In this message Dr. Chip provides an introduction to John’s first letter addressing the threat of false teaching to the family of believers; the same kind of threat that remains today.
Address for checks: Project Equip International 164 Rocking A Lane Fredericksburg, TX 78624
What We Believe
OUR DECLARATION OF FAITH
The Scriptures: We believe in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as verbally inspired of God (II Tim. 3:16-17), and inerrant in the original writings (II Peter 1:19-21), and that they are of supreme and final authority in faith and life (Matt. 5:18).
God: We believe that there is one living and true God (Isa. 45:5-7), who is infinite, eternal and unchangeable in His being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness and truth. We further believe that God is one in essence (Deut. 6:4), but eternally existent in three persons (Matt. 28:19; Gen. 1:26), Father, Son and Holy Spirit, each having precisely the same nature, attributes and perfections, and each worthy of precisely the same worship, confidence and obedience (Ps. 139:8; Mark 10:18; John 4:24; Acts 17:24-29; II Cor. 13:14; Eph. 4:6).
Jesus Christ: We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God and the second Person of the Godhead, became man without ceasing to be God (John 1:1-2, 14; Phil. 2:5-11), having been conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary (Matt. 1:20-21; Luke 1:35), in order that He might reveal God and redeem sinful man (John 1:12, 18).
We believe in His sinless life (II Cor. 5:21; Heb. 4:15; 7:18), in His miracles (Acts 2:22), in His vicarious (in our place) and atoning death through His shed blood (Heb. 2:9; I Peter 3:18), in His bodily resurrection (Acts 2:23-24, 4:33; I Cor. 15:4), in His ascension to the right hand of the Father (Mark 16:19; Eph. 1:20), and in His personal, bodily return in power and glory (Acts 1:11; John 14:3).
We believe that Christ is the only mediator between God and man (I Tim. 2:5; Heb. 7:25); the Head of His body, the Church (Eph. 1:22-23; Col. 1:18), into which He baptizes every believer in (with or by) the Holy Spirit at conversion (Acts 1:5; I Cor. 12:13); the coming universal King who shall reign on the throne of David (Luke 1:31-33); and the final judge of all who fail to place their trust in Him as their Savior from sin (John 5:27-29; Rev. 20:11-15).
Holy Spirit: We believe that it is the work of the Holy Spirit, the third Person of the trinity, to execute the divine will with relation to the world of men. We affirm His sovereign activity in creation (Gen. 1:2), the incarnation (Matt. 1:18), the written revelation (II Peter 1:20-21), and the work of salvation (John 3:5-7). His work in this age includes that of convicting the world (John 16:7-11), restraining the forces of evil (II Thess. 2:6-7), glorifying the Lord Jesus (John 15:26, 16:13-14), and transforming believers into the likeness of Christ (II Cor. 3:18).
We believe that this work in believers involves regenerating (John 3:5-7), indwelling (I Cor. 6:19), sanctifying (II Thess. 2:13), instructing (John 16:13-15), empowering for service (Acts 1:8), and preserving to the day of Christ (Eph. 1:13-14).
We believe that the Holy Spirit alone administers spiritual gifts to the Church according to His sovereign will (I Cor. 12:11). These gifts...are given to bring glory to the Head of the Church (John 16:13-14; I Peter 4:10) through the edifying (building up) of the body (I Cor. 12:7, 14:12; I Peter 4:10). Every believer is equipped with at least one spiritual gift (I Cor. 12:7, 11; I Peter 4:10), regardless of his spiritual maturity (compare I Cor. 1:7 and 3:1-3).
Angels: We believe that the angels were all created simultaneously by God as a great host of spirit-beings (Ps. 148:2-5; Matt. 22:30; Col. 1:16), most of whom kept their first estate of holiness and presently worship God and serve His purpose (Heb. 1:14; Rev. 7:11-12). We believe that one of the angels, Lucifer, fell because of the sin of pride, thereby becoming Satan (Isa. 14:12-17; Ezek. 28:12-16), and that he influenced a large company of angels to follow him, who thus became demons (II Peter 2:4; Rev. 12:7-9).
Man: We believe that man was directly and immediately created, male and female, in the image of God, free from sin (Gen. 1:26-28; 2:15-25). He was originally created with the divine intention that he should glorify God (Isa. 43:7; Rom. 9:22-24; Eph. 1:3-14; Rev. 4:11), enjoy His fellowship (Gen. 3:8-9; John 14:3), and fulfill His will and purpose in the earth (Gen. 1:26-30; Col. 1:16).
We believe that by voluntary transgression man fell into sin, thus plunging the whole race into condemnation and death, so that now all mankind is born with a sin nature (Rom. 5:9-21), every man becomes a sinner in deed, thought, and motive (Rom. 3:23), and so are without excuse before God.
