Gospel of John Stony Point Church Sunday School

Bible Class

Week 1

Overview

April 26, 2020

David Budinger 1 Pray, start recording

The world without color

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Movies without a soundtrack

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Flowers without a scent

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Food without taste

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The Bible without the Gospel of John

• In the beginning was the Word…

• For God so loved the world…

• Whoever drinks the water that I give him will never be thirsty again.

• I am the bread…the light of the world…the good shepherd…the resurrection…the true vine

• No one will snatch them out of my hand…

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The Bible without John

• If I then…have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.

• I am the way, and the truth and the life…

• I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper…the Holy Spirit

• Father, the hour has come…I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message…

• Simon, son of John, do you love me?

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Agenda

• Why study the Gospel of John?

• Context: Who, when, where, why?

• What is distinctive about the Gospel of John relative to the other gospels?

• Who is John in the eyes of others & himself?

• Course plan & method of weekly classes

• Questions and Conclusion

Note: All citations are from ESV unless otherwise stated

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Webex Audience Participation Signal

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Credits/References • The Holy Bible, Gospel of John, Apostle John, 95,

Ephesus

• Commentaries from Bible Study Fellowship Gospel of John Study, 2001 and 2016

• John: The Gospel of Wisdom, Michael Card, 2014, IVP

• Wisdom from Ephesus: Gospel of John, Michael Card, 2007, Day of Discovery, RBC

• BibleWorks Version 10, 2016

• ESV Study Bible, 2008, Crossway

• New International Bible Commentary, Ed. FF Bruce, 1997, Zondervan

• MacArthur Study Bible, John MacArthur, 1997, Word)

• Reformation Study Bible, R.C. Sproul, 1995, Thomas Nelson Publishers

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Why study the Gospel of John?

• “…that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (Jn. 20:31 ESV)

• Knowing Jesus vs. knowing about Jesus

• Study the Bible vs. study about the Bible

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When, where and to whom was the Gospel of John written?

• Likely written around AD 70-95

• The oldest known New Testament papyrus fragment is of John 18, dated around AD 135

• Written from Ephesus 20-30 years after the synoptic gospels

• Gnostic teaching vs. the Truth

• The Holy Spirit inspired John to write after almost 60 years of meditation & reflection

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What is distinctive about the Gospel of John relative to the other gospels?

• Synoptic gospels describe what Jesus and others said and what they did

• John interprets why they said and did it and its significance

• Synoptic gospels authenticate Jesus as Messiah, King, genealogically real and historical person

• John authenticates Jesus’ deity and physical humanity • John reveals Jesus’ intimate prayer and oneness with

the Father and his invitation to believers • John reveals the new life, a call to bold prayer in His

name, and the person and work of the Holy Spirit

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Synoptic gospels highlight Jesus teaching

using parables John shows Jesus’

revealing himself in illustrations with signs

The bread of life

The light of the world

The Word

The good shepherd

The way, the truth and

the life

The giver of Living water

The lamb of God

The bridegroom

The Son

The servant

The Christ

The grain of wheat

that falls to the ground

The King The vine

The door

The resurrection and the life

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John interprets Jewish words and traditions for his Roman and Greek

audiences • Five times he translates titles and names

– 1:38 Rabbi – Teacher

– 1:41 Messiah – Christ

– 1:42 Cephas – Peter

– 9:7 Siloam – sent

– 20:16 Rabboni - Teacher

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John regularly comments on motives and purposes

• In John’s 878 verses “because” ὅτι (hoti) used 237 times

– 6 He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it. (Jn. 12:6 ESV)

– Luke uses it 30 times, Matthew’s 22 times and Mark’s 15

• The word “in order that” ἵνα (hina) is used in 131 verses

– 16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (Jn. 3:16 ESV)

– John uses it 131 of the 670 times it is used in the New Testament

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John communicates on a different “frequency”

• Non-linear, sometimes frustrating Bible geeks

• Motives and interpretations of Jesus and others

• Shows how Jesus was misunderstood

• Extensive description of the person and work of the Holy Spirit

• Long and deep passages about Jesus’ spiritual life and his relationship with God the Father

• John referring to himself as the disciple Jesus loved (five times) & leaned back against him

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Who was John? (1 of 3)

• Early years

– Born to Zebedee and Salome, owners of fishing business alongside the Sea of Galilee

– Mother, Salome, boldly followed Jesus to the cross (see Mat. 20 & 27)

– Younger brother of the bold disciple, James, who was business partner of Simon Peter (Luke 5:7-10)

– Disciple of John the Baptist with Andrew (Jn. 1:35-42)

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Who was John? (2 of 3)

• Years with Jesus

– Quickly left John the Baptist and the fishing business to follow Jesus as one of his 12 disciples and close friend

– Always part of the “inner circle” with Peter and James

– Regularly rebuked by Jesus as a Son of Thunder with his brother, James

– Fiercely loyal, courageous & disinhibited; apparently the only disciple with Jesus at the cross

– Entrusted by Jesus to care for his Mary after his death

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Who was John? (3 of 3)

• Years after Jesus’ death, resurrection and ascension – Cared for Jesus’ mother, Mary, in his home (Jn 20:27)

– Usually seen but not heard alongside Peter (Acts 1-12)

– One of the “pillars” along Peter (Cephas) and James at Jerusalem Council authenticating Paul’s ministry to the Gentiles (Gal. 2:7-10)

– Brother James was killed by Herod early (Acts 12)

– Eventually exiled to Patmos, writing Revelation

– Teacher and pastor of Church at Ephesus teaching Ignatius and Polycarp who taught Iraneus

– Wrote Gospel of John around AD 70-95 21

What did others say about John?

