Pastor Mike's Faith Journey Adventure Daily

The Emergent Church

2009-12-14T11:42:00.000-08:00

Hi Friends,

I attended a conference put on by the Northwest Ministry Network of the Assemblies of God in November ’09. The conference was called “Calibrate” and was on the topic of the emergent church movement. I’m pleased to share with you the following link to the messages (it’s free):

http://www.calibratenw.com/ee/index.php/calibrate/register/

[Instructions: Register your name and e-mail and on the next page click the messages link from the ’09 conference]

The speakers were:

• Mark Driscoll – Mars Hill Church

• Ed Stetzer – Lifeway Research

• Jeff Vanderstelt – SOMA Communities

• Ryan Meeks – Eastlake Church

• Jim Tomberlin – Third Quarter Consulting

The conference was a bit “outside of my box” as different methods were related in sharing Christ with others in our changing world. I’ve been reading some books on this subject but found this event to be extremely helpful. Here are some of the surprises I found:

• There was some course language used by a couple of the speakers, which I am not used to coming from a minister of the gospel. No, I don’t condone that behavior, but understand where they are coming from and why they do it.

• Many emergent church leaders believe they are the only people who are right. Some despise the traditional church; if you are not like them, YOU ARE traditional church.

• As a group the emergent church believes that they are highly Biblical. In many respects they are just that. They literally have focused on stripping away “cultural” American Christianity, attempting to move toward a purity of the gospel. However in some instances I think that they’ve left out all the Scripture dealing with holiness, course talking and the like. And yet I would suggest that from their paradigm, they’ve re-defined what holiness is.

• They are “body of Christ” centric instead of “building” centric. It’s all about the Church being the Church wherever the people are.

• They do discipleship with the time we spend doing “traditional” American church stuff.

• On one end of the spectrum in this movement, deep theology is taught on Sundays; on the other, what I would describe as a ‘feel-good,’ watered down gospel is presented (see, just like the ‘traditional church!’)

• Clothing/attire: I drove directly from the conclusion of church at Faith in Bend to get to the location just North of Seattle. I was five minutes late for opening session. When I walked in I realized that there were only two people in the room wearing slacks, me and the president of Northwest University. Further, everyone from 20 to 70 was wearing jeans (dark with fading) and an untucked button up cotton shirt. About 50% of the room had faux-hawks (your hair gathered up into a ridge over the middle of your scalp). It shocked me to see men with white hair sporting this coif. I’ve often said I would wear a clown suit on Sundays if it would help me present Christ more effectively. That’s what they’re doing.

I think that you’ll find these messages challenging and an excellent resource to you in regard to culture and the controversy over how this movement does church. You will disagree with them in several areas, but there are more than a few nuggets to mine for your ministry where you are right now.

Blessings!

“In Everything You Do, Give Thanks,” Thanksgiving

2009-11-23T09:00:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving 2009, Sunday, November 22, 2009, Faith Christian Center, Dr. Mike Johnson, Lead Pastor

“In Everything You Do, Give Thanks”

1 Chronicles 16:34

1 Chronicles 16:8-12

Psalm 106:1

Psalm 107:1-8

I. We Give Thanks Because We are the _______________ of the Lord Whom He has Delivered from Trouble.

A. We give _______________ to Jesus!

B. The redeemed give thanks because they are _______________.

C. The soon-to-be-redeemed cried out to the Lord in their trouble; and God delivered them.

D. Not only were they _______________, thereby becoming the redeemed, God showed them they way to go.

Psalm 119:105 - Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. ESV

E. And so we give thanks to God for His _______________ love towards us.

Galatians 3:13-14 - 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree"— 14 so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith. ESV

· I am redeemed from _______________.

II. God’s Will is for Us to Give Thanks in _______________.

1 Thessalonians 5:12-22 -

Conclusion/Action to take:

Answers: Redeemed, thanks, redeemed, delivered, steadfast, Everything.

Faith Journey Group Discussion Questions for Deeper Study

1. What are your plans for Thanksgiving this year? What are some traditions that you enjoy? What would make Thanksgiving this year extra-special?

2. What is the single most amazing thing that has happened in your life that you are most thankful for, except new life in Christ?

