A Firm Foundation

Introduction - John

John the Apostle of Love. He was known as the Son of Thunder, but had been changed by Christ.

He declares God is Light so that we do not stumble.

God is Truth so that we are not deceived

God is Love so that we might have assurance

A Trustworthy Record – Why I believe the Bible is God’s Word

The witness of ancient texts

Ceasar’s Gallic Wars – 10 (gap of 1,000 years

Tactitus’s Annals of History – 20 (gap of 1,000 years)

Homer’s Iliad – 643 (gap of 400 years)

Over 5800 early manuscripts of the New Testament (gap 50-225 years)

The witness of Historical Accuracy

It is unique in its detail of places and events

Over 40 writers in 3 different languages spanning nearly 1600 years

Example of the Hittites

Luke is now considered a premier historian of the first century

Sir William Ramsay – skeptic and archaeologist eventually came to say, “Luke is a historian of the first rank … this author should be placed along with the very greatest of historians … Luke’s history is unsurpassed in respect of its trustworthiness.”

The Testimony of the Disciples

John insists in old age that he was an eye-witness.

“That which we have seen and heard, which we have handled”

John 19:35 – “And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you may believe.”

The disciples willingness to suffer and die shows their reliability.

They knew that Christ had risen from the dead (He was seen by over 500)

Peter declared, “We did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.” 2 Peter 1:16

The Fulfillment of Prophesy – verse 2

Daniel’s 70 week prophesy.

Isaiah 53 depiction of Christ’s sacrifice.

A Transforming Relationship

Jesus is “The Eternal Life”

We receive eternal life through Jesus Christ John 17:3

John wrote so that his readers might personally know Jesus Christ.

“We proclaim unto you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.”

Receiving the Gospel produces fellowship in eternal life, fellowship in eternal life produces joy in our present circumstances.

It is based on the character and nature of God.

God is light and in Him there is no darkness.

He spoke light into existence and then created all things as a reflection of Himself.