The Bride Church

️ Key Points: Assurance of salvation brings confidence, boldness, and joy. Abiding in Christ and in His Word empowers answered prayer. Loving others sacrificially is evidence of new life. Walking in the light requires ongoing confession and surrender. Discussion Questions: Why do so many Christians struggle to feel confident in their salvation? What does it mean to abide in Christ daily? How do His words abide in you? When has God used you in a way that surprised you—like Scripture or wisdom flowing unexpectedly? What does “walking in the light” look like practically in your daily life?

Key Points Being “born of God” means loving Him, obeying His commandments, and loving others born of Him. God’s commandments are not a burden—they’re an expression of His heart and love. True victory (Nico) over the world comes through faith in Jesus, not effort. God’s testimony is revealed through the water, the Spirit, and the blood—all testifying that Jesus is the Son of God. The new birth is a mystery of the Spirit’s work—initiated by God and affirmed through life change. Nicodemus’ journey shows a transformation from secrecy to boldness in faith. Eternal life begins the moment we are born again—not after we die. Discussion What does it mean to be “born again,” and how is that different from simply believing in God? How can we recognize the testimony of God at work within us? In what ways have you experienced God’s commandments as an expression of His love rather than a burden? How do the water, Spirit, and blood each uniquely testify to Jesus’ identity and mission? What step of obedience—public or private—is God calling you to as a response to His testimony?

KEY POINTS God’s love is perfect and drives out fear; it’s not based on our performance or merit. 1 John 4 teaches us that love is evidence of being born of God and knowing God. We are commanded to love others as He has loved us, but first we must let Him love us. God’s perfect love was shown in Christ’s atoning sacrifice—the propitiation for our sins. Loving others requires confronting six barriers: Selfishness, Pride, Fear, Jealousy, Bitterness, and Distraction. Each barrier is overcome not by effort alone, but by receiving God’s love and abiding in Him. Perfect love transforms us so others can see God at work in us. Our call is to daily pause, let God love us, and intentionally love others in the details of everyday life. DISCUSSION How would you explain the difference between human love and God’s perfect love? Which of the six barriers (Selfishness, Pride, Fear, Jealousy, Bitterness, Distraction) do you most struggle with, and why? Why do you think it’s so important to “pause” and let God love you before trying to love others? Perfect love casts out fear. What does that mean in your own walk? How can you practice seeing God “in the details of your day” this week?

KEY POINTS ·      We are encouraged as believers to test every spirit.  ·      There are many spirits, but only one spirit of God. ·      False prophets and cultural pressures will attempt to pose as truth, but God gives us discernment through His Spirit and His Word to distinguish truth from error. ·      The world listens to the false spirits and believes them because they are of the world, but He that is in us is greater than he that is in the world and we have victory over false prophets. ·      When we receive the love that is given to us by God, we are able to love one another as He has loved us. ·      God is love, and God demonstrated His love by giving his Son.  ·      God‘s love flows, even in the midst of great tragedies and great sorrows.  ·      Both the Earth and mankind are fallen, neither of which will escape tribulations, but both will experience redemption.  DISCUSSION ·      How can we practically “test the spirits” today when there are so many voices on social media, in culture, and even in the church? ·      Why is it impossible to love like God without first receiving His love? ·      How do you hold on to hope and His love when both the world and your own heart are hurting? ·      How do the passages in Romans eight help you understand the truth that God is love, even in the midst of tragedies?