We believe man is totally depraved, and, of himself, utterly unable to remedy his lost condition (Eph. 2:1-3, 12).
Salvation: We believe that all who receive by faith the Lord Jesus Christ are born again of the Holy Spirit (John 3:3-8; Eph. 2:8-9) and thereby become the children of God (John 1:12); that they are thereafter indwelt by the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:9) who makes possible a life of personal holiness and a walk of obedience to the will of God (Gal. 5:16); that all who are truly born again are "kept by the power of God" (John 10:27-30) and are, therefore incapable of losing their salvation.
Church: We believe that the local church is a body of believers organized for worship, work, and fellowship (Acts 2:41-47); that the two ordinances of the church are baptism (immersion), and the Lord's Supper (Matt. 28:19; Rom. 6:3-5; I Cor. 11:23-31); that the local church is an independent and self-governing body responsible alone to Christ who is its Savior and Lord (Eph. 1:22-23).
Last Things: We believe in the return of Christ for His Bride (Eph. 5:26-27; I Thess. 4:13-18), and to establish His reign upon the throne of David (Rev. 19:1-20:6).
We believe in the bodily resurrection of all men, the saved to life eternal, and the unsaved, after the Millennium, to judgment at the Great White Throne and everlasting punishment (Matt. 25:46; John 5:28-29; I Cor. 15:51-58; Rev. 20:4-6, 11-15).
Mailing Address: Project Equip International 164 Rocking A Lane Fredericksburg, TX 78624
Project Equip International is a tax exempt nonprofit organization recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3). All contributions are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.
What We Do
Over the past decade—and with significant growth in the last several years—we have launched a structured series of conferences in several strategic cities in southern Africa. Each conference includes one of six core topics for pastors and senior church leaders, with two per year in each city. Through this three-year cycle, participants receive over 80 hours of instruction in biblical theology and practical ministry skills. This format has enabled Dr. Chip to disciple leaders consistently and in person. Currently, the conference series have approximately 1,000 participants enrolled. Yet, the demand for expansion is unmistakable. We frequently hear, “When can you come to our area?” In response, we are preparing to expand into two additional countries in 2026, increasing the number of strategically placed conference locations designed for maximum regional impact.
In addition to conferences, Dr. Chip has authored a one-year Discipleship Plan designed to enable followers of Christ to become mature, reproducing disciples. The Discipleship Plan has been translated into several languages with many more to follow. It is currently being used in prisons, Christian schools, public schools, youth programs, home groups and churches. The Discipleship Plan can go farther and faster than we can hold conferences, and therefore is a strategic tool in making disciples.
Project Equip International is a disciple making ministry designed to respond to Jesus’ great commission.
Who We Are
Among Jesus’ final words to His disciples, the ones recorded in Matthew 28:16–20 stand out with unmistakable clarity and power: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (ESV)
Jesus commissioned His followers to make disciples of all nations. What could be more simple and profound? He instructed them to baptize and teach all that He had commanded, establishing evangelism and sound doctrine as foundational to disciple making. These priorities should be central to every follower of Jesus and every church. Yet today, many seem to have drifted from this core mission. The result is a church in urgent need of renewed focus on intentional discipleship.
In 1989, Pastor Chip Johnston made his first journey to Africa, where he witnessed the critical need for biblical training among church leaders. It is estimated that nearly 80% of African pastors lack effective ministry training. This realization sparked decades of teaching ministry across southern Africa and ultimately led to his doctoral thesis on equipping African pastors to preach biblically sound sermons. Since then, Dr. Chip has ministered extensively throughout Africa, as well as in Mexico and Asia, with a particular emphasis on southern African nations. Over time, the need for theological education and leadership development has only grown more evident. Will you join us in responding to this critical need?
OUR DECLARATION OF FAITH
The Scriptures: We believe in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as verbally inspired of God (II Tim. 3:16-17), and inerrant in the original writings (II Peter 1:19-21), and that they are of supreme and final authority in faith and life (Matt. 5:18).
God: We believe that there is one living and true God (Isa. 45:5-7), who is infinite, eternal and unchangeable in His being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness and truth. We further believe that God is one in essence (Deut. 6:4), but eternally existent in three persons (Matt. 28:19; Gen. 1:26), Father, Son and Holy Spirit, each having precisely the same nature, attributes and perfections, and each worthy of precisely the same worship, confidence and obedience (Ps. 139:8; Mark 10:18; John 4:24; Acts 17:24-29; II Cor. 13:14; Eph. 4:6).
Jesus Christ: We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God and the second Person of the Godhead, became man without ceasing to be God (John 1:1-2, 14; Phil. 2:5-11), having been conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary (Matt. 1:20-21; Luke 1:35), in order that He might reveal God and redeem sinful man (John 1:12, 18).