3. Look up the following passages of Scripture and talk about being thankful as it relates to their context.

1 Chronicles 16:34

1 Chronicles 16:8-12

Psalm 106:1

Psalm 107:1-8

4. The Apostle Paul’s letter to the Church in Thessalonica concludes with a significant listing of admonitions for the people. Read that passage below, divide out the topics and discuss how they work in the Christian life.

1 Thessalonians 5:12-22 -

5. If you are comfortable in doing so, share what you wrote in the blank space that Pastor Mike provided in the outline during his message. That blank looked like this:

· I am redeemed from _______________.

Was what you wrote about the past or the future? If it was about the past, what steps do you need to take to overcome this area of weakness? If it is about the future, what steps do you need to take in order to see it come into being/fruition?

6. Conclude our time together receiving prayer requests and praying over needs.

"Born Again," Part 2, John 2:1-21

2009-11-19T12:11:00.000-08:00

“The Jesus Story: 20 Days that Changed the World,” Dr. Mike Johnson, Lead Pastor,John 3:1-22; Message #10, November 15, 2009

"Born Again," Part 2
John 2:1-21

John 3:1-8
John 2:23-25
John 3:1
John 3:16
John 3:2

I. Signs Point to the _______________ of the Almighty.

A. Nicodemus pointed out to Jesus how “_______________” knew he was from God through the miracles He performed.

B. People are looking for hope – which IS God’s presence _______________.

C. But be reminded that this part of the discussion by Nicodemus was _______________ the gospel – or what Jesus was all about.

II. What Do the Signs of Our _______________ Say About Us?

A. How do people know that _______________ are from God?

B. What are the “_______________” within our lives?

1 Corinthians 11:1 - Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. ESV

1 Corinthians 11:1 - Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. NIV

Philippians 3:17 - Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. ESV

1 Timothy 4:12 - Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. ESV

Titus 2:7-8 - 7 Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, 8 and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. ESV

III. What Does God _______________ About Us?

Homework:

• Make a list of what you believe are signs of the presence of God in your life and in others. Support these observations with Scripture.

• Strive for these signs in your own life.

• Make your own list of “life-signs.” Ask others in your life to be honest and do the same for you.

• Ask the Lord to help you with how you represent Him.

Conclusion/Action to take:

Answers: Influence, “they,” manifested, not, Lives, we,“life-signs,” Say

Faith Journey Group Discussion Questions for Deeper Study

1. What is the world’s understanding of Jesus? (1st sentence of verse 2)

2. How did the people know that Jesus was from God?

3. How can people we meet see that we are from God?

4. How can we be born of the spirit?

5. Does the world understand what being born of the spirit means? How can they understand this?

6. Jesus asks a question in verse 12. Do you think the world understands what it means to live by faith? Do we? Discuss this focus and what it means, giving examples from your own life. What is an area that you want to show greater faith in and why?

7. Are our lives examples of what Jesus is trying to explain to Nicodemus? How and why? How do our lives today translate to this event 2,000 years ago?

8. Can the world understand what it looks like to your life by faith if we simply show up? What does our life tell others about us?

9. What does our life tell others about Jesus? What are our “life-signs” that tell others about our lives?

• Make a list of what you believe are signs of the presence of God in your life and in others. Support these observations with Scripture.

• Make your own list of “life-signs.” Ask others in your life/FJG to be honest and do the same for you.

• Pray, asking the Lord to help you with how you represent Him.

10. Why does the world seem to misunderstand Jesus’ words? Do we have anything to do with that?

"Born Again," Part 1, John 3:1-21

2009-11-10T20:13:00.000-08:00

“The Jesus Story: 20 Days that Changed the World,” Dr. Mike Johnson, Lead Pastor,John 3:1-22; Message #9, November 8, 2009

“Born Again,” Part 1
John 3:1-21

[A "special message," there were no fill-in-the-blank notes or PowerPoint for this message, just a blank page for personal notes.]

Conclusion/Action to take:

Faith Journey Group Discussion Questions for Deeper Study

By Isaiah McGarry

1. Getting to know you: What is the favorite place that you’ve ever lived and why?

2. What was the name of the man that came to visit Jesus in verse 1?

3. What does he say to Jesus in verse 2?

4. What conclusions has he already come to about Jesus?

5. In verse 4 Nicodemus seems confused by what Jesus is telling him. So Jesus clarifies for him. What does Jesus say a person must specifically do to enter the kingdom of God?

6. How many things does Jesus say we must do to enter the kingdom of Heaven? What are they?

7. Re-read verse 3 and verse 5. Is Jesus simply re-stating his point to Nicodemus or is there another condition to gaining acceptance into heaven?

