In this message, Stephen emphasizes the importance of returning to the fundamental truths found in the Gospel of John and the ministry of the apostle John, which he describes as the ministry of recovery—especially relevant in our current days. He highlights that John's ministry is characterized by the focus on the beginning, life, love, the absolute, and the ultimate. Returning to the beginning means going back to God's original purpose, beyond doctrines, traditions, or systems, to the Word Himself—Jesus Christ—who embodies grace and truth. The ministry of life is central, with love as its first ingredient, demonstrated through Jesus' interactions with people and His love for the Father, which He expressed through obedience and sacrifice. Stephen stresses that love and truth are complementary, not contradictory, and that God's love is absolute. The third characteristic is the ministry of the absolute, exemplified by Jesus, who is the Great I Am—completely unwavering and true to God's nature. He calls believers to be absolute in their relationship with God, acknowledging their own limitations while striving for God's standard. Stephen concludes by emphasizing the need for Christians to pursue the ultimate—heavenly, spiritual realities—through an experiential knowledge of God, and urges us to live in the truth of these eternal principles, not just in words but in practical, spiritual reality.
7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. 8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. 9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. 10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.
3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. 6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
35 The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. 36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.