures dealing with who receives; but no time to go into them.

And these commandments did not stop at ten as false inherited beliefs teach. They cover the whole of Genesis to Deuteronomy which then included the faith in the “Word” made flesh in the New Testament. Granted some Christians profess and may practice love for another; but 3:18 adds we are to love in truth. To love God in truth, which is the first and greatest command is to keep His commandments.

4th section, true faith in Yahweh God.
1Jo 3:23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Yahoshua the Messiah, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. 1Jo 3:24 And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in them. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.
Many say they have the Holy Spirit in them yet do not keep ALL His commandments. Did we not just read 3:24 that says to have His Holy spirit we must be keeping His commandments. In other words you CANNOT have the Holy spirit without FIRST criteria of Keeping the commandments. One may keep the commandments and Not have the Holy Spirit because God has not called you as yet to do a specific task for His Glory. Exo 28:3 And thou shalt speak unto all that are wise hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron's garments to consecrate him, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office. Exo 31:3 And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship,
So if they have a spirit and are not keeping the commandments, whose spirit have they?

1Jo 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 1Jo 4:2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Yahoshua the Messiah is come in the flesh is of God: (The Word from the beginning has come in the flesh. Not a new word from zero A.D. )
1Jo 4:3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Yahoshua the Messiah is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
1Jo 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. 1Jo 4:5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.
1Jo 4:6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. Those in error hear reasons not to keep god’s ways. Nailed to cross, for the Jews etc. when there is no scripture saying such things. It is inherited interpretations handed down. Joh 14:17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him.
1Jo 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 1Jo 4:8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. 1Jo 4:9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
1Jo 4:10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 1Jo 4:11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. 1Jo 4:12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. 1Jo 4:13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.
Remember 3:24 above that says to have His Holy spirit we must be keeping His commandments.
1Jo 4:14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.
1Jo 4:15 Whosoever shall confess that Yahoshua is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.
Remember Yahoshua is the Word from the foundation of the earth.
1Jo 4:16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. 1Jo 4:17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. 1Jo 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. 1Jo 4:19 We love him, because he first loved us. 1Jo 4:20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? 1Jo 4:21 And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.
We have read the first three chapters that talk of the need to keep the commandments. Many forget the first commandment to love God and keep His commandments. Many accept they are at least listed in the first four of what is called the Ten Commandments, yet fail to keep the Ex 20:8. I constantly hear love, love. Most sermons regardless of preacher focus on love to each other rather than keeping His commandments. Mat 5:46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? Love is not an attribute exhibited purely by God’s people. Even atheist or those serving man made idols do good deeds, donate to charity etc. What identifies God’s people are the keeping of His commandments. The rules or laws by which you live and play are your distinctive feature. As Samuel told Saul, to obey is better than sacrifice. Much of the good deeds and charity that many churches do are for themselves not God. Tax relief or charitable status. So I suggest regardless of the good deeds your church may be doing, if they are not keeping the commandments of God, find a church that does. If you really want to do good, do what scripture says is acceptable as good Rom 7:12 Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. Eze 33:12 Therefore, thou son of man, say unto the children of thy people, The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his transgression: And we know transgression is that of not keeping the law. So if the righteous scarcely live what about the trangressors?

1Jo 5:1 Whosoever believeth that Yahoshua the Messiah is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. 1Jo 5:2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. 1Jo 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. 1Jo 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Another badge Christians claim is that of faith. Here we are told to overcome the world is to be born of God which is to love Him and keep His commandments which IS OUR FAITH! So if one does not do these things, they have no faith and are lying to themselves.
1Jo 5:5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Yahoshua (the WORD) is the Son of God?
1Jo 5:6 This is he that came by water and blood, even Yahoshua the Messiah; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. What is the Holy Spirit? Truth. So those without truth have not the Holy Spirit.
1Jo 5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. 1Jo 5:8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. So the Holy spirit or Son (Word) do not teach anything different to what the Father taught.
1Jo 5:9 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. 1Jo 5:10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.
Many use the witness of men or their testimonies. Sermons and youtube are full of them. “I felt a feeling in my stomach, I experienced this or saw a vision, miracle etc. None of these should influence us over the Word of God. The deceiver can also give feelings, visions, do miracles. Eve saw a vision, the devil. Had a feeling in her stomach, digesting his words rather than God’s. Mat 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Joh 4:48 Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe. Act 8:9 But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one: Act 8:10 To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God. 2Th 2:9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,

1Jo 5:11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
1Jo 5:12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.
1Jo 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
1Jo 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:
1Jo 5:15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. 1Jo 5:16 If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.
1Jo 5:17 All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.
1Jo 5:18 We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.
1Jo 5:19 And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.
1Jo 5:20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Yahoshua the Messiah. This is the true God, and eternal life.
1Jo 5:21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols.

Conclusion:

So what should we have learnt. As king Solomon said, there is nothing new under the sun. In the first Testament we have scriptures as Isa 30:10 Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits: Isa 29:13 Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men: WHAT DID GOD SAY.
Deu 5:29 O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!

We have just read in the second Testament through John’s letter how many claim to have fellowship with god; but in reality is living apart from God in sin transgressing His instructions, Torah, laws (1:6). Such do not possess the truth because they have not been cleansed from their sin (1:7). Similar to Eze 22:26 Her priests (pastors, teachers) have violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they shewed difference between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from my sabbaths, and I am profaned among them. No difference between sanctified and set apart seventh day and 1st Sun day, Passover and Easter, Day of Trumpets’ and Christmas etc.

Many even suggest that they do not have sin because the law or some of it is no more or not applicable to them for various reasons (1:8). In this attitude is the denial of the need to repent and correct that sin or any consequence for their wrong doing. They have overcome their sins, been saved or sure to be saved. With such teachings, the deceiver has won. They are his and not benefiting from a return to the Father which the son came to achieve.
We do not keep God’s commandments because we love Him but because He says so. As a wise parent and wanting the best for our children we instruct them not to do something as touch the fire. Some may ask “Why” and we give them a reason only to be constantly asked why, why because their little brains still cannot understand. Until we end up with “because I said so”. When they become parents they then understand. It is the same with our heavenly Father. He gives us righteous living instructions and knows better than us. Deu 6:1 Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the LORD your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go to possess it: Deu 6:3 Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do it;. The instruction is to hear and obey NOT hear reason it out then obey. The minute you try and rationalise God’s Word you have lost your intelligence.

John was speaking to believers urging them to seek proper fellowship with God. The fellowship that comes through the keeping of His commandments inclusive of Leviticus 23 holy days. The keeping of which leads to salvation.
2Ti 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Yahoshua.

Lev 19:5 And if ye offer a sacrifice of peace offerings unto the LORD, ye shall offer it at your own will.
Lev 19:6 It shall be eaten the same day ye offer it, and on the morrow: and if any remain until the third day, it shall be burnt in the fire. Lev 19:7 And if it be eaten at all on the third day, it is abominable; it shall not be accepted.
Lev 19:8 Therefore every one that eateth it shall bear his iniquity, because he hath profaned the hallowed thing of the LORD: and that soul shall be cut off from among his people.

If Christians spent sufficient time reading the words that came directly out of His mouth, they should get a better understanding of His character. What He accepts, what he does not and how profaning His holy thinks are abominable. Gen 2:3 and Lev 23:2 calls His holy days hallowed, sanctified and set apart to deny, change or replace them is to profane them which is abominable.

So brethren I can only sincerely urge you to do the same, be holy by Yahweh’s ways because He is holy.

Mention Darren’s for next.