1. Jesus – the centre of our faith John 1:1-18

2. 1. Jesus is God – v.1,2 a. Jesus is eternal – “ In the beginning ” - Gen.1,2 – the creation of the world - John 1 – the re-creation of the world b. Jesus is one with God – “ was with God ” the eternal intimacy in the triune God c. Jesus is God – “ The Word was God ” Jesus is the full and perfect self-expression of God – Heb.1:1-3

3. Jesus is God We see:- a. The uniqueness of Jesus - He is supreme, above all others b. The centrality of Jesus - He is the only way to God – John 14:6; Acts 4:12 - He is the author of life c. The mystery of Jesus – we can know him, but there is so much to explore

4. 2. Jesus and creation – v.3-5 a. Jesus is the author of creation – v.3 - Gen.1 – “ And God said –” - Pr.8:30,31 – Wisdom as the craftsman b. Jesus sustains creation – v.4,5 - giving & upholding life – Acts 17:28 - revealing God – giving light to all, through creation & conscience Rom.1:20; 2:14,15 - overcoming darkness – cf. John 12:31; 16:33

5. 3. Jesus and salvation - v.6-18 a. John the Baptist as a witness – v.6-9 b. Receiving & rejecting the King – v.10-13 - many Jews rejected him – v.10,11 - some Jews & Gentiles received him-v.12,13 c. The King comes – v.14-18 - the mystery - the glory 1. He reveals God ’ s glory – v.18; 12:23,24,28,31-33; 13:31,32; 17:1 2. He gives us his grace – v.16

6. 4. You and Jesus a. The identity of Jesus - the eternal Son of God – the Creator - The God-man – the redeemer - The present Lord b. The reality of rejection – John 3:19 c. The wonder of transformation – the blessings – forgiveness & eternal life We are called to receive him/believe in him – v.12

7. Faith The eyes which see Jesus – his person & work The ears which hear his invitation to come & receive his grace The arms which are outstretched to take hold of him, to embrace him The feet which walk after him in engaged discipleship