What does it mean to be “born of God”?

Join us here for our morning service at The Grace Church. This morning, our pastor Andrew Farley presents a message in his series on 1 John, “Forever in His Presence” Below are the discussion questions for the message:
(1) Read verses 4-5. What does it mean for us to overcome the world? How does our faith in Christ offer us this victory?
(2) Read verses 6-8. What significance do you find in Jesus coming by water and blood? How does the Spirit's testimony confirm this?
(3) Read verses 9-11. How does believing in the Son of God give us the testimony within ourselves? What is the testimony?
(4) Read verse 12. Can you have the life without the Son? What does this mean for the teaching of a “second blessing”?
(5) Read verse 13. What assurance do we have as believers in the Son of God? How can this knowledge affect our confidence?
(6) Read verses 14-15. How might this passage easily be misinterpreted? What does it really mean in context? (Hint: Use verse 16 to help you.)
(7) Read verses 16-17. What is the difference between “the sin leading to death” and “the sin not leading to death”? Why can’t we pray someone out of the sin leading to death?
(8) Read verse 18. What does it mean that no one who is born of
God sins? How exactly does the finished work of Christ keep us safe from the evil one?
(9) Read verses 19-21. Discuss the contrast between being of God and the world lying in the power of the evil one. How does knowing the truth affect your perspective on the world’s belief systems?

[@emmanities24]

Thank you as always for being the channel of God's message of Christ's finished work at the cross. New covenant indeed. 🙏😌

[@benkoops6815]

First off kudos to your PA man that was an incredible recording of worship music. Not to mention the wonderful musicians. And Andrew tears come to my eyes when I hear people like you preach what I've believe and was taught for 25 years.
We need this ministry to draw us into greater rest in Jesus and recognize He is front and center, whether we're realizing that or not.
Your sins and your Lawless Deeds I will remember no more and where these have been forgiven there is no longer any offering for sin. Praise the Lord hallelujah.
Thus we have Romans 6 what shall we say then never be. I have found that I can walk in newness of life right now

[@oldsalty8562]

It was the normal and not the exception that the early church believers all received the infilling of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues. 1 Corinthians 14:18 implies that all the believers in Corinth spoke in tongues. That would have been the normal in all of the churches then, and should be now. The disciples received the Holy Spirit when Jesus breathed on them but were not filled with the Spirit until the day of Pentecost. That one incident alone shows a difference between receiving the Holy Spirit upon the new birth and being filled with the Spirit. The same goes for Paul's conversing on the road to Damascus and being filled with the Spirit later and the disciples in Ephesus as told in Acts 19:1-6..

[@margaretheuer5091]

What if I neglect my Bible reading?😢

[@seantspence]

Neglecting Bible reading does not change your standing with God or your identity in Christ. You are fully forgiven, cleansed, and in perfect fellowship with God because of the finished work of Jesus on the cross (Hebrews 10:14, Colossians 2:13-14). Your relationship with God is secure, and nothing can separate you from His love (Romans 8:38-39).
However, reading the Bible is beneficial for your growth and understanding of God's truth. The Scriptures are inspired by God and are useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16-17). They help you to renew your mind and align your thoughts with God's perspective (Romans 12:2).
If you find yourself neglecting Bible reading, it's important to remember that it's not about checking off a religious duty but about engaging with God's Word to know Him more deeply and to be equipped for every good work. Approach Bible reading with a sense of desire and curiosity, knowing that it is an opportunity to grow in your understanding of God's grace and love.
Remember, the early church did not have the complete New Testament, and many believers were illiterate. They relied on the message of the Gospel and the indwelling presence of Christ. Similarly, your life in Christ is not dependent on the frequency of your Bible reading but on your relationship with Him.
If you feel led, you can ask God to give you a renewed desire to read His Word and to help you see the beauty and relevance of the Scriptures in your life. But always remember, your identity and standing with God are secure in Christ, regardless of your Bible reading habits.