This week of daily devotions in the Book of First John center on the Apostle’s Prologue to his letter. You’re going to need your Bible and I’ve provided the Study Notes on this website that you can either bookmark, or print. Be sure to scroll down to the notes outlining and commenting on the PROLOGUE.

I hope this helps those of you who are committed to journaling this year.

Week 2: 1 John 1:1-4

1 John PROLOGUE Day 1: Happiness or Joy?

1 John PROLOGUE Day 2: No Substitute for Experience

There is no substitute for experience!

Read 1 John 1:1-4 again today. As you read, underline the words that emphasize John’s personal experiences with the Lord Jesus.

Since last week’s study previewed the entire message of 1 John—to warn the people against a heresy that denied the humanity of Christ so that they could experience the full joy of fellowship—think through why John felt a need to make such a big deal about his personal interaction with Christ.

How do you think these false teachers felt about “competing” with an eyewitness to the Incarnation—a disciple who had actually gazed upon and handled the Lord Jesus?

John brings a lot of credibility to any discussion of joy! He had walked with the Lord Jesus for over three years, stood at the foot of the Cross, rushed to the empty tomb, met the resurrected Christ, and watched Him ascend into heaven.

What about you? If you were trying to help someone experience the reality of fellowship with Christ, what personal experiences with the Savior would bring credibility to your words? Do you have stories to tell?

If you are a Christian, spend some time trying to write out a paragraph highlighting the living proof you can offer that Christ is real in your life. Then ask the Lord to give you an opportunity to share Christ’s love with one person this week.

If you do not know for sure if you are actually a Christian, someone who could experience the reality of Christ in your life, turn in your Bible to John 3:16. This may be the most popular verse in the Bible and the reason is clear. This is a wonderful offer of eternal life from the Son of God to all who believe in Him. Ask Christ for eternal life right now. Tell Him you believe in Him as the One who can give you eternal life and He will give it to you! Then, very soon, His life flowing through you will give you stories to tell…stories of joy!