Lesson 3: 1 John 2:15-29

One of the notes in the Navarre Bible says that, "This passage covers one of the main themes in St. John's Letters--the fidelity of Christians being tested by heretics."

We must always be on guard against people who are trying to turn us on a different path than the Way of Jesus Christ.  The "anti-messiahs" among us aren't content in having their own ideas about God.  They often try to convince others of their same beliefs, and some can be very convincing.  Because we have been anointed, we have God's ways printed on our hearts.  It is upon us to be close to Him so that we know what those ways are. Then when we are confronted by others who choose not to pay heed to what has been put on their heart, we will know what is of God and what is not.

Here are my notes for this week's lesson:
Lesson 3: 1 John 2:15-29

Next week, October 11, we will discuss Lesson 4, which covers 1 John 3.
See you then!

Lesson 2: 1 John 2:3-14

There is a lot of repetition in this letter.
There is a lot of repetition in this letter.

Oh, how funny! Seriously though, there is, and we discussed the reasons that this is so.  This is a literary device that John did not invent and certainly one that continues to be used until now.  It serves a purpose.  So, it wasn't just that John was given an assignment to write an essay with a certain number of words, and he was padding.

If you would like to look over my notes for our meeting here is the link:
Lesson 2–1 John 2:3-14

Our next lesson, Lesson 3 will complete the rest of chapter two, 1 John 2:15-29.
See you then!

Lesson 1: 1 John 1:1-2:2

What a joy to get back to our Bible Study! Thank you for registering to be with us.

This week's verses of 1 John sounded very much like both the beginning of Genesis and the beginning of the Gospel of John.  The beginning.  The Word. Light. Darkness.

We also got to talk about that which has been nearly banished from many people's vocabulary, "sin." Yes.  We are all sinners.  If sin did not exist, does not exist, then there was absolutely no point at all to Jesus having died on the cross.  We all need saving!  Whether we believe it or not.

Our conversation was so interesting.  I'm sorry if you had to miss it.  Each week that we meet, I will (eventually) get my notes posted on our site.  Obviously, they won't reflect the twists and turns our discussion might take, but I hope that they do help a bit if you aren't able to make it.  Life happens.

Lesson 1: 1 John

Please let me know if this link doesn't work for you.  I'll do my best to help you.
See you September 27 when we will discuss Lesson 2: 2:3-14, The New Old Command! 

Fall 2018: The Letters of John 1-3

"In this is love: not that we have loved God, 

but that he loved us and sent his Son as expiation for our sins.

                                                            1 John: 4:10-11

This fall our Solid Grounds Bible Study will be reading The Letters of John 1-3. The verse above speaks to one of the primary messages that these letters convey: Jesus is both God and Man, and accepting the truth of God's great love for us compels us to respond to that truth by loving one another.  Truth itself is another theme of these letters--a theme that begs to be heard in this Age of Relativism.

This particular session of the Solid Grounds Study is being registered as a new Lifegroup at St. Patrick's Catholic Church.  This group will meet weekly from September 13-November 15. (The complete schedule is in the column to the right and on the calendar below.) You may register at the church or online at our The Solid Grounds Lifegroup page.

The Ignatius Catholic Study Bible--New Testament is our preferred source of scripture for the study. This Bible has very informative notes, maps, and extra essays that help tremendously with the study. We will also use two books by Dr. N.T. Wright: Early Christian Letters for Everyone and The Letters of John For Everyone: Study Guide. If you have participated in this study in the past, you  most likely already own the first two books mentioned and will only need The Letters of John for Everyone: Study Guide. Order the books you may need through St. Patrick Book & Gift or any online book seller. Please do not wait until the last moment to order your materials.  Availability is unpredictable--as is shipping, and it is also helpful to get started on the introductory materials in each of the books prior to our discussion on Lesson 1 on September 20. This will save you from having to do a lot of homework in the week before that first discussion!

Please prayerfully consider joining us for this study. Hope to see you on September 13!