Friday First - The Word Became Flesh

During December we have taken an extensive look at John 1.1-18. We have learned two basic truths. The Word was God, John 1.1. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, John 1.14. Everything we believe as Christians hinges on these two statements. Jesus is God, revealed in human flesh, who is our deliverer from corruption and death. He is our liberator from sin.
John tells us that Jesus is the true light that has come into the world. His light has shone to everyone. The majority have turned away in rejection. But for those who receive and believe in the name of Jesus are given the authority to become children of God. As a Christian, you have been born of God, not by your own doing, adherence to manmade rituals or rules, but by God Himself. By what means has God accomplished this?

The Word became flesh, John 1.14a. This is the theology of the birth of Christ. Jesus went through the complete human experience: A baby growing in the womb; born as an infant; life as a child and as a young man; and finally life as a man subject to all the realities of created life. He went so far as to die as the perfect sacrifice for sin. If Jesus didn’t come … if Jesus didn’t become flesh … there would be no salvation. There would be no eternal life. There would be no hope.

In our lesson on Sunday we’ll move to the next section of John 1 and examine John 1.14-18 closely. We’ll talk about:

• John 1.14a - The most important reality in human history
• John 1.14b - What John mean by beholding Jesus’ glory
• John 1.15-18 - What we have received from Jesus’ fullness

As you prepare for worship on Sunday, please give consideration to these questions:

1. What is the significance of Jesus dwelling with us?
2. What do you think John means that Jesus was full of grace and truth?
3. How have we received the fullness of Christ?
4. How does it make you feel to know you have received grace upon grace?
5. How will this realization move you to respond in deeper ways to the goodness of our God and Savior?

OPENING / WELCOME
Russ Robins

SONG LEADER
Roy Pyle

PRAYER OF PRAISE
Nathan Armstrong

LORD'S SUPPER
Jim Grushon

SCRIPTURE READING
Marvin Lewis
John 1.14-18

PREACHING
Matthew Allen

CLOSING COMMENTS & PRAYER
Rich Walker

WELCOME CENTER
Emily McDonald / Sadonna Schofield

USHERS
Jim Rutter / Roger Robins

CLOSING THE BUILDING
Pam Grushon