Te Atatu Baptist Church

But these things are written,

that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ,

the Son of God;

and that believing you might have life through his name!

John 20:31

We invite you to journey with us through this impacting and life changing series of studies through the Gospel of John!

Each Bible Workshop will begin with the Original Meaning in the culture, context and genre in which it was written - opening our eyes to a whole world we might never have known. Next we will explore the Bridge over Time, learning timeless truths and universal principals, finishing with an Application to Today - what God is saying to you and me - in the here and now.

This series will be life impacting, and your faith and trust in God will increase - filling your heart and mind with eternal peace and confidence!

Below - Bible workshop number ONE - Introduction to John the Evangelist!

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Bible workshop number TWO - John 1:1-18. God with skin on!

Exploring the Prologue - a beautiful ancient hymn of worship by the early church that explores the identity of the Son of God, Saviour of the world!

...this world in which we live is looking for a diagnosis of its condition and any possibilities for renewal. Science has become the new Master of the external universe, and psychology the Lord of our inner universe. There are countless voices today providing messages that promise to alleviate the struggle of life or the questions that trouble us.

On a daily basis we hear political and economic voices, arguing that if we re-allocate or re-organise or re-structure, we will build the sort of world where poverty is eliminated and prosperity is assured.

Other voices are more deeply personal – arguing that the problem is not sociological but deeply human and inward. That if only the human soul was re-educated, had the right therapy or positive outlook – then everything would be okay...

Amidst all the noise - John declares - 'The Word has become flesh - and dwelt amongst us!'

Bible workshop number THREE - John 1:19-51. Learning to love God!

...in the verses from today’s reading – John is also wanting to reveal the nature and the names of Jesus. There is no other place in the entire Bible that has such a systematic list of the Names of Jesus!

Messiah – vv 20, 41. The Prophet – v 21. Jesus – v 29. Lamb of God – vv 29, 36. One who baptises with the Spirit – v 33. Chosen Son of God – v 34. Rabbi/teacher – vv 38, 49. Christ/anointed One – v 41. Son of Joseph – v 45. Nazarene – v 45. Son of God – v 49. King of Israel – v49. Son of Man – v 51

The reason John so clearly explains who Jesus is – so early in his gospel, is so that we know and understand who it is whom we are following! It’s not about blindly following a religion or joining a church. It is about knowing and understanding who this Jesus really is...

Bible workshop number FOUR - John 2:1 to 25. Party Time!

Have you ever wondered why Jesus changing water into wine was so impacting upon the disciples - that by Jesus doing it - they believed in Him!

This Bible Workshop takes you into the world of the first century church - revealing mysteries and proclaiming universal truths that many Christians have never understood.

Bible workshop number FIVE - John 3:1 to 36. New Birth!

Just as John wrote the book of Revelations and used a form of code and symbols to teach the church, so has he done in his gospel - written years after Revelation.

Discover the code with the name Nicodemus, and also how the Jews were already familiar with such terms as 'being born again'

Bible workshop number SIX - John 4:1 to 54. Eternally Satisfied!

Acts 1:8 tells us that in order to fulfill the Great Commission, Christians must start 'in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria...'

In the Bible, Jerusalem is a metaphor of the church, and Samaria of the discriminations and prejudices of the church.

When John preached this gospel to his church - especially about the Samaritan woman - he did so to highlight the prejudices and discriminations of the CHURCH towards the unsaved.

As it did in John's day - this Bible workshop will either motivate and convict you, or like the religious Jews during the days of Jesus - cause you to react with anger and defensiveness.