This week, we continue in the "John track" and will be in 5 books of the Bible: John, 1-3 John, and Revelation.  While the material will be wide and varied, it all points us to Christ, our risen and ascended Messiah, who lives and reigns forever.  

John 13-21 tells of Jesus' final teachings, His crucifixion, and His resurrection. Jesus washes the disciples' feet, teaching humility and love. He promises the Holy Spirit, who will guide believers in truth. Jesus is arrested, tried, and crucified, fulfilling God’s sovereign plan for salvation. His resurrection confirms victory over sin and death, securing eternal life for His people.

1 John emphasizes that true believers love God and obey His commands. It teaches that salvation is by grace, not human effort, and that assurance comes from God’s work in us. 2 John and 3 John warn against false teachers and encourage faithfulness to the gospel.

Revelation 1-3 records letters to seven churches, urging perseverance. Jesus reigns as King and will judge righteously. 

These books highlight God’s sovereignty, salvation by grace alone, and the perseverance of the saints. Believers are called to trust Christ and remain faithful.

Let's enter into our rhythm of LEARN, READ, INTERACT.

From How to Read the Bible through the Jesus Lens, Michael Williams makes these points about John:

Phrase: Union with God
Theme: Jesus, the Word, is God.
Christ-focus: Jesus and the Father are one (John 10:30).
Implications: We have union with the Father through Jesus Christ (John 17:20-23).
Questions: How close do you feel to God? How closely do people associate you with God?  How does your union with God affect your behavior?

From How to Read the Bible through the Jesus Lens, Michael Williams makes these points about 1 John:

Phrase: Christlikeness
Theme: God calls those who believe in the divinity of the incarnate Christ to be like him.
Christ-focus: Jesus is the perfect human to whom all believers are being divinely conformed (Romans 8:29).
Implications: Whoever claims to have life in Christ should begin to behave like him (1 John 2:5-6).
Questions: Why does Jesus need to be human?  Why does Jesus need to be divine?  Whom do you try to model your life after? Why?

From How to Read the Bible through the Jesus Lens, Michael Williams makes these points about 2 John:

Phrase: Opposing error
Theme: God warns against showing hospitality to those who promote error.
Christ-focus: As the truth itself, Jesus warned his followers about those who promoted error (Mark 13:5).
Implications: By our words and our lives we must promote truth and oppose error (2 John 8).
Questions: What about your words or behavior promotes truth?  What about your words or behavior promotes error?

From How to Read the Bible through the Jesus Lens, Michael Williams makes these points about 3 John:

Phrase: Wise Hospitality
Theme: God inspires John to praise Gaius for his hospitality toward John's messengers and to condemn Diotrephes for his inhospitality toward them.
Christ-focus: Jesus invites those who recognize their need for him, not the self-righteous (Revelation 3:20).
Implications: In our lives, we should be hospitable to the good and inhospitable to evil (3 John 11).
Questions: How do you choose your friends?  What would cause you not to associate with someone else?

From How to Read the Bible through the Jesus Lens, Michael Williams makes these points about Revelation:

Phrase: Ultimate Victory
Theme: God enables his people to stand fast against Satan and his forces until God brings about the ultimate and sure victory.
Christ-focus: The crucified Christ rose victorious over sin and death, and will destroy all dominion, authority, and power other than God's (1 Corinthians 15:20-28).
Implications: We are able to stand firm in God's strength until he brings about the ultimate victory for us through Jesus Christ (Revelation 5:9-10).
Questions: What gives you strength when evil seems overwhelming?  What might God say in a letter to your congregation?  Are you thirsty for the Lord's return?

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