The Gospel of John December 23, December 15,

~AD chapters Different than synoptic gospels [Matthew, Mark, Luke] Synoptics: give summary, general view of life and ministry of Jesus John: unique, selective view to make theological points In the beginning was the Word... These things... written that you might believe Jesus is the Christ the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name. Overview Of The Gospel of John 1 to11 selectively focus on first 3 years 12 to 21 selectively focus on last week+

Written That You Might Believe... A. The Unique Witness of John The Baptist 1:19-34; 3:22-36

Written That You Might Believe... B. Seven Unique Signs or Miracles to Tell Us About Jesus 1. Turn water into wine2: Heal nobleman’s son4: Heal man lame for 38 yrs5: Feed 5,000 from 5 loaves of bread6:1-14 [note: not unique to John, unique in sense that the only sign or miracle of Jesus repeated in all four gospels] 5. Walk on water6: Heal man born blind9: Raise the dead11:38-44

Written That You Might Believe... C. Seven Unique Dialogues with Jesus About... 1 st being born again & receiving Jesus as a gift 3: nd drink of living water & true worship of the Father 4: rd coming from heaven & being the bread of life 6: th being forgiven of sin and sinning no more 8: th His unique relationship with God the Father 8: th being God made man 10: th raising the dead and life after death 11:1-46

Written That You Might Believe... D. Seven Unique Declarations 1 st I am the bread of life6:35, 48 2 nd I am the light of the world8:12 3 rd I am the door of the sheep10:7 4 th I am the good shepherd10:11 5 th I am the resurrection and the life11:25 6 th I am the way and the truth and the life 14:6 7 th I am the vine15:1

So... Has John Convinced You To Believe in Christ? If NOT –W–What do you say about the signs...? –W–What do you hear in the dialogues...? –W–Who could make such declarations...? –W–What will you do with the gift God offers you...? If YES: the way you live uniquely shows you believe, for example... –U–U see the world as a field of people to reach 4:35 –U–U try not to be judgmental or legalistic or judge by appearance 7:24 –U–U have been forgiven of much sin, U try to sin no more 8:11 –U–U regularly read the Word and seek to live consistent and true 8:31 –U–U live an abundant life and are excited about each day 10:10 –U–U try to put an eternal life perspective on your life decisions 10:28 –U–U live knowing that you will die AND rise again!!! 11:25,26 If you say ‘YES’ but don’t live uniquely –R–Remember Jesus said you must have a unique birth i.e.be born again to enter the kingdom of heaven –I–It is not religion or church that gives you a unique life but a relationship with Jesus Christ