--- P.T.’s Thoughts --- 7-13-26

John 20:30-31 -Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31but 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.

Here, John gives us the mission statement for his gospel; and in it, we find an excellent summary of the gospel message

• First, the purpose of the gospel is to exalt and proclaim that "Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God." Any message that pretends to be the Bible's good news, but falls short of this declaration, is not the true gospel.

  • The core of the gospel message is not -- as many attempt to make it -- the dignity of humankind, charitable acts of service, or even the promise of heaven. The gospel hub, from which every other part of the message emanates and keeps its right place, is the deity and glory of our lord Jesus Christ. And….

  • PRAISE THE LORD, this good news does apply to you and me. The truth is that Jesus is God's anointed and perfect Son, who came to die in the place of his people and pay for their sins. But….

    • John wrote these things, not merely for the purpose of passing on facts regarding Jesus, but that these truths might affect us.

    • The things that John has so carefully and beautifully recorded for us are written for this purpose: "that you might believe...and that believing ye might have life through his name." Nothing could be more important!

      • Have you read John's record? Do you believe his claims regarding Jesus? Have you believed on Jesus Christ, that believing you might have life through his name?

(portions of ideas borrowed from “Daily Bread”)