The meaning of the rejoice words of the New Testament, the components of Christian happiness, how it differs from ordinary earthly happiness, how to achieve it, and maintain it in times of trouble and grief, and what to avoid in order not to spoil it.

The chief message of this personal letter to a Christian lady is the duty and protective power of mutual love against error. Here we define 'walking in the truth', consider how fellowship love guards against doctrinal and spiritual collapse, and summarise the main heresies over time.

In three short sentences, designed to surprise and challenge, the Lord shows the emptiness of possessing only 'material' life and clinging tenaciously to it, then the vast superiority of having life in the soul. Here is what it means to follow Christ, and be eternally safe.

John sets out the authentic characteristics of truly saved believers. What he means by saying that they sin not, and how they fight sin. Here also are Satan's attempts to ruin them, and a key work of redemption - a certain and personal walk with God.

In an atheistic age people do not think about owing anything to God. But our lives, gifts, powers and bodily provisions are all from Him, and we surely owe Him thanks and obedience. How will we stand before our Maker at the end of our journey?