WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.759 There's John, the Gospel, and then there's 1 John, the Letter. 00:00:09.560 --> 00:00:17.699 So we're going to be reading from John's Gospel, Chapter 1, verses 1 to 14. 00:00:25.019 --> 00:00:28.320 And Connor is going to come and read that for us. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:43.899 All right, it's on page 1063 in the Church Bibles. 00:00:51.840 --> 00:00:52.439 1063. 00:00:52.439 --> 00:01:01.399 It's from the Gospel of John, not 1 John. 00:01:01.399 --> 00:01:03.399 Okay. 00:01:31.400 --> 00:02:01.400 00:02:01.400 --> 00:02:27.060 Thanks very much, Connor. 00:02:27.060 --> 00:02:34.500 And turn to then 1 John, written by the same author. 00:02:35.920 --> 00:02:45.900 John's Gospel really introduces us to who Jesus is and tells us how we can believe. 00:02:46.020 --> 00:02:52.539 1 John is to give us assurance or confidence in what we believe. 00:02:52.539 --> 00:02:58.199 So we're going to look at 1 John, Chapter 1, verses 1 to 4. 00:02:59.019 --> 00:03:01.879 Let's read those few verses together. 00:03:03.759 --> 00:03:06.500 1 John, Chapter 1, verses 1 to 4. 00:03:06.500 --> 00:03:19.460 1 John, chapter 1, verses 1 through 5. 00:03:19.460 --> 00:03:21.659 We proclaim concerning the word of life. 00:03:22.740 --> 00:03:24.300 The life appeared. 00:03:24.740 --> 00:03:27.760 We have seen it and testify to it. 00:03:28.100 --> 00:03:36.200 And we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. 00:03:37.280 --> 00:03:44.080 We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. 00:03:44.080 --> 00:03:49.780 and our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 00:03:51.160 --> 00:03:57.740 We write this to make our or your joy complete. 00:04:00.740 --> 00:04:03.980 Well, keep your Bibles open there and we're going to pray 00:04:03.980 --> 00:04:09.260 and ask God to help us as we look at his word together. 00:04:09.260 --> 00:04:14.000 We're starting a new series in 1 John. 00:04:14.080 --> 00:04:18.160 Let's pray together. 00:04:24.060 --> 00:04:27.319 Father, we thank you for your word. 00:04:27.960 --> 00:04:32.680 We thank you for these accounts and these letters 00:04:32.680 --> 00:04:36.500 that we can read together 00:04:36.500 --> 00:04:41.680 that tell us about who Jesus is 00:04:41.680 --> 00:04:46.180 and gives us assurance and confidence 00:04:46.180 --> 00:04:49.060 in what we can believe. 00:04:49.060 --> 00:04:55.540 We pray that it will not just be words on a page 00:04:55.540 --> 00:05:01.680 but that your words would be the very life of God 00:05:01.680 --> 00:05:06.879 instructing us, teaching us 00:05:06.879 --> 00:05:09.720 and helping us to see 00:05:09.720 --> 00:05:12.920 the life that you have come to give. 00:05:14.100 --> 00:05:16.620 So help us all, we pray in Jesus' name. 00:05:17.620 --> 00:05:18.060 Amen. 00:05:18.060 --> 00:05:29.920 Last Sunday evening 00:05:29.920 --> 00:05:33.360 on RTE's The Meaning of Life 00:05:33.360 --> 00:05:34.759 you may have watched it 00:05:34.759 --> 00:05:37.379 Gay Byrne interviewed the actor 00:05:37.379 --> 00:05:40.199 and the TV personality Stephen Fry 00:05:40.199 --> 00:05:43.800 One of the questions that Byrne asked 00:05:43.800 --> 00:05:44.860 it wasn't the main one 00:05:44.860 --> 00:05:46.680 but one of them he asked was this 00:05:46.680 --> 00:05:50.339 Does your life have a meaning? 00:05:51.920 --> 00:05:53.779 Fry's response was this 00:05:53.779 --> 00:05:58.419 I don't think the universe has a meaning 00:05:58.419 --> 00:06:02.459 And his answer to the question 00:06:02.459 --> 00:06:04.980 what happens to you when you die 00:06:04.980 --> 00:06:06.680 he said this 00:06:06.680 --> 00:06:09.740 Anybody who thinks they know 00:06:09.740 --> 00:06:11.439 what happens when we die 00:06:11.439 --> 00:06:14.140 is a fool or a liar 00:06:14.140 --> 00:06:18.900 Now that's the belief of an atheist 00:06:18.900 --> 00:06:22.120 and it reflects what the philosopher 00:06:22.120 --> 00:06:24.100 Bertrand Russell once called 00:06:24.100 --> 00:06:28.740 the firm foundation of unyielding despair 00:06:28.740 --> 00:06:31.540 hopelessness 00:06:31.540 --> 00:06:33.080 In other words 00:06:33.080 --> 00:06:34.560 we've come from nowhere 00:06:34.560 --> 00:06:37.600 and we're all heading nowhere 00:06:37.600 --> 00:06:40.500 And that's the reality 00:06:40.500 --> 00:06:41.860 for so many people 00:06:41.860 --> 00:06:45.519 We are void of meaning and purpose 00:06:45.519 --> 00:06:49.259 and it leaves us lonely and empty 00:06:49.259 --> 00:06:53.920 It perhaps explains why Ireland 00:06:53.920 --> 00:06:57.399 has one of the highest suicide rates in Europe 00:06:57.399 --> 00:07:02.220 People