John: An Intimate Look at the Savior

by Kevin G. Harney

Overview

John's Gospel reveals the wonder of Christ as seen through the eyes of a close friend. As you study the book of John, you will develop a deeper, more personal understanding of our Savior. You will come to know his thoughts and character. You will see him in his glory . . . Marvel at his beauty . . . Be changed by his wisdom . . . And discover the riches of following him closely and knowing him well.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780310498513
Publisher:	HarperChristian Resources
Publication date:	08/01/1995
Series:	Great Books of the Bible
Pages:	96
Product dimensions:	5.45(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Kevin G. Harney is lead pastor of Shoreline Church in Monterey, California. He is the author of many books, including No Is a Beautiful Word, Seismic Shifts, and the Organic Outreach Trilogy, as well as more than a hundred small group guides, curriculum, and numerous articles written in partnership with Sherry. Kevin and his wife Sherry are co-founders of Organic Outreach International, a ministry that trains and resources global leaders to do evangelism in natural and effective ways. He also does extensive teaching and speaking both nationally and internationally.

Read an Excerpt

John

An Intimate Look at the Savior

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By Kevin Harney

Zondervan

Copyright © 1995 Zondervan
All right reserved.
ISBN: 0-310-49851-1

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Chapter One

Study 1

The One Who Makes All Things New

John 1:1-14, 35-51; 2:1-25

It is always exciting to get something new. Children wait for Christmas morning and birthdays with eager expectation of some new toy, game, or clothes. It is fun to watch children receive new things. The gleam in their eyes, the smile on their face, and the bounce in their walk all witness to the joy exploding in their hearts.

Let's face it-aren't we all big kids at heart? Sure, we may not rip off the paper of a birthday gift with the same shredding fury we did when we were eight years old, but our hearts still beat a little quicker with joy as we discover a surprise. Young or old, the experience of new things still gives us a thrill.

Two thousand years ago, heaven opened and God placed his most precious gift in a manger in Bethlehem. The God of heaven gave his only Son as a gift for all who would receive him. This event marked a whole new beginning-a fresh start.

The opening chapters of John tell us of God's plan to make all things new. Through Jesus Christ, God began a new creation, a new order, a new beginning.

Do you need a new lease on life? Have you reached a point where you desire a fresh start? Rest assured that new beginnings are found in the person of Jesus Christ. Walk with him, and you will discover, through his presence and power, newness of life and refreshment for your soul.

1. What is one gift you received that you remember with great joy?

Why did this gift mean so much to you?

2. Read John 1:1-14. What similar themes do you see in this passage and the opening verses of Genesis?

3. How does this passage point to a new beginning in human history?

4. Verse 14 speaks of the grace and truth found in Jesus Christ. How do Christ's grace and truth bring newness of life?

5. Read John 1:35-51. Here we meet some men who were given a new direction in life when they met the rabbi named Jesus. What can we learn from the example of Andrew (vv. 40-42)?

In what ways can we follow Andrew's example?

6. What is the significance of the three titles Nathanael used when he addressed Jesus (v. 49)? - Rabbi

- Son of God

- King of Israel

What is a favorite title of yours for Jesus, and why is it meaningful to you?

7. Read John 2:1-11. What spiritual significance do you find in Jesus' turning the water into wine-and better wine than the first?

8. Read John 2:12-25. What was Jesus' goal or intention in cleansing the temple courts?

9. What are some things we need to clear out of our lives so that we can freely approach God in worship and prayer? What specific "house-cleaning" projects need to take place in our lives in the coming weeks?

10. Why were Jesus' words inverses 18-22 confusing to those who heard them?

Recall, if you can, other instances in the gospel of John when Jesus said one thing and the people thought he was talking about something else.

11. How can faith in Jesus Christ breathe new life into a person who discovers his love and forgiveness?

Memory Verse

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. -John 1:14

Between Studies

In John 1 there are more than a dozen titles or names given to Jesus. Take time to read this chapter again and identify these names. Reflect on each one and what it teaches us about the Savior.

(Continues...)

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Excerpted from John by Kevin Harney Copyright © 1995 by Zondervan. Excerpted by permission.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

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Table of Contents

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