Seeing Jesus
Key Takeaways
The Word existed before creation and all things were made through him.
The Greek concept of logos refers to the rational ordering principle of the universe; The Good News of Christianity is that this is not an abstract idea but a person: Jesus Christ.
Humans attempt to hold grace and truth together without compromising either, falling into legalism or compromise, but only Jesus alone can perfectly hold both.
To receive Jesus is to be given the right to become a child of God (John 1:12).
Study Questions
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Think about a time when something felt pointless or empty. What were you looking for in that season, and where did you look for it?
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John 1:1 echoes the opening words of Genesis. Why do you think John begins his Gospel this way? What is he trying to communicate to both Jewish and Greek readers?
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John Bourgeois described the tension between grace and truth this way: "If you've got 100% truth without grace, you get legalism...if you have 100% grace without truth, you get cheap compromise..." Where have you seen this tension play out in your own life or relationships?
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In the story of Jenny Guinness, who saw a declawed and defanged cheetah and felt it was a picture of her own life, John described a life detached from its intended purpose. Is there any area of your life where you feel like that cheetah? Where you sense you were made for something more but are not living in it?
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John 1:12 says that to all who received Jesus and believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God. What does it mean to you personally to be called a child of God? How does that identity change how you see yourself and how you live?
Seeking God’s Face Devotional
This year, we’ll be using the devotional “Seeking God’s Face” for our personal daily discipleship.
This Week’s Liturgy
Call to worship
Psalm 33:6-9
Leader: By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their host. He gathers the waters of the sea as a heap; he puts the deeps in storehouses.
All: Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him! For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.
Confession of FAITH
New City Catechism Q & A #35
Q: Since we are redeemed by grace alone, through faith alone, where does this faith come from?
A: All the gifts we receive from Christ we receive through the Holy Spirit, including faith itself.
Confession of sin
Gracious God, we confess that we have lived as though our own stories were the center of the world. We have sought meaning in and of ourselves rather than finding our place in the true story of Jesus. We have resisted your grace and truth, and written ourselves as the main character. Forgive us, and draw us again into Jesus, where we find our true purpose, identity, and life.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Romans 8:1-2
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.
This Week’s Playlist
Looking Ahead
Next week, we welcome guest preacher Os Guinness this Sunday at 8, 9:30, & 11:15 a.m.