are desperate to find meaning 00:07:02.220 --> 00:07:04.379 or true life 00:07:04.379 --> 00:07:07.319 Life that really satisfies 00:07:07.319 --> 00:07:08.860 and fulfills 00:07:08.860 --> 00:07:10.459 and wherever they turn 00:07:10.459 --> 00:07:12.620 it doesn't deliver 00:07:12.620 --> 00:07:16.719 So our question this morning is 00:07:16.719 --> 00:07:18.379 Is there meaning to life? 00:07:19.339 --> 00:07:22.939 Can we even find true life? 00:07:23.899 --> 00:07:26.079 And if we discover this life 00:07:26.079 --> 00:07:29.560 are we even certain that it is true? 00:07:29.560 --> 00:07:34.000 Well as John begins his letter 00:07:34.000 --> 00:07:36.579 He makes this extraordinary claim 00:07:36.579 --> 00:07:40.240 to know where we can find true life 00:07:40.240 --> 00:07:44.060 and how we can be absolutely certain 00:07:44.060 --> 00:07:46.220 that it is true 00:07:46.220 --> 00:07:50.680 He claims to know where we can find life 00:07:50.680 --> 00:07:53.620 and how we can be absolutely certain 00:07:53.620 --> 00:07:54.019 and how we can be absolutely certain 00:07:54.019 --> 00:07:55.160 it is true 00:07:55.160 --> 00:07:57.579 Look at what he says 00:07:57.579 --> 00:08:00.540 It comes at the very end of verse 1 00:08:00.540 --> 00:08:03.379 of 1 John chapter 1 00:08:03.379 --> 00:08:04.400 He says this 00:08:04.400 --> 00:08:06.620 We proclaim 00:08:06.620 --> 00:08:11.300 concerning the word of life 00:08:11.300 --> 00:08:16.240 Or look at the middle of verse 2 00:08:16.240 --> 00:08:16.800 He says 00:08:16.800 --> 00:08:19.139 We proclaim to you 00:08:19.139 --> 00:08:21.980 the eternal life 00:08:21.980 --> 00:08:24.939 John and his fellow apostles 00:08:24.939 --> 00:08:26.300 claim to know 00:08:26.300 --> 00:08:28.000 true and eternal life 00:08:28.000 --> 00:08:30.080 and they are inviting us 00:08:30.080 --> 00:08:31.460 people like you and me 00:08:31.460 --> 00:08:34.180 to know and experience this life 00:08:34.180 --> 00:08:35.820 So look at the beginning of verse 3 00:08:35.820 --> 00:08:36.620 He says 00:08:36.620 --> 00:08:38.379 We proclaim to you 00:08:38.379 --> 00:08:40.580 what we have seen and heard 00:08:40.580 --> 00:08:42.860 so that you also 00:08:42.860 --> 00:08:45.679 may have fellowship with us 00:08:45.679 --> 00:08:47.419 He's making it very clear 00:08:47.419 --> 00:08:48.320 at the very beginning 00:08:48.320 --> 00:08:49.899 we want you 00:08:49.899 --> 00:08:51.279 to have the life 00:08:51.279 --> 00:08:53.320 that we also have 00:08:53.320 --> 00:08:55.940 So what is 00:08:55.940 --> 00:08:58.840 this life that he is offering? 00:08:59.080 --> 00:09:01.019 What is this life that he's 00:09:01.019 --> 00:09:03.259 proclaiming or declaring? 00:09:03.259 --> 00:09:05.960 Well we're going to see it 00:09:05.960 --> 00:09:07.100 in three steps 00:09:07.100 --> 00:09:07.559 First 00:09:07.559 --> 00:09:10.159 what we call the essence 00:09:10.159 --> 00:09:11.360 of life 00:09:11.360 --> 00:09:13.139 This life 00:09:13.139 --> 00:09:15.059 is not a thing 00:09:15.059 --> 00:09:16.120 or a thought 00:09:16.120 --> 00:09:19.039 This life is a person 00:09:19.039 --> 00:09:20.980 Look what John 00:09:20.980 --> 00:09:23.419 and his apostles have to say 00:09:23.419 --> 00:09:25.159 about this life 00:09:25.159 --> 00:09:26.879 Three things 00:09:26.879 --> 00:09:27.879 First 00:09:27.879 --> 00:09:29.080 look at verse 1 00:09:29.080 --> 00:09:31.899 That which was 00:09:31.899 --> 00:09:33.200 from the beginning 00:09:33.200 --> 00:09:36.660 So from before time began 00:09:36.660 --> 00:09:39.060 from before the world existed 00:09:39.060 --> 00:09:42.759 from before any life on earth 00:09:42.759 --> 00:09:45.220 this life was 00:09:45.220 --> 00:09:46.620 in the beginning 00:09:46.620 --> 00:09:48.280 He was simply there 00:09:48.280 --> 00:09:49.080 Life 00:09:49.080 --> 00:09:50.640 was there 00:09:50.640 --> 00:09:54.160 So that which was 00:09:54.160 --> 00:09:55.440 from the beginning 00:09:55.440 --> 00:09:57.980 Now look down at the end 00:09:57.980 --> 00:09:58.879 of verse 2 00:09:58.879 --> 00:10:01.280 We're told something else 00:10:01.279 --> 00:10:02.740 That which was 00:10:02.740 --> 00:10:03.339 from the beginning 00:10:03.339 --> 00:10:04.600 was with 00:10:04.600 --> 00:10:05.959 the Father 00:10:05.959 --> 00:10:07.799 This life 00:10:07.799 --> 00:10:08.480 in the beginning 00:10:08.480 --> 00:10:09.740 was with the Father 00:10:09.740 --> 00:10:10.579 In other words 00:10:10.579 --> 00:10:11.100 he was 00:10:11.100 --> 00:10:12.399 with God 00:10:12.399 --> 00:10:14.039 And he was 00:10:14.039 --> 00:10:14.539 one 00:10:14.539 --> 00:10:15.679 with God 00:10:15.679 --> 00:10:16.699 This life 