That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. (1 John 1:1-2 NIV)

Dear Fellowship of the Burning Heart:

John begins this letter by revisiting some of the same themes he used to begin his gospel. “From the beginning” speaks of eternal existence and “Word” speaks volumes concerning the nature of Christ’s mission: to speak for God, to represent God, to bring God near, to tabernacle among us. “Life” is only found in the Life-giver and this life is not merely physical existence; it is spiritual life, eternal life, abundant life. John clearly wants to communicate that the qualities of deity are fully possessed by the One who has come to us—the Christ.

This “life” has appeared and has been witnessed. “We have heard,” “we have seen,” “we have looked at,” we “have touched,” all point to the profoundly personal nature of his witness. His evidence is first-hand and his testimony is definitely not hearsay. He has taken great pains to present the evidence, having carefully observed Christ’s ministry for over three years.

I will talk this week about the barrier that separates us from the life God has planned for us, designed for us, prepared for us, provided for us, and presented to us. This life is free, abundant, and eternal. It is the only REAL life available to us. Why start here when addressing the barrier to this life and to the fellowship that provides it? Well, I believe that the only motivation to remove the barrier lies in the firm conviction that the object of our pursuit is worth the effort expended to acquire it. You see, a tremendous amount of effort may be needed to accomplish our goal of pursuing God, but what we will gain is what every honest person wants: real life, full life, rewarding life, eternal life.

Christ offers this life: I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. (John 10:10 ESV)

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16 ESV)

This is what the gospel is all about. Do you want this life? Do you desperately desire it? Are you willing to do whatever, give up whatever, forsake whatever or whomever to have it?

It can be yours, but the barrier that stands between you and this life must be removed…