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 Stott served as rector of All Souls Church in London and was honored by Time magazine in 2005 as one of the "100 Most Influential People in the World." His many books, including Basic Christianity and The Cross of Christ, have sold millions of copies around the world and in dozens of languages.

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

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