John 1 - 2

John 1-2

1)      Existed in the beginning 2)      Existed in close relation to God (as a separate person) 3)      Existed as God

 Jesus is God  1)      1:1 in his pre-incarnate state 2)      1:14 in his incarnate state  3)      20:28 in his resurrected state

 John 1:1

-The word means “beginning, origin, first cause.” – beginning of history (before man) / born again (spiritual)

- Two beginnings -  eternity past and beginning of man/spirit  – Gen. 1:26  God said let us make man in our image….                                                                                                                     

• Who was God talking to?
• Connect to Genesis … light / darkness (1:5)
• The Word is part of creation
• Never was a time when Jesus was not
• Jesus is God

 1: 3-5

After describing the relationship to the Father, the Word’s relationship to creation is stated. The Word is equal with God, but superior to creation. …. The Word is not part of creation.

Proverbs 8:12-9:12 is an OT description of “the Word.” John states here clearly what the OT had been alluding to in the use of “word”

John addresses the first manifestation of “The Word” communicating with man:   Creation.

• In creation God gave one of his greatest revelations of himself (Romans 1)
• Jesus was the one who created everything:      1 Cor. 8:6 ,      Col. 1:16,  Heb. 1:2, Rev. 3:14
• Life as refer to Jesus = Total 135x

1:5

“light shines” is present tense here for the first time.  The manifestation of this light into the world and into the hearts of men is a continuous action that continues even today. But, the shining of the light that occurred at creation and at the incarnation is still occurring today by that same Word. God’s manifestation of his revelation is not over and historically recorded.  It is recorded, but it is still shining in life and light today

This was not a dual between two equal powers.  Just as light is always greater than darkness, Jesus, the creator is always greater than darkness.

Nature reveals this truth.

a)      We turn on a light switch which drives away the darkness.

b)      The sun drives out the darkness in the morning.  The only reason darkness returns; the sun sets and leaves our view.

c)      We can create light with bulbs.  We cannot create dark bulbs.

d)      Darkness never drives out the light in any natural occurrence.  Darkness only occurs when light is removed or absent.

This theme will reach its highlight in the crucifixion.  This was the darkest moment. 

The darkest event completely disappears, though in the light of the resurrection.

 What John introduces in these three verses continues throughout the book.

• Jesus authority in Creation both physically and spiritually
• Parallels of light and darkness which represent:
• Revelation and salvation (light)
• Ignorance and sin (darkness)

The Seven Witnesses

In the gospel of John there are 7 witnesses

1)      The Father 5:31-32, 34, 37; 8:18

2)      Christ 8:14, 18; 3:11, 32; 8:37

3)      The Holy Spirit 15:26; 16:14

4)      Jesus’ Works 5:36; 19:25; 14:11; 15:24

5)      Scripture 5:39; 5:45-46

6)      John the Baptist 1:7; 1:8; 1:15; 1:19; 1:32; 1:34; 3:26; 5:33

7)      Human witnesses:

a.       Disciples 15:27; 19:35; 21:24

b.      Samaritan woman 4:39

c.       Multitude 12:17

The Prophet was sent by God,  Prophets had to have evidence, No evidence proves they were false

 There Must Be Evidence to Verify the Truth

• It is important to have credible witnesses to the truth.

• God and John are not going to ask you to believe something without verifying its truthfulness.

• To have faith (confidence) in something there must be some evidence or proof of facts.

• Again, faith is not blind faith.Bible teaching itself should be logical and make sense in the world we live. - secular history as well as archology

Creation And The Scriptures

I tend to not pay too much attention to TV preachers. That’s not to say I discount or don’t take seriously what they say, I simply don’t have that much time and many of them have proven to be charlatans – in my opinion.

 In Pat Robertson’s case, I just am not that interested in the mix of politics and Christianity.

There are things I disagree with Pat Robertson on, but let me also say, I agree with him on many other points. When it comes the topics of religion or politics there is room for much disagreement. When the topics are combined, the level of agreement is narrowed exponentially.

I do agree with him (Robertson) that the denial of fossils and pre-historic archeology makes Christians look silly. I believe that if we are truly going to take the Gospel to the world as in Mark 15, then we should present palpable, accurate information from Scripture. 

If we use archeology to help defend the Bible, how can we be intellectually honest and deny such an overwhelming amount of evidence?

I believe every Christians must study to know God and renew his or her mind so that we can think more like Him and to serve Him.  I, as a man, believe that if I want to know Him I must learn everything I can about Him. Hebrews 11:6 tells us that He rewards those who diligently seek Him.  

But unless we are talking about a point of doctrine that compromises the tenants of faith in God, His Word, Jesus as Lord and God, salvation through the acceptance of Jesus’ atonement and bodily resurrection, I figure I will find out anyway, and I am ok with being wrong. The fact remains, though, we still need to esteem God and His Word above all else, study and be very careful our doctrine is based on scripture. This is the only way we can serve Him.

We will only serve that which we love. We can only love that which we know.  We must learn all we can in order to know Him, only then is it possible to love Him.  After all, you did not love your husband or wife until you knew them, if we are made in HIS Image, how can it be any different with God?

I believe there are two beginnings. I also believe strongly, that this position can, and is backed up by scripture.    

The account in Genesis 1 – the Hebrew word “bara” is used which in this case alludes to a re-creation. This is the second beginning or re-creation organized for man, (Satan was banished to the void and without form earth)  – remember, Gen. 1&2  (NIV) tells us:  1In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2Now the was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.

