“John 1:1-28” is an inspiring lesson taught by Joy Welsh and presented in a video by Refuge Calvary Chapel. In this lesson, Joy explores the significance of recognizing Jesus as the light and life of humanity. She leads a prayer to seek God’s presence and protection against darkness and anxiety, emphasizing the importance of repentance and turning to God. Joy encourages students to approach their study of the Book of John with anticipation and a desire for new insights from the text. She also introduces the ABCs of accepting Christ as a guide for those who wish to surrender their lives to Him. Joy describes the Book of John as unique among the gospels, focusing on Jesus’ relationship with God and inviting readers to enter into a similar connection. She highlights the role of John the Baptist as a witness to the light, preparing the way for the Lord. The lesson concludes with an invitation to receive Jesus and become children of God through faith in His name.
As you dive into the captivating lesson on “John 1:1-28” by Joy Welsh from Refuge Calvary Chapel, get ready to immerse yourself in the powerful message of recognizing Jesus as the light and life of humanity. Through prayer, Joy leads you to seek God’s presence and protection against darkness and anxiety. She emphasizes the need for repentant hearts, a desire to turn away from anything that isn’t of God. Encouraging a sense of expectation in studying the Book of John, Joy invites you to explore new insights and discover the unique focus on Jesus’ relationship with God. The lesson concludes with an invitation to accept Jesus and experience the joy of becoming children of God through faith in His name. Get ready for an incredible journey in understanding and growing in your connection with God.
Lesson 1: John 1:1-28 – Joy Welsh
Introduction
In this lesson by Joy Welsh, we will explore the passage of John 1:1-28. The focus of the lesson is on the importance of recognizing Jesus as the light and life of men. We will begin with a prayer for God’s presence, protection against darkness, and anxiety. The lesson emphasizes the need for hearts that are quick to repent and turn to God. We will also discuss the significance of studying the Book of John with a sense of expectation, seeking new insights from the text.
Importance of Recognizing Jesus as the Light and Life of Men
The passage in John 1:1-28 sheds light on Jesus’ role as the light and life of men. He is the one who brings life to humanity and illuminates the darkness in our lives. It is crucial for us to recognize Jesus in this way because he offers hope, joy, and purpose in a world that often feels confusing and uncertain. By acknowledging Jesus as the light and life of men, we invite him to guide and transform our lives.
Prayer for God’s Presence and Protection Against Darkness and Anxiety
Before diving into the passage, it is important to start with a prayer for God’s presence and protection. We ask for God’s guidance and help in overcoming any darkness and anxiety that we may be experiencing. By inviting God into our study and recognizing his power over darkness, we open ourselves to his transformative work in our lives.
Emphasis on Hearts Quick to Repent and Turn to God
Throughout the lesson, there is a strong emphasis on having hearts that are quick to repent and turn to God. Repentance involves acknowledging our sins, asking for forgiveness, and making a conscious effort to change our ways. By embracing repentance, we create space in our hearts for God’s love and grace to enter. It is through this process that we can experience true transformation and find peace in our relationship with God.
Encouragement to Study the Book of John with Expectation
As we engage in the study of the Book of John, we are encouraged to do so with a sense of expectation. This means approaching the text with an open heart and mind, eager to receive new insights and revelations. The Book of John offers a unique perspective on Jesus’ life and teachings, and approaching it with expectation allows us to grow deeper in our understanding of God’s love and plan for our lives.
Seeking New Insights From the Text
In studying the Book of John, we are encouraged to seek new insights from the text. God’s Word is living and active, and as we approach it with an expectant heart, we can expect to receive fresh understanding and revelation. Each time we engage with the text, we have the opportunity to grow in our knowledge and relationship with God.
