The Junior Bible Quiz Sermon Series
What did John say was his purpose for writing his gospel?
But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. John 20:31
Purpose: This message informs the hearer of the purpose of the gospel, and by so doing direct them to study the gospels in order to know what kind of life Jesus has for them.
How to introduce the topic: What kind of life come with following Jesus Christ? Jesus didn't keep secret the life he has for his followers. It is written in the gospels. Why is it important to read the gospels for yourself? Because there are many voices talking about the life of a Christian in a way that may not be accurate. Is the blessed life about wealth? Is it about good health? Is it about feeling good? Avoiding trouble? Jesus defines it himself.
Proposition: The gospels tell us what it is like to follow Jesus Christ.
I. The Gospels tell us why we should believe in Jesus.
1. The Gospels describe what Jesus did. They record his miracles. They record his confrontations. They describe His death and resurrection. They describe his teachings. The reader can make the decision whether the gospel is believable. They can decide whether the evidence demands the conclusion that Jesus is the Messiah. Some people will believe and some will not. But, the gospel presents the evidence in a way for each person to decide.
2. Biblical support: The Old Testament scriptures defined who the Messiah would be. The Gospels record the life of Jesus and present it for us to judge whether Jesus met the Old Testament criteria.
3. The Point: If Jesus is not the Messiah, there is no reason to want to live the lifestyle he offers his followers. The gospels lay out the evidence for you to decide if Jesus is the Messiah, and in fact is worth following.
II. The Gospels tell us how to have life in Jesus' name.
1. First, Jesus wants you to have life in his name. But, what kind of life is he talking about? Here is a few hints: He doesn't want you to pursue wealth and comfort. He doesn't want you to be known as super religious. He wants something better for you than what the world defines as a happy life. But, I will let you read the gospels for yourself. You may be surprised what a Jesus-led lifestyle is like. You may find that it is much less expensive than the life you lead now. You may find that it offers less stress and is healthier. You may find that it is an adventure.
2. Biblical support: If you read through the book of Acts, you will notice the lives of many people who chose to live a Jesus-led life. You can decide for yourself if this is the kind of life you want to live.
3. The Point: You will have a life when you follow Jesus Christ. What that life is like is defined in the gospels. Read it, study it, and decide for yourself if that is the life you want.
How to conclude: Jesus didn't keep his plan for your life a secret. He spoke and lived openly. That life is recorded in the Gospels. It is there for your examination and it is there awaiting your decision.