8. How can we be born again like Jesus is saying in verse 3 and 5? (2 Corinthians 5:17, Romans 6:3,4)

9. In verse 6 what two things is Jesus contrasting?

10. How does Jesus respond to the fact that a “teacher” of God’s own word could not understand how to be saved?

11. In verse 14 Jesus describes an Old Testament event (read Numbers 21:8) How was Jesus lifted up just like that snake? (read John 12:32,33)

"Life from the Inside Out," John 2:13-25

2009-11-01T19:36:00.000-08:00

“The Jesus Story: 20 Days that Changed the World” Dr. Mike Johnson, Lead Pastor John 2:13-25; Message #8 November 1, 2009

“Life from the Inside Out”
John 2:13-25

John 2:13-25

I. Jesus Knows the _______________ of Man.

Sample Scripture about the Millennium: Isaiah 2:2-3; Zechariah 14:8; Matthew 19:28; Isaiah 11:6-11

A. We have a _______________ problem.

B. The battle for our _______________ and our _______________.

Jeremiah 17:9
Deuteronomy 6:4-9

II. Jesus Died and Rose Again to _______________ the _______________ of Man.

Isaiah 1:11-17
Additional Scripture: Hosea 5:6-7; 8:13; Jeremiah 7:22; Psalm 51:16

III. Jesus is Still Performing _______________ and _______________.

A. Mankind seeks a sign because they are looking for _______________.

B. _______________ and _______________ are visible demonstrations of the reality and power of Christ.

C. _______________ and _______________ flowing through the life of a Christian are a powerful _______________ tool.

D. How do we get _______________ and _______________ flowing through our lives?

1. Ask Jesus to clean up your _______________ _______________.

2. Clean up your _______________ _______________.

3. Ask Jesus for _______________ and _______________ to follow your life.

4. _______________ that signs and wonders will follow your life.

5. _______________ _______________ _______________!
Now What?

Ask Jesus to clean up your mind and heart – your motives and thought life.
Take steps to eradicate your life from mind and heart “pollutants.”
Focus on Jesus rather than yourself.
Believe Jesus for more of the miraculous than you are presently experiencing.

Besides the Bible, an additional resource to encourage your faith: http://www.youtube.com type in “Bethel Church Redding, California” or “Bill Johnson.” You will see a number of amazing stories of healing and miracles that will build up your faith to believe that the impossible can happen through your own life.

Conclusion/Action to take:

Answers: Heart, sin, heart, motives, Redeem, Heart, Signs, Wonders, hope, Signs, wonders, Signs, wonders, witnessing, signs, wonders, spiritual house, physical, house, signs, wonders, Believe, Go, for, it.

Faith Journey Group Discussion Questions for Deeper Study

By Isaiah McGarry

1. Getting to know you: What pets do you have in your home? Why do you have that specific kind of pet? Is there a pet you would like to have? What is the biggest benefit of having your pet(s); the biggest drawback?

2. What did Jesus find in the temple courts of Jerusalem?

3. What was Jesus’ response to what was happening in the temple courts? Was his reaction justified? (Mark 11:15; Matthew 21:13; Isaiah 56:7)

4. How did the Jews react to Jesus?

5. Read Psalm 69:9. How does this verse relate to what Jesus did in the temple? (Hebrews 2:9).

6. What did the Jews demand as proof for Jesus’ authority to drive out the merchants?

7. When Jesus answered the Jews in verse 19 what did he say to them?

8. The Jews did not believe that Jesus could do what he said. Did they misinterpret what Jesus was saying? Do you think he is capable of actually doing what he said?

9. How long did it take the disciples to truly believe the written Scriptures about Jesus?

10. What event had to occur for the disciples to remember Jesus’ words?

Notes and Discussion for John 2:1-12

2009-10-26T11:06:00.000-07:00

“The Jesus Story: 20 Days that Changed the World” Dr. Mike Johnson, Lead Pastor
John 1:43-51; Message #7 October 25, 2009

“Miracle at the Party”
John 2:1-12

John 2:1-12

John 19:26 - 26 When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold, your son!" 27 Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother!" And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home. ESV

John 20:30-31 - 30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. ESV

Revelation 19:7-8 - 7 Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; 8 it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure"— for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. ESV

I. _______________ the Hand of God. (Vs. 1-4)

II. _______________ the Hand of God. (Vs. 5-8)

III. The _______________ of the Hand of God. (Vs. 9-12)

John 2:11 - This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him. ESV

So what now? What do we do with what we’ve heard this morning?

