“That You Might Believe” - John 1 - June 1st, 2025 - Special Guest Mike Shaver

In this enlightening message, guest speaker Mike Shaver explores the profound opening of John’s Gospel, explaining why this book was written and how it uniquely presents Jesus as God incarnate. Drawing from John 20:30-31, Shaver reveals that John’s purpose was “that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ” and “have life in His name.” He skillfully compares the four Gospels, showing how each portrays Jesus for a different audience—Matthew to Jews (Jesus as King), Mark to Romans (Jesus as Servant), Luke to Greeks (Jesus as Man), and John to the Church (Jesus as God). Through a careful examination of John 1:1-13, Shaver affirms the deity of Christ as Creator of all things, the Light that illuminates human darkness, and the one who gives believers the right to become children of God. With engaging illustrations about scientific discoveries, historical perspective, and personal faith, this message challenges listeners to recognize Jesus as more than a historical figure—He is God who stepped into His own creation, offering us spiritual rebirth and the privilege of being His ambassadors in a world that desperately needs the light. Key Scripture References: John 1:1-13 - The Word was God, created all things, came to His own John 20:30-31 - John’s purpose statement for writing his Gospel Colossians 1:15-17 - Christ as creator and sustainer of all things Genesis - Prophecies of the Messiah that Jesus fulfilled Matthew 1 - Genealogy tracing Jesus’ legal lineage through Joseph Luke 3 - Genealogy showing Jesus’ humanity John 1:12-13 - The new birth “not of blood nor of will of flesh”