00:10:16.699 --> 00:10:17.720 was personally 00:10:17.720 --> 00:10:19.019 and intimately 00:10:19.019 --> 00:10:20.299 involved 00:10:20.299 --> 00:10:21.220 and connected 00:10:21.220 --> 00:10:22.299 with God 00:10:22.299 --> 00:10:23.000 to the point 00:10:23.000 --> 00:10:23.399 of where 00:10:23.399 --> 00:10:24.659 John said in his gospel 00:10:24.659 --> 00:10:25.480 he was 00:10:25.480 --> 00:10:26.299 God 00:10:26.299 --> 00:10:29.479 So he was 00:10:29.479 --> 00:10:30.419 from the beginning 00:10:30.419 --> 00:10:31.859 with the Father 00:10:31.859 --> 00:10:32.759 and look at the end 00:10:32.759 --> 00:10:33.379 of verse 2 00:10:33.379 --> 00:10:34.719 And now 00:10:34.719 --> 00:10:35.639 appeared 00:10:35.639 --> 00:10:37.319 to us 00:10:37.319 --> 00:10:40.620 So that we could 00:10:40.620 --> 00:10:41.699 know this life 00:10:41.699 --> 00:10:43.919 he appeared 00:10:43.919 --> 00:10:44.559 to us 00:10:44.559 --> 00:10:46.039 in human form 00:10:46.039 --> 00:10:48.559 Let me remind you 00:10:48.559 --> 00:10:49.679 how John put it 00:10:49.679 --> 00:10:51.199 in his gospel 00:10:51.199 --> 00:10:51.939 when he wrote 00:10:51.939 --> 00:10:52.979 about this life 00:10:52.979 --> 00:10:53.799 He said 00:10:53.799 --> 00:10:54.500 within the beginning 00:10:54.500 --> 00:10:56.159 was the Word 00:10:56.159 --> 00:10:57.159 and the Word 00:10:57.159 --> 00:10:58.379 was with God 00:10:58.379 --> 00:10:59.419 and the Word 00:10:59.419 --> 00:11:00.559 was God 00:11:00.559 --> 00:11:01.799 and the Word 00:11:01.799 --> 00:11:03.259 became flesh 00:11:03.259 --> 00:11:05.159 and made his dwelling 00:11:05.159 --> 00:11:06.259 among us 00:11:06.259 --> 00:11:07.359 This life 00:11:07.359 --> 00:11:08.439 that was at the beginning 00:11:08.439 --> 00:11:09.439 took on 00:11:09.439 --> 00:11:10.859 human form 00:11:10.859 --> 00:11:12.259 took on 00:11:12.259 --> 00:11:12.879 flesh 00:11:12.879 --> 00:11:13.740 and bone 00:11:13.740 --> 00:11:15.079 He had lungs 00:11:15.079 --> 00:11:16.399 that breathed 00:11:16.399 --> 00:11:17.199 in fresh air 00:11:17.199 --> 00:11:17.899 to sustain 00:11:17.899 --> 00:11:19.139 his fragile body 00:11:19.139 --> 00:11:20.439 He had a heart 00:11:20.439 --> 00:11:21.459 just like you 00:11:21.460 --> 00:11:21.940 and me 00:11:21.940 --> 00:11:22.980 that pumped 00:11:22.980 --> 00:11:23.740 blood around 00:11:23.740 --> 00:11:24.400 his body 00:11:24.400 --> 00:11:25.220 refueling 00:11:25.220 --> 00:11:25.920 with oxygen 00:11:25.920 --> 00:11:27.139 He appeared 00:11:27.139 --> 00:11:28.600 like one of us 00:11:28.600 --> 00:11:30.900 so that we 00:11:30.900 --> 00:11:31.740 could know 00:11:31.740 --> 00:11:32.980 this true 00:11:32.980 --> 00:11:34.160 and eternal 00:11:34.160 --> 00:11:35.160 life 00:11:35.160 --> 00:11:37.820 And in case 00:11:37.820 --> 00:11:39.040 we are in any doubt 00:11:39.040 --> 00:11:40.639 as to his identity 00:11:40.639 --> 00:11:42.780 just look forward 00:11:42.780 --> 00:11:43.519 to 1 John 00:11:43.519 --> 00:11:44.500 chapter 5 00:11:44.500 --> 00:11:46.560 verse 11 00:11:46.560 --> 00:11:47.920 1 John 00:11:47.920 --> 00:11:48.720 chapter 5 00:11:48.720 --> 00:11:49.320 verse 11 00:11:49.320 --> 00:11:50.400 If we are not sure 00:11:50.400 --> 00:11:52.360 who this life is 00:11:52.360 --> 00:11:53.300 it is a person 00:11:53.300 --> 00:11:54.160 well who is it 00:11:54.160 --> 00:11:54.940 here it is 00:11:54.940 --> 00:11:57.600 And this is the testimony 00:11:57.600 --> 00:11:59.660 God has given us 00:11:59.660 --> 00:12:01.020 eternal life 00:12:01.020 --> 00:12:02.580 and this life 00:12:02.580 --> 00:12:03.700 is in his 00:12:03.700 --> 00:12:04.580 Son 00:12:04.580 --> 00:12:07.220 He who has the Son 00:12:07.220 --> 00:12:09.040 has life 00:12:09.040 --> 00:12:10.540 He who does not 00:12:10.540 --> 00:12:11.760 have the Son of God 00:12:11.760 --> 00:12:13.260 does not 00:12:13.260 --> 00:12:14.720 have life 00:12:14.720 --> 00:12:16.519 So this life 00:12:16.519 --> 00:12:18.120 this person 00:12:18.120 --> 00:12:19.300 is the Son 00:12:19.300 --> 00:12:19.920 this is 00:12:19.920 --> 00:12:21.220 Jesus Christ 00:12:21.220 --> 00:12:22.759 Jesus the God 00:12:22.759 --> 00:12:23.180 man 00:12:23.180 --> 00:12:24.340 who literally 00:12:24.340 --> 00:12:26.279 moved into this world 00:12:26.279 --> 00:12:27.779 and made this earth 00:12:27.779 --> 00:12:28.500 his home 00:12:28.500 --> 00:12:29.600 He walked 00:12:29.600 --> 00:12:30.620 and he talked 00:12:30.620 --> 00:12:31.440 he laughed 00:12:31.440 --> 00:12:32.340 and he cried 00:12:32.340 --> 00:12:33.980 He is not some kind 00:12:33.980 --> 00:12:35.040 of demigod 00:12:35.040 --> 00:12:36.000 half God 00:12:36.000 --> 00:12:37.060 and half man 00:12:37.060 --> 00:12:38.860 He is fully God 00:12:38.860 --> 00:12:40.600 and fully man 00:12:40.600 --> 00:12:42.160 He is the creator 00:12:42.160 --> 00:12:43.000 of life 00:12:43.000 --> 00:12:44.379 the sustainer 00:12:44.379 --> 00:12:44.960 of life 00:12:44.960 --> 00:12:46.039 the provider 00:12:46.039 --> 00:12:46.600 of life 00:12:46.600 --> 00:12:48.159 He is from the beginning 00:12:48.159 --> 00:12:49.940 He was with the Father 00:12:49.940 --> 00:12:51.600 and has appeared 00:12:51.600 --> 00:12:53.340 to us 00:12:53.340 --> 00:12:55.740 So John says 00:12:55.740 --> 00:12:57.539 I am proclaiming to you 00:12:57.539 --> 00:12:59.639 this is who I am telling you about 00:12:59.639 --> 00:13:01.179 I am telling you about 00:13:01.179 --> 00:13:02.220 the word of life 00:13:02.220 --> 00:13:04.620 I want to proclaim to you 00:13:04.620 --> 00:13:06.960 the eternal life 00:13:06.960 --> 00:13:09.960 So first 00:13:09.960 --> 00:13:12.220 the essence of life 00:13:12.220 --> 00:13:14.100 second 00:13:14.100 --> 00:13:16.639 the evidence 00:13:16.639 --> 00:13:17.279 of life 00:13:17.279 --> 00:13:20.100 because this life 00:13:20.100 --> 00:13:20.899 is not 00:13:20.899 --> 00:13:22.100 made up 00:13:22.100 --> 00:13:23.100 this is 00:13:23.100 --> 00:13:24.060 true 00:13:24.060 --> 00:13:25.360 this is not 00:13:25.360 --> 00:13:26.320 all legend 00:13:26.320 --> 00:13:27.540 or lies 00:13:27.540 --> 00:13:29.200 John and the 00:13:29.200 --> 00:13:29.639 apostles 00:13:29.639 --> 00:13:30.399 are concerned 00:13:30.399 --> 00:13:31.040 to give us 00:13:31.040 --> 00:13:31.600 evidence 00:13:31.600 --> 00:13:33.660 for this life 00:13:33.660 --> 00:13:34.680 so look at 00:13:34.680 --> 00:13:35.340 verse 1 00:13:35.340 --> 00:13:36.460 let's read it 00:13:36.460 --> 00:13:38.600 that which was 00:13:38.600 --> 00:13:39.519 from the beginning 00:13:39.519 --> 00:13:41.780 which we have 00:13:41.780 --> 00:13:42.519 heard 00:13:42.519 --> 00:13:44.540 which we have 00:13:44.540 --> 00:13:45.440 seen 00:13:45.440 --> 00:13:47.500 with our eyes 00:13:47.500 --> 00:13:48.120 which we have 00:13:48.120 --> 00:13:49.040 looked at 00:13:49.040 --> 00:13:50.320 and our hands 00:13:50.320 --> 00:13:51.340 have touched 00:13:51.340 --> 00:13:53.940 this we proclaim 00:13:53.940 --> 00:13:54.680 concerning 00:13:54.680 --> 00:13:56.019 the word of life 00:13:56.019 --> 00:13:57.100 now can you see 00:13:57.100 --> 00:13:58.080 how the evidence 00:13:58.080 --> 00:13:59.160 is building up 00:13:59.160 --> 00:14:00.660 on top of each other 00:14:00.660 --> 00:14:01.879 creating this 00:14:01.879 --> 00:14:03.460 this watertight 00:14:03.460 --> 00:14:04.139 case 00:14:04.139 --> 00:14:05.000 if you like 00:14:05.000 --> 00:14:06.400 four things 00:14:06.400 --> 00:14:07.400 he tells us 00:14:07.400 --> 00:14:09.100 they heard 00:14:09.100 --> 00:14:10.879 Jesus speak 00:14:10.879 --> 00:14:11.560 to people 00:14:11.560 --> 00:14:13.700 they heard 00:14:13.700 --> 00:14:14.879 with their own 00:14:14.879 --> 00:14:15.420 ears 00:14:15.420 --> 00:14:16.340 what Jesus 00:14:16.340 --> 00:14:17.320 said and taught 00:14:17.320 --> 00:14:17.980 about his 00:14:17.980 --> 00:14:18.820 identity 00:14:18.820 --> 00:14:20.019 and mission 00:14:20.019 --> 00:14:20.700 it's not a 00:14:20.700 --> 00:14:21.400 second hand 00:14:21.400 --> 00:14:22.060 account 00:14:22.060 --> 00:14:24.100 not only did 00:14:24.100 --> 00:14:24.720 they hear 00:14:24.720 --> 00:14:25.879 but they 00:14:25.879 --> 00:14:26.700 saw 00:14:26.700 --> 00:14:27.480 Jesus 00:14:27.480 --> 00:14:28.519 with their 00:14:28.519 --> 00:14:29.660 own eyes 00:14:29.659 --> 00:14:30.579 as Jesus 00:14:30.579 --> 00:14:31.719 moved onto 00:14:31.719 --> 00:14:32.480 this planet 00:14:32.480 --> 00:14:33.279 and began 00:14:33.279 --> 00:14:33.899 to walk 00:14:33.899 --> 00:14:34.259 around 00:14:34.259 --> 00:14:35.299 they saw 00:14:35.299 --> 00:14:35.719 him 00:14:35.719 --> 00:14:36.879 they didn't 00:14:36.879 --> 00:14:37.740 have to rely 00:14:37.740 --> 00:14:38.600 on what others 00:14:38.600 --> 00:14:39.259 saw 00:14:39.259 --> 00:14:40.159 they saw 00:14:40.159 --> 00:14:40.980 for themselves 00:14:40.980 --> 00:14:41.919 they saw 00:14:41.919 --> 00:14:42.699 him alive 00:14:42.699 --> 00:14:43.419 they saw 00:14:43.419 --> 00:14:44.240 him crucified 00:14:44.240 --> 00:14:45.039 and killed 00:14:45.039 --> 00:14:46.120 and they saw 00:14:46.120 --> 00:14:46.939 him raised 00:14:46.939 --> 00:14:47.899 from the dead 00:14:47.899 --> 00:14:50.659 and not only 00:14:50.659 --> 00:14:51.139 that they 00:14:51.139 --> 00:14:52.279 looked at 00:14:52.279 --> 00:14:52.740 