"Believe" The Gospel of John
Believe it or not, I began to sense God’s call into the ministry while I was reading the Gospel of John in Greek. Wait! Before you roll your eyes or jump to the conclusion that I am some great scholar, I need to explain something to those of you who would say, “It’s all Greek to me!” When you begin to learn Koine Greek (the common, universal language in Jesus’ day) the Gospel of John is actually the easiest to translate. It’s basic, straightforward, simple Greek. It’s like he put the cookies on the lower shelf so people like me could get them! But, if you have ever read the Gospel of John, you know that it is anything but simple. To follow the food analogy, more like Prime Rib! The Gospel of John is profound, complex in thought and concept, full of mouthwatering, soul satisfying truth!
In the Gospel of John we will come to know Jesus better. We will see how Jesus identifies with God by repeatedly declaring “I AM” …the light of the world; the resurrection and the life; the good shepherd; the vine; the living water; the way, the truth and the life. The glory and reputation that belongs to the Father is clearly seen in Jesus. John’s Gospel will both inform and challenge us on what it means to believe in Jesus.
~ Pastor Mike Wilde
What would it take for your family member, friend or neighbor to believe in Jesus? What did it take for you to believe? As we conclude this series on the Gospel of John, let’s look at what God will do to help those who don’t get it to see and know Him.
We make decisions every day, probably a hundred or more, but some choices change us. But, there’s a decision that you must make that is more important than any other life changing decision you will ever make.
If you choose to follow Christ your faith will be tested, your values will be questioned, and your beliefs will face pushback. We live in a dark and distorted world where choosing to take a stand for Christ can have some pretty serious consequences. We must walk by faith.
It is easier to get people to give money than it is to get people to pray. Yet, Jesus would often spend a whole night in prayer. If Jesus, the Son of God, thought it was important to pray, shouldn’t we make it more of a priority? How did Jesus pray for us?
What happens when we lose connection with the Lord? When we go through the motions in our relationship with Him? When other things become more important to us than spending time with Him in worship, in His Word or prayer?
There are many examples and people that you could aspire to be. There are many you could want to emulate and be like. But John 13 gives us the ultimate example of Who we should be like.
What do you do when what you believe about God doesn’t line up with what you are experiencing in life? If God is good… if He is powerful…if He knows all things…where is God in my tragedy and what is He doing if He is doing anything at all?
Is darkness for you, bliss? Might there be something compelling about stepping out of the darkness into the light? Join us as we look at “Jesus, The Light Of The World”
Whenever Jesus met with people He changed their lives. Who are the people in your life that need to know who Jesus is? Who are those hurting around you? Jesus is what they need.
Have you ever noticed all the different places where John 3:16 is displayed? Maybe an even more important question to ask is “What do they believe about Jesus?” What would you say to someone who was curious about Jesus but not convinced?
What does it mean to be a follower of Christ and how come we seem to have such a hard time following Him ourselves and getting others to follow Him? Am I a follower of Christ? Are you?
This Sunday, as we begin this new series, join us as we answer the question of who Jesus is and why that is so important for us to know Him.