Discernment & Devotion1 john 4:1-12

Discernment & Devotion1 john 4:1-12

Gemma Galgani (1878-1903): stigmata - ItalyJohn Vianney (1786-1859): reading of souls – FranceGiovanni di Pietro (St Francis of Assissi): miracles William of Norwich (1132 – 1144): England – miraclesAmbrose Barlow (1585 – 1641): England – martyrSimon Stock (13th century): England - vision

Discernment & Devotion1 john 4:1-12

WHO ARE THEY?Gemma GalganiJohn VianneyGiovanni di Pietro William of NorwichAmbrose Barlow Simon Stock

Discernment & Devotion1 john 4:1-12

Discernment:Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world.

Discernment & Devotion1 john 4:1-12

1. Jesus is the first-born son of God the Father 2. Jesus was fully divine and appeared as a human being so we could understand the nature of God 3. Jesus taught that earthly life was corrupt and dying whereas the spiritual side of redeemed humanity is good and will live on forever 4. Humans make mistakes, sin, but by their choosing God, God the Father reaches out to them and brings salvation through Jesus Christ

Discernment & Devotion1 john 4:1-12

Does it matter?

Discernment & Devotion1 john 4:1-12

Devotion:Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God.

Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other.

Discernment & Devotion1 john 4:1-12

“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” (John 13:34-35)

‘But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.’ (James 1:22)

Discernment & Devotion1 john 4:1-12

Discerning and Devoted:*So how is our balance as a church?*How is your balance?*Are we, are you reading the word of God, looking at people with eyes of compassion?*What are you going to do to ensure you are not led astray,*or become all the right words but no loving action?