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Why study John’s Gospel?

by | Aug 12, 2017 | Sermon Supplements

As we continue with the series through the Gospel of John we want you to understand why the Elders of LHBC chose this book, and the process for working through it, for our Sunday Gatherings. There are three anchor points for this decision:

First, Approximately ten to twelve months ago we as Elders started a process of examining everything at LHBC through the lens the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) which teaches three distinct responsibilities:  (A) Make disciples (B) Baptize them [lead them to public identification with the Person and Work of Christ] and (C) Teach them to obey everything Christ commanded.

Second, As Elders we articulated a Mission Statement born from, and consistent with, these distinct responsibilities: “LHBC exists to make mature followers of Christ to the Glory of God.”After settling on that statement as the articulation of the reason LHBC exists we then asked ourselves one basic question: “What does a “mature follower of Christ” need to know (and be and do)?” As we interacted around the answer to that question we began to see that a study through the Gospel of John was a great way to  lay (review in some cases) a doctrinal and theological foundation for maturing believers. A careful study through John clarifies Who we are following and where He is leading!

Third, We prayerfully settled that going through the Gospel of John was the right way to begin teaching by example a process we refer to as the “proper presentation of the Word.” For us as Elders at LHBC this means two things: Exegetical Preparation and Expositional Presentation.  Exegetical preparation refers to the process of allowing the Biblical text to define itself. “Exegesis” is the process in which a Bible student identifies the context, content, and concept of a passage in order to understand its meaning and application. Expositional presentation refers to the process of communicating God’s Word as it was given to us, through a sequential context. “Exposition” is the process of teaching through Scripture in a verse-by-verse or chapter-by-chapter process in order to maintain the integrity of context and observe the author’s original concept develop through the passage. We do this so everyone can learn how to look at Scripture for themselves in order to understand and apply it. This goes beyond knowing a “chapter and verse” for things we believe. This process builds confidence and stability (i.e spiritual maturity) in the foundation built on the context of specific words in a specific verse in a specific chapter. This is intended to be an interactive process were the reader interacts with the text and the audience interacts with the teacher. If you’re hearing doctrine and information but are missing the practical implications and applications we invite you to connect with us for further discussion and clarification.

Another benefit of working through a book in this way is that you know what’s coming next! You can read ahead and review the concepts presented in the next passage rather than trying to process everything in one sitting. Tools like this blog feature and the audio files of the messages will help us all review the teaching as we proceed through the series. Another way in which this teaching series will be interactive is through the schedule shift we’ll be making with the Sunday morning Gatherings beginning on September 3. By placing the main teaching first (10:00 a.m.) then unpacking it in a discussion-based, small-group format (11:00 a.m.) we will be able to identify specific implications and applications for our own lives and situations as individuals, families and Covenant Members of LHBC.

Peacemakers Pursue God’s Standard

The first call of a peacemaker is to invite sinners to be reconciled to God through the gospel. We do not ask people to simply be nicer or more moral. We call them to repent and believe in Jesus Christ. As Romans 5:10-11 says:

For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. (ESV)

Once that vertical reconciliation is made, peacemaking continues in the life of the church. Believers are called to walk in holiness and to help one another do the same. A true peacemaker will gently confront sin, encourage obedience, and seek to restore broken relationships—not by compromise, but by realignment with the Word of God.

When two believers are both walking in the Spirit and submitting to Scripture, peace naturally follows. Unity in the church flows from shared submission to Christ. In fact, peace is not just a byproduct of effort or mutual respect—it is a supernatural fruit of the Spirit.
Galatians 5:22 tells us:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness…

Peace is something God produces in us as we yield to His Spirit. Therefore, if believers are not at peace with one another, we must ask whether we are truly walking in the Spirit. Disunity is often a symptom of spiritual immaturity or ongoing sin that resists the Spirit’s leading.

Peacemakers Call Out Sin

Peacemakers are not passive observers. They don’t ignore sin for the sake of superficial harmony. Instead, true peacemakers love others enough to confront what God calls sin. If our goal is genuine reconciliation—to bring others into alignment with God’s standard—then sin must be addressed clearly and graciously.

James reminds us why conflict arises through sin. James 4:1–2 says:

What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?

Disunity is not primarily caused by differences in personality, preferences, or background. At its root, disunity is caused by sin. Sin disrupts peace because it pulls us away from God’s holiness and, in turn, away from one another.

Efforts at peace that ignore sin will always be temporary. Lasting peace only comes when sin is dealt with and hearts are brought into alignment with the truth of God’s Word.

As we reflect on Pastor Eric’s message, let us commit to being true peacemakers. This involves calling unbelievers to repentance and faith, urging them to be reconciled to God through Christ. It means encouraging one another toward holiness, not according to our own preferences, but grounded firmly in the truth of Scripture. It also requires us to examine our own hearts for any sin that may be disrupting peace in our relationships. In love and humility, we must seek to restore others who are caught in sin, just as Galatians 6:1 instructs.

Peacemaking is not passive; it demands boldness, compassion, and constant dependence on the Spirit of God. May we be faithful to this high calling, and seek peace, not on our own terms, but on God’s.