Week 2 - Day 1

Day 1: “If You Love Me” – by Ralph Acerno (Retired Pastor)

Read: 1 John 2:3-4

Review: What is the difference and test between a real Christian and one who is a liar? Is knowing God simply based on some mystical experience as many in John's churches claimed, or can it be clearly evidenced for all to see? For John, "Knowing God" results in obedience and "keeping his commands." John recognizes that Christians still sin (1 John 1:8), however, he also knows true believers will demonstrate consistency in obeying God vs those making baseless claims. No doubt, John learned this great truth from Jesus himself who said, "My sheep hear my voice and follow me, and I give them eternal life. If you love me, you will keep my commandments." (John 10:27; 14:15)

Reflect: People often say today, "I'm not religious, but spiritual." Often such statements are an excuse for avoiding any sense of accountability to God and his standards. What would I say to someone who claimed to know God, yet never shows it? What about me? Can I receive Jesus as Savior without also making him Lord?