Experiencing Jesus: A Personal Invitation to Faith
Summary
In a recent message, Shan Moyers delves into the essence of Christianity and the personal nature of its core message. He emphasizes that the Christian faith is not merely about adhering to a philosophy or a set of rules but is centered on a relationship with a person—Jesus Christ. Moyers encourages individuals to actively engage with the scriptures, particularly the book of John, to discover who Jesus is for themselves.
Moyers begins by highlighting the human tendency to seek spiritual fulfillment outside traditional religious institutions, referencing sociologist Robert Wood's observations on the American spiritual landscape. Wood notes that many Americans express being "spiritual but not religious," indicating a desire for spiritual connection without the confines of organized religion. Moyers points out that while people are turning away from traditional religious practices and even from the secular reliance on science and reason for purpose, they are still searching for something more.
The message then transitions to the Gospel of John, where John the Baptist introduces Jesus as the "Lamb of God." Moyers clarifies the distinction between John the Baptist and the apostle John, the author of the Gospel. He explains that John the Baptist's role was to prepare the way for Jesus, shifting the focus from a rules-based religion to a relationship with God.
Moyers emphasizes the importance of personal experience in understanding Jesus. He recounts the story of Andrew, who, after hearing John the Baptist's proclamation, immediately sought out his brother Simon Peter to share the news of the Messiah. This act of personal invitation and witnessing is a model for how individuals come to know Jesus—not just through teachings and scripture but through relationships and community.
The concept of "come and see" is central to Moyers' message. He explains that Jesus' invitation to potential followers was not to come and think or come and obey, but to come and see—to experience his life and teachings firsthand. This approach is reflected in the way Jesus addressed the skepticism of Nathaniel, who doubted anything good could come from Nazareth. Philip's response to Nathaniel's doubt, "Come and see," encapsulates the essence of the Christian invitation to explore and question.
Moyers also discusses the role of the Bible in the life of a believer. He describes it as a living document, empowered by the Holy Spirit, that speaks to the hearts of individuals. He encourages people to read the Bible, particularly the Gospels, to gain a firsthand understanding of Jesus' life and message.
The message concludes with practical steps for individuals to deepen their understanding of Jesus. Moyers introduces the pursuit journal, a tool designed to guide individuals through daily scripture reading and reflection. He also stresses the importance of community, urging listeners to join small groups where they can discuss and grow in their faith together.
Key Takeaways:
- The Christian faith is an invitation to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, not just adherence to a philosophy or a set of rules. This relationship is cultivated through engaging with the scriptures and experiencing the life of Jesus as described in the Gospels. The book of John, in particular, offers a unique perspective on Jesus, emphasizing his divine nature and his role as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. [29:36]
- The phrase "come and see" is a recurring theme in the Gospel of John and represents the essence of the Christian invitation. It encourages individuals to witness the life of Jesus firsthand, to ask questions, and to seek understanding through personal experience rather than mere intellectual assent. This approach to faith acknowledges the validity of doubt and skepticism, inviting an honest exploration of who Jesus is. [35:57]
- The Bible is described as a living document that works in conjunction with the Holy Spirit to transform the hearts and minds of believers. It is not a static text but a dynamic means through which God communicates with individuals, offering guidance, correction, and inspiration for living a life aligned with divine principles. [38:22]
- Community plays a crucial role in the Christian journey. The relationships and conversations we have with others can significantly influence our understanding of Jesus and our spiritual growth. Moyers emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with a spiritual network that challenges, supports, and elevates one's faith. [42:28]
- Personal experience and testimony are powerful tools for sharing the message of Jesus. Just as Andrew brought his brother Simon Peter to Jesus, believers are encouraged to share their encounters with Christ with others. This act of personal witnessing can have a profound impact on those who are seeking spiritual truth and may lead them to explore the Christian faith for themselves. [40:25]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 1:29-34
2. John 1:35-39
3. John 1:40-51
#### Observation Questions
1. What does John the Baptist call Jesus when he sees Him approaching, and what is the significance of this title? (John 1:29)
2. How does Jesus respond to the two disciples who begin to follow Him, and what does this response invite them to do? (John 1:38-39)
3. What is Andrew's immediate reaction after spending time with Jesus, and what does he do next? (John 1:40-41)
4. How does Philip respond to Nathaniel's skepticism about Jesus being from Nazareth, and what does this reveal about the approach to faith? (John 1:46)
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is the title "Lamb of God" significant in understanding Jesus' role and mission? (John 1:29)
