Walk in Light and Love
The Message of First John
by
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John argues that the incarnation is the supreme example of God's love and is the grouind for the comand to love one another.In the incarnation we come to know and understand something of this love of God that surpasses knowledge. If we should ever doubt the love of God for us, we need only to reflect on the incarnation. God entered into human existence as Jesus Christ, suffered at the hands ofhis creatures, beaten, humiliated, and experienced the shame of death in order that sinful, rebellious humanity might find freedom from its sinful captivity and experience communion with the love and person of God.
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About the Book
John's First Epistle focuses on believers living in a time of serious challenge to their faith. A central theme resides in the admonition for believers to realize the significance of harmonizing their beliefs with their conduct. Hence, the title of the book, Walk in Light and Love. When united together, belief and lifestyle present powerful witness to the truth of the gospel that is not present in a single side. The point is that theological beliefs become compelling when expressed in loving ways, especially to those who may radically disagree with us. Thus, the admonition: "Walk in light and love."
“There is no rift between the enkindled heart and the enlightened mind. Light without love can be as forbiddingly cold as an iceberg in moonlight. Love without light, on the other hand, can be as flamingly destructive as a forest fire in the dry season … Love as unregulated impulse is dangerous. Love giving itself to hard thinking and sensitive discrimination is a delight to God and a priceless benediction to the Church and society.” —Paul S. Rees
About the Author
Dr. Donald Alexander has published several books in the area of the Christian life/spirituality. His interest in this book arose as the result of a serious illness of which the physical outcome was uncertain. This experience prompted him to leave a book that would assist his grandchildren in their continued growth toward spiritual maturity as well as to open up the message of First John for believers living today in spiritually challenging times.
Dr. Alexander was born in Modesto, California. He came to know Christ as his personal Savior and Lord through the ministry of a Christian family and the work of Youth for Christ. He is married to Judy Ward (Alexander), and they have three adult children. He has held pastorates in Minnesota, Washington State, and California. In addition, he has taught at Crown College, Bethel University and Seminary. From 1968 to 1982, he served as a missionary with the Christian and Missionary Alliance in Hong Kong, China, at the Alliance Bible Seminary. He served first as a professor and then, with the transfer of the seminary leadership to the Chinese Church, as the administrative vice-president. During his teaching ministry at Bethel University (1987–2007), he served as an interim teaching pastor at numerous churches.