Jesus 00:14:52.740 --> 00:14:54.519 in other words 00:14:54.519 --> 00:14:55.179 not only did 00:14:55.179 --> 00:14:55.879 they see 00:14:55.879 --> 00:14:56.399 him 00:14:56.399 --> 00:14:57.659 but they 00:14:57.659 --> 00:14:58.620 saw him 00:14:58.620 --> 00:14:59.779 do things 00:14:59.779 --> 00:15:00.759 they saw 00:15:00.759 --> 00:15:01.240 Jesus 00:15:01.240 --> 00:15:01.779 perform 00:15:01.779 --> 00:15:02.560 his miracles 00:15:02.560 --> 00:15:03.679 they saw 00:15:03.679 --> 00:15:04.279 Jesus 00:15:04.279 --> 00:15:05.279 heal the sick 00:15:05.279 --> 00:15:06.080 by a word 00:15:06.080 --> 00:15:06.840 or by simply 00:15:06.840 --> 00:15:07.940 touching someone 00:15:07.940 --> 00:15:09.000 they saw 00:15:09.000 --> 00:15:09.539 Jesus 00:15:09.539 --> 00:15:10.480 raise people 00:15:10.480 --> 00:15:11.159 from the dead 00:15:11.159 --> 00:15:12.100 they saw 00:15:12.100 --> 00:15:12.580 Jesus 00:15:12.580 --> 00:15:13.379 eating and 00:15:13.379 --> 00:15:13.779 drinking 00:15:13.779 --> 00:15:14.860 they saw 00:15:14.860 --> 00:15:15.360 Jesus 00:15:15.360 --> 00:15:15.960 sleeping 00:15:15.960 --> 00:15:16.820 and working 00:15:16.820 --> 00:15:19.500 and not only 00:15:19.500 --> 00:15:19.840 that 00:15:19.840 --> 00:15:20.919 they actually 00:15:20.919 --> 00:15:22.080 touched 00:15:22.080 --> 00:15:22.860 Jesus 00:15:22.860 --> 00:15:23.840 he wasn't 00:15:23.840 --> 00:15:24.500 a spirit 00:15:24.500 --> 00:15:25.320 or part 00:15:25.320 --> 00:15:25.720 of their 00:15:25.720 --> 00:15:26.680 imagination 00:15:26.680 --> 00:15:27.500 he wasn't 00:15:27.500 --> 00:15:28.340 a ghostly 00:15:28.340 --> 00:15:28.740 figure 00:15:28.740 --> 00:15:29.500 Jesus 00:15:29.500 --> 00:15:30.040 was a 00:15:30.040 --> 00:15:30.639 physical 00:15:30.639 --> 00:15:31.139 being 00:15:31.139 --> 00:15:31.580 that they 00:15:31.580 --> 00:15:31.820 could 00:15:31.820 --> 00:15:32.639 hug 00:15:32.639 --> 00:15:33.280 that they 00:15:33.280 --> 00:15:33.500 could 00:15:33.500 --> 00:15:34.280 embrace 00:15:34.280 --> 00:15:34.920 he was 00:15:34.920 --> 00:15:35.500 a person 00:15:35.500 --> 00:15:35.920 that they 00:15:35.920 --> 00:15:36.120 could 00:15:36.120 --> 00:15:36.580 shove 00:15:36.580 --> 00:15:37.180 to wake 00:15:37.180 --> 00:15:37.420 up 00:15:37.420 --> 00:15:37.940 as he 00:15:37.940 --> 00:15:38.340 slept 00:15:38.340 --> 00:15:38.740 on the 00:15:38.740 --> 00:15:39.000 boat 00:15:39.000 --> 00:15:39.639 he was 00:15:39.639 --> 00:15:40.160 a human 00:15:40.160 --> 00:15:40.600 being 00:15:40.600 --> 00:15:41.040 that they 00:15:41.040 --> 00:15:41.240 could 00:15:41.240 --> 00:15:41.860 carry 00:15:41.860 --> 00:15:42.680 when he 00:15:42.680 --> 00:15:42.940 was 00:15:42.940 --> 00:15:43.660 tired 00:15:43.660 --> 00:15:45.320 they 00:15:45.320 --> 00:15:45.980 heard 00:15:45.980 --> 00:15:47.639 they 00:15:47.639 --> 00:15:48.259 saw 00:15:48.259 --> 00:15:48.800 they 00:15:48.800 --> 00:15:49.300 looked 00:15:49.300 --> 00:15:49.639 at 00:15:49.639 --> 00:15:50.100 they 00:15:50.100 --> 00:15:50.980 touched 00:15:50.980 --> 00:16:13.899 eli 00:16:13.899 --> 00:16:14.700 they 00:16:14.700 --> 00:16:16.379 wrote 00:16:16.379 --> 00:16:20.960 So that we can read their testimony for ourselves. 00:16:21.399 --> 00:16:23.139 That's what John's Gospel is. 00:16:23.139 --> 00:16:32.159 It is a first-hand eyewitness account of seeing, hearing, touching and listening to Jesus and writing it down. 00:16:32.320 --> 00:16:36.379 So that we can engage and hear and listen. 00:16:37.639 --> 00:16:40.799 Let's have a look at one of those eyewitness accounts. 00:16:41.559 --> 00:16:44.940 Go back to John's Gospel. Keep your finger in one John. 00:16:44.940 --> 00:16:52.560 And go back to John's Gospel, chapter 20, verse 24. 00:16:54.280 --> 00:17:00.280 Now I think this is extremely helpful for us because it's one of the apostles called Thomas. 00:17:01.300 --> 00:17:03.580 And he's a sceptic. He's a doubter. 00:17:03.940 --> 00:17:09.200 He's like one of these people who says, you don't expect me to believe all this, do you? 00:17:10.320 --> 00:17:12.400 I'm not sure if I can believe it. 00:17:12.400 --> 00:17:16.200 Now as we read this, let's remember a couple of things. 00:17:16.340 --> 00:17:19.880 First, Jesus has died and Jesus has now risen again. 00:17:20.360 --> 00:17:22.000 And Thomas doesn't believe it. 00:17:23.220 --> 00:17:28.880 And as we read this, try and feel the senses that are going on. 00:17:28.980 --> 00:17:33.680 What they saw, what they hear, what they touch, what they looked at. 00:17:33.680 --> 00:17:36.519 Let's read verse 24. 