Is Jesus Real to You?

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, concerning the Word of life—the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us— that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full. I John 1:1-4

Four Reasons Why John Writes This Book

1. He writes to Resolve Assurance

“These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.” 1 John 5:13

2. He writes to Refute Error

“These things I have written to you concerning those who try to deceive you.” 1 John 2:26

3. He writes to Restrain Sin

“My little children these things I write to you, so that you may not sin.” 1 John 2:1

4. He writes to Restore Joy

“And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.” 1 John 1:4

I. The Christ of Reality

“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, concerning the Word of life” 1 John 1:1

1. Christ is real Eternally – “that which was from the beginning”

2. Christ was real Historically – “That which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled”

II. The Christ of Relationship

“That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.” 1 John 1:3

1. Fellowship with the Family – “that you also may have fellowship with us”

“You are of your father the Devil.” John 8:44

2. Fellowship with the Father – “Truly our fellowship is with the Father and his Son Jesus Christ.”

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock.  If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him and he with me.” Revelation 3:20

III. The Christ of Rejoicing 

“And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.” 1 John 1:3

“I have come that you might have life – and have it more abundantly!” John 10:10

“You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasure forevermore” Psalms 16:11

1. There is joy in Salvation

“Therefore with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.” Isaiah 12:3

2. There is joy in the Scripture

“Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart.” Jeremiah 15:16

3. There is joy in Soul Winning