The Beloved Disciple's Memoirs and Letters: The Gospel of John, I, II, & III John

by Bob Utley

Publisher:

Bible Lessons International

, 1999

Overview

John structures his presentation around miracles and signs, interviews, worship and feast days and "I Am" statements. It was written at the end of the first century when John was an old man. The letters of John answer questions about the deity and humanity of Christ, assurance of salvation, brotherly love, rejection of the fallen world system and recognizing false teachers.

Contents

Top Highlights

“‘believe’ This verb is used 78 times in the Gospel of John, 24 times in John’s letters. It is interesting that John’s Gospel never uses the noun form, only the verb. Belief is not primarily an intellectual or emotional response, but basically a volitional response. This Greek term is translated by three English terms: believe, trust, and faith. It is parallel to ‘welcome Him’ (cf. vs. 11), and ‘accept Him’ (cf. v. 12). Salvation is free in the grace of God and the finished work of Christ, but it must be received. Salvation is a covenant relationship with privileges and responsibilities.” (Page 11)

“The third principle is to read the Bible in different translations in order to grasp the widest possible range of meaning (semantic field) that biblical words or phrases may have.” (Page ii)

“The term disciple can mean (1) learner and/or (2) follower. This was an early name for believers in Jesus Christ as the promised Jewish Messiah. It is important to note that the NT calls for disciples, not mere decisions (cf. Matt. 13). Christianity is an initial decision (repentance and faith) followed by an on going decision of obedience and perseverance. Christianity is not a fire insurance policy or a ticket to heaven, but a daily servant/friend relationship with Jesus.” (Page 19)

“True salvation is both an initial and a continuous response. This theological truth is often ignored in our enthusiasm for personal assurance of salvation. Biblical assurance is linked to (1) perseverance in faith; (2) a lifestyle of repentance; (3) ongoing obedience (cf. James and I John); and (4) fruit bearing (cf. Matt. 7:13). See Special Topic on ‘Abiding’ at 1 John 2:10.” (Page 139)

Product Details

• Title: The Beloved Disciple's Memoirs and Letters: The Gospel of John, I, II, & III John
• Author: Bob Utley
• Publisher: Bible Lessons International
• Publication Date: 1999
• Pages: 279

About Bob Utley

Bob Utley is a dynamic and inspirational Bible teacher. He feels that the Lord has given him a gift of relating to all types of people, especially those who have been turned off by "religiosity." Bob was born in 1947 in Houston, Texas. He is married to the former Peggy Rutta and they have three children and three grandchildren. He has earned degrees from East Texas Baptist College, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and has done post-graduate work at Baylor University, Wycliffe Bible Translators' Summer Institute of Linguistics, and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He has pastored several churches in Texas. Currently Bob conducts revivals and Bible conferences both in the United States and abroad.