Welcome to the Reading First John podcast, where we unpack Scripture — one verse at a time — and discover how it transforms everyday life. In today’s episode, your hosts Pastor Peter Englert and Professor Ron Hall dive deep into one of the New Testament’s most powerful love passages: 1 John 3:11‑18.

From the opening call to “love one another” to the stark warning that hating a brother is the same as murder, Peter and Ron lay out the timeless tension between our call to community love and the reality of a world that hates the message of Christ. Using the familiar Cain‑and‑Abel narrative as a lens, they explore how John borrows the Old‑Testament story to illustrate the deadly consequences of jealousy, sin, and indifference.

What does “love in action” really look like? The duo unpacks John’s challenge to move beyond words: give what you have to a brother or sister in need, forgive the unforgivable, and let our lives reflect the sacrificial love of Jesus. Along the way, they connect these verses to:

• The Gospel of John’s insistence that Satan is the father of lies and the source of Cain’s evil. 
• New‑Testament parallels—James’ “doers” (James 1), Paul’s “one another” commands (≈ 50 passages), and Christ’s own example of laying down His life (John 15, John 13). 
• Practical questions for modern believers: How do we love in the midst of a hateful, media‑flooded world? How do we respond when the people we’re called to love have hurt us?

Expect a lively conversation that blends solid theological insight with real‑world application, peppered with humor (“Amen, we’re grabbing water!”), personal anecdotes, and a heartfelt invitation to practice love with our hands, not just our lips. Whether you’re a seasoned disciple or just curious about what the Bible says about love, this episode equips you to turn love from a feeling into a daily, tangible reality.

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In this episode, host Peter Englert teams up with Professor Ron Hall to unpack the heart of 1 John 2:28‑2:29 and the opening of chapter 3 (verses 1‑10). They’ll guide us through the recurring motifs that stitch the entire letter together—“dear children,” light versus darkness, love, hope, and the transformative promise of Christ’s return.

Together they explore how John’s chiastic structure (A‑B‑C‑C‑B‑A) frames his argument: we are beloved “children of God,” called to live in hope that purifies us, and to reject the devil’s work. The conversation dives deep into the controversial three‑letter word—SIN—examining whether it denotes habitual wrongdoing or a single, conscious breach of God’s law.

Peter and Ron also tackle real‑world applications: from addiction and habitual sin to community responsibility, the importance of loving our brothers and sisters, and how hope in Christ’s second coming reshapes daily choices. They weave in biblical cross‑references, personal testimonies, and practical theology, all while reminding us that the text isn’t a Rorschach test for judgment, but a mirror that points us back to Jesus.

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In this episode, co‑host Peter Englert and guest Ron Hall dive deep into 1 John 2:18‑27, the passage where John warns the early believers about the “many antichrists” who have already gone out from the community. 

Peter kicks things off by reading the verses and pointing out how easy it is to get sidetracked by the word antichrist—a word that often sparks speculation and distraction. Ron steps in to pull the focus back to what really matters: the flow of John’s thought—the stark contrast between truth and counterfeit, between the Holy One’s anointing that dwells in every genuine believer and the devil's lies.

Together they unpack:

• The “last hour” and what “last days” mean in the biblical timeline. 
• How the anti‑ prefix (in place of) and Christ (the anointed one) describe a deceptive force that opposes Jesus. 
• Why the true anointing isn’t a special clerical power but the indwelling Holy Spirit that every follower possesses. 
• The danger of “false teachers” who claim superior revelation, and how John’s message mirrors Paul’s warning in Colossians 2 against religious syncretism and Gnosticism. 
• Practical takeaways for daily life: staying steady in the faith, exposing ourselves to the truth of Scripture each day, and guarding against the subtle lies that try to convince us we need bigger ministries, louder voices, or “special” anointings.

As the conversation moves toward verses 24‑27, Peter and Ron highlight the promise of eternal life and the call to remain in Christ, emphasizing that the Christian walk is lived out in ordinary, everyday moments—just as a parent consistently prepares their kids for school.

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In this episode, hosts Peter Englert and Ron Hall dive deep into one of the most uplifting passages in the New Testament—1 John 2:12‑17. They unpack John’s three‑fold portrait of spiritual growth:

• Children of God—who first experience the forgiveness of sins,
• Young believers—who are called to “overcome the evil one” by living on the power of God’s Word, and
• Fathers in the faith—who mature enough to invest in the next generation.

Peter and Ron explore how these timeless roles translate for today’s church, breaking down the inclusive language of “young men” (anthropos) and showing that the call to spiritual maturity applies to every gender and age.

The conversation then shifts to the “bad news” of verses 15‑17: the seductive pull of the world—lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and pride of life. Using biblical examples from Genesis, the wilderness temptations of Jesus, and the lives of Solomon and David, they illustrate how the same ancient temptations still dominate modern culture.

Practical takeaways abound:

• Word‑filled living as the weapon against the enemy,
• The vital role of mentoring and discipleship—children need fathers, young believers need mentors, and mature Christians must become the “fathers” who pour into others,
• How to start each day with Scripture instead of the noise of the world, and
• A reminder that true identity is rooted in God’s love, not in self‑help slogans.

