Ok, here it is.  Finally, our online Bible Study for those who want to do this in their own time, at their own pace.  Pastor Mark is working on his Course of Study schoolwork, so we will take up the challenge and get this Bible Study going.  When he finishes his work, he can take it over, unless we find out we like to do it and refuse to let him! :)

We will respect the opinions of all who would like to contribute.  

Please keep in mind that, while this Bible Study is not limited to those who attend Owensville UMC. or Blythe Chapel UMC, 

your respect of our beliefs is imperative.  

We reserve the right to refuse the posting of opinions that include foul language,  pornographic reference, and inappropriate remarks about the beliefs of others . 

All postings will be approved by Rev. Mark Fernihough, Pastor of Owensville UMC/