The Oasis | Refuel

In this section, John asserts that true believers in Jesus Christ have an anointing from God.  He explains what this anointing is and how it is to function in our everyday lives as followers of Jesus Christ. The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2016/03/the-christians-anointing-1-john-2-20-23/">The Christians’ Anointing (1 John 2:20-23)</a> first appeared on <a href=&quo...

Though the community of believers that John is writing to is still agonizing over a split within the body, the apostle seizes the opportunity to reassure them that these separations and divisions will happen from time to time. Our focus must remain on Jesus and we must be forever true to Him. by Pastor Jeff […] The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2016/03/wednesday-march-16-2016-t...

Here the apostle John warns his readers that love is a discriminating affection which involves choice and selection. Our allegiance to God will be seen in the choices that we make everyday. by Pastor Jeff Royce The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2016/03/1-john-215-17/">Love Is a Choice (1 John 2:15-17)</a> first appeared on <a href="http://theoasisaz.com"&gt...

The readers of this letter are under spiritual attack.  When we are facing spiritual enemies who seek to undermine our faith, we must remember to be mindful of who we are as God’s children.  These are the truths with which John seeks to reassure the recipients of this letter. The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2016/03/words-of-reassurance-1-john-2-12-14/">Words of Reassu...

John has been teaching throughout this letter that fellowship with God has observable characteristics.  We can make claims of having a close connection with God but the reality is that remaining in fellowship with God carries with it certain requirements.  One such requirement is love for our fellow believers. The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2016/02/the-character-of-fellowship-with...

The apostle John reminds us that for Christians, our standard of conduct always has and always will be the life of Jesus Christ.  We must familiarize ourselves with his walk so that we  may follow in His footsteps.  In this way, we will assure ourselves of remaining in fellowship with God. The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2016/02/living-like-jesus-1-john-2-6-8/">Living Like...

All of us need reassurance at times in our lives.  The apostle John declares that our consistent obedience to the principles and precepts of God’s Word will lead to a growing reassurance.  When we walk out of fellowship with God, we forfeit the reassurance that we could have. The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2016/02/reassurance-grows-through-obedience-1-john-2-3-6/">Re...

Here John addresses directly those he feels spiritually responsible for.  He challenges them by declaring the purpose of fellowship with God and comforts them if they fail.  The sufficiency of Christ’s ministry is revealed in order to motivate us to continual fellowship.   The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2016/02/our-sufficient-savior-1-john-2-1-2/">Our Sufficient Savi...

John reminds us that living in the light of God requires acknowledging our sin and trusting God to not only forgive but to cleanse our sin.  Admitting we have sinned is not easy, but it is necessary to maintain fellowship with God and live in His light. The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2016/01/living-in-the-light-1-john-1-8-10/">Living In The Light (1 John 1:8-10)</a>...

The only requirement for a relationship with God is faith in Jesus Christ.  However, to fellowship with God and live in His presence, we must walk in His light and allow God to deal with what His light reveals.  Whatever God’s light reveals, God has the ability to deal with. The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2016/01/requirements-for-fellowship-1-john-1-5-7/">Requirement...

John writes that through his firsthand experience with the Word of Life – Jesus – he and the other apostles received an understanding of this eternal life that God was offering to them. In turn, John wants to make known the reality of this quality of living to others. Do you possess eternal life? The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2016/01/grasping-eternal-life-1-john-1-1-4...

The apostle John share his first-hand account of Jesus Christ to confirm believers in what it is that we should be confident about.  For John, the information he shared isn’t just to supply us with facts but to draw us into fellowship with God. The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2016/01/the-testimony-of-john-1-john-1-1-4/">The Testimony of John (1 John 1:1-4)</a> f...

Jesus Is The Reason (Isaiah 9:1-7) Merry Christmas The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2015/12/jesus-is-the-reason-isaiah-9-1-7/">Jesus Is The Reason (Isaiah 9:1-7)</a> first appeared on <a href="http://theoasisaz.com">The Oasis</a>.

As we continue our study of this passage, Jesus reveals how the people on earth when He returns are strikingly similar to the people in Noah’s day and Lot’s day.  They are totally unaware of and unprepared for the judgement that is to come.  The main reason for this is their total preoccupation with this […] The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2015/12/missing-the-king...

The Jews of Jesus’ day were looking for the arrival of God’s Kingdom on earth.  Jesus seized the opportunity to teach why so many in His day and in future days will miss the Kingdom of God altogether. The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2015/12/missing-the-kingdom-part-1-luke-17/">Missing The Kingdom: Part 1 (Luke 17)</a> first appeared on <a href="htt...

This psalm calls upon the people of God to come together to worship and to give thanks to God for all He has done.  The more consistently we practice this, the more spiritually sensitive and insightful we become. The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2015/11/pausing-to-be-thankful-psalm-92/">Pausing To Be Thankful (Psalm 92)</a> first appeared on <a href="http://the...

Though we are reminded at the end of Genesis of the pain that sin has brought into our lives, we are also reminded of the goodness of God who offers deliverance and salvation for those who trust in Him.  Even under the curse of sin, God grants many blessings. The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2015/11/the-wages-of-sin-the-gifts-of-god-genesis-50/">The Wages of Sin – The Gifts...

This sobering chapter reminds us that the choices and decisions we make now will reverberate throughout eternity.  So let’s continually keep eternity in mind when making life choices.   The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2015/11/the-repercussions-of-ones-life-genesis-49/">The Repercussions of One’s Life (Genesis 49)</a> first appeared on <a href="http:...

Finally, at the end of Jacob’s life, he was realizing the greatness of God and His plan.  In adopting and blessing these two sons of Joseph, Jacob dared to trust God, believing His plans are best. The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2015/11/looking-and-living-beyond-oneself-genesis-48/">Looking and Living Beyond Oneself (Genesis 48)</a> first appeared on <a href=...

Joseph’s handling of the crisis of famine gives us great insight into how we should be able to navigate the crises of life as the people of God and be a witness to those who don’t know God. The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2015/10/crisis-management-genesis-47-13-26/">Crisis Management (Genesis 47:13-26)</a> first appeared on <a href="http://theoasis...

God is always at work on behalf of His people.  Many times it goes unnoticed or we are unaware of it and at other times, His grace is extended to us in spite of who we are or what we’ve done.  God is amazing and oh so faithful! The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2015/10/god-our-protector-and-provider-genesis-47/">God, Our Protector and Provider (Genesis 47)</a> fir...

This chapter relates to us the details of Joseph’s family moving from Canaan to Egypt.  The significance of this journey is seen in the steps God will take to provide for and purify His people.  Jacob was learning to trust God again.  May we learn to trust Him too. The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2015/10/a-significant-move-genesis-46/">A Significant Move (Genesis 46)&...

Joseph displays why he has been able to navigate the adversity of his life and to forgive those who had wronged him.  He kept God central in his life and willingly surrendered his life to a sovereign God.  This commitment shaped his attitude every day and allowed him to triumph in life rather than be defeated. The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2015/10/surrendered-to-the-sovereign-god...

This chapter gives the evidence that change is taking place in the hearts of Joseph’s brothers.  This genuine repentance will lead to reconciliation and restoration of a family.  God is still changing hearts today so let us be open to the changes God desires in our own hearts. The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2015/09/fruits-of-repentance-genesis-44/">Fruits of Repentan...

The process of contrition amongst Joseph’s brothers had begun but there were tests of trustworthiness and character to be passed before full reconciliation was possible.  Joseph’s brothers had failed the test with him previously and so the test was being repeated.  May we learn to pass our testings the first time or else God will […] The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.co...