1. Discernment & Devotion 1 john 4:1-12

2. Gemma Galgani (1878-1903): stigmata - Italy John Vianney (1786-1859): reading of souls – France Giovanni di Pietro (St Francis of Assissi): miracles William of Norwich (1132 – 1144): England – miracles Ambrose Barlow (1585 – 1641): England – martyr Simon Stock (13 th century): England - vision

3. Discernment & Devotion 1 john 4:1-12 WHO ARE THEY? Gemma Galgani John Vianney Giovanni di Pietro William of Norwich Ambrose Barlow Simon Stock

4. Discernment & Devotion 1 john 4:1-12 Discernment: Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world.

5. Discernment & Devotion 1 john 4:1-12 1. Jesus is the first-born son of God the Father 2. Jesus was fully divine and appeared as a human being so we could understand the nature of God 3. Jesus taught that earthly life was corrupt and dying whereas the spiritual side of redeemed humanity is good and will live on forever 4. Humans make mistakes, sin, but by their choosing God, God the Father reaches out to them and brings salvation through Jesus Christ

6. Discernment & Devotion 1 john 4:1-12 Does it matter?

7. Discernment & Devotion 1 john 4:1-12 Devotion: Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other.

8. Discernment & Devotion 1 john 4:1-12 “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” (John 13:34-35) ‘But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.’ (James 1:22)

9. Discernment & Devotion 1 john 4:1-12 Discerning and Devoted: *So how is our balance as a church? *How is your balance? *Are we, are you reading the word of God, looking at people with eyes of compassion? *What are you going to do to ensure you are not led astray, *or become all the right words but no loving action?