For years, Christians have told new believers to begin reading the Bible with the gospel of John. But without a good study companion for the new believer, the fourth gospel might be a little overwhelming. Finally, there is now a daily devotional of the beloved gospel with new believers specifically in mind This "basics for believers" study will inspire and encourage all believers, no matter where they are in their Christian journey.
This seven week journey consists of 98 devotionals which author Timothy McKeown has written (and rewritten) for more than thirty years. And yet, the inspired word of God never grows old.
The gospel of John is the deepest of all of the gospels and perhaps the most contemplative of all of the books in the New Testament. This devotional book is designed for new believers and young disciples to dig deeply into the most reflective of the four gospels. Matthew, Mark, and Luke tell what Jesus did, but the primary concern of John, "the disciple whom Jesus loved," is to tell what Jesus taught--and why. The Beloved Apostle only included a few of the miraculous signs which Jesus performed, but each one is strategically included for one primary purpose: "But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name." (John 20:31, NKJV)
"From the beginning, my desire has always been for new believers to study this amazing story of Christ on a daily basis, in short devotionals of 500 words or less," explains Pastor Tim McKeown, who began writing these lessons as a young youth pastor in seminary. "I have also put some things in this devotional that I hope will inspire the more mature Christian. My goal is to help new believers grow and for the seasoned believers to grow deeper from this enlightening gospel."
The Bible and especially the gospel of John is as unfathomable as the ocean's depths, where scientists may never cease to explore but also as inviting as the coastal shore, where even the smallest of children may play. The apostle wrote this gospel as the sole surviving apostle, with a purpose as straight and strong as the Master he first met when he was a young fisherman. That purpose was that readers and hearers of the gospel would place their trust squarely in and on the Lord Jesus Christ for their eternal life. John even defines what "eternal life" is by quoting Jesus who prayed in John 17:3, "Now this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent" (NIV).
If you are ready to grow deeper, to have that eternal life, let us walk together through this gospel journey, one day at a time, and learn the depths of eternal life; that is, knowing God and Jesus Christ. May this devotional book be as much of a blessing to you as the Gospel of John has been to so many over the years.