• Matthew, Mark & Luke

• Paul

• Iraneus

Quick run through the evidence

Audience Participation:

How would you summarize others’ descriptions of John?

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Matthew & Mark Jesus calls the 12 and gives special names

• (Along the Sea of Galilee)…he saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. 20 And immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him. (Mk. 1:19-20 ESV & Mt. 4:18-21)

• 16 He appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); 17 James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder); (Mk. 3:16-17 ESV)

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Luke Miraculous catch -Jesus calls fishers of men

• (The fish) filled both the boats,…8 …Simon Peter…fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” 9 …(they) were astonished at the catch of fish… 10 and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said… "Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men." (Lk. 5:7-10 ESV)

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Matthew, Mark & Luke Jesus brings three to witness healing and

transfiguration

• But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to (Jairus) the ruler of the synagogue, "Do not fear, only believe.” 37 And he allowed no one to follow him except Peter and James and John the brother of James. (Mk. 5:36-37 & Luke 8:51 ESV)

• And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. (Matt. 17:1-2 ESV & Mark 9:2-3 & Luke 9:28)

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Mark & Luke Jesus correcting John’s exclusivity

• John said to him, "Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.” 39 But Jesus said, "Do not stop him... 40 For the one who is not against us is for us. (Mk. 9:38-40 ESV & Luke 9:49)

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Luke Jesus rebukes vengeful John and James

• And he sent messengers…(to) a village of the Samaritans, to make preparations for him. 53 But the people did not receive him…. 54 And when his disciples James and John saw it, they said, "Lord, do you want us to tell fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” 55 But he turned and rebuked them. (Lk. 9:52-55 ESV)

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Matthew Jesus rejects James & John’s self-promotion

• And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, …said to him, "Teacher, we want you to …Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” 38 Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you are asking…but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant…41 And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. (Mk. 10:35-41 ESV)

* Or “motherly” promotion (Mat. 20:20-21) 28

Mark Jesus’ teaches about his return

• …Jesus said "Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” 3 And as he sat on the Mount of Olives …, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, 4 "Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign…?" (Mk. 13:2-4 ESV)

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Luke Jesus sends Peter & John to prepare the Passover

• Then came the day of Unleavened Bread, on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. 8 So Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, "Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat it.”. (Lk. 22:7-8 ESV)

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Mark & Matthew Jesus’ sorrow and prayer at the garden

• …(At) Gethsemane…he said to his disciples, "Sit here while I pray.” 33 And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. 34 And he said to them, "My soul is very sorrowful, even to death... (Mk. 14:32-34 & Matt. 26:36ESV)

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Acts (Luke) Gathering of the 11 after Jesus’ Ascension

• 11 …"Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus…will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” 12 Then they returned to …the upper room, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas…. 14 All…with one accord…devoting themselves to prayer… (Acts 1:11-14 ESV)

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Acts (Luke) Peter heals the lame beggar

• Now Peter and John were going up to the temple…. 2 And a man lame from birth was being carried, …at the gate of the temple … 3 Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. 4 And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, "Look at us." (Acts 3:1-4 ESV)

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Acts (Luke) Peter’s bold testimony to the Sanhedrin

• …And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven…by which we must be saved.” 13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.. (Acts 4:12-13 ESV)

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Acts (Luke) Sanhedrin attempt to silence Peter and John

• So they …charged them not to speak or teach

at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, 20 for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:18-20 ESV)

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Acts (Luke) Peter and John minister to the Samaritans

• Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, 15 who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit... 17 Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. (Acts 8:14-17 ESV)

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Acts (Luke) Herod kills James, John’s brother

• About that time Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church. 2 He killed James the brother of John with the sword... (Acts 12:1-2 ESV)

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Paul (Galatians) Jerusalem council authenticates Paul’s ministry

• …when they saw that I had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised…9 and when James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship …that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. (Gal. 2:7-9 ESV)

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Irenaeus (Early Church Father)

• Irenaeus, writing near the end of the second century states, “Afterward, John, the disciple of the Lord, who also had leaned upon His breast, did himself publish a Gospel during his residence at Ephesus in Asia.”

Bryan Windel Feb 2019 Bible Archaeology https://biblearchaeologyreport.com/2019/02/15/the-earliest-new-testament-manuscripts/ quoting Irenaeus from Against Heresies

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How would you summarize others’ descriptions of John?

