Message Notes

1. The Purpose of the writing of the gospel…to encourage having genuine faith

“But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God,”   John 20:31

a) The writing of the gospels was done with a purpose

i) It was meant to help us find genuine faith in the Lord

ii) All that was written…the words of the Gospel were meant to help us understand true belief

iii) In knowing the full truth of salvation in Christ, we will have genuine faith

b) It is in contrast to the kind of faith that is false, weak, shallow and superficial

i) Those who claimed to be His disciples but left Him   (John 6:66)

ii) Those who claimed to believe but were still slaves to sin   (John 8:34)

2. The Person focused in the gospel….Christ

“But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God,”   John 20:31

a) The central focus of the gospel is the Lord Jesus

b) There should be absolute certainty concerning who Jesus is

i) He is the Christ…the Messiah

ii) He is the Son of God

iii) He is our Saviour   (John 3)

iv) He is Shepherd   (John 10)

c) There is no doubt whatsoever concerning who Christ is.

3. The Power of the gospel…life giving

“And that believing you may have life in His name.”   John 20:31

a) Through having faith in Christ, we will have life

i) New Life   (John 3:3)

ii) Everlasting life   (John 3:16)

iii) Living water   (John 7:38)

iv) Abundant Life   (John 10:10)

b) There is life in His name

i) There is great power in the name of Christ

ii) In relating to and knowing the Lord Jesus and what His name represents, there is life.

iii) Our life will be changed and transformed…the abundant life

iv) We are meant to live a life of power.

4. Personal faith…our part

a) All of us can come to a personal faith in the Lord Jesus

b) The example of the Apostle John’s personal faith

i) He followed the Lord Jesus

ii) He had a lifetime of service to the Lord

iii) He was faithful to the end

c) Be challenged to personally believe in the Lord Jesus and have life.