• _______________ God for more than you’ve ever seen or experienced before – and believe for miracles and healings in your own life.

• _______________ Jesus to do what only He can do.

• _______________ Jesus in everything. It will help you have capacity to receive and give away His miracle working power.

• _______________ consistently for the surprises of Jesus.

• _______________ God glory when a miracle or healing takes place in you or through you.

Conclusion/Action to take:

Answers: Moving, Following, Perfection, Believe, Ask, Follow, Look, Give

Faith Journey Group Discussion Questions for Deeper Study
By Isaiah McGarry

1. How long do weddings typically last in Jesus’ day?

2. What day were they on when the problem occurred?

3. What was the problem faced by Jesus in Verse 3? Why was that a problem?

4. Approximately how much wine did Jesus provide for the wedding guests?

5. What did Jesus instruct the servants to do after they filled the containers in verse 8?

6. What happened as soon as they followed his orders?

7. When the master tasted the wine in verses 9-10 what did he say to the bride groom?

8. Why was his statement to the bride groom significant?

9. When Mary tells Jesus about the problem, why do you think she expected him to do something about it?

10. Even though Jesus eventually granted Mary’s request what do you think his statement in verse 4 meant? (John 8:20, John 12:23).

Notes and Discussion for John 1:43-51

2009-10-18T21:20:00.000-07:00

“The Jesus Story: 20 Days that Changed the World” Dr. Mike Johnson, Lead Pastor
John 1:43-51; Message #6 October 18, 2009

“The Magnificent Adventure Begins”
John 1:43-51

Ecclesiastes 4:12
Psalm 133
1 Corinthians 12:12ff.
John 1:43-51

I. Jesus Asks Us to _______________ Him.

A. Philip was _______________ by Jesus to follow Him.

B. Philip _______________ _______________ _______________ the good news of having found the Messiah to himself.

C. Friends, let us not lose sight that just as Jesus calls us to follow Him, that He wants our family, friends and others to follow Him as well.

II. Following Christ _______________ We Are to ‘Come and See.’

A. Look for the _______________ of Jesus.

B. Philip replies _______________.

III. Jesus _______________ that We Would Do Even Greater Things.

A. Jesus knows us from the _______________ _______________.

Psalm 32:2; Isaiah 53:9

B. Nathaniel has a revelation of the Christ.

C. There is more to this life in Christ than merely having words of _______________.

1 Corinthians 12:1-11.

D. Heaven is _______________.

Genesis 28:12

http://www.YouTube.com/
“Faith Christian Center with one voice.”
“Bethel Church Redding Miracles.”

How do we respond to our passage today?

• Choose this day whom you’re going to serve. But know this; Jesus chooses you!

• Accept Jesus’ invitation to come and see.

• Believe in the promise of Jesus to see and experience greater things, living a life where anything is possible with God.

Conclusion/Action to take:

Answers: Follow, chosen, could not keep, Means, Surprises, wisely, Promised, inside out, knowledge, open.

Faith Journey Group Discussion Questions for Deeper Study

By Isaiah McGarry

1. What is the best winter you’ve ever enjoyed in Central Oregon and why?

2. In verse 43 whom did Jesus find? Where was he from?

3. In verse 45 what law did Moses write about? (Exodus 20: 1-17)

4. Why do you think Nathanael said, “Can anything good come from there”, when referring to Nazareth?

5. What is the meaning of the name Nazareth, mentioned in verse 46? (Isaiah 1:11)

6. In verse 47 what does Jesus say about Nathanael? How does he know these things about Nathanael? (John 2:25)

7. In verse 48 Nathanael says, “How do you know me?” and Jesus answers him by saying, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Phillip called you.” What power was Jesus demonstrating to Nathanael?

