The importance of the Incarnation can not be overlooked. Literally translated as the "in-flesh-ment", we look to the incarnation as the moment God becomes one of us. As we read through John 1:14, we examine the importance of the Word becoming flesh. What does John mean by "flesh"? What does John mean by "becoming"? In the end, the incarnation takes our “image of God” -ness further, for Christ (the exact likeness of God) becomes human and brings us back into relationship with God.
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
Wednesday, February 15, 2017
Week 03 - Exousia (2017)
Why does John use the word “Word” (logos), at the beginning, as a metaphor for God, but then drop it?
The reason can be found in the words function. Much like John uses "sign" for miracles, its the function of the word that makes the difference. Also, what is the mission of the Word in John's story?
Is God the Father to some, or everyone? Can you make God your Father? In verse 12, we look deeper at what is meant by the author's words, looking at the original Greek word of "exousia", interpreted by some translations to mean "the right to become". But is that an accurate translation? Does the word mean something more profound?
Listen to this weeks class to answer these questions.
The reason can be found in the words function. Much like John uses "sign" for miracles, its the function of the word that makes the difference. Also, what is the mission of the Word in John's story?
Is God the Father to some, or everyone? Can you make God your Father? In verse 12, we look deeper at what is meant by the author's words, looking at the original Greek word of "exousia", interpreted by some translations to mean "the right to become". But is that an accurate translation? Does the word mean something more profound?
Listen to this weeks class to answer these questions.
Wednesday, February 8, 2017
Week 02 - God Before Creation (2017)
We continue to look at ch. 17 and see how closely the prologue relates and reflects Jesus' prayer in chapter 17.
We also look at the gospel, going chapter by chapter. Starting at 1:1, we see how John begins his story by explaining who God is before creation.
We also look at the gospel, going chapter by chapter. Starting at 1:1, we see how John begins his story by explaining who God is before creation.
Wednesday, February 1, 2017
Week 01 - The Structure of John (2017)
We are back with a new series of classes!
As we have done in Week 1 of previous years, we examine the author and structure of the Gospel of John. The structure of a narrative takes into account two main characteristics: selection and arrangement. Selection refers to what the narrator chooses to include in the narrative. Arrangement refers to how it appears in the story, and where it appears. Another important tool John utilizes is editorial comments. Comments made by the author to help explain what is happening, sort of like a narrator interjecting as they tell a story.
For the second hour, we learn the purpose of the author. The author is showing us the connection between the prologue, and Jesus' prayer to His Father in ch. 17.
As we have done in Week 1 of previous years, we examine the author and structure of the Gospel of John. The structure of a narrative takes into account two main characteristics: selection and arrangement. Selection refers to what the narrator chooses to include in the narrative. Arrangement refers to how it appears in the story, and where it appears. Another important tool John utilizes is editorial comments. Comments made by the author to help explain what is happening, sort of like a narrator interjecting as they tell a story.
For the second hour, we learn the purpose of the author. The author is showing us the connection between the prologue, and Jesus' prayer to His Father in ch. 17.