The Big Read – 1 John

Powerpoint Pictures: Mixture of pictures of real and fake £10 notes

Look at these pictures of £10 notes and tell me whether they are: Real or Fake? How can you tell the difference between real and fake £10 notes especially when they look the same?

The Bank of England says that there are 7 marks to look out for which can help you tell if the note is real or not. [Give some examples of what they are]

The letter of 1 John is all about telling the real from the fake.

There were two groups of people.  One group was the local church John was writing to; the other group was a new group made up of people who used to be in the local church.  Both groups thought that they knew God, but only one did. Which group was the real people of God?

John writes to the local church and says that they are the real deal.  “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” (1 John 5:13)

The way they can know they are the real deal is because they have the three marks that people who know God have: They believe in Jesus, they love one another, and they obey God’s commands.

That’s how you can tell if someone knows God, and if you are doing these things, be encouraged – you know God too!