This week we begin our new sermon series in 1 John by considering 1:1-4. Here we find the apostle John writing to those “who believe in the name of the Son of God that [they] may know that [they] have eternal life” (5:13).  So he begins his pastoral letter with an apostolic appeal to those who were eyewitnesses to the person and work of Jesus Christ, in order that those who receive the letter can have a sure foundation upon which to build their Christian life. The sermon seeks to challenge those who deny an historical Jesus, while encouraging believers in the fellowship and joy they share with God and with one another because Jesus is truly who the Bible says that He is.