What does following Jesus with honesty, humility, and wholeness look like? That’s the question Minister Jed Logue asked as he launched our new 8-week series, 123 John: A Light Read Through the Letters of John.

These letters—written by the apostle John near the end of his life—call the early church (and us today) to return to the fundamentals of authentic Christianity: walk in the light, confess your sins, and trust in Jesus as your Advocate.

From Eyewitness to Encourager

John doesn’t write as a distant theologian. He walked with Jesus, hearing his voice, seeing his miracles, and touching his scars. He writes with authority and deep affection, reminding the church that Jesus is eternal, divine, and real.

“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes...this we proclaim.” (1 John 1:1)

John’s goal is simple: we would experience the same fellowship with God that he has, and our joy would be complete because of it.

The Message: God Is Light

John doesn’t waste time. He gets right to it:

“God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.” (1 John 1:5)

Light and darkness are not just poetic images. They’re spiritual realities. John challenges us to stop pretending we’re fine when we’re not, to stop managing our sin, and to start walking in the light through confession, community, and grace.

“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves… But if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive.” (1 John 1:8–9)

Stop Managing. Start Confessing.

Jed reminded us that many of us are trapped in sin management mode—hiding struggles, working harder, preserving our image. But confession brings something self-effort never can: freedom.

Here’s what walking in the light looks like:

• God-centered – not self-centered
• Uncovering sin – not hiding it
• Relational healing – not isolation

It’s not about perfection—it’s about honesty. And when we’re honest, we remember this truth:

“If anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.” (1 John 2:1)

A Next Step for You

Take a moment today to reflect honestly. Is there an area of your life that needs to come into the light? Confess it to God. Talk to a trusted friend. Ask Jesus, your Advocate, to meet you gracefully, and he will.

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