Then John 1:1 & 2 tells us there is a first beginning in eternity past; 1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning.

In the New Testament Jesus talks about seeing Satan falling as "lightning from heaven    (Lk10:18).

Lucifer tried to be equal to God, was cast out of Heaven (Jude 1:6)  and given the earth and the air between to inhabit (Eph 2:2). 

God, in His desire for someone to have a relationship with, created Adam and gave him the earth. This worried Satan. That is why he tried to get Adam to disobey God. When Adam disobeyed, Satan thought he had defeated God. The fact that the world was recreated (Pslms136:6&7) is why science and The Bible do not conflict.

Fossils of dinosaurs and plant life dating back millions of years are undeniable in their authenticity. The earth was without form and void (Gen 1:2), the book of Genesis is not the beginning of history, just the beginning of man.

I feel that is a very plausible explanation, backed up by scripture. There are also those who think the earth is much younger than I and hold to what they believe is the “literal” view of The Creation.

As I said before, I may not be right or wrong, but that view, right or not, is, in itself not going to send anyone to Heaven or Hell. But again, what we think is important. What we believe about one thing shapes the context of what we believe about other things and overall. That is why we must study and seek understanding (Proverbs 1:2)

Do you really think that He would leave something like His creation in question? Would He give clear answers in scripture? My tip for understanding Genesis – The account of Creation, is to take it literally and in context of The Word.

Yes there are things that our finite minds cannot grasp. There are things that the believer accepts in faith. I have to point out here that non-believers in Christ accepts much in faith also. Examples are ; not knowing exactly how an airplane works, but flies in it anyway. He has faith that Amazon.com will ship his or her order. Etc. etc….The list includes everything you or I can think of.   

As I was saying, there are plenty of things in The Bible the believer accepts in faith. There are also many more that are not a mystery. Examples are history, archeology, and narrative of everyday events. The point is that FAITH IS BASED ON CONCRETE FACTS. God communicates perfectly and clearly - only our understanding is imperfect  - that is why we must rely on a perfect source in context with the assistance of The Holy Spirit, who teaches all things (John 14:26, 1 John 16:14).

Romans 1:20 NIV tells us:  For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.

In most of The Bible, God is showing us what He is like - His nature, but in Genesis 1:1, Romans 1:20 He shows His existence (God, The Creator) to us. He lets us know His Creation proves Him as God.

God communicates to us for a few reasons – so we know What He is like, so we know who He is and most importantly, because He loves us. He communicates perfectly and with clarity. Our understanding is not perfect. That is the reason We MUST take the Word literally when it presents itself in a literal and historical context.

He communicated this account with clarity to prove to us so we understand that there is no conflict between science and His Word. We need to understand in context and revere the whole counsel of God. Only then can we take the Gospel into all the world Mark 15:16 and always be ready in season and out of season with an answer. Only then can we be of service and be of any value to anyone.

Unless our message is plausible and in context it will not be received. Make no mistake, it is not OUR message that is to go to the world, or that wins souls for Christ. THAT is The Holy Spirit’s ministry.  The Holy Spirit does not need my or your account of creation, right or wrong, to win souls. He does, however, expect us to be as accurate as we can and have understanding to be.

The Lamb of God And Genisis 3 - History Changed

Text scripture: John 1:29   The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

God created man to have fellowship with Him

 Genesis 3:1-7

Man fell  - because of his disobedience

           

Man fell - God not happy

(tells Satan how its going to be) Gen 3:14-15 –(if don’t understand Gen 3, you can’t understand  - God’s Grace, or salvation.  Gen. 3 also tells us why bad things happen in this world.) Understanding Gen. 3 Is key to everything our faith in Jesus is based on.

           

God to re-establish His Kingdom

            In Gen. 3:14&15 God clearly refs. Jesus & starts to reveal His plan to reconcile mankind back to Him.

Everything in OT points to the NT – The Cross

Isa 7:14  Therefore the Lord himself will give you  a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and  will call him Immanuel.

• Puts man under law to prove that man can’t attain righteousness by himself but needs a Savior – Jesus – The Christ

*400 yrs after Isa. prophesy:

Matt 1:23 "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"—which means, "God with us."

John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God

John  1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

Tp pharisise:

Matt 5:17 "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished

• Side note – very important: Bible is the Truth, as such, it is true from cover to cover. You will find agreement from cover to cover. – “ Whole Counsel Of God”

• Remember text scrip. – read – side note at that time John saw  The trinity, Jesus (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) / spiritual eyes – only one who saw.

Ever time lamb mentioned in Bible – it dies – John The Baptist declared Jesus to be “The Lamb Of God”

John 1:23  He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.

John knew Jesus was his purpose – his mission –obedience

And he knew Jesus would be the final sacrifice that would have to be made for God’s creation – man. His Plan for God’s Kingdom which was set in motion at Jesus’ birth (with John clearing the way) was entering a new phase – Jesus’ teaching ministry.

Col 2:13   (NIV) When you were dead in your sins and in the un-circumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14 having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross.



He also knew how it would end: Jesus being final and ultimate sac. That by the power of God – the same power that saves us. He would rise again – Easter: and by faith we could have eternal life with Him. Jesus left this world the same way He came in – humble and with out fanfare. This was done for you and I – so the Kingdom on earth would be re-established and we can be part of that Kingdom!
You see, Christians, are not perfect and don’t expect ANYONE else to be either. They (we) are just forgiven.

 

The same power of God that Jesus used to conquer sin and death will do the same for you and I when we accept Him as our Lord and Savior.