Letters of John: Embracing Certainty in Times of Insecurity

We live in times of insecurity.

New nations are coming to birth. Social and political patterns are evolving. Violence, terrorism, and war threaten the very foundations of civilization. These external insecurities are reflected in the internal world of the mind and of the spirit. There is widespread distrust of Christian faith and a preference for agnosticism or free thought. Many church members are confused and uncertain.

Against this background, to read the letters of John is to enter another world marked by assurance, knowledge, confidence, and boldness. The certainty of Christian people is twofold: objective (that the Christian religion is true) and subjective (that they have been born of God and possess eternal life). Both are expounded by John, who takes it for granted that this double assurance is right and healthy. Today we urgently need to hear and heed his teaching about the nature of these certainties and the grounds on which they are built.

John Stott was one of the world's leading and most-loved Bible teachers and preachers. In this Bible study guide you can explore Scripture under his guidance, enhancing your own in-depth study with insights gained from his years of immersion in God's Word.

John R. W. Stott (1921–2011) was known worldwide as a preacher, evangelist, and communicator of Scripture. For many years he served as rector of All Souls Church in London. A leader among evangelicals in Britain, the United States, and around the world, Stott was a principal framer of the landmark Lausanne Covenant (1974). His connections in and heart for the global church led him to found Langham Partnership. Langham continues its work today, equipping key leaders to preach God's Word clearly, faithfully, and relevantly in over 140 countries. Stott's many books, including Basic Christianity and The Cross of Christ, have sold millions of copies.

Dale Larsen has written more than forty books and Bible studies with his wife, Sandy, including Growing Older and Wiser in the LifeGuide Bible Studies series.

Sandy Larsen has written more than forty books and Bible studies with her husband, Dale, including Growing Older and Wiser in the LifeGuide Bible Studies series.