Introduction

1. Our New Sermon Series

● Topic: Discipleship & Evangelism

● Theme: Engaging the Culture and Preaching the Cross

● An Emphasis on God (out of which rises who we are/what we do):

   God’s Love & Call, God’s Revelation, God’s Gospel, God’s Wrath,

   God’s Wisdom, God’s Kingdom, God’s Suffering-Church,

   God’s Missional-Church, God’s Eternal Plan & Sovereign Power

2. The Gospel according to John (today’s passage in context)

● Author: the Apostle John (known as the beloved disciple: Jn 21:20);

   probably writing from Ephesus (Turkey); in the 60’s to 90’s A.D.

● Recipients: probably Greek-influenced Jews and God-fearing

   Gentiles familiar with OT Scriptures (but not believers in Christ).

● Themes: Jesus as the Son of God; Various topics such as life, light,

   darkness, night, witness, true, truth, the world, glory, and belief.

  “…the Son of God was sent into the world to become the Jesus of

   history, so that the glory and grace of God might be uniquely and

   perfectly disclosed [made known]” – D.A. Carson (The Gospel

   According to John, The Pillar New Testament Commentary).

● An Evangelistic Purpose for Writing: “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.” John 20:31 (ESV)

Knowing Jesus

1. thru the Gospel Witness: vs35-37

    and within a Christ-Centered Discipleship

Knowing Jesus…                                     (continued from other side)

2. by Seeking Christ: vs38-40

    thru a Faith-based Relationship

3. as the Lord of the Scriptures: vs41-42

    who knows us and transforms us into His likeness

Sharing the Gospel thru Relationships

1. by Intentionally Making Disciples:

    with the people God entrusts to us

2. by Intentionally Pointing people to Christ:

    and bringing unbelievers to Him

3. with Engaging Invitations: and by speaking the “language”

    of sinners (see: http://vimeo.com/8085333 by Karl Anderson) 

4. with the Joy of being Christ’s Witnesses:

    and by trusting in His captivating presence and power