The ABCs of Accepting Christ as a Guide
For those who have yet to accept Christ into their lives, the lesson introduces the ABCs of accepting Christ as a guide. This serves as a practical guide for those seeking to give their lives to Christ and build a personal, intimate relationship with him. The ABCs include acknowledging our need for a Savior, believing in Jesus as the Son of God, and confessing our faith in him. This serves as a foundation for beginning a life of faith.
Unique Nature of the Book of John
The Book of John stands out among the four gospels with its unique style and focus. It is known for its poetic writing and its emphasis on Jesus’ relationship with God. While the other gospels offer valuable insights into Jesus’ life and teachings, John’s gospel delves deeper into the intimate connection that Jesus shares with his heavenly Father.
Focus on Jesus’ Relationship with God
One of the central themes of the Book of John is Jesus’ relationship with God. Throughout the text, we see Jesus referring to God as his Father and expressing his oneness with him. John’s gospel invites us to explore this unique relationship and draws us into a deeper understanding of our own relationship with God. By studying Jesus’ interactions with God, we can learn more about what it means to have an intimate connection with our heavenly Father.
Drawing People Into a Similar Relationship
Ultimately, the purpose of studying the Book of John is to draw people into a similar relationship with God. As we delve into the text and uncover the depth of Jesus’ love and sacrifice, we are compelled to respond. John’s gospel calls us to align our hearts and lives with the truth revealed in the person of Jesus Christ. Through the study of John’s gospel, we are invited to embrace a life-transforming relationship with God.
John 1:1-28
Introduction to the Passage
In John 1:1-28, we are introduced to the opening verses of the book. These verses lay the foundation for the rest of the gospel and establish the identity and purpose of Jesus. As we explore this passage, we will discover the significance of Jesus as the Word, his preexistence and divinity, and the role of John the Baptist as a witness to the light.
John’s Testimony About Jesus
John’s gospel provides a unique perspective on Jesus’ life and ministry. In this passage, we find John’s testimony about Jesus and his role as the light and life of men. John’s words serve as a powerful witness to the reality and power of Jesus’ presence. By paying attention to John’s testimony, we can deepen our understanding of who Jesus is and what he offers to humanity.
The Preexistence and Divinity of Jesus
In John 1:1-28, we encounter the profound truth of Jesus’ preexistence and divinity. The opening verses affirm that Jesus was not merely a human being born into the world, but that he existed from the beginning with God. This divine nature of Jesus is crucial in understanding his role as the light and life of men. By recognizing and embracing his divinity, we can experience the fullness of his love and grace in our lives.
John the Baptist as a Witness to the Light
John the Baptist plays a significant role as a witness to the light in this passage. He testifies to the identity and mission of Jesus, preparing the way for the Lord. John’s witness invites us to reflect on our own testimony and the ways in which we can share the light of Christ with others. By following John’s example, we can become effective witnesses, pointing people towards the transformative power of Jesus.
The Voice Crying in the Wilderness
John’s proclamation of the light and life of Jesus echoes the voice crying in the wilderness from Old Testament prophecy. Through his bold and prophetic message, John prepares the hearts of the people to receive Jesus. This imagery reminds us of the importance of preparing the way for the Lord in our own lives and in the lives of those around us. Just as John called people to repentance and pointed them towards Jesus, we are called to do the same.
Preparing the Way for the Lord
The passage concludes with an emphasis on preparing the way for the Lord. John’s ministry served as a precursor to the coming of Jesus, urging people to repent and turn to God. This call to repentance remains relevant for us today. We are invited to examine our hearts, acknowledge our need for Jesus, and prepare the way for him to work in our lives.
Lesson Content
Recognizing Jesus as the Light and Life of Men
The key message of the lesson is the importance of recognizing Jesus as the light and life of men. Jesus brings hope, joy, and purpose to our lives, guiding us out of the darkness and into the light. By acknowledging him as the source of life, we open ourselves up to his transforming power and experience true fulfillment.
