1. The Grand Illusion
I John 1:5-2:2 p. 1888

2. Music Memories of the Past
1962 Tradewinds Garage band that would eventually become Styx

3. The Grand Illusion
So if you think your life is complete confusion Because you never win the game Just remember that it’s a grand illusion And deep inside we’re all the same
Styx-The Grand Illusion

4. The Grand Illusion in John’s day
“Church Insiders” with special knowledge who denied the impact of sin & rejected the need for Jesus...

5. The Grand Illusion TODAY
“Winners of the Game of Life” –those with special knowledge who deny the impact of sin & reject the need for Jesus...
No absolutes – keep faith to yourself
All religions equal if you so choose...
Your end value measured in $ & success.

6. “This is the message we have heard and declare to you – God is light, and in him there is no darkness at all.” I John 1:5 (NIV)
(a universal truth even John’s opponents would accept)
Breaking through the Grand Illusion (STEP 1)

7. Breaking through the Grand Illusion (STEP 2)
Negative Condition
Negative Results
6a If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in darkness
6b We lie and do not live out the truth
8a: If we claim to be without sin
8b: we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us
10a: If we claim we have not sinned
10b we make Jesus out to be a liar and his word is not in us.

8. Breaking through the Grand Illusion (STEP 3)
Positive Condition
Positive Results
7a But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light
7b -fellowship with one another & and the blood of Jesus purifies us from all sin
9a- If we confess our sins
9b – He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness
2:1a But if anybody does sin
2:1b we have an advocate with the Father – Jesus Christ the Righteous One

9. What about CONFESSION? – v9
Reformed Practice:
Call to Confession
Prayer of Confession
Assurance of Pardon
Reading of the Law

10. Because we still sin and those sins need forgiveness too!
Christ’s ministry continues today:
WHY?
Because we still sin and those sins need forgiveness too!

11. Christ now tasks us to free others from The Grand Illusion:
So if you think your life is complete confusion Because you never win the game Just remember that it’s a grand illusion And deep inside we’re all the same
sinners in need of JESUS!