8. How does Jesus’ answer affect Nathanael?

9. What does Nathanael call Jesus?

10. What else does Jesus say to Nathanael?

11. In verse 50 Jesus says, “You shall greater things than these”, what do you think he is talking about?

12. When Jesus says in verse 51, “I tell you the truth you shall see Heaven open and angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of man, what could Jesus be referring to? (Genesis 28:10-15; 1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 2:9-13)

Notes and Discussion for John 1:29-42

2009-10-10T19:40:00.000-07:00

“The Jesus Story: 20 Days that Changed the World” Dr. Mike Johnson, Lead Pastor
John 1:29-42; Message #5 October 11, 2009

“The Lamb of God”
John 1:29-42

I. Jesus, the _______________ of _______________, Who Takes Away the Sins of the World.

A. Jesus is the ultimate _______________ to cover the sins of the world.

Isaiah 53:7, Isaiah 53:12; 1 Peter 2:24; 1 John 3:5

More Scripture: This term “Lamb of God” is used in this verse, verse 36, Acts 8:32; and in 1 Peter 1:19, with the latter being a reference to Isaiah 53:7. In fact all of the New Testament references of Isaiah 53 are applied to Jesus: Matthew 8:17; Luke 22:37; John 12:38; Acts 8:32-35; 1 Peter 2:22-24

B. Jesus is the _______________ to take away the sins of the world.

1 Peter 1:19; John 15:13; Galatians 1:4-5

More Scripture: Genesis 4:4; 8:20; 22:2-8; Leviticus 14:10-25; Of Jesus is relates to His atoning work, which is significantly picked up in the Revelation of John (5:6-13; 6:1-3, 5, 7,; 7:9-10, 14,17; 13:8; 14:1, 4, 9-10; 15:2-3; 19:7, 9; 21:9, 14, 22-23; 22:1,3). Theology of Atonement: 1 John 1:7; 2:2; 4:9-14

C. The unknown made _______________.

II. Jesus, the _______________ in the _______________ _______________, Who Empowers Us for Living.

A. The _______________ of the Holy Spirit to John the Baptist was a dove.

B. The _______________ of the Holy Spirit is available to all who believe.

C. John the Baptist’s _______________ of Christ…and ours.

III. Jesus, the _______________, Who Invites Us to Come and See.

A. They were _______________ _______________.

Luke 4:42-44; John 6:22-24; John 12:21

B. We invite others to _______________ and _______________.

C. A new _______________, a new citizenship, a new _______________.

Hebrews 9:28

Now what?
• Grasp the importance of Jesus being the Lamb of God – that sin has been dealt with once and for all. Share this good news with everyone, everywhere.

• The same power that rested on Christ is available to the believer. Pursue the Baptism in the Holy Spirit.

• Be an introducer of Jesus Christ to others.

Conclusion/Action to take:

Answers: Lamb, God, sacrifice, power, known, Baptizer, Holy, Spirit, sign, power, witness, Messiah, seeking, Jesus, come, see, name, identity.

Faith Journey Group Discussion Questions for Deeper Study

By Isaiah McGarry

1. What is the best vacation you’ve ever been on and why was it your favorite?

2. Our “Discipleship Habits” at Faith are: Prayer & Praise, Reading the Bible & Memorization, Being a Witness, Church Attendance, Tithing, Working for Christ in Ministry and Personal Purity. Your investment in your spiritual life by being part of a Faith Journey Group says a great deal about your desire to grow in Christ. What areas are you growing in the most? What areas do you want to grow more in? What are you willing to do to go deeper with the Lord? What do others say about your growth in Christ that perhaps you don’t see yourself?

3. What did John describe as Jesus in verse 29?

4. In verse 31 john says, “I myself did not know him”, do you think this means that he did not know Jesus as person or that he did not recognize Jesus as the Messiah?

5. John was told in verse 33 how he would recognize Jesus. What was that sign? Why is a sign important? What are some “signs” that have helped you in your spiritual/family/job/life?

6. John came baptizing with water. Why do we do this? What is the symbolism of water baptism?

7. Jesus comes to baptize us with the Holy Spirit. Is this gift for everyone? (Acts 2: 38-39). Is the Spirit baptism only for some? (Acts 1: 3-8)

8. What did Andrew do in verse 41 and 42? Why is that so significant?

9. In verse 34 what did John bear witness to? What followed this “witness?”

10. When did John see this ‘witness’ fulfilled? (Matthew 3:1-16)

Notes and Discussion on John 1:9-18 (Pt. 2)

2009-10-03T19:35:00.000-07:00

“The Jesus Story: 20 Days that Changed the World” Dr. Mike Johnson, Lead Pastor
John 1:9-18; Message #4 October 4, 2009

