Stephan Hoffman

Whoever believes in the Son of God accepts this testimony. Whoever does not believe God has made him out to be a liar, because they have not believed the testimony God has given about his Son. And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. John 5:10-12

Read the whole chapter of 1 John 5:1-21

Victory. This is what we have received. Jesus Christ conquered death, the relationship with the Father was restored and he remains in us through the work of the Holy Spirit. We are truly victorious in Christ! There is nothing in life or on earth that is bigger, stronger and more powerful than God's love for us.

In Old Testament times the testimony of three people was accepted as truth. John says the Spirit, water and blood testify about Jesus Christ. Christ’s eternal life and his birth and death on earth bear witness that he is Lord. Jesus Christ is the source of life.

John says, "Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life." Do you have the Son of God? If you answer yes, then you can be certain that you have eternal life. You also have the promise that God listens to your prayers if you talk to him. We are encouraged to pray for each other and support each other, so that we will not continue to sin, but will live for God.

When last did you really pray for someone else? When was the last time you went on your knees and not only asked for your own needs, but also for the needs of others? We must be careful that our prayers are not filled with our own sinful selfishness, but are filled with the Holy Spirit. We should have each other's best interests at heart.

You are a redeemed sinner who knows the true God through Jesus Christ. In Christ you are a conqueror, and you need not fear the devil or death, because Jesus Christ rose victorious, he lives! Let us live as people who are born of God, people who have received a new eternal life with God.

Prayer: Almighty God, thank you that you have already defeated the devil, sin and death. Thank you that I can be a conqueror in Christ. Lord, I know so many people who need far more than I do. Help me to make time for them today, and to support them with deeds of love. Amen.