Book of John

Th View Point session that launches on Monday, January 11, 2010, will take us through the entire book of John in six weeks. 

Week 1 sample: The book of John opens and is written with many layers of imagery and mystery. John 1:2-3, "He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made."

How do you respond to the mystical, "That's deep! How did God do that?" Where are you in this continuum:

• I feel compelled to find exact explanations,
• I feel frustrated at the notion to 'accept it on faith' without question
• I feel comfortable accepting the unknown with questions but still pursuing continued understanding
• I feel compelled to blindly accept the story of the Bible without question.

Week 2 sample: In John 4, the first place where Jesus reveals himself as the Messiah is to a woman who is shacking up with her 6th man. She is not broken or crying out to be saved; she's doing her daily chores. Jesus sits down, treats her respectfully and has a conversation with her. 

What does this tell us about 'being Jesus' to someone or to "love one another as Christ has loved you"? What is the challenge of accepting people who are not broken, repenting, and crying out for salvation?  

Do we get so caught up in pity or trying to save people or bringing them to Christ, that we end up treating them like they're different?

If your resolution in 2010 had anything to do with reading the Bible more often, you'll go through the entire book of John during the 6 week session. And, you'll meet some people, and hear a variety of perspectives on Jesus. Register here. It all starts this Monday, January 11, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.  

Comments

[Elaine Fairres]

I am so excited about January 11th!
I am signed up for the 'Married' classes. I can use all the marriage lessons I can possibly get. :-)
Lots of love,
Mrs. Fairres

[Kathy Guy]

I’m so glad that you commented Elaine, as I'm sure there are others that this might be helpful to.

I think you are referring to Starting Point – Married Life. I’m so glad that you’re planning to come to a group, but I want to make sure I clarify the different options.

Starting Point – Married Life will give you and your husband, or just you alone, an opportunity to meet other people or couples who are married. The intent is social – getting to know people, finding some friends, etc . From your comment, my concern is that it might not be as ‘marriage growth’ focused as your looking for.

View Point - I do think that you, or you and your husband, would really enjoy it. It’s teaching about the Bible, the book of John, a focus on Jesus. Anything about Jesus is about love and acceptance, and so, yeah, I think you’ll find plenty of ‘marriage lessons’ in it!

Hope to see you Monday night!

[Dave]

Looking forward to the new season of Bible study. Question: I'm separated. The divorce will be final in a few weeks. I had signed up for Starting Point - Married Life. Should I stick with that or attend the Starting Point for singles?? Thanks for the clarification.

[Kathy Guy]

If you're looking for Bible Study, you'll want View Point. For that, marital status is irrelevant.

For Starting Point, it is the space to meet people. The reality is that although the divorce is sadly pending, it does leave you in an awkward season. You are not alone. Sadly, it happens too often. While the divorce is pending, you are still married, but that's going to be difficult for you too; again, rather than attending Starting Point, I think View Point would be the most helpful space for you at this time.