Print

l JOHN 1:1-3

Intro: Difficulty of translating Greek word Koinonia -- fellowship, communion, partners, 
       partakers, common.

I. THE ETERNAL EXISTENCE OF JESUS.
        A. "That which was from the beginning..."
                1. "In the beginning God created..."
                2. "In the beginning was the Word."
                3. "I am the alpha and the omega, the beginning...
        B. "That eternal life that was with the Father."
                1. Micah 5:2, "And thou Bethlehem--whose going forth... from everlasting."
                2. "Before Abraham was, I am."
                3. "He who was in the beginning, with God..."

II. THE INCARNATION "FOR THE LIFE WAS MANIFESTED."
        A. "And the Word was God... And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us..."
                1. "Not robbery to be equal with God.. .took upon Him the form of a servant
                   and was made in the likeness of men."
                2. 1 Tim. 3:16, "God was manifest in the flesh."
        B. The disciples heard Him, saw Him, gazed steadfastly upon Him, touched Him.
                1. John now reflecting on incredible experience.
                        a. We were hearing voice of God.
                        b. We were seeing God.
                        c. We were staring transfixed at God.
                        d. We touched God.
                2. God spoke to man in Jesus.
                        a. "God who at sundry times and in diverse manners..."
                        b. "The words that I speak..."
                3. Through Jesus men can see God.
                        a. "Have I been so long a time with you..."
                4. Through Jesus man can touch God.
                        a. David, "When I consider the heavens the work of Thy fingers..."
                        b. Job, "How can a man be lust with God?"

ll. PURPOSE OF CHRISTIANITY IS TO BRING MAN INTO FELLOWSHIP.
        A. Modern philosophy has alienated man from man, and from God.
        B. Jesus brings us into fellowship with each other.
                1. Common denominator.
                        a. Ethnic groups.
                        b. Cultures.
                        c. Ages.
                2. Bound by His love.
                3. Share all things in Him -- one body.
                        a. Body of Christ.
                4. One hope.
                        a. Faith, baptism, calling.
        C. Through Him we have fellowship with God.