Mt Pleasant :: Randy Forrester: John - Getting Personal with God

Sermons from St. Andrew's ~ Mt. Pleasant

Bible Study

Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon:

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Sermon Notes

John is the most personal of all the gospels, making it an excellent resource to help people experience a personal relationship with God. John calls himself "the disciple whom Jesus loved." John was the last gospel to be written down, allowing him decades to reflect upon his own encounters with Jesus. He not only records events but brings out their deeper inner meanings. In 1:18 (and really vv. 1-18), John lays out the foundational truth that will undergird his gospel. It is also the key to having a personal relationship with God.

• No one has ever seen God
• But Jesus, who is unique, himself God, and in the closest possible relationship with the Father, has made him known.
• Therefore, to have a personal relationship with God, we must know Jesus. He is the way God seeks to be known.
• In each personal story we will consider in John, we are encouraged to discover what God is like by watching Jesus.

Sermon Application

Discussion Questions:

1. Would you describe your faith in God as personal? How would you define personal?
2. Does having a personal faith in God also mean that it can be private? What's the difference between personal and private?
3. Can someone have a personal relationship with God apart from Jesus?
4. In 1:18, what does John reveal about the inner being of God?
5. What role does the Holy Spirit play in a relationship with God?

Sermon Series Resources

1. Guided Reading Plan for John. If you start this plan on Jan 18th and read three chapters per week, you’ll stay ahead of the preaching series. This will provide a solid foundation before hearing the sermon on Sunday.
2. Bible Study on John by N.T. Wright. This is a great resource for individual study or Life Groups. It can complement the sermon notes and questions provided on the website each week.
3. Overview of the Gospel of John from the Bible Project. This online resource gives a helpful overview of the structure and major themes of the book.
4. Bible Speaks Today Commentary on John. This commentary series is accessible yet offers powerful insights and applications. It is a great companion to reading John’s Gospel on your own or with a group.

Questions?

Do you have a question about today’s sermon? Email Randy Forrester (

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