1 John 4:1-21: Love, but Verify

John tackles a crucial question that plagued the early church and still challenges us today: How do we know who truly speaks for God? He provides a surprisingly simple test - the acknowledgment of Jesus Christ coming in the flesh - but then expands into one of Scripture's most profound revelations about God's nature as love itself. Through this dual focus on discernment and divine love, John shows how spiritual truth-testing is important for those who are of God but love itself seeks the good of others—even those who are caught up in false teachings.  The Rev. John Lukomski, co-host of Wrestling with the Basics on KFUO Radio, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 1 John 4:1-21. Find Wrestling with the Basics at kfuo.org/WrestlingWithTheBasics.  In these epistles, John defends the truth of Jesus Christ against false teachings, calling believers to remain steadfast in their faith and grounded in the apostolic witness. He emphasizes the essential connection between truth, love, and fellowship, urging Christians to walk in the light, love one another, and reject anything that denies the person and work of Jesus.  Through 1 John, we explore the assurance of salvation, the battle between light and darkness, and the call to abide in Christ. In 2 John, we are reminded of the importance of holding fast to the truth while guarding against deceivers. Finally, in 3 John, we see a personal glimpse into the challenges of church leadership, hospitality, and Christian unity.  Together, these letters challenge us to live faithfully as God’s children in a world that opposes His truth.   Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: [email protected].