Understanding the Role of Prayer
Prayer is emphasized as a vital aspect of our relationship with God. It is through prayer that we seek God’s presence, protection, and guidance. In approaching the study of John 1:1-28, we begin with a prayer for God’s illumination and understanding of the text. Prayer allows us to align ourselves with God’s will and invites his power to work in our lives.
Seeking God’s Presence and Protection Against Darkness and Anxiety
The lesson highlights the significance of seeking God’s presence and protection against darkness and anxiety. In a world filled with uncertainty and fear, it is essential to turn to God and find solace in his presence. Through prayer and a deepening relationship with Jesus, we can overcome the darkness and experience peace amidst anxiety.
Having a Heart Quick to Repent and Turn to God
Repentance is a central theme in the lesson. Having a heart that is quick to repent and turn to God is essential in our spiritual journey. Repentance involves acknowledging our sins, seeking forgiveness, and making a conscious effort to change our ways. By cultivating a repentant heart, we allow God’s grace and transformation to flow into our lives.
Approaching the Study of the Book of John with Expectation
The lesson encourages us to approach the study of the Book of John with a sense of expectation. God’s Word is alive and constantly speaks to us in new ways. By approaching the text with an open heart and mind, we can discover fresh insights and deepen our understanding of God’s love and plan for our lives.
Openness to Receiving New Insights From the Text
The lesson emphasizes the importance of being open to receiving new insights from the text. The Bible is a rich source of wisdom and truth, and each time we engage with it, there is an opportunity for growth. By staying receptive and attentive, we allow God to reveal new perspectives and deepen our understanding of his Word.
Guidance for Accepting Christ with the ABCs
For those who have not yet accepted Christ into their lives, the lesson provides guidance through the ABCs of accepting Christ. This practical guide offers a simple framework for acknowledging our need for a Savior, believing in Jesus, and confessing our faith in him. These steps form the foundation for beginning a personal relationship with Jesus and experiencing the transformative power of his love.
Exploring the Unique Nature of the Book of John
The lesson explores the unique nature of the Book of John among the four gospels. John’s gospel stands out with its poetic writing style and its focus on Jesus’ relationship with God. Through the study of John, we are invited to delve deeper into our own relationship with God and understand the profound love that exists within the Trinity.
Focusing on Jesus’ Relationship with God
A significant theme of the Book of John is Jesus’ relationship with God. Through his interactions and teachings, Jesus reveals the intimate connection he shares with his heavenly Father. This focus encourages us to cultivate a similar relationship with God, seeking to know him deeply and draw closer to him.
Invitation to Draw People into a Similar Relationship
The lesson concludes with an invitation to draw people into a similar relationship with God. Just as John the Baptist pointed people towards Jesus, we are called to do the same. By embodying the love, grace, and truth of Jesus, we can inspire and draw others into a transformative relationship with God.
Conclusion
Receiving Jesus and Becoming Children of God Through Faith
The lesson concludes with an invitation to receive Jesus into our lives and become children of God through faith. By accepting Jesus as our Savior and committing to follow him, we enter into a new life filled with hope, purpose, and eternal significance. This decision marks the beginning of a journey of faith and opens the door to a deep and transformative relationship with God.
Summary of Key Points from the Lesson
Throughout the lesson, we explored the importance of recognizing Jesus as the light and life of men. We discussed the significance of prayer in seeking God’s presence and protection against darkness and anxiety. We were encouraged to cultivate hearts that are quick to repent and turn to God. The lesson also highlighted the significance of studying the Book of John with a sense of expectation and being open to receiving new insights from the text. We explored the unique nature of the Book of John, focusing on Jesus’ relationship with God and the invitation to draw others into a similar relationship.
Final Thoughts and Encouragement
As we conclude this lesson, we are reminded of the transformative power of Jesus’ love and the hope that he brings. We are encouraged to continue studying and seeking a deeper understanding of God’s Word. May this lesson inspire us to embrace a life of repentance, prayer, and faith, drawing closer to God and inviting others to join us on this incredible journey.