WATCH

Play the video for session one. (Play the DVD or see the instructions on the inside front cover on how to access the sessions through streaming.) As you watch, use the following outline to record any thoughts, questions, or key points that stand out to you.

The big picture—snapshots of the four Gospels:

 Matthew:

 Mark:

 Luke:

 John:

The focal point of John’s Gospel and his big themes:

Jesus the Logos (John 1:1)

 Greek meaning:

 Jewish meaning:

The Word became flesh (John 1:14–18).

What do you really believe?

What do you believe about Jesus?

The number seven in Scripture

The importance of real, growing, and increasing belief in Jesus

Our lives and prayers tell the story of what we believe about everything, including Jesus.

Discuss

Take a few minutes to discuss with your group members what you just watched and to explore these concepts in Scripture. Use the following questions to help guide your discussion.

1. What impacted you the most as you watched Kyle’s teaching on John 1?

2. Read John 20:30–31. Kyle told a story about his son using a walker after an injury. What are some of the “walkers” people use to help them get through life, move forward, and bear the weight that life can heap on them? How has true belief in Jesus helped you (or someone close to you) stand strong and press forward through the hard times of life?

3. Read John 1:1–5. This power-packed passage launches us into John’s Gospel. Jesus is the “Word.” What do we learn about our Savior? how should this impact our belief in him?

4. Read John 1:14–18. What do you learn about Jesus (the Word) from this passage? How have you experienced both the grace and truth of Jesus as your belief in him has deepened over time?

5. Our core beliefs shape our attitudes, govern our emotional world, guide our behavior, regulate our relationships, and form our future. Take a moment and write down two or three things that you believe about Jesus at the core of your being. Share one of these beliefs with your group and illustrate how this belief impacts how you walk through life.

6. What are ways we can be sure we are growing to really believe in Jesus and not just gather information about him? How can we help the next generation encounter Jesus so they truly believe in him?