“Illumination of the Soul,” Part 2
John 1:9-18

1 Samuel 14:6
John 1:9-18

I. Jesus is the Light of the World.

A. Jesus is the True Light who illuminates everyone. John 1:9a; Isaiah 49:6; Genesis 1:26; Other Scripture: 1 John 2:8; Revelation 21:23; 22:5; Isaiah 60:19-20; John 8:12; 9:5; 12:35-36, 46; 3:19-21; 11:9-10

B. While the light of Christ illuminates everyone in some way or another, not everyone received the Person of The Light when He came. John 1:10-11; John 16:3; 5:43; 1 John 3:1

C. Receiving the ‘Light.’ John 1:12-13; 1 John 5:13; Other Scripture: 1 John 5:1; 3:1; Galatians 3:26; John 11:52; James 1:18; John 3:3-4; 1 Peter 1:3; 1 Peter 1:23-24; John 3:6

II. Jesus Came to this Earth in a Manner that We Could _______________.

A. Jesus walked _______________ us.
1 John 4:2-3
Matthew 25:35
Romans 1:3;8:3
Philippians 2:7-8
Colossians 1:22
Hebrews 2:14

The term, “dwelt” means “to _______________”. He resided among us.

Acts 9:1-9; chapter 7
Philippians 3:7-11
Other Scripture: John 1:1-2; Romans 1:8-9; Galatians 4:4; 1 Timothy 3:16; Revelation 7:15; 21:3; 1 John 4:14

B. The _______________ of Christ can be known.

Other Scripture: John 1:27; 30; Matthew 3:11

III. The _______________ of Christ is Extended to All Who Believe.
Ephesians 1:23; 3:19; 4:13

A. The _______________ of Christ is a reference to His being the sum total of all that is God.

Colossians 2:9-10

B. The _______________ of Christ is available to all who believe.

IV. Jesus is the Light…and _______________!
Exodus 33:20
Other Scripture: John 5:37; 6:46; Exodus 33:20; 1 Timothy 6:16; 1 John 4:12; 20
1 John 4:2

So, now what? What do I do with what I’ve heard this morning?
Think about your life and the difference it makes to realize that God loved you so much to come to this earth and create a way to have fellowship with Him.

Think about the importance of a “knowable God” and how that deepens our faith in Christ so that ALL THINGS are possible in Him.

Don’t be on a diet with Jesus; don’t allow this world’s thinking or your own thinking to get in the way of experiencing all He has for you and I in this life.

Remember that Jesus is the True Light of the world and can shine through your life; take steps to allow that to happen

Answers: Understand; among; tent; glory; Fullness; fullness; fullness; Lord

Faith Journey Group Discussion Questions for Deeper Study

By Isaiah McGarry

1. Who is the one and only that John 1:14 speaks of?

2. John 1:16 says that “from the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another”

Name a specific blessing that you have received.

3. What is John referring to when he says, “The word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” in verse 14? (Colossians 2:9, Hebrews 1:3)

4. What role do grace and truth play in our salvation?

5. How do these roles change as we mature in our faith? Or do they change at all?

6. What law(s) did the Lord give us through Moses (verse 17)? In the Old Testament how would you atone for breaking those laws?

7. How does the grace and truth we receive through Jesus Christ serve to balance those laws?

8. Does that mean that as long as we have grace, we can do whatever we want? Why or why not?

9. How did God the Father reveal himself to us? (Verse 18) (John 1:14)

10. When God the Father revealed himself to us why did choose to send his son with “grace AND truth”? How do they relate to each other?

11. Why do you think God chooses to keep himself hidden from our sight?

12. In verse 15 John testifies that, “He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before”. What is John saying here? (Isaiah 40:3-5, Malachi 3:1)

Notes and Discussion for John 1:9-18 (Pt 1)

2009-09-26T19:24:00.000-07:00

“The Jesus Story: 20 Days that Changed the World” Dr. Mike Johnson, Lead Pastor
John 1:9-18; Message #3 September 27, 2009

“Illumination of the Soul,” Part 1
John 1:9-18

I. Jesus is the _______________ of the World.

A. Jesus is the _______________ Light who illuminates everyone.

John 1:9a - The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. (ESV)

John the Baptist came to not only announce the coming Christ, but to serve as a contrast to the “_______________ luster of the true light.” (Alexander MacLeran)

