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Today we’re talking about loving the brothers & sisters in Christ. We read initially about love of the brothers in chapter 2 of 1 John, where John tells us: “Whoever love his brothers lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble.”

In chapter 3, verses 14-15 John added a new facet to this message for us. Listen:

“We know we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death. Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in Him.”

Tags: 1 John, Love

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On the night before the crucifixion Jesus said to those gathered with Him (John 14:2-3 kj):

“In my Father’s house are many mansions; If it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”

This is the passage most often used to give assurance to each believer that they will enjoy unbroken fellowship with our Lord — and of course, each other — throughout eternity.

Listen to this SONlight spot which illustrates how Christians delight in looking forward to entering Heaven.

Tags: Evangelism Spot, Heaven

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We’re so glad you have joined us for a short study in a portion of God’s Word.

Today we are focused on 1 John 3:13 which reads:
“Do not be surprised, my brothers, if the world hates you.”

During the first century many Christians were arrested, persecuted and killed. Jesus was killed because the officials perceived that the Romans might come and take away both [their] place of worship and [their] nation (John 11:48). Throughout the centuries this hostility against Christians has continued. It is a battle of ideology. Not necessarily directed to an individual but toward the group. It is the clash between the two kingdoms which exists among us.

Tags: 1 John, Persecution

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An interview with Carlton Smith and his testimony about how the Lord convicted him of his sin and brought him to salvation at 16 years of age. He also shares how the Lord has given him opportunities to share this salvation with others.

Tags: Testimony, Sin, Evangelism, Purpose

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Today we continue our study in the book of 1 John. Let’s focus on chapter 3, verse 12, which reads:

“Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own actions were evil and his brother’s were righteous.”

Let’s put this verse in perspective to the greater passage. In this passage John has talked briefly about the two kingdoms which vie for acceptance and dominance in the life of every person on earth.

Tags: 1 John, Evil

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Today let’s dig into a portion of God’s Word together.

Our study today will center on 1 John 3:11. Listen:

”This is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another.”

Check it out and you will see that chapter 2, verses 7-11 also convey this message in similar words. This is just one example of the Apostle John circling back to a subject which he has introduced in a previous passage. He may add to what he said previously, or draw a new conclusion to emphasize to the church. John is so intent on getting these points across in ways the people will understand, remember, and then fulfill in their lives.

Tags: 1 John, Love

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In the book of Romans (1:19-20) we read: “since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities–his eternal power and divine nature–have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.”

How is it possible for the natural creation to communicate?

Tags: Romans, Psalms, Praise

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In 1 John chapter 3, John gives two contrasting lifestyles.

We have discussed the expected lifestyle of those who have been born of God. These people are expected to live obediently to what Jesus taught and to what God has shared through the New Testament writers.

The contrast to this lifestyle is given four times in verses 4-10 of chapter 3, but verse 10 seems to summarize his words. Verse 10 says:

“This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; neither is anyone who does not love his brother.”

Tags: 1 John

Watch the video here.

This video is of the History of SONlight presentation from SONlight's 2009 Reception. Take some time to watch the presentation to get an idea of what God has done at SONlight over the last 32 years. It is an overview of how SONlight was founded and how it has grown.

Presentation given by Harold Tate, Executive Director. Introduced by Bob Christian, founding SONlight Board member.

If you are unable to view the video, you can try the version on Facebook - 2009 SONlight Reception - History of SONlight

Tags: SONlight Info

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An interview with Jose Martinez and his testimony. Jose describes how his gang activity as a teen led to him getting shot 8 times. Jose woke up 5 days after being shot to find out that he was paralyzed from the neck down.

Jose shares how these events and the influence of his brother led to his salvation.

Tags: Testimony

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Do you know why you are here on earth? Do you know what your deep underlying purpose is? Let's answer those questions today.

Tags: Psalms, Ephesians, Praise, Church History

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1 John 3:9 reads:

“No one born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning because he has been born of God.”

This verse tells us that God restrains His children from sin. How does He do this?

Tags: 1 John, Sin

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God desires for men and women to seek after Him, to respond to Him in love and obedience. Such a response places people in a relationship with God whereby He can bless them.

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In 1 John we have come to chapter 3, the last part of verse 8. There we find these words:

“The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.”

Tags: 1 John, Death

Watch the video here.

This video is of the keynote presentation from SONlight's 2009 Reception. The video may be long, but it has video, slides, and web addresses included. Take some time to watch the presentation to get an idea of what God is doing at SONlight, and what our hopes are for the future.

Presentation given by David Tate, Associate Director.

If you are unable to view the video, you can try the slightly edited version on Facebook - 2009 SONlight Reception Video

Tags: David Tate, SONlight Info

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Interview with Rick Minett and a discussion of his ministry at Grace Community Church. Rick shares about the transformation that Jesus brings to a person's life.

Tags: Transformation