A Perfected Love: Reflections on 1 John 4

What is "perfect" love, and does God truly expect us to achieve it?

In this week’s "Snapshots from the Bible," Pastor Justin explores 1 John 4:12–18 in a message titled "A Perfected Love." He dives into the profound reality of the love God expressed to us through Jesus Christ—a love that is not just a sentiment, but a standard.

The Call to Reflect Christ

God calls us to extend this same perfected love toward others, with a particular emphasis on our brothers and sisters in Christ. While "perfection" can feel like an impossible weight, the scripture reminds us of two encouraging truths:

• Sanctification: Our ability to love perfectly is a growth process, not an overnight switch.

• The Holy Spirit: This transformation is only possible through the Spirit God has placed within us, enabling us to love beyond our natural capacity

Do you want to be first in line? What are you willing to do to be considered first? In this week’s “Snapshots from the Bible” Podcast, quoting Mark 9:35, in a message entitled “The Back of the Line,” Pastor Justin reminds of a time when Jesus’ own disciples argued over who would be first in the Kingdom. Jesus’s answer is astounding by worldly standards, that they who are the most humble, the most willing to serve instead of being served, provided them, and Us, with a truth to live by.

Does God still speak? What does He have to say? How does God speak to us? Welcome to this week’s Snapshots from the Bible podcast, recorded and produced by Knox Church, located in Kenmore, New York. In today’s Snapshots from the Bible Podcast, quoting the Old Testament Book of 1st Kings, the 19th chapter, looking specifically at verses 11 and 12, Pastor Justin recalls a time when God spoke to His prophet Elijah, not through shouting, or an earthquake, or a great wind, but through His still, small voice. God speaks to us today, through His Holy Scriptures, both the Old and New Testaments, and guides us in the paths we need to go. Sometimes, we just need to be quiet and listen.

Why can’t I keep my resolutions? What’s wrong with me? In today’s Snapshots from the Bible, quoting the Old Testament Book of Psalm Chapter 51, Pastor Justin reminds us that real change comes from the Lord. All we need do is cry out to Him. He alone is able to change our lives and our hearts, and give us a heart of flesh, instead of a heart of stone.

Why should I pray? Does God really hear my prayers? Welcome to this week’s Snapshots from the Bible podcast, recorded and produced by Knox Church, located in Kenmore, New York. In today’s Snapshots from the Bible Podcast, entitled “Effective Prayer,” quoting the New Testament Book of James, Chapter 5, verse 16, Pastor Justin encourages usto pray, because in Jesus, we are just the type of person Jesus is looking for, a perfectly righteous one, because our righteousness is in Him.

Contact us at prayer@knoxepc.com

Why do things keep changing? Who’s in charge of this, anyway? In today’s Snapshots from the Bible, quoting the Old Testament Book of Daniel, Chapter 2, verse 21, Pastor Justin reminds us that change is part of life, and that God is in charge of the seasons and all things. We can rest in the sovereignty of a Holy and loving God who cares for us.

Email pastor@knoxepc.com with any prayer requests.

Rain in October after a dry Summer? What wonderful purpose could God have in store for this? And what exactly did James mean when he wrote about the 'early and later rains'?

Welcome to this week's Snapshots from the Bible podcast! We're recorded right here in Kenmore, New York, at Knox Church.In today's episode, Pastor Justin dives into the New Testament Book of James, specifically Chapter 5, verses 7 and 8. He encourages us to embrace the importance of patience as we consider God's larger plan for our lives. Just like the farmer waits for the harvest, we're called to wait with hopeful anticipation for Christ's promised return. It will happen—perfectly on His timetable. In the meantime, weneed to stay busy and engaged until that day.

Wait a minute, we’re still here! I thought we were supposed to be raptured on September 23rd. What happened? Did God lie? In today’s Snapshots from the Bible, quoting theOld Testament Prophet Jeremiah, in chapter 23, verse 16 of the book he wrote, and Moses from Deuteronomy 18, verses 20 through 23, Pastor Justin warns us to be leary of people who claim to have a supposed special word from God. He also provides us with ways to test these Prophets.