More Than A Man | 1 John 1:1-4
Who is the real Jesus? How do we know we have eternal life and authentic faith? In a deeply encouraging message, Pastor Avel Rivera takes us through the first chapter of 1 John, verses 1-4, beginning a transformative sermon series “That You May Know.” This post explores the essential teachings from that message, helping you discover not just a religious idea, but the living person of Christ—more than a man, the Eternal Son of God.
Introduction: Clarity in Confusing Times
Pastor Rivera opens with a reality check: many people—even within churches—hold distorted images of Jesus, molded more by culture or personal preference than by revealed truth. But John’s letter, as Rivera emphasizes, provides much-needed clarity, assurance, and direction. Over the coming weeks, the sermon series promises to walk verse-by-verse through 1 John, illuminating what a genuine, vibrant Christian community looks like.
1. Jesus: The Word Revealed (1 John 1:1-2)
John’s testimony is emphatic: he doesn’t speak of rumors or philosophical ideas. He witnessed Jesus firsthand—heard Him, saw Him, touched Him. “That which was from the beginning...concerning the word of life, that life was made manifest, and we have seen it and testify to it…”
Rivera urges us to grasp this: Jesus is more than a moral example or religious symbol. He is God made flesh, the Word of Life, stepping into our world not out of curiosity, but out of love. He lived a life we could not live, died the death we deserved, so we could be reconciled with God. This doctrine isn’t about feelings or tradition—it’s transformational, foundational, and deeply personal.
2. Jesus: The Word Proclaimed (1 John 1:3)
After revealing Jesus, John proclaims Him. Rivera draws a vivid parallel—imagine discovering the cure to an incurable disease. Would you keep it to yourself? Of course not. In the same way, knowing Christ is too powerful to remain private.
The purpose? “So that you too may have fellowship with us—and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ.” Sharing the true Christ is an invitation into deep, authentic relationship—with other believers and with God himself. Importantly, true fellowship requires knowing the real Jesus, not a distorted, culturally-shaped version.
Rivera cautions: If your image of Jesus does not align with Scripture—as the eternal Son made flesh—then you’re missing out on real relationship and community with God. He challenges us to examine whether our understanding matches what the apostles proclaimed.
3. Jesus: The Word Who Gives Joy (1 John 1:4)
John’s aim is clear: joy. Not temporary happiness, but overflowing, complete joy rooted in restored relationship with God. Rivera illustrates this with the story of a family reunited after years of separation—their joy isn’t from circumstances, but from reconciliation.
Lasting joy comes only from knowing the real Jesus and having fellowship with Him. Many search for joy in experience, emotion, or personal images of Christ. But Rivera urges: anchor your joy in the unchanging truth that Christ took on flesh for you.
Key Takeaways & Invitation
Jesus is more than a man—He is the Eternal Son, God made flesh.
Faith is not just about doctrines or behavior—it’s about embracing the real Christ.
Authentic Christian joy doesn’t hinge on circumstances, but on deep relationship with Christ.
Are you living with that joy? Or has your image of Jesus been shaped by something less than Scripture?
Final Thoughts
Pastor Rivera closes his message with a heartfelt invitation. If you know the real Jesus, this joy is yours. If not, the door is open—come to the Word of Life and receive joy that never ends.
“Jesus is calling you today. Don’t wait. Come to Christ, embrace the true Jesus, and know the life that never ends.”
Ready to walk in the light and love of authentic faith?
Let this message draw you deeper into true fellowship and lasting joy.
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