The Signs... according to the Gospel of John...

So, before we get into any of the specific signs, there are a few things that I want to cover about why this particular Gospel was chosen for this study.  And please know, there was a lot of thought and prayer put into the decision of it, for sure.

For starters, this Gospel is different from the other three, in that it is more interpretive.  It has been said to me that "the heart of the matter is a matter of the heart," and this Gospel shows the heart within the earthly ministry of our Savior.  It is shown through the first few verses of the first chapter, as the plans of our Three-In-One God are shown, and we see that not only did God speak everything into existence, but He spoke it all through the Word: Jesus Christ. 

Secondly, this Gospel just oozes grace upon grace upon grace into the lives of those who read it.  It shows the love of Christ for His people from such a personal place.  Granted, all of the Gospels show the same love for us all, but this one, because of the way it is written, feels more personal... it's factual, like Luke, but warmer... it's action-packed, like Mark, but with deeper meanings and more detail... it's thorough, like Matthew, but more in feeling. 

Third, this Gospel is the single-most popular among all my friends, regardless of denomination.  My Catholic friends love it, my Baptist friends love it, my Lutheran friends love it, my Methodist friends love it... every Christian I know, regardless of church affiliation or use of liturgy, just loves it.  And that, I believe, is attributed mostly to the inclusion of the single verse that all Christians know:

"For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life."

John 3:16, HCSB

And finally, while this particular Gospel has less miracles than some others, there is a lot of backing for each one listed.  Therefore, a lot of digging can be done, and a lot of discovery is possible!  God's Word, all of it on every single page of the Bible, is meant for us to be able to discover Him more and more each day.    

Also, you should know that this Gospel refers to each miracle as a "Sign," because John is pointing the way to Christ.  John is pointing the way and paving the road to and for the Messiah.  These "Signs" are as plain to John as the street signs we drive past every day, and he makes use of them in instructing us to follow Christ.

So today, we'll begin by centering ourselves properly on a couple of key points.  These will be guiding principles for this (and every) study of God's Word.  First, God is God... no one else.  Second, God is incapable of being wrong, as He is perfect.  Third, the Holy Bible is His Word, inspired directly by Him through those He chose to record and share it.  Tying to that, every single character of writing in the Bible is a God-breathed one.  Lastly, we are the creature, and He is the Creator... and that relationship will not ever change in scope, so the proper amount of respect is required.  Lacking that respect or questioning the Word are both blasphemy, like it or not.  Center yourself in prayer today before we begin... and as we go, be certain to remain prayerful and cognizant of God's presence and person in His Signs, and in His Word.

God bless you all!!!