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In this episode, host Peter Englert sits down with Pastor and Professor Dr. Ron Hall to unpack the heartbeat of 1 John 2:1‑11. After a quick reminder that chapter and verse numbers were added centuries after the text was written, they dive straight into the passage that bridges the “ifs” of darkness (chapter 1) with the “ifs” of light (chapter 2).

Together they explore:

• The reality of sin for believers – why John’s warning that “we will sin” isn’t a license but a call to confession and reliance on Christ’s atoning sacrifice. 
• The lifeboat analogy – God provides forgiveness, but we’re called to avoid needing it by walking in obedience. 
• Obedience as the hallmark of true discipleship – how loving God without loving our brothers and sisters is impossible, and why the “new command” to love one another as Jesus loved us is the ultimate test of faith. 
• Practical ways to stay in the light – confronting hatred, bitterness, and resentment, feeding the Spirit instead of the flesh, and daily habits that keep our hearts aligned with Christ. 
• Powerful illustrations – from the blind fish of Kentucky’s Mammoth Caves to the Titanic’s lifeboats, showing how darkness can numb us and how the light of the Gospel restores sight.

Peter and Ron also touch on historical misconceptions like Wesleyan perfectionism, the cultural rebellion against authority, and the timeless tension between law‑keeping and grace‑filled love. They close with actionable steps for listeners: start each day with confession, surrender, and a prayer to “follow after Jesus today.”

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In this episode, we dive deep into 1 John 1:5‑10, the passage where John draws a vivid courtroom scene to expose the reality of sin and the glorious remedy we have in Christ. 

Our hosts, Peter Englert and Pastor Ron Hall, set the stage with a powerful metaphor: imagine a courtroom where Jesus is our advocate before the Father. They explore how John’s opening verses lay down three stark “ifs” that expose the darkness of denying sin, and three corresponding “ifs” that point us toward walking in the light. 

Key takeaways you’ll hear: 

• God is Light—there is no darkness in Him, and His light reveals every hidden sin. 
• The danger of denial—the “cessationist” mindset that claims we’re sinless, and why that makes God a liar. 
• The path to freedom—confession, the faithful and just nature of God, and the cleansing power of Jesus’ blood. 
• Practical application—how daily Scripture, community fellowship, and the Holy Spirit’s conviction keep us walking in the light, not in guilt or self‑justification.

Whether you’re a seasoned believer, a curious skeptic, or someone wrestling with the tension between guilt and grace, this conversation equips you to recognize the light, own the darkness, and rest in the assurance that Jesus stands as our intercessor. 

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Together they unpack who wrote the book (the apostle John, the “disciple whom Jesus loved”), when and where it was penned (mid‑80s AD, from Ephesus), and why it matters today. They highlight the letter’s central mission: exposing false doctrine—from early Gnostic and Docetic believers who denied Christ’s incarnation—to today’s “sin‑deniers” who pretend they have no need for confession.

Listeners get a quick roadmap of the epistle’s structure—light, righteousness, love, and a concluding prayerful close—while Peter shares practical tools (like the NIV Application Study Bible and Craig Keener’s commentary) and Ron stresses the importance of memorizing key verses for spiritual recall.

Notes from Ron Hall
The Word of Life - 1 John 1:1-4

First 4 verses John established that Christ came in the flesh (incarnation) and was truly God. He appeals to eyewitness accounts of those literally being with Christ - what we have seen & heard. He establishes that in Christ is life & that life makes a relationship with the Father possible.

Proclamation for Fellowship

• Word of Life – Christ
• Why is John doing this? So they could have fellowship with the Father, Son and with each other. True fellowship is only found in Christ, which is developed in the letter.
• FELLOWSHIP - Koinonia – Acts 2:42-47; 1 Peter 4:13. Fellowship is the distinguishing mark of Christianity.
• What is fellowship? Not “food, fun, and fellowship.” But for John and his readers “fellowship” is apparently something more profound than good food and good times. Judging from John’s letter, fellowship involves commitment to a common body of belief (doctrine) and faithfulness in a dedicated life of obedience. It also involves that elusive thing called love—love for God as well as love for people and especially fellow believers. (Clinton) 

Once this is established, John can move into the message of walking in and responding to God’s presence in 1 John 1:5-2:2

Consider now the power of imagery that “God is light” (1 John 1:5)

In this opening episode, Adult Ministries Pastor Peter Englert teams up with his longtime friend and professor Dr. Ron Hall to dive into the often‑overlooked New Testament letter, 1 John. Peter, who previously guided listeners through 1 Peter, introduces the series’ mission: to unpack the book’s rich theology and practical application for anyone reading it alone, in a small group, or simply craving deeper insight.

Ron explains why 1 John deserves more attention—its “neglected” status, its powerful themes of love, light, and truth, and its relevance to today’s culture of “sin‑denying” and “false doctrine.” Together they outline the historical backdrop (late 80s‑90s AD, likely penned from Ephesus by the Apostle John), the letter’s structure (light, righteousness, love, and a closing exhortation), and the key verse 1 John 5:13 that anchors the whole work.

