Introducing Jesus
John 1:1-3
Pastor Jerry Koller

Theme

“Space and time are like warp and woof. Their interwoven relationship is history.” ~ Francis Schaeffer
• Space and time is the underlying structure upon which history is built.

For God to create the heavens and the earth at the beginning of time and space means He had to already exist.
• He has to be an eternal being, an uncreated being, a non-corporeal being.

Truth #1: Eternal
• At the beginning of time, there already was the Word. (logos: logos).
• This word was understood to represent the controlling reason of the universe or the all-encompassing mind or force that rules and gives meaning to all things.
• The Hebrew understanding of the “Word” to mean “God's powerful, creative, and revealing spoken Word.”
• The Word was already in existence.
• His being, His essence, was outside the confines of time and space. • The Word has to be an eternal being, an uncreated being, and a non-corporeal being.

Truth #2: In Likeness & Equality
• ...and the Word was with God…
• The word “with” is a preposition which associates God and the Word in terms of likeness and equality.

Truth #3: Nature & Quality
• ...and the Word was God. (God was the Word.)
• All that is true of God, of God the Father, is true of the Word.

In verse 2, John states, in regard to Jesus: He was in the beginning with God. (John 1:2)
• Verse two seems to be a transition between verses one and three.

Having established His deity and eternality, John addresses Jesus’ involvement “in the beginning.”

• Verse 16 begins with a general, all-encompassing statement: For by him all things were created.
• The Apostle John basically says the same thing. Through him all things were made; (John 1:3a)

Paul expands upon the term “all things:” both in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible… Whether you can see it with the eye or whether it is not able to be seen with the eye, the Son created it.
• They also include: ...whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; (vs. 16d) These are various classification of spiritual and earthly hierarchies including both men and angels.

Whether it is man, angels, the sun, earth, planets, or universe, all things were created by him and for him. (Col. 1:16)
• John said: Without him nothing was made that has been made. (John 1:3b)

“...He who was already there made what now is.” ~ Francis Schaeffer

Parts of the Nicene Creed as to how it would pertain to the first three verses of John’s Gospel:

We believe in ONE God,
Father, Almighty,
Maker of Heaven and Earth, (John 1:3)
and of all things visible and invisible. (John 1:3)
And in ONE Lord Jesus Christ,
Son of God, Only-Begotten,
Begotten of the Father before all ages. (John 1:2)
Light from Light; True God from True God; (John 1:1)
Begotten, not made;
of one essence with the Father (John 1:1)
through whom all things were made; (John 1:3)

mission café
Sundays | 9:00-10:15am | Mission Cafe

worship
Sundays | 10:30am | Sanctuary
• If you're unable to join us in-person, you can watch live on Facebook or view later in the week on Facebook or YouTube or listen to an audio only version on Archive.

children’s worship
Sundays | 10:30am | Children’s Worship Room
• Ages 5 years old through 5th grade
• Does not meet on the first Sunday of each month.
• Contact Alyssa Newell for questions or more information.

men’s bible study
Tuesdays | 7:00-8:30pm | Mission Café
• Contact Paul Fitton or Larry Dobberstein for questions or more information.

church office open
Wednesdays | 11:00am-4:00pm

theology class
Wednesdays | 7:00-8:00pm | Main Foyer
• Closed course.

bible study
Thursdays | 9:30-11:30am | Conference Room
• Studying Joshua; open to new participants at any time.
• Contact Tina Wilburn for questions or more information.

women’s craft group
Thursdays | 6:30pm | Craft Room
• Contact Tracy Marshall for questions or more information.

coming soon
• Blood Drive: Thursday, 3/19 | 12:30-5:30pm | FBC Main Foyer

• Bruce Ferguson received digital test results that showed "high risk prostate cancer." He has an appointment to discuss the test results and a PET/CT scan scheduled for later this month. Please pray for peace as he and Vasha wait for the next appointments.
• John Seitz has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Please keep him and Susan in prayer as they make decisions about his care and treatment.
• Vincent Bryant still has a small area on his foot that hasn't healed. He is also having eye problems and is able to see very little right now. Continued prayers for the foot sore to completely close and heal as well as his vision to be restored are appreciated.
• Miriam Bryant is recovering from a successful hand surgery. She is pleased with the results and expects to have the stitches removed on 1/30.
• Sandi Cagle is recovering from surgery on her shoulder. Please pray for a speedy healing and that the pain will be manageable.
• Mike Rooker has returned home and is continuing outpatient therapy.
• Carson Rooker is recovering from surgery to repair his clavicle that was broken in 3 places following a skiing accident.
• Check out our monthly prayer card on-line at southhavenfbc.com under “Weekly Bulletins” for a list of those with on-going needs.

First Baptist Church
1635 76th Street
South Haven, MI 49090
269-637-1291
southhavenfbc@gmail.com