John 1:1-18
We began by talking about the rising action in a story, as well as the climax. We discussed that Jesus is the climax in God's story.
Big Idea: Jesus is the climax of God’s story!
We also talked about how in order to convey a story, you need to use words. In John 1, Jesus is "The Word".
God’s story is communicated through Jesus!
- Jesus is the Word!
- Jesus is the Light that brings clarity in a dark and confusing world
- Jesus explodes "Relativism" (we talked briefly about what this means)
- Jesus is God's clear Word to us - telling God's story
God’s story is believed through Jesus
- This is not just a nice story... it has tremendous implications and consequences
- Summary of God's Story"
- Creation
- Fall
- Redemption
- Restoration
- We must "receive Jesus" (v. 11-12)
- more than knowing about him or believing in him
- receiving like a king (not as much like a present)
- We receive Jesus because God has opened our eyes
God’s story is retold through Jesus
- retold to ourselves - we must review the gospel and preach it to ourselves constantly!!
- retold to others - example of John the Baptist
- What do we like to share through social networking? How often do we share about Christ?
High School - Ecclesiastes 9:1-10
We began by clearing up that while this world is not our eventual home, it is our home now. How are we to live?
Big Idea: God’s approval enables us to truly enjoy life!
Life without God’s approval is madness (v. 1-6)
- Many people believe there is a God, but they wonder what He is like?? loving, hate-filled? (v. 1)
- What does it matter if you are good or bad - we all die in the end?
- Death is scary for us all; especially if you are without Christ.
- philosophy apart from God is "madness"
- sin = madness; sin will make you do crazy stuff!
- for those without God, all you have is life. There is nothing after, so Carpe Diem!
- The Christian has more reason than any other to Carpe Diem!
Life with God’s approval is joyful (v. 7-10)
- vs. 7 - most hope filled verse in the book! God has approved us (because of Christ)!
- Good theology = rest; Bad theology = unrest
- Important to understand what the Bible says about God, and ourselves! (if we listen to what the world says about us, we will be in trouble -
- we are animals
- we should live for ourselves and our happiness
- money is everything
- Christians should enjoy life!
- pleasure is designed by God
- Satan has never invented a pleasure, he only twists God's good gifts
- Christians should be content
- God has given us an allotment - house, car, spouse, family, etc...
- Contentment is the only way to enjoy pleasure
- Christians should be passionate!
- "might" - v. 10
- 1 Cor. 10:31
- "Go" - v. 7
- What kind of billboard are you to the world??
