August 2023 - THE SUPERNATURAL: Why DOes it Matter?
August 1 – September 2, 2023
The Supernatural: Why Does It Matter?
Core Text: John 14-16
What is the supernatural? Is there a spiritual realm? What are the true spiritual forces at work today? This month, we will explore the truths about the Holy Spirit on Sunday mornings. Also, we will learn together about the uniqueness of John’s Gospel and learn to appreciate the value of this book in our fuller understanding of the Christian message.
We will acknowledge that John paints a compelling portrait of the Divine Son of God. John offers a unique perspective on the life of Christ in comparison with the Synoptic Gospels. John focuses more on the Judean ministry of Jesus and certainly gives more attention to the final week in His life.
The lengthy conversational discourses in John are unique to him. Also, his careful artistry is on display through his arrangement of “sevens” as he recounts the story of Jesus: Seven I Am Statements, Seven Signs, and Seven Stories where Jesus also echoes the exclamation of the Divine Name. This Gospel truly is a work of art!
We will set the stage on the first Sunday with an acknowledgment that John is telling a supernatural story that connects to the past, present, and future. We will then explore the powerful teachings about the Holy Spirit for the next three weeks.
Meanwhile, we will read the Gospel of John together as a church family. We will be reminded that we are continuing to live as spiritual people in a natural world. We are carrying on the very mission given by Jesus to His original followers. And, just like them, we are not solely reliant on our own power, but we have been supernaturally equipped for this eternally relevant task.
August 6, 2023: This World is Not All There Is!
John’s Gospel opens with a majestic, theologically dense, towering prologue. In this magnificent introduction, he captures a deep connection to the past revelation of God in Genesis, he expresses deep truths about the current reality of creation, and he offers a glimpse into the future. He also sets the stage for the sharing of a supernatural story played out on a cosmic stage.
Daily Bible Readings
August 7: John 1
August 8: John 2
August 9: John 3
August 10: John 4
August 11: John 5
August 12: Reflection
August 13, 2023: The Holy Spirit: Our Advocate
The Holy Spirit of God has been given to us as a Gift from God the Father and God the Son. He is our Advocate, our Comforter, our Guide Who comes alongside us and dwells within us. He empowers us and leads us into all truth.
Daily Bible Readings
August 14: John 6
August 15: John 7
August 16: John 8
August 17: John 9
August 18: John 10
August 19: Reflection
August 20, 2023: The Holy Spirit: At Work in the World
God’s Spirit is at work both in the Church and in the World. He is convicting the world of sin, holding fast the power of righteousness, and engaging in judgment of unrighteousness. He is glorifying the Son as He leads God’s people in righteous living.
Daily Bible Readings
August 21: John 11
August 22: John 12
August 23: John 13
August 24: John 14
August 25: John 15
August 26: Reflection
August 27, 2023: We Have Been Empowered and Sent!
After the resurrection of Jesus, He continued to teach His disciples about life in the Kingdom of God. In John’s account, He commissions them to engage in the mission He began. As He commissions them to this incredible endeavor, He “breathed” the Holy Spirit on them! We now have this same commission as followers of Jesus. We also have the same power and presence of the Holy Spirit!
Daily Bible Readings
August 28: John 16
August 29: John 17
August 30: John 18
August 31: John 19
September 1: John 20-21
September 2: Reflection