A. JOHN BEGAN WELL
1. The apostle John was one of the first called. “Two disciples followed Jesus … Andrew first ... found his brother … brought him to Jesus … John also found his brother ... we have found the Messiah … the Christ” (John 1:38-41, ELT).
2. The youngest of the 12 disciples – 17 years old.
a. Enthusiastic.
b. Exploring.
c. Self-centered – nicknamed “son of thunder” (Mark 3:17).
d. Forbad people casting out demons (Luke 9:49-50).
3. Transformed into the apostle of love.
a. Loved by Jesus (John 13:23).
b. Called self, “the disciple whom Jesus loved” (John 21:7).
c. Known as apostle of love (1 John 4:7).
4. Transformed by identifying with Jesus. “Leaned on Jesus’ breast” (John 13:23-25).
5. Grew spiritually by responsibility.
a. “Follow Me” (John 21:19).
b. Follow Jesus. “He who says He abided in Him … walk as He walked” (1 John 2:6).
6. Expectation principles. Jesus told John from the cross, “Take care of My mother.” Jesus challenged young John to grow when He gave him the responsibility of caring for Mary, His mother.
7. Following continually – finishing well.
a. Began age 17.
b. Followed Jesus three and a half years on earth.
c. Prayed in the garden (Mark 14:3).
d. One betrayed, 10 ran away, John followed all night (John 18:16)
e. At the foot of cross given the responsibility of Mary (John 19:26).
f. First at tomb (John 20:2-3)
g. First to recognize the resurrected Jesus (John 21:1-7).
h. Remained in Jerusalem during persecution (Acts 8:1)
i. Among the first to recognize Paul (Galatians 2:9).
8. Pastored/ministered to the church in Ephesus (tradition, Mary mother of Jesus died there).
9. Arrested and imprisoned on Patmos, an island for political prisoners. “I John your brother … was on the island called Patmos for the Word of God and … Jesus” (Revelation 1:9).
B. JOHN SAW THE FUTURE
1. John saw Jesus. “I heard behind me a loud voice … I turned to see … I saw … One like the Son of God” (Revelation 1:10, 13). “Do not be afraid, I am the First and the Last” (v. 17).
2. John given commission “I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death” (Revelation 1:18, NKJV)
3. John taken to heaven in a prophetic revelation. “I looked and behold a door standing open in heaven … I heard … ‘come up here and I will show you’” (Revelation 4:1).
4. John saw the Second Coming of Jesus. “I saw heaven open … a white horse ... He who sat on him was called Faithful and True … the armies in heaven … followed Him” (Revelation 19:11, 14).
5. John saw heaven. “I saw a new heaven and new earth … first … passed away” (Revelation 21:1).
6. God’s eternal presence. “The tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them … God Himself will be their God” (Revelation 21:5).
7. All evil gone. “No more death, no sorrow, no crying. These shall be no more pain … former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4).
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.
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