Isaiah 49:6 - 6 he says:
"It is too light a thing that you should be my servant
to raise up the tribes of Jacob
and to bring back the preserved of Israel;
I will make you as a light for the nations,
that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth." ESV

Other Scripture: 1 John 2:8; Revelation 21:23; 22:5; Isaiah 60:19-20; John 8:12; 9:5; 12:35-36, 46; 3:19-21; 11:9-10

B. While the light of Christ illuminates everyone in some way or another, not everyone received the _______________ of The Light when He came. Vs.10-11

John 16:3 - And they will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor me. ESV

John 5:43 - I have come in my Father's name, and you do not receive me. ESV

1 John 3:1 - See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. ESV

C. _______________ the ‘Light.’ Vs.12-13

1 John 5:13 - I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life. ESV

Other Scripture: 1 John 5:1; 3:1; Galatians 3:26; John 11:52; James 1:18; John 3:3-4; 1 Peter 1:3; 1 Peter 1:23-24; John 3:6

Conclusion/Action to Take

Answer Key: Light, True, transcendent, Person, Receiving

“Illumination of the Soul” Questions for Faith Journey Group Discussion and Study

1. If you had to compare your relationship with God right now to a ball game, where would you be? In the grandstands? On the team/benchwarming? Playing defense? Playing offense? On the injury list? Halftime in the locker room? Trying hard to figure out the game? Giving it all I’ve got?

2. How is Jesus like “Light” and how does this light ‘illuminate’ mankind?

John 8:12; Revelation 21:232; 22:5; Isaiah 9:2; 2 Corinthians 4:6; Ephesians 5:14

3. Who fails to comprehend the light? Why?

John 4:10; 8:19; Matthew 13:15; 8:34; Mark 6:3; Luke 23:18

4. How does a person come to be a child of God? Define what it means to be born of God.

Romans 8:14-15

5. What is the glory of Christ?

John 17:5

6. What is the meaning of grace for our lives?

Psalm 84:11; 1 Corinthians 3:10; 15:10; 2 Corinthians 8:9

7. From the text, how does the Apostle John describe the deity of Christ?

1 Corinthians 8:6; Romans 8:3; Philippians 2:7; John 14:6

Notes and Discussion for John 1:6-8; 19-28

2009-09-22T09:14:00.000-07:00

“The Jesus Story: 20 Days that Changed the World” Dr. Mike Johnson, Lead Pastor
John 1:6-8; 19-28; Message #2, September 20, 2009

“Forerunner”
John 1:6-8; 19-28

I. God _______________ His Servants Where He Needs Them.

A. John plainly states that John the Baptist was a man _______________ from God. John 3:22-30; Acts 18:24-25; 19:1-7

B. We are a people _______________ from God.

II. He Came as a _______________ of the One Who Was to Come.

A. John the Baptist’s purpose was to _______________ mankind to the coming Messiah.

B. The Baptist believed in the soon-coming Messiah, “The _______________,” Who would change the world.

III. He Testified About Laying the Ground Work for the Coming of the Messiah.

A. “Who are _______________?” John 4:25; Malachi 4:5-6; Deuteronomy 18:15; John 7:40

B. John declared himself as a voice crying out in the wilderness, “Make straight the way of the Lord,” as prophesied by _______________. Isaiah 40:3

IV. A Question About Baptism Reveals the _______________ of the Coming Messiah.

A. They asked him _______________ he was baptizing, since he was neither the Christ, Elijah or a prophet.

B. John the Baptist helped all those who were listening to know that the One who was coming was so great that he himself was not worth to tie His sandals.

What now?
• Recognize that just like John the Baptist was a forerunner of Christ, SO ARE WE!! God has us right where He needs us to fulfill His purposes in declaring Jesus.
• We are witnesses of the One who is to come.
• God will use us to lay the ground work for people to come to know His Son Jesus.
• Our changed lives reveal the greatness of the One who is to come.

Conclusion/Action to Take

Answer Key: Sends, sent, sent, Witness, point, Light, you, Isaiah, Greatness, why

“Forerunner” Faith Journey Group Homework, Discussion and Study

1. Have you ever done something or pursued something with a passion because you believed that God was calling you to do it? Describe an episode/season in your life when this happened.

2. What is the “craziest” thing that you believe God has ever asked you to do? Did you do it?

3. Read John 1:6-8; 19-28.

4. What drew John out into the wilderness? How did others hear that he was preaching and baptizing in the wilderness? Why were the people compelled to come? How does having a “hunger for God” fit into this discussion? How important is ‘John’s Baptism?’