00:17:36.519 --> 00:17:44.620 Now Thomas, called Didymus, one of the twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 00:17:44.960 --> 00:17:50.980 So the other disciples told him, we have seen the Lord. 00:17:50.980 --> 00:17:54.559 But Thomas is a doubter. 00:17:54.559 --> 00:18:12.039 He said to them, unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were and put my hand into his side, unless I touch him, he's saying, I will not believe it. 00:18:12.039 --> 00:18:17.740 A week later, his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. 00:18:18.180 --> 00:18:27.659 Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and he said, he heard him say, peace be with you. 00:18:27.660 --> 00:18:45.779 Then he said to Thomas, put your finger here, see my hands, reach out your hand and put it into my side, touch it, stop doubting and believe. 00:18:46.920 --> 00:18:51.580 Thomas said to him, my Lord and my God. 00:18:51.579 --> 00:18:58.179 Then Jesus told him, because you have seen me, you have believed. 00:18:59.000 --> 00:19:04.339 Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed. 00:19:05.199 --> 00:19:11.579 And Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 00:19:11.579 --> 00:19:28.859 But these are written, that you, people like you and me, may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing, you may have life in his name. 00:19:29.939 --> 00:19:32.879 Do you see how important that is? 00:19:33.639 --> 00:19:37.579 Christianity is rooted in historical fact. 00:19:37.579 --> 00:19:44.759 These are eyewitness accounts, real people, who heard, who saw, who touched. 00:19:45.319 --> 00:19:47.539 It's not a legend or a lie. 00:19:47.960 --> 00:19:54.039 These are factual eyewitness accounts that have been written down and recorded for us, 00:19:54.199 --> 00:20:02.679 so that we can know that Jesus is the God-man who has come to give life. 00:20:02.680 --> 00:20:07.380 So the essence of life is Jesus. 00:20:08.279 --> 00:20:09.320 He is a person. 00:20:10.140 --> 00:20:15.960 And the evidence is clearly there for us all to see and to hear. 00:20:17.580 --> 00:20:21.980 But this life is to be experienced. 00:20:23.320 --> 00:20:28.100 It's to be experienced and it's to be enjoyed. 00:20:28.099 --> 00:20:37.299 For example, you could tell me that a lovely ripe mango tastes good. 00:20:38.439 --> 00:20:47.039 You could even show me by eating one and cutting off great big slices and saying it tastes good. 00:20:48.099 --> 00:20:55.759 But I'm only going to know it tastes good when I actually bite into it for myself and eat it. 00:20:55.759 --> 00:21:05.019 And so John is saying, to really know this life, you must experience it. 00:21:05.480 --> 00:21:07.059 Yes, Jesus is the life. 00:21:07.460 --> 00:21:09.559 Yes, here's all the evidence for it. 00:21:10.039 --> 00:21:15.279 But if you are to know it and enjoy it, you must experience it for yourself. 00:21:16.460 --> 00:21:18.000 You must taste it. 00:21:19.539 --> 00:21:20.619 Three things. 00:21:20.619 --> 00:21:28.239 First, John is saying, we have fellowship with the Father and the Son. 00:21:28.479 --> 00:21:29.879 This is where the life is. 00:21:30.159 --> 00:21:33.000 We have fellowship with the Father and the Son. 00:21:33.359 --> 00:21:35.759 Look at the middle of verse 3. 00:21:36.679 --> 00:21:44.279 He says, and our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 00:21:45.039 --> 00:21:46.919 This is where life is. 00:21:46.920 --> 00:21:55.300 Now, fellowship is a word we often use in kind of religious terms, but we're not always sure what it conveys. 00:21:56.180 --> 00:21:58.779 It reflects two big ideas. 00:21:59.180 --> 00:22:05.160 On the one hand, deep, personal and intimate relationship. 00:22:06.759 --> 00:22:08.580 It's like a marriage. 00:22:08.900 --> 00:22:11.340 Deep, personal, intimate relationship. 00:22:11.339 --> 00:22:17.699 And on the other hand, shared, committed and involved partnership. 00:22:19.179 --> 00:22:26.500 And John has experienced this fellowship with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 00:22:26.779 --> 00:22:35.159 And now he is saying to us, I personally share in the loving relationship that the Father has for the Son 00:22:35.160 --> 00:22:40.400 and that the love that the Son has for the Father. 00:22:40.620 --> 00:22:44.140 I share in this deep, intimate relationship. 00:22:44.600 --> 00:22:45.940 I know this love. 00:22:47.519 --> 00:22:53.360 And he goes on to say that I share in the partnership that the Father has with the Son. 00:22:54.460 --> 00:22:58.300 And I share in the partnership that the Son has with the Father. 00:22:58.299 --> 00:23:02.599 I'm involved in the work of God, just as the Father sent the Son. 00:23:02.899 --> 00:23:06.819 So I am now proclaiming this Son, this life to you. 00:23:07.119 --> 00:23:08.899 I'm in the fellowship. 