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What does John say about himself?

• Gospel of John

• Epistles 1, 2, 3 John

• Revelation

Quick run through the evidence

Audience Participation:

How would you summarize John’s descriptions of himself?

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John 13 Jesus tells of Judas’ betrayal

• 21 …Jesus was troubled in his spirit, and testified, "Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” 22 …. 23 One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was reclining at table at Jesus' side, 24 so Simon Peter motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking. 25 So that disciple, leaning back against Jesus, said to him, "Lord, who is it?” (Jn. 13:21-25 ESV)

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John 19 Jesus transfers care of mother Mary to John

• but standing by the cross of Jesus (was) his mother…. 26 When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold, your son!” 27 Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother!" And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home. (Jn. 19:25-27 ESV)

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John 19 John testifies to Jesus’ proof of death

• 34 But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. 35 He who saw it has borne witness-- his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth-- that you also may believe. (Jn. 19:34-35 ESV)

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John 20 Peter and John run to the empty tomb

• So she ran …to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said …, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb…” 3 So Peter went out with the other disciple, … toward the tomb….running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came…and went into the tomb. … 8 Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed…(Jn. 20:2-8 ESV)

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John 21 Jesus reveals himself to the fishing disciples

• …Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias... 2 Simon Peter, Thomas…,Nathanael …, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples… They went out (fishing)…, but that night they caught nothing…. (Later, from the shore, Jesus) said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast it, and…were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish. 7 That disciple whom Jesus loved … said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" …Simon Peter …put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea. (Jn. 21:1-3,6-7 ESV)

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John 21 Peter asks Jesus about John’s future

• (After Jesus restored Peter ‘do you love me…feed my sheep’ and told him how he would die), Peter… saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who also had leaned back against him during the supper and had said, "Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?” 21 When Peter…said to Jesus, "Lord, what about this man?” 22 Jesus said…, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” 23 So the saying spread…that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say…that he was not to die, but, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?“ 24 This is the disciple who is bearing witness about these things, and who has written these things, and we know that his testimony is true. (Jn. 21:20-24 ESV)

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1, 2 & 3 John Witnessing pastoral letters from the Elder

• That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life-- 2 the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and... manifest to us…that you..may have fellowship with us; and…our fellowship is with the Father and… his Son Jesus Christ. (1 Jn. 1:1-3 ESV)

• Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. 13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life. (1 Jn. 5:12-13 ESV)

• The elder to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all who know the truth, (2 Jn. 1:1 ESV)

• The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth. (3 Jn. 1:1 ESV) 48

John (Revelation) Receiving and writing God’s revelation • The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to

show …the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, 2 who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. (Rev. 1:1-2 ESV)

• John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness... To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood…. (Rev. 1:4-5 ESV)

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John (Revelation) Hearing and seeing Jesus in the Spirit

• I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet 11 saying, "Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.” 12 Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest. (Rev. 1:9-13 ESV)

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John (Revelation) Reporting his experiences with the angel

• "And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” 8 I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me, 9 but he said to me, "You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.” (Rev. 22:7-9 ESV)

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How would you summarize John’s descriptions of himself?

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Jesus transformed John • Early

– Son of thunder, ready to attack the world

– Quick to speak and act, thus rebuked regularly

• Later – Nearly silent,

contemplative, assisting and supporting Jesus, Peter and Mary

– Tell me about yourself, John. Jesus loves me.

– Inspired, recognizes and writes through the lens of God’s love for His people

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The love of Jesus was the axis around which

John’s life rotated.

It defined him.

Assured of Jesus’ love, everything else was secondary.

20 of the 101 times “loved” is used in the ESV are in the Gospel of John 54

How about you?

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“What are you seeking” in this class on the Gospel of John?

Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, "What are you seeking?" (Jn. 1:38 ESV)

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Aim of the Weekly Class

• John’s aim: “…that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (Jn. 20:31 ESV)

• Participants will interact with the Bible text

• Pray the Holy Spirit will open the eyes of your heart to understand

– What does it say

– What does it mean

– What should I do in light of this truth?

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Outline of the Gospel of John I. Prologue 1:1-18

II. Revelation of Jesus to the World (1:19-12) Growth of belief and unbelief

III. Revelation of Jesus to Disciples Alone (13-17)

IV. Crucifixion and Resurrection (18-20)

V. Epilogue and Restoration (21)

Themes woven throughout the Gospel of John 1. Presenting Jesus to all as the Son of God and Son of Man 2. Development of faith in the small minority 3. Development of unbelief and opposition by the majority

Source: Bible Study Fellowship John Series IV 2001 58

Gospel of John Course Plan (Session 1 of 3)

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Weekly Class Method

• Recommended Preparation:

– Pray, read the Gospel of John

– Avoid commentaries until after you read the passage

– Note your key observations and questions

• Interactive class: ask questions, offer comments

• May develop study questions in advance (TBD)

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Questions & Conclusion

Homework: Read the Gospel of John

Next Week: Gospel of John 1:1-18 Steve Wozny

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