We believe in His sinless life (II Cor. 5:21; Heb. 4:15; 7:18), in His miracles (Acts 2:22), in His vicarious (in our place) and atoning death through His shed blood (Heb. 2:9; I Peter 3:18), in His bodily resurrection (Acts 2:23-24, 4:33; I Cor. 15:4), in His ascension to the right hand of the Father (Mark 16:19; Eph. 1:20), and in His personal, bodily return in power and glory (Acts 1:11; John 14:3).
We believe that Christ is the only mediator between God and man (I Tim. 2:5; Heb. 7:25); the Head of His body, the Church (Eph. 1:22-23; Col. 1:18), into which He baptizes every believer in (with or by) the Holy Spirit at conversion (Acts 1:5; I Cor. 12:13); the coming universal King who shall reign on the throne of David (Luke 1:31-33); and the final judge of all who fail to place their trust in Him as their Savior from sin (John 5:27-29; Rev. 20:11-15).
Holy Spirit: We believe that it is the work of the Holy Spirit, the third Person of the trinity, to execute the divine will with relation to the world of men. We affirm His sovereign activity in creation (Gen. 1:2), the incarnation (Matt. 1:18), the written revelation (II Peter 1:20-21), and the work of salvation (John 3:5-7). His work in this age includes that of convicting the world (John 16:7-11), restraining the forces of evil (II Thess. 2:6-7), glorifying the Lord Jesus (John 15:26, 16:13-14), and transforming believers into the likeness of Christ (II Cor. 3:18).
We believe that this work in believers involves regenerating (John 3:5-7), indwelling (I Cor. 6:19), sanctifying (II Thess. 2:13), instructing (John 16:13-15), empowering for service (Acts 1:8), and preserving to the day of Christ (Eph. 1:13-14).
We believe that the Holy Spirit alone administers spiritual gifts to the Church according to His sovereign will (I Cor. 12:11). These gifts...are given to bring glory to the Head of the Church (John 16:13-14; I Peter 4:10) through the edifying (building up) of the body (I Cor. 12:7, 14:12; I Peter 4:10). Every believer is equipped with at least one spiritual gift (I Cor. 12:7, 11; I Peter 4:10), regardless of his spiritual maturity (compare I Cor. 1:7 and 3:1-3).
Angels: We believe that the angels were all created simultaneously by God as a great host of spirit-beings (Ps. 148:2-5; Matt. 22:30; Col. 1:16), most of whom kept their first estate of holiness and presently worship God and serve His purpose (Heb. 1:14; Rev. 7:11-12). We believe that one of the angels, Lucifer, fell because of the sin of pride, thereby becoming Satan (Isa. 14:12-17; Ezek. 28:12-16), and that he influenced a large company of angels to follow him, who thus became demons (II Peter 2:4; Rev. 12:7-9).
Man: We believe that man was directly and immediately created, male and female, in the image of God, free from sin (Gen. 1:26-28; 2:15-25). He was originally created with the divine intention that he should glorify God (Isa. 43:7; Rom. 9:22-24; Eph. 1:3-14; Rev. 4:11), enjoy His fellowship (Gen. 3:8-9; John 14:3), and fulfill His will and purpose in the earth (Gen. 1:26-30; Col. 1:16).
We believe that by voluntary transgression man fell into sin, thus plunging the whole race into condemnation and death, so that now all mankind is born with a sin nature (Rom. 5:9-21), every man becomes a sinner in deed, thought, and motive (Rom. 3:23), and so are without excuse before God.
We believe man is totally depraved, and, of himself, utterly unable to remedy his lost condition (Eph. 2:1-3, 12).
Salvation: We believe that all who receive by faith the Lord Jesus Christ are born again of the Holy Spirit (John 3:3-8; Eph. 2:8-9) and thereby become the children of God (John 1:12); that they are thereafter indwelt by the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:9) who makes possible a life of personal holiness and a walk of obedience to the will of God (Gal. 5:16); that all who are truly born again are "kept by the power of God" (John 10:27-30) and are, therefore incapable of losing their salvation.
Church: We believe that the local church is a body of believers organized for worship, work, and fellowship (Acts 2:41-47); that the two ordinances of the church are baptism (immersion), and the Lord's Supper (Matt. 28:19; Rom. 6:3-5; I Cor. 11:23-31); that the local church is an independent and self-governing body responsible alone to Christ who is its Savior and Lord (Eph. 1:22-23).
Last Things: We believe in the return of Christ for His Bride (Eph. 5:26-27; I Thess. 4:13-18), and to establish His reign upon the throne of David (Rev. 19:1-20:6). We believe in the bodily resurrection of all men, the saved to life eternal, and the unsaved, after the Millennium, to judgment at the Great White Throne and everlasting punishment (Matt. 25:46; John 5:28-29; I Cor. 15:51-58; Rev. 20:4-6, 11-15).