2. What does Jesus' invitation to "come and see" suggest about the nature of discovering faith and understanding Jesus? (John 1:39) [35:31]
3. How does the act of Andrew bringing Simon Peter to Jesus illustrate the importance of personal testimony and invitation in the Christian faith? (John 1:41) [39:51]
4. What does Nathaniel's initial skepticism and subsequent encounter with Jesus teach us about the process of overcoming doubt and finding faith? (John 1:46-49) [49:07]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own spiritual journey. Have you ever felt "spiritual but not religious"? How did you seek spiritual fulfillment outside traditional religious institutions? [23:25]
2. How can you actively engage with the scriptures, particularly the book of John, to deepen your understanding of Jesus? What steps will you take this week to start or continue this practice? [37:29]
3. Think about a time when someone invited you to "come and see" something that changed your perspective. How can you extend a similar invitation to someone in your life who is curious about faith? [40:51]
4. In what ways can you cultivate a spiritual network that challenges, supports, and elevates your faith? Identify specific people or groups you can connect with to grow together. [43:04]
5. How do you handle doubts and questions about your faith? What steps can you take to create a safe space for yourself and others to explore these questions honestly? [49:38]
6. Reflect on the role of personal experience and testimony in your faith journey. How can you share your encounters with Jesus with others in a way that is inviting and genuine? [39:51]
7. Consider the practical steps you can take to integrate daily scripture reading and reflection into your routine. How can tools like the pursuit journal help you in this endeavor? [59:05]
Devotional
Day 1: Intimacy with Christ Transforms Lives
Christianity calls for a deep, personal relationship with Jesus, not just a commitment to doctrines. This relationship is nurtured through scripture engagement, especially the Gospel of John, which reveals Jesus' divine identity and sacrificial role. [29:36]
John 1:12-13 - "Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God."
Reflection: How does your daily life reflect an intimate relationship with Jesus, and what steps can you take to deepen this connection?
Day 2: Witnessing Faith Through Experience
The invitation to "come and see" encourages a personal exploration of Jesus' life, embracing doubts and questions as part of the faith journey. This experiential approach is vital for an authentic understanding of who Jesus is. [35:57]
John 4:29 - "Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?"
Reflection: What doubts or questions do you have about Jesus, and how can you actively seek answers through your own experiences?
Day 3: The Bible as a Living Conversation
The Bible, enlivened by the Holy Spirit, speaks directly to our hearts, offering not just knowledge but transformation. It's a dynamic conversation with God that shapes our lives and aligns us with His will. [38:22]
Hebrews 4:12 - "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."
Reflection: When reading the Bible, how do you listen for God's voice, and what changes has it prompted in your life?
Day 4: Spiritual Growth in Community
Our faith is bolstered and refined through relationships with fellow believers. Engaging in spiritual conversations within a community can significantly enhance our understanding and practice of faith. [42:28]
1 Thessalonians 5:11 - "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."
Reflection: How can you contribute to your spiritual community to foster growth, both in yourself and in others?
Day 5: Sharing Jesus Through Personal Testimony
Personal stories of encountering Jesus are powerful evangelistic tools. Like Andrew leading Peter to Christ, our testimonies can impact those seeking spiritual truth and encourage them to explore faith. [40:25]
1 Peter 3:15 - "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect."
Reflection: Who can you share your personal testimony with this week, and how might your story influence their spiritual journey?
Quotes
1) "Your understanding of Jesus will never outpace your spiritual network of people." [42:28] (Download)
2) "The invitation is to come and see, to come and observe through scripture." [39:23] (Download)
3) "The invitation is to come and see together... The reason that I stand here today is because there were people that invited me to come and see." [41:24] (Download)
4) "Come and see, said Philip. Why don't you come and see and we'll ask our questions together." [49:02] (Download)
5) "Jesus does not look at our questions and answer like the new spirituality... He says this is why I came. So you could see me. So you could study me." [49:53] (Download)
6) "The Bible is the way that we actually come and see and come and observe." [38:22] (Download)
7) "You need people who are ahead of you, beside you, and below you in your understanding of Jesus. You need all three because you need to be learning from some, processing with others, and helping someone else learn." [44:17] (Download)
8) "The person you're bringing the questions to, Jesus of Nazareth, is the God of the universe who knows you. Knows you more than you know yourself." [56:19] (Download)
9) "The only way to actually communicate himself to us, God, communicate himself to us, was to become one of us so we could see, so we could touch, so we could feel." [29:36] (Download)
10) "The Bible... works with the spirit of God... the word of God is living and active. It is like a double edged sword." [38:22] (Download)
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