John 21:24-25
Inspired Testimony
Introduction:
At the close of this fourth Gospel we see there are three significant items that need to be emphasized: 1. That the beloved disciple John is the inspired author.
2. That the Apostle John writes his testimony without any flaws. Every line is truth.
3. That this inspired testimony of John does not exceed the greatness and the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ. Yea, there are no libraries big enough to hold the details of all that Jesus said and did.
IMPRESSIVE TESTIMONY
Ends the way he begins – John 1:1cf.21:25; 1:15
“We” Plurality of witnesses – v.24
Christianity’s creditability
The Facts of Christianity
Christ’s Death and Resurrection – I Cor.15:17; Turn To: I Cor. 15:3-8
The witness of God the Father and the Holy Spirit – Turn To: John 5:30-38
Rejecting the truth – John 14:6; Acts 4:12
Gnosticism (“secret knowledge”)
Denies historical facts
Faith is superior to facts
Still with us today
Refutation of Gnosticism – I John 1:1-3; II Pet.1:20,21
INDISPUTABLE TESTIMONY
John wrote down what he saw and heard – v.24
The Bible was not communicated verbally
German critic, Rudolf Bultmann
Inspired writings – II Tim.3:16
Apocryphal writings (“hidden books”)
John, man of integrity
Eye witness testimony entirely inspired by the Holy Spirit
The authors of the New Testament sealed their testimony with their own blood
Closing Statement:
The works and teaching of Christ were written down in order that we might believe, (John 20:31) “that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God; and believing you may have life in His Name.”
Not all the answers – (Gordon Keddie)
Conclusion:
What Jesus has done, is doing, and will do – Acts 1:1-4
Are you a true disciple and a member of His Church?
Do you belong to the community of believers?
Have you been born again?
Are you following Christ in obedience?
Pastor Nick Iamaio
Reformed Presbyterian Church
207 South First Street, Fulton, NY 13069
Web Site fultonrpc.org
7/13/2008