Signs

MAIN IDEA:

John explains that his gospel was written in order to help believers, maybe young believers, understand the truth about Christ, and safeguard them from false beliefs and distortions.

READ TOGETHER:

John 20:30-31

DISCUSS:

• C.S. Lewis said, You never know how much you really believe anything until its truth or falsehood becomes a matter of life and death to you. Share a time in your faith when struggled with belief.

• According to these 2 verses, what are the major themes of John’s Gospel? How does this inform how you will read and study John’s Gospel?

• What are the biggest intellectual objections you and/or other people have with believing the identity and work of Jesus? How do these verses (and other passages) answer respond to those objections?

• What are some common misunderstandings of Jesus that you have encountered or have held yourself? Compare and contrast them with John’s understanding of Jesus here.

• What do you hope to learn as you walk through the seven signs found in the Gospel of John? What do you long for God to do in and through you as you study these signs?

• John’s purpose is missional. Who in your life needs to believe in Jesus and find life in his name? Write a name or names down and begin praying for them?

PRAY:

Pray for one another that your belief in Christ will be an “ongoing” type of belief, growing stronger and stronger over time. Pray for The Ridge and our community for increased faith and belief in Jesus as the Christ.

PRACTICE (on your own):

Here’s a list to maybe get you started but your next step is including, but not limited to, the following. These are just examples of how you could potentially practice these.

Adoration – What can I praise God for in light of what I believe about Him?

Confession – What sin can I confess because of what I believe about God’s forgiveness?

Thanksgiving – What can I thank God for in light of what I believe Jesus has done through His death and resurrection?

Supplication – What do I need to ask God for in light of my belief?

DIVE DEEPER (on your own)

Read John 2:11, John 4:54, John 2:23, John 3:2, John 21:25

In what ways should the reality of Jesus as the Christ shape my belief and faith?

Thanks for listening in to The Ridge's Sunday Audio podcast! Although we hope you are greatly blessed by listening to this message, we also believe it's important to belong to a local body of believers. If you live in our area, we would love to worship with you on Sunday mornings at 8:00a, 9:30a, or 11:15a!