Online Bible Study--1 John 3:1-7

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 for the weekends 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.  Don't be shy.
6.  Have fun!










This week: 1 John 3:1-7

See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. And all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.

Everyone who commits sin is guilty of lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. You know that he was revealed to take away sins, and in him there is no sin.  No one who abides in him sins; no one who sins has either seen him or known him. Little children, let no one deceive you. Everyone who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous.










-What stands out for you in this reading?
-What questions do you have?
-What does it mean to you to be a child of God?  
-This language about sin is rather confusing.  Here are a few words of wisdom from the Lutheran Study Bible: "People are born with a tendency to be self-centered, to live apart from God, and to do evil.  But being God's children and receiving the Holy Spirit empowers us to love and do good" (p. 2015).  Is that helpful?

This weekend's readings are:

Acts 3:12-19

1 John 3:1-7

Luke 24:36b-48