Our Thursday mornings in January were focussed on 1 John. Nick introduced the series by talking about the season of Epiphany – what it meant in terms of manifestations of God’s glory. 1 John is an appropriate book to read in this season, since it is very much about Gods glory and how it is made known in the world.
8 January 2026
1 John 1:1-10 The first chapter introduces the theme of the book, and teraches us that Jesus has covered our sins so we need not be afraid of admitting to them, and seeking his forgiveness and freedom.
15 January 2026
1 John 2:1-14 As John continues, we begin to see what he means by telling us to “walk in the light.” It means obeying Jesus’ command – specifically the new command that he gave his disciples when teaching them in the Upper Room. It’s a very simple one, and at the end of his life, John could hardly think of anything else: “Love one another.”
22 January 2026
1 John 2:15-27 Having told us to love one another, now John tells us not to love the world. We look at what he means by this phrase, “the world,” and we look at those who have left the church and now pose a threat to John’s readers. Finally, what is it that God promises us? John is vague here, but if you can recall Jesus’ teaching in the Upper Room (recorded in John’s gospel) it will be very clear – God promises to anoint us with his Holy Spirit.
29 January 2026
1 John 2:28-3:10
Epiphany is nearly over, and this is the last sermon in this series from 1 John, covering the first half of the letter. There is one problem that rears its head as we read this letter. John appears to be saying that once we’ve become children of God, we stop sinning. And if we are still sinning, we aren’t really children of God. Oh dear! That rules me out, doesn’t it? But in fact, if we look very closely at what John is saying (which can get lost in translation) he’s actually got a message of good news and hope for all us sinners.