00:23:09.419 --> 00:23:11.139 I have a relationship. 00:23:11.519 --> 00:23:13.119 I'm in this partnership. 00:23:13.619 --> 00:23:17.039 This is not just intellectual ideas on a page. 00:23:17.299 --> 00:23:20.019 This is an experience in life. 00:23:20.019 --> 00:23:25.920 And John says, I have fellowship with the Father and with the Son. 00:23:27.879 --> 00:23:35.000 But he doesn't stop there because John goes on to invite us to share in this fellowship. 00:23:35.900 --> 00:23:38.379 He wants us to be involved in it. 00:23:39.079 --> 00:23:40.680 Look at the beginning of verse 3. 00:23:41.599 --> 00:23:47.119 He says, we proclaim to you what we have seen and heard. 00:23:47.119 --> 00:23:50.179 So they've seen all of these things. 00:23:50.459 --> 00:23:53.099 They've come to experience it for themselves. 00:23:53.659 --> 00:23:56.479 And here's the reason they proclaim it and pass it on. 00:23:56.919 --> 00:24:02.259 So that you also may have fellowship with us. 00:24:03.219 --> 00:24:05.219 John is making it crystal clear. 00:24:05.339 --> 00:24:08.279 He says, we can have fellowship with God. 00:24:08.859 --> 00:24:14.359 We can join John and the other apostles and all those in the line of history 00:24:14.359 --> 00:24:20.899 who've entered into that fellowship and enjoy a relationship and partnership with God. 00:24:22.740 --> 00:24:28.199 So as John proclaims the word of life, as he proclaims this eternal life, 00:24:28.519 --> 00:24:32.599 he is inviting people into the fellowship. 00:24:33.719 --> 00:24:35.319 Enjoy what we have. 00:24:35.319 --> 00:24:40.939 Now what John saw and heard, he wrote down. 00:24:41.879 --> 00:24:46.639 So that as people like you and me read this testimony, 00:24:47.099 --> 00:24:49.939 as we hear these same words, 00:24:50.639 --> 00:24:52.559 we too can believe. 00:24:53.119 --> 00:24:55.960 And we are invited to share in this fellowship. 00:24:56.379 --> 00:24:57.799 We can know God. 00:24:58.720 --> 00:25:01.399 This is not just an idea of way out there. 00:25:02.000 --> 00:25:03.679 This is to be experienced. 00:25:03.680 --> 00:25:05.779 Not just for the head. 00:25:06.500 --> 00:25:07.820 This is for the heart. 00:25:10.560 --> 00:25:12.380 And this fellowship, he says, 00:25:12.900 --> 00:25:15.860 is to be enjoyed. 00:25:16.720 --> 00:25:19.700 He is inviting us into a fellowship 00:25:19.700 --> 00:25:22.759 that is marked by joy. 00:25:23.640 --> 00:25:24.720 Look at verse 4. 00:25:25.779 --> 00:25:27.340 We write this 00:25:27.340 --> 00:25:30.420 to make our joy complete. 00:25:30.420 --> 00:25:33.779 So at the very start of his letter, 00:25:34.080 --> 00:25:34.640 he's saying, 00:25:34.740 --> 00:25:36.880 I proclaim to you Jesus. 00:25:37.240 --> 00:25:39.920 I'm giving you evidence for Jesus. 00:25:40.300 --> 00:25:44.560 I'm inviting you into fellowship with God. 00:25:45.140 --> 00:25:46.160 And the reason 00:25:46.160 --> 00:25:48.660 we write this 00:25:48.660 --> 00:25:50.300 to make our, 00:25:50.779 --> 00:25:53.580 or your notes will have this at the bottom of the Bible, 00:25:53.580 --> 00:25:56.480 your joy complete. 00:25:56.480 --> 00:25:58.019 You see, 00:25:58.120 --> 00:26:01.860 this is not a cold or impersonal fellowship. 00:26:02.220 --> 00:26:05.640 This is a fellowship that brings real and lasting joy. 00:26:06.019 --> 00:26:08.079 It completes our joy. 00:26:10.019 --> 00:26:12.779 Listen to this quote from C.S. Lewis. 00:26:12.779 --> 00:26:15.639 He says, 00:26:15.639 --> 00:26:18.660 we are half-hearted creatures, 00:26:19.379 --> 00:26:21.619 fooling about with drink 00:26:21.619 --> 00:26:23.119 and sex 00:26:23.119 --> 00:26:24.519 and ambition 00:26:24.519 --> 00:26:28.079 when infinite joy 00:26:28.079 --> 00:26:30.700 is offered to us. 00:26:31.799 --> 00:26:33.539 We're like an ignorant child 00:26:33.539 --> 00:26:35.980 who wants to go on making mud pies 00:26:35.980 --> 00:26:36.920 in a slum 00:26:36.920 --> 00:26:38.960 because he cannot imagine 00:26:38.960 --> 00:26:39.660 what is meant 00:26:39.660 --> 00:26:41.180 by the offer of a holiday 00:26:41.180 --> 00:26:42.820 at the sea. 00:26:44.220 --> 00:26:44.620 Do you see, 00:26:44.840 --> 00:26:45.840 fellowship with God 00:26:45.840 --> 00:26:47.740 isn't just a thought or an idea. 00:26:48.740 --> 00:26:49.920 It is a life 00:26:49.920 --> 00:26:52.480 of infinite joy 00:26:52.480 --> 00:26:56.640 so that our joy can be complete. 00:26:57.880 --> 00:26:59.200 And we need to be clear 00:26:59.200 --> 00:27:00.860 as we understand this joy. 00:27:00.859 --> 00:27:04.419 This life of infinite joy 00:27:04.419 --> 00:27:05.819 does not mean 00:27:05.819 --> 00:27:08.500 the absence of difficulties or struggles. 