For a replay of this week’s service click here.

For a download of this week’s REMAIN click here.

Review

When Jesus said He was “going to prepare a place for us,” we often imagine Him leaving
to build future homes far away. But Jesus was speaking about making a way for us to be
at home with the Father—living a shared life with Him now. Eternal life isn’t only future; it
has already begun.

In 1 John, John encourages believers toward this shared life through a series of if/then
statements (1:5–10). Together, they show us what fellowship really is. Fellowship means
shared life—a deliberate, ongoing participation in life with the Father and with one
another. It is more than occasional social connection; it is inviting God into our
relationships, decisions, and everyday rhythms.

John shows that if we want fellowship with God, then our lives will be shaped by walking
in the light. If we walk in the light, then we experience shared life with other believers,
and Jesus Himself continually cleanses us. If we deny our sin, then we deceive ourselves.
If we confess—agreeing with God about our sin and releasing shame—then Jesus
faithfully forgives and keeps cleansing us. This points to an ongoing work, not just
forgiveness of individual sins, but continual purification as we live close to Him.

John also names the tension we feel. We may desire to walk in the light, yet in traffic, at
work, or under stress, we slip into darker responses. At times we even convince ourselves
that a particular sin is acceptable. But shared life with God is a place of grace, where Jesus
keeps cleaning what inevitably gets dirty as we live.

What hinders this fellowship? Often it’s not outright rebellion, but subtle displacement—
spending large portions of our time shaped by news cycles, talk shows, social media, or
constant commentary, or spending significant time with people who are not walking in
the light or encouraging a close walk with God. Busyness and distraction can crowd out
space to intentionally listen to Him.

What helps this shared life grow? Humility—recognizing that all we have comes from God
and choosing to live dependently.

We see the fruit of this shared life in Acts 4:32–35, where believers, stirred by God rather
than commanded, shared generously to meet needs. We also see it in small, Spirit-led
moments—like this week, when one of our members felt prompted to bring a banana to
work, something she rarely does. That same day, a child was deeply disappointed to have
forgotten his snack, especially his favorite: a banana. When she gave it to him, he hugged
her and said, “God is always here.”

Who might God want you to “share a banana with” this week?

Reflect
As you reread 1 John 1:5–10, which of John’s
if/then statements stands out to you most
right now, and why might the Holy Spirit be
drawing your attention to it?

What currently helps—or hinders—you from
walking in the light and experiencing this
shared life with God and others?

How might growing in humility—recognizing
your need for Jesus’ ongoing cleansing—
shape the way you listen to God and love the
people around you this week?

Rehearse
…But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with
one another and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.
1 John 1:7 ESV

Read
Revisit: 1 John 1:5-10; Acts 4:32-35
Read Ahead: 1 John 2:1-6

Respond
Lord Jesus,

Thank You for making a way for us to live at home
with the Father, not just someday, but now. We
want to walk in Your light and enjoy this shared
life with You and with one another. We confess the
ways we drift, get distracted, or choose darker
paths, and we humbly agree with You about our
need. Thank You that You are faithful to forgive
and that You continually cleanse us by Your grace.
Teach us to listen, to depend on You, and to notice
the small ways You are inviting us to love others.
Shape our hearts to walk humbly with You, and
lead us by Your Spirit this week. Amen.

Relate
Shared Life Practice (this week)

Choose one intentional moment this week to share everyday life with
someone from our church family. It could be a short walk, a coffee, a text
checking in, or inviting someone into a normal part of your routine. As you
do, resist the urge to rush or perform—simply listen, be present, and ask
God to make you attentive to their needs. Trust that small, Spirit-led
moments are often where shared life grows most deeply.

Rejoice (songs from Sunday)
I Believe
No Longer Slaves
Another Like You