Illuminate Community Church

"Christian Love" - 1 John 4:7-12

In our study, we find the specific type of love that God exemplifies through Jesus - the basis of our faith. Pastor Jason Fritz breaks down the kind of love that is "the act in the best interest of another person, often given to those who are unlovable." In the letter that has only 5 chapters, John writes the word "love" 44 times. The truth is we can't give what we don't have, and so in order to love those around us, we first need to know who is the creator of it. Then, we need an example of how that looks, so that we can then apply it.

"Discerning Spiritual Truth" - 1 John 4:1-6

Coming off of our Advent Series and continuing into our study of 1 John, Pastor Jason Fritz takes us into the pastoral urging and guidance of the Apostle John to his followers on how to differentiate between false teachers and the true Gospel of God. With huge applications to today's environment, the patterns of Satan's attacks are still relevant: many of Christ's followers can be led astray with good intentions and errant teachings.

"Confident Sons and Daughters" - 1 John 3:10-24 - Pastor Jason Fritz

Our identities in this world can have a profound affect on how we experience life and how we experience others. Here, Pastor Jason Fritz covers 1 John 3, as the Apostle John talks about what it means to live under God's family. Everyone on the planet is in one of two spiritual families. Your family identity makes you, you. Love is the birthmark of God's family members.

"Who You Are Determines What You Do" - 1 John 2:28 - 3:10

This week, guest speaker Pastor Steve Johnson brings us back in after the "Saturday Night Life" mini-series into our study of 1 John. Written by the Apostle John at an estimated age of 80 to 100 years old at the time, this week covers foundational principles we - as Christians - should use to gauge whether or not we're doing what we're supposed to be doing as believers.

"Avoiding Spiritual Deception" - 1 John 2:18-27

Sometimes a preacher or teacher in the church will assume the identity of a Christian but in fact they are not. The result is that people are led astray. So how do we avoid being deceived? John gives us help.

"The Love God Hates" 1 John 2:12-17

Pastor Jason Fritz speaks on the power focusing on God over your circumstances and not loving the world.

"Knowing That We Know God" - 1 John 2:3-11

Continuing from last week's study in the book of 1st John, we look into the difference between knowing about God... and knowing God. The differences might seem trivial, but when played out in the course of a believer's life, the act of actually knowing God through fellowship and obedience to Him, we can see that the difference is actually very stark. This difference is actually the heart of Christianity, and gives us insight into what God actually requires and desires of us, as opposed to what religion requires. Listen as Pastor Jason Fritz discusses in this series

"Complete Joy" 1 John 1:1-4

The Apostle John combating false doctrine spread by the Gnostics wrote the Gospel of John. As bad theology was splitting the church John writes 1John to remind us the importance of showing Christ's love to each other. Jason Fritz breaks down the first 4 verses of the book.

"Walking in the Light" 1 John 1:5-7

"Communing with God" Fellowship with others is critical to live the life God has planned for us. Pastor Jason Fritz explains the history of why John wrote this passage and how it applies to our life today. 1 John 1:5-7 "This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.

"Lose Your Religion" - Matthew 7:13-29

This week we wrap up the Sermon on the Mount. In a form true to His nature, Jesus continues to call out the religious elite for their role in leading people away from the true Godhead. Jesus is the Way, and the only way.