Listeners get a quick guide to helpful study tools (the NIV Application Study Bible, Craig Keener’s commentaries), a preview of the recurring motifs—God as light, the reality of Christ’s incarnation, and the call to love in action—and a promise that each episode will blend solid biblical scholarship with everyday, heart‑changing application.

1 JOHN STUDY NOTES

Introduction and Chapter 1 by Dr. Ronald S. Hall

Key theme of 1 John

True Christian belief and practice vs. false teachings

Key Verse of 1 John

1 John 5:13

13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may

know that you have eternal life.

Dating of 1 John

Date – late 80’s to early 90’s

Key Words of 1 John

“Love” – 24 of the 180 times found in the New Testament

“We know” occur 40 times (oida 15 times; ginosko 25 times)

“Light” occurs 13 times

“Little Children” – 7 of 8 times found in New Testament

“Life” 6 times

Backdrop of 1 John

1. Getting to know the author:

• John was the Son of Zebedee. He was a fisherman with his father, and his brother’s name was James.
• John apparently possessed a fiery personality. In Mark 3:17 we learn that he and James were known as the sons of thunder. Remember, it was James and John who wanted to call down fire from heaven to destroy people who were resistant to Christ. Three and one-half years with the Master transformed his life.
• John took a back seat to Peter, yet the two functioned together in Acts.
• John was divinely used by God to author 5 books of the Bible: Gospel of John, 1, 2, 3 John, and Revelation. In the Gospel of John he avoids naming himself.
• John was called “The Beloved” and was known as “the disciple whom Jesus loved”.
• It is noteworthy that John was the only one of the twelve disciples at the foot of the cross and Jesus entrusted him with the care of his mother. John is writing 1 John as a Father of the Faith. Interestingly, he refers numerous times to the recipients of the letter as “My dear children” or “My beloved” or “Dear children” or “Dear friends” – 2:7; 3:2, 21; 4:1, 7.
• He writes personally, affectionately, yet forcefully and with such clarity that we cannot avoid the pointed conviction and spiritual challenge to grow.

2. Place John writes from

• It is most commonly believed that John wrote the letter from Ephesus, while pastoring there.
• To – Christians around Region of Ephesus
• It has been held that John followed Paul and Timothy as pastor in Ephesus.
• He is writing to a church or group of churches that he knew very well.
• He may have remained there for many years, except when banished to the Isle of Patmos for preaching the Gospel. At that time, he wrote Revelation.

Appreciating the Backdrop of 1 John

• In 1 John, John is writing to reinforce the doctrine of Christ as central to Christianity and to counteract what was threatening the church.
• He is reaffirming his apostolic teaching about Jesus Christ and the Christian life. False beliefs and practices were harming churches, and they had to be confronted.
• Among the professing members were those who adopted certain beliefs about the person and work of Christ that could not be allowed.
• These new beliefs involved a denial that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God, come in the flesh (1 John 4:2–3), and that his death was necessary for the forgiveness of sins (1 John 5:6–7).
• Also, there was a watering down of sin and even a denial of sin (1 John 1:5-10).3
• A sharp disagreement arose which resulted in the secession of those who embraced these new views (1 John 2:19).
• Biblical scholars have called these people who left secessionists. They were not content to keep their new beliefs to themselves.
• They organized a group who circulated among the churches and propagated their beliefs with a view to winning people over to their understanding of things (1 John 2:26; 4:1–3; 2 John 7). This created confusion in the community to such a degree that the believers questioned whether they really knew God and had an accurate understanding of truth and eternal life in Christ Jesus.

John's Response

• John is determined to provide them with the necessary tools to face the issues and provides means to diagnose if one is really in the faith by what they say about Jesus Christ, along with walking and living in the truth (1 John 1:5–2:2; 2:3–11; 3:7–10, 14–15; 4:4–6, 7–8, 13–15; 5:13, 18–20). Believers are equipped to focus on the vital truths of the Christian life and since heresies were invading the church something had to be done.
• John even goes so far as to tell them that Antichrist was coming, and even at the time of writing many antichrists had come and were impacting the church.
• Adding to the mix and evident in 1 John are the widespread deviant teachings in the region known as Gnosticism and Docetism, which were at odds with authentic Christianity. These groups denied sin, the deity of Christ, reality, the body and spirit.

The Recipients of the Letter

• The recipients were not likely new converts in light of the depth of teaching and their knowledge of Christ.
• They had a good understanding of the truth and the teachings of Christ: 3:23; obeying His commandments: 2:7; Confessing His name: 2:23; and they were aware of the attacks of the enemy: 2:13, 14, and 16.
• They were likely Gentiles rather than Jews. This is evidenced by the lack of extensive quotes from the Old Testament.

Organization of 1 John

• Prologue – 1:1-4
• God is Light – 1:5-2:27
• God is Righteousness – 2:28-4:6
• God is Love – 4:7-5:12
• Epilogue – 5:13-21