1st John--an online Bible study for the season of Easter

During the season of Easter, you are invited to join with me in an online study of 1 John.  We'll be looking at the texts selected for the Second Lesson on Sundays during Easter.  One of the big themes in 1 John is love and what it means for us as believers.  To learn more about 1 John, check out Enter the Bible (maintained by Luther Seminary).  On Sunday, I'll post a reflection on the text from 1 John.

The "rules" for this on-line Bible study are as follows:
1.  There aren't necessarily "right" or "wrong" answers.  That said, all comments should be respectful.
2.  You can post comments or questions or respond to posts by others.
3.  The more the merrier!  Even if you're unsure about your thoughts, please post.  Your comments will add to the conversation and help make for better learning and engagement for all of us.
4.  The pastor (ie ME) doesn't have all the answers!
5.  Have fun!



SO...let's start with 1 John 1:1-2:2.

Photo by Dan Hille (April 2007)

We declare to you what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life-- ² this life was revealed, and we have seen it and testify to it, and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us-- ³ we declare to you what we have seen and heard so that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. ⁴ We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete. 

⁵ This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him there is no darkness at all. ⁶ If we say that we have fellowship with him while we are walking in darkness, we lie and do not do what is true; ⁷ but if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. ⁸ If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. ⁹ If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. ¹⁰ If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

2:1 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; ² and he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.

The following are questions to start our conversation...
What is familiar to you in this text?
Are there surprises?
What images stick out for you?
What questions do you have?