00:27:09.619 --> 00:27:11.419 A joy that is complete 00:27:11.419 --> 00:27:12.599 will not mean 00:27:12.599 --> 00:27:15.000 the end of painful or hard times. 00:27:15.399 --> 00:27:18.039 And I know that some of us here this morning 00:27:18.039 --> 00:27:21.119 are facing difficult and hard times. 00:27:22.299 --> 00:27:24.359 So where's the joy in all of that? 00:27:24.779 --> 00:27:26.479 Well, the joy is experienced 00:27:26.479 --> 00:27:29.099 in the midst of difficult things. 00:27:29.099 --> 00:27:32.219 As we enter into fellowship 00:27:32.219 --> 00:27:33.240 with the Father 00:27:33.240 --> 00:27:35.799 and with His Son, Jesus Christ, 00:27:35.980 --> 00:27:37.919 we are entering into the love 00:27:37.919 --> 00:27:39.439 the Father has for the Son 00:27:39.439 --> 00:27:41.000 and the Son has for the Father. 00:27:41.259 --> 00:27:43.319 We're entering into that partnership. 00:27:44.379 --> 00:27:47.519 We discover that within that fellowship 00:27:47.519 --> 00:27:50.980 that God is enough. 00:27:52.240 --> 00:27:54.759 That God is sufficient. 00:27:55.919 --> 00:27:57.799 That within this fellowship 00:27:57.799 --> 00:27:59.399 He will keep you 00:27:59.399 --> 00:28:01.119 and He will hold you 00:28:01.119 --> 00:28:04.559 and your life will find meaning and purpose. 00:28:06.460 --> 00:28:09.019 This is the essence of life. 00:28:09.720 --> 00:28:13.220 This is where we are finally satisfied 00:28:13.220 --> 00:28:14.419 and fulfilled. 00:28:14.919 --> 00:28:18.680 This is where all the searching ends 00:28:18.680 --> 00:28:21.379 and where life begins. 00:28:21.380 --> 00:28:24.780 And so John starts out, 00:28:24.820 --> 00:28:25.180 he says, 00:28:25.560 --> 00:28:28.040 look at the evidence. 00:28:29.660 --> 00:28:32.060 Look at what we have heard 00:28:32.060 --> 00:28:33.260 and what we have seen 00:28:33.260 --> 00:28:34.500 and what we've looked at 00:28:34.500 --> 00:28:35.740 and what we have touched. 00:28:36.900 --> 00:28:38.160 Look at the evidence. 00:28:39.200 --> 00:28:39.840 Read it. 00:28:40.360 --> 00:28:41.140 Hear it. 00:28:42.020 --> 00:28:42.960 Believe it. 00:28:42.960 --> 00:28:46.240 And you will experience 00:28:46.240 --> 00:28:49.000 deep, infinite joy. 00:28:50.519 --> 00:28:52.980 Fellowship with God, 00:28:53.720 --> 00:28:56.880 Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 00:28:58.000 --> 00:29:00.140 Let's pray together. 00:29:00.140 --> 00:29:09.400 Father, we are amazed 00:29:09.400 --> 00:29:12.980 that God, 00:29:14.180 --> 00:29:16.460 in all His greatness, 00:29:17.740 --> 00:29:19.940 the Creator of life, 00:29:21.620 --> 00:29:23.600 the Sustainer of life, 00:29:23.599 --> 00:29:27.319 the provider of life, 00:29:29.319 --> 00:29:31.819 would become so small 00:29:31.819 --> 00:29:34.059 as a person 00:29:34.059 --> 00:29:36.139 to walk this earth 00:29:36.139 --> 00:29:39.539 so that we could know you 00:29:39.539 --> 00:29:40.319 intimately 00:29:40.319 --> 00:29:42.399 and personally. 00:29:45.079 --> 00:29:46.639 And we thank you 00:29:46.639 --> 00:29:48.699 that you have invited us 00:29:48.699 --> 00:29:52.000 to share in that fellowship. 00:29:52.000 --> 00:29:54.819 to know deep, 00:29:55.180 --> 00:29:55.720 personal, 00:29:56.660 --> 00:29:58.359 and intimate relationship 00:29:58.359 --> 00:29:59.339 with the Father 00:29:59.339 --> 00:30:01.359 and with the Son. 00:30:02.380 --> 00:30:04.640 To share in that love. 00:30:05.900 --> 00:30:08.200 To share in that partnership. 00:30:10.019 --> 00:30:11.240 And in that, 00:30:12.440 --> 00:30:14.539 to know infinite joy. 00:30:15.839 --> 00:30:17.619 A joy that completes, 00:30:18.920 --> 00:30:19.559 fulfills, 00:30:20.640 --> 00:30:21.640 and satisfies. 00:30:22.000 --> 00:30:25.779 So would you please help us 00:30:25.779 --> 00:30:27.220 not to turn away 00:30:27.220 --> 00:30:29.799 and to seek life 00:30:29.799 --> 00:30:31.299 in other things 00:30:31.299 --> 00:30:33.500 or in other people. 00:30:35.099 --> 00:30:36.000 Forgive us 00:30:36.000 --> 00:30:37.799 when we try to find life 00:30:37.799 --> 00:30:39.720 in our work 00:30:39.720 --> 00:30:42.920 or even our loved ones 00:30:42.920 --> 00:30:46.000 or in any other kind of activity. 00:30:46.000 --> 00:30:46.500 activity. 00:30:48.339 --> 00:30:49.319 But we pray 00:30:49.319 --> 00:30:50.480 that we would find it 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:52.259 purely in Jesus. 00:30:53.460 --> 00:30:54.720 The source of life. 00:30:55.420 --> 00:30:56.579 The word of life. 00:30:57.700 --> 00:30:59.440 The eternal life. 00:31:02.859 --> 00:31:04.339 Please help us, we pray. 00:31:05.460 --> 00:31:05.859 Amen.