Confessing and Remaining
01/25/2026
“If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God.”
—1 John 4:15 (NIV)
There is a beautiful simplicity in this verse, and yet it carries tremendous depth. John doesn’t talk here about mastering theology, achieving moral perfection, or earning God’s presence. He talks about acknowledgment, open, honest confession. To acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God is more than agreeing with a statement; it’s aligning your life with a truth.
Think about how relationships work. When someone publicly acknowledges a commitment, whether in marriage, friendship, or leadership, it creates a sense of belonging and security. Silence can keep things ambiguous, but acknowledgment brings clarity. John is reminding us that our confession of Jesus is not just a private belief tucked away in our hearts; it’s a relational declaration. When we acknowledge Jesus, we are saying, “This is who I belong to. This is who defines me.”
What’s even more profound is the promise attached to that confession: God lives in them and they in God. This is not a distant God watching from afar. This is an abiding God, present, near, and active. To “remain” or “live” in God means our everyday lives are wrapped up in His presence. Our decisions, struggles, joys, and even our doubts are held within the reality that God is with us and within us.
Imagine the comfort this would have brought to early believers facing persecution and isolation. Their strength didn’t come from circumstances improving, but from knowing they were never alone. The same is true for us. When life feels unstable, when faith feels tested, this verse anchors us: confession leads to communion. Acknowledging Jesus keeps us rooted in a relationship that sustains us.
Acknowledgment also shapes our witness. People around us may not read Scripture, but they read lives. When our words and actions consistently point to Jesus, we reflect a life that remains in God. It’s not about being loud or perfect, it’s about being faithful and authentic.
Today, let this verse remind you that faith is not just something you believe; it’s someone you abide in.
Action Steps:
• Take a moment to verbally thank Jesus for being the Son of God and Savior of your life.
• Look for one opportunity to acknowledge Christ through your words or actions today.
• When you feel anxious or uncertain, pause and remind yourself: God lives in me, and I live in Him.
Today’s challenge:
Acknowledge Jesus intentionally, out loud if you can, and live the day aware that you are never outside of God’s presence.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus. I acknowledge Him today as Lord and Savior. Help me to live with the confidence that You dwell in me and that I remain in You. Let my life reflect Your love, truth, and presence in every moment. Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
“If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God.”
—1 John 4:15 (NIV)
There is a beautiful simplicity in this verse, and yet it carries tremendous depth. John doesn’t talk here about mastering theology, achieving moral perfection, or earning God’s presence. He talks about acknowledgment, open, honest confession. To acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God is more than agreeing with a statement; it’s aligning your life with a truth.
Think about how relationships work. When someone publicly acknowledges a commitment, whether in marriage, friendship, or leadership, it creates a sense of belonging and security. Silence can keep things ambiguous, but acknowledgment brings clarity. John is reminding us that our confession of Jesus is not just a private belief tucked away in our hearts; it’s a relational declaration. When we acknowledge Jesus, we are saying, “This is who I belong to. This is who defines me.”
What’s even more profound is the promise attached to that confession: God lives in them and they in God. This is not a distant God watching from afar. This is an abiding God, present, near, and active. To “remain” or “live” in God means our everyday lives are wrapped up in His presence. Our decisions, struggles, joys, and even our doubts are held within the reality that God is with us and within us.
Imagine the comfort this would have brought to early believers facing persecution and isolation. Their strength didn’t come from circumstances improving, but from knowing they were never alone. The same is true for us. When life feels unstable, when faith feels tested, this verse anchors us: confession leads to communion. Acknowledging Jesus keeps us rooted in a relationship that sustains us.
Acknowledgment also shapes our witness. People around us may not read Scripture, but they read lives. When our words and actions consistently point to Jesus, we reflect a life that remains in God. It’s not about being loud or perfect, it’s about being faithful and authentic.
Today, let this verse remind you that faith is not just something you believe; it’s someone you abide in.
Action Steps:
• Take a moment to verbally thank Jesus for being the Son of God and Savior of your life.
• Look for one opportunity to acknowledge Christ through your words or actions today.
• When you feel anxious or uncertain, pause and remind yourself: God lives in me, and I live in Him.
Today’s challenge:
Acknowledge Jesus intentionally, out loud if you can, and live the day aware that you are never outside of God’s presence.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus. I acknowledge Him today as Lord and Savior. Help me to live with the confidence that You dwell in me and that I remain in You. Let my life reflect Your love, truth, and presence in every moment. Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
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