Malachi 3:1; Matthew 3:1-4

John 3:26

Acts 19:1-7; Matthew 21:25;

5. Describe how Jesus Christ is the light.

1 John 1:1-10; 2:8

6. How does one come to believe in Christ? How many ways are there for this belief to come about?

7. Why would the priests and Levites question John about being “someone else?” What is right/wrong with this line of questioning?

8. Describe the Jewish understanding of the greatness of the coming Messiah.

Matthew 3:13-15

Isaiah 49:6-7

9. Relate how your life can mirror that of John the Baptist.

10. Conclude your time together by receiving prayer requests and praying.

Notes and Discussion for John 1:1-5

2009-09-22T09:10:00.000-07:00

“The Jesus Story: 20 Days that Changed the World” Dr. Mike Johnson, Lead Pastor John 1:1-5; Message #1, September 13, 2009

“Back to the Beginning”

John 1:1-5 - In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. ESV

I. In the Beginning was the Word – _______________!

A. Jesus is the “Word,” the “_______________.”

B. “In the beginning…” we see these same words at the beginning of _______________, but in a different light. Colossians 1:17; 1 John 1:1a; Revelation 1:4;1:8; 1:17-18; 1 John 2:22-23

II. The Word was _______________ God.

A. Jesus was with God the Father during the creation process; _______________ to _______________ with God. Genesis 1:22; 1 John 1:2; John 1:10

B. The Word being “_______________” God combated a troubling philosophy called “_______________.”

Gnosticism: “The blending of redemption through Jesus Christ with a conglomeration of humanistic, philosophical and multi-religious thought.”

III. The Word was _______________.

A. This statement is just as clear that Jesus was God as the previous _______________. Isaiah 7:14; 8:8; Matthew 1:23; John 3:13; 1 Corinthians 15:47-49

B. Jesus is _______________. 1 John 1:1-4

C. The life of Jesus is the light of all _______________. John 5:25-26; 11:25-27

D. This light shines in the _______________ with such a brightness that is overwhelms darkness. 1 Corinthians 8:5-6

What do I do now?
1. Think about the fact that since God exists, He therefore is pre-existent. Consider what that does for your faith in God.

2. Focus on the difference it makes in your walk with Christ that He is eternal so therefore the “logos,” the ‘reason of God’ resides within you.

3. Grasp the confidence that comes from walking with the Creator of the universe.

Conclusion/Action to Take

Answer Key: Jesus, Logos, Genesis, with, face, face, with, Gnosticism, God, two, life, mankind, darkness

“Back to the Beginning” Questions for Faith Journey Group Discussion and Study

1. Pastor Mike talked about part of his spiritual journey in considering the possibility of there not being a God, or what “could have been” before there was God. Have you ever thought about “nothing?” What were those thoughts like or entail?

2. What caused you to move past your thoughts about the existence of God into a relationship with Jesus Christ?

3. Our theme from Sunday morning was the deity and pre-existence Christ. Why are these facts important to your walk with Christ while living in Central Oregon in 2009?

4. Look up the following Scripture and describe how each one relates to the pre-existence of Christ:

John 1:1-5

Hebrews 1:2-10

5. Look up the following Scripture and list the attributes that Paul notes about the eternal and “God qualities” of Christ:

Colossians 1:15-20

Revelation 13:8

John 8:58; 17:5, 24

6. The following Scriptures are references to Jesus being the Son of God. Look them up and discuss their significance in light of your/a Christian’s relationship with the Savior:

Luke 1:35

Mark 1:11; 5:7; 9:7; 15:39

Matthew 16:16

7. After doing this short study, did your answer to question #3 change? If it did, how so? How should we then live if all of the content of the Scripture we’ve looked at is true? How does the deity and pre-existence of Christ change my walk with Him?

8. Receive prayer requests and close the meeting in a season of lifting up one another to the Christ, the Creator of the universe, the pre-existent One, “who was and is and is to come…!”

The Contemplative Pastor is Still...Contemplating

2008-10-01T14:21:00.000-07:00

Dear Friend,

As a "contemplative" pastor, I'm still thinking about proceeding with this site. If I move ahead, this site will feature a Bible study that you can use five to seven days a week in your devotional life. Stay tuned for details.

Blessings,

Pastor Mike