Introduction to the Gospel of John

John’s Gospel the Truth is here!

This is my third time to study the gospel of John through BSF (Bible Study Fellowship).  Each time God reveals something new and different to me.  So I look forward to what He will show me this time.  Join me each week as I post using the BSF study lessons as my guide.   

You can find in person BSF classes by going to www.bsfinternational.org.  There you can also find weekly lessons.  The same lessons are studied around the world.  In my area we start mid-September, follow the school calendar, and end in early May.

When I start a new study of the Bible, I like to remind everyone about the Bible itself.  The Bible was written by 40 different men over 150 years.  These authors came from all different walks of life from kings, peasants, prophets, philosophers, fishermen, poets, statesmen, and scholars.   It was written in 3 languages over 3 continents.  It has been translated to over 690 languages.   It’s the most widely read book of all time.  Book stores sell over 100 million Bibles a year.  There are over 6,000 prophecies with more than 3,000 that have already come true.  There is no other book in history like it.  It’s one united story that is all connected together.  It’s the handiwork of God.  It is God speaking to us.  This study is on the Gospel of John written by John who was one of Jesus’ disciples.

John is the last of the four gospels.  The gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke are known as Synoptic Gospels.  Synoptic means to present or take the same or common view.  The gospel of John focuses on Jesus as a person, His true deity, and His work.  It is the most beloved and distinctive gospel and the most personal.  John reveals Jesus as the Messiah, the fulfillment of many Old Testament themes, and the eternal Son of God sent by God the Father to bring a new relationship between God and man.  He gives the simple message of eternal life.  His stories are so simple that children love them.  If you are a new Christian or new to studying the Bible, the gospel of John is a good place to start.

What we know about John is that his father was Zebedee: his mother was Salome; his brother was James; together he and his brother were given the nickname, “Sons of Thunder”; his fishing partner was Peter.  John is one of the twelve disciple and is known as the “beloved disciple”.  In John 21:24 he tells us that he is the one who wrote the book.

John tells us of the divinity of Jesus right from the beginning: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” – John 1:1.  He teaches the simple message of the gospel – to attain eternal life you must be “born again” (John 3:3).  His book records the most famous verse in the Bible:  “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16 

He tells of seven miracles of Jesus known as the seven signs:

John 2:1-11 – Jesus changing water into wine

John 4:46-54 – Jesus healing the royal official’s son

John 5:1-15 – Jesus healing the paralyzed man at the pool of Bethesda

John 6:1-15 – Jesus feeding the 5,000

John 6:16-21 – Jesus walking on water

John 9:1-41 – Jesus healing the blind man

John 11:1-44 – Jesus resurrecting Lazarus

He records seven “I am” statements” Jesus used to describe Himself:

John 6:35, 48 – “I am the bread of life”

John 8:12, 9:5 –  I am the light of the world”

John 10:7, 9 – “I am the gate”

John 10:11, 14 – “I am the good shepherd”

John 11:25 – “I am the resurrection”

John 14:6 – “I am the way, the truth, and the life”

John 15:5 – “I am the true vine”

Jesus also identifies Himself as God:

John 4:26 – “I who speak to you am he”

John 8:58 – “Before Abraham was born, I am”

John 10:28 – “I give them eternal life”

John 10:30 – “I and the Father are one”

John even tells us his purpose for writing the book:  “But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” – John 20:31

John ends his gospel by saying:  “Jesus did many other things as well.  If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.” – John 21:25

Principle:  Jesus, fully human and fully divine, makes known the invisible God.

So hold on!  You’re in for a life-changing study in the Gospel of John.

Next week we will start with the first chapter of John.  Hope to see you here. -- I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

__________________________________________

 

If you have enjoyed my post and have found if helpful, please leave a comment or share this post with the buttons below. 

 

Why Christians Don’t Share The Gospel

 

There are many reasons believers don’t share the gospel.  Probably the main reasons are fear, anxiety and awkwardness.  We have a fear of rejection.  We are too worried what others will think.  We don’t want them to think we are Jesus freaks.  However, we do share when it’s convenient.

Many feel unprepared.  They are afraid people will ask questions they can’t answer.  Don’t worry about that.  That’s OK.  No one has all the answers.  If you don’t know the answer to their question, just say “I don’t know”.  Honesty is best.  Then it will give you a chance to follow up with them again.  The Bible does tell us to “always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason of the hope that you have” (1 Peter 3:15).   This simply means you can clearly communicate why you believe in Jesus.

Another reason may be that it’s not politically correct.  The world doesn’t like it when we say there is no other way to get to heaven than through Jesus.  The world thinks there are many ways.  But Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.” – John 14:6.

Another reason Christians don’t share to gospel is some people don’t believe in absolute truth.  They think it’s not their responsibility.  They think everyone already knows about Jesus and they will figure it out for themselves.  They think everyone will go to heaven, because God loves all people and doesn’t want anyone to perish.  This is partly true.  Jesus loves all people and doesn’t want anyone to perish, but He wants people repent, believe and follow only Him.  “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness.  He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” – 2 Peter 3:9.

All these reasons are just excuses.   What it all comes down to is, maybe Christians just don’t care.  Maybe they are too busy with their own lives.  Perhaps they are too selfish to take the time to tell others about what will ultimately save their life.

Many assume that sharing the gospel is only about trying to convert people to Christianity.  Actually converting someone to Christianity is the work of the Holy Spirit.  By sharing the gospel you are simply telling them about God’s love and how sin separates us from God.  You are telling them God’s remedy of the cross and how they can be reconciled with God.  You may never see the person’s positive response to Jesus, but at least you’ve planted a seed.  The rest is up to God.  We don’t save people, God does.

Statistics show more than 60% of church going Christian never share their faith.  God has called all Christians to share the Good News.  It’s easy for pastors, but the truth is God calls every believer to share the gospel.                

Why should the gospel be shared? 

Christians should share the gospel because as believers we have been commanded to do so.  The Bible tells us we should preach the gospel to all creation.  Jesus’ last words before He went to be with the Father was, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” – Matt. 28:19-20.

We should share the gospel because Hell exists!  “But I will show you whom you should fear:  Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell.” – Luke 12:5.

We are to share the gospel because to remain in silence is a sin.  “Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.” – James 4:17.

We should share the gospel because it causes us to search the Scriptures.  It deepens our prayer life, our walk with God, and our gratitude for the cross.  Not only is it our responsibility, but a privilege.  2 Corinthians 5:20 tell us we are Christ’s ambassadors.  It shows our gratitude for what Jesus has done for us.  Ephesians 2:12 tell us before we were saved we had no hope and were without God.

We are to share the gospel because we as believers are in the presence of God and He is watching us.  We will be judged on what we do and don’t do.  He anointed us and set His seal of ownership on us and put His Spirit in our hearts.  He’s given us a job to do. 

We should not be ashamed to share the gospel.  “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of god for the salvation of everyone who believes” – Romans 1:16.

Don’t assume people already know about Jesus.  They may have heard His Name mentioned, but people need to hear the Gospel.  They need to hear that He died for them and that they can have eternal life.  

How to share the gospel?

The Gospel can be presented in six words:

GOD created us to be with Him.

OUR sins separate us from God.

SINS cannot be removed by good deeds.

PAYING the price for sin, Jesus died and rose again.

EVERYONE who trusts in Him alone has eternal life.

LIFE with Jesus starts now and lasts forever.

One of the best ways to share the gospel is to live a godly life.  Non-Christians often look at Christians as hypocritical because they say one thing but do another.  Make a habit of reading the Bible, praying, going to church and practicing what you preach. 

Be sure to pray for those unbelievers.  Pray, pray and pray some more.

When sharing the Gospel, keep it simple.  Don’t make it complicated.  Tell them that because of sin we are separated from God, but God provided a way to restore a relationship with Him by sending His Son, Jesus Christ to the cross to die for their sins.  He was buried.  He rose again.  Tell them that they need to turn away from sin and accept what Jesus did on the cross. 

Share the ABC’s of Salvation:

ADMIT to God that you are a sinner.

BELIEVE in Jesus Christ as God’s Son.

CONFESS your faith in Jesus as Savior and Lord.

Share these Scriptures:

Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”.

Romans 5:8, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this:  While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord”.

John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

1 Peter 2:24, “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by His wounds you have been healed”.

Romans 10:9, “If you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved”.

Romans 10:13, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Is the way you live pointing people to Jesus?

Do you know what Scripture actually says about sharing the gospel?

Do you truly understand grace and true humility?

Do you know the will of God for your life?

Are you unprepared to share the gospel?

What is keeping you from sharing your faith?                                                                                                                                       

If you have integrity, then share the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Don’t keep it to yourself.  If you keep this important message to yourself, you are betraying your Savior.  You should have a real burden to reach people for Him.  If you are nervous about how you should do this or what you should say, ask God to help you.  Ask Him to give you the desire and confidence before it’s too late.  You never know if today will be your last day or their last day. 

Join me here next time -- I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

__________________________________________

 

If you have enjoyed my post and have found if helpful, please leave a comment or share this post with the buttons below.

 

Resources:

https://www.sonlife.com/blog/sharing-the-gospel/

The Ten Commandments and Their Meanings

 

The Ten Commandments were part of the Mosaic Law.  The Law included over 600 commandments and formed the terms of an agreement or covenant between God and Israel. The Ten Commandments were given to Moses on Mt. Sinai.  They were written in stone by the finger of God.  Each commandment was given to the Israelites as God’s standard of holiness.  They are the summary of the Old Testament Law and was given to guide people until Christ came that we all might be justified by faith (Galatians. 3:24).  The first four commandments address our relationship with God.  The last six deal with our relationships with one another.  They are recorded in Exodus 20:1-17 and Deuteronomy 5:6-21.

God chose Israel as His own special possession, but their sinful nature inherited from Adam kept them separated from their Holy Father.  Out of love God set Israel apart and provided the law as the first step to reconcile Himself with fallen humanity.  This law is vital to understanding the Holy nature of God.  The law played an essential role in God’s overall redemptive plan. 

The Ten Commandments

#1 Exodus 20:3 – “You shall have no other gods before Me.” 

This keeps our focus of God who created the world and everything in it.  God is a jealous God and He desires our complete loyalty and allegiance to only Him.  This command forbids placing anyone or anything above God.

#2 Exodus 20:4-6 – “You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below ….”

This forbids the use of any man-made image for the purpose of worship.  No human has the ability to create a piece of artwork or statue that represents God.  He alone is worthy of worship.  This includes anything that is more importance to us than God.

#3 Exodus 20:7 – “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.”  

This command forbids mishandling, lightly using, or speaking in vain the name of God.  Many violate this commandment every day.  We do this with common slang.  Jesus said not to be careless talkers for we will have to give account for our words in the day of judgment.  “For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matt. 12:37)

#4 Exodus 20:8-11 – “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy ….”

This command required the Israelites to set aside a specific day of the week to dedicate as a day of rest to the Lord.  He wanted them to delight in His Word, enjoy His creation, celebrate beauty and love, and enjoy a relationship with Him. 

Christians find their Sabbath rest in the person of Jesus Christ.  Hebrews 4:1-11 tells us that Jesus fulfilled this law completely.  Colossians 2:16 and Romans 14:5 confirms that New Covenant Believers are no longer required to adhere to Sabbath laws.  It’s a matter of spiritual freedom, not a command from God.

#5 Exodus 20:12 – “Honor your father and your mother so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” 

This command requires that parents be shown honor, respect, and care.  Honoring parents is crucial to the basic functioning of society.  When we don’t show honor and care for our parents, it threatens the well-being of the entire society.  It also comes with a promise of living long in the land.

#6 Exodus 20:13 – “You shall not murder.”

This command forbids the premeditated killing of another person.  Because people are made in the image of God, life has value.  Murder says that a person’s life has no value.  God didn’t say, do not kill.  There is a difference between murder and accidental death or an act of war.

#7 Exodus 20:14 – “You shall not commit adultery.”

 This forbids breaking the sacred marriage convent by having sexual relations with anyone other than one’s spouse.

#8 Exodus 20:15 – “You shall not steal.”

This command forbids taking someone else’s possessions without permission.

#9 Exodus 20:16 – “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.”

This command forbids testifying falsely against someone in court, but the context also implies that lying is forbidden.   

#10 Exodus 20:17 – “You shall not covet your neighbor ….”

This forbids harboring a desire for some else’s possessions, spouse, or property.

Many people mistakenly look at the Ten Commandments as a set of rules that will guarantee entrance into heaven after death.  In reality the purpose of the commandments is to force people to realize that they cannot perfectly obey the law.  They demonstrate that we have all sinned and need God’s mercy and grace, available only through faith in Jesus Christ.

The Ten Commandments are essential to our Biblical heritage.  When Jesus died on the cross, He didn’t abolish the law.  Instead He fulfilled the law.  Now believers are set free from the law, which was powerless anyway because of our sinful nature we can never keep all these commandments.

Salvation is a free gift and is offered with no strings attached to all who believe.  The New Testament offers instructions and guidelines to help Christians to learn what walking by faith means.  Under the Old Covenant we were slaves to sin, but under the New Covenant, Christ freed us from slavery and brought us into His family.  Now we are no longer slaves to sin, but heirs of God. 

Christians view the Ten Commandments as the foundation of God’s moral law.  Jesus calls people to an even higher standard by obeying the commandments in actions and also in their hearts.  We are to use the Ten Commandments as standards to live by.  They help us in this deceived world to define right from wrong.

You could summarize the Ten Commandments in the two ‘greatest commandments’ given by Jesus:  “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind … and love your neighbor as  yourself.” (Matthew 22:37-40).

Hope to see you here next time. -- I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

__________________________________________

 

If you have enjoyed my post and have found if helpful, please leave a comment or share this post with the buttons below.