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Access: Growing in Love
In this concluding message of a series on 1 John, Christian Washington explores the theme of direct access to God through Jesus Christ. Drawing from 1 John chapter 5 and the broader biblical narrative, he addresses the tendency of religious communities to construct "lists" of rules and requirements that function as barriers between people and God. Using the imagery of the temple veil, the role of the high priest, and the Greek concept of parousia (bold, confident speech), Christian Washington argues that Christ's death permanently dismantled every barrier between humanity and God. He further explores the ancient contemplative tradition of breath prayer, rooted in the Hebrew name for God (YHWH), as a practical and deeply personal means of experiencing that access moment by moment. The sermon closes with a guided breath prayer inviting the congregation to inhale God's peace, forgiveness, grace, and love while exhaling anxiety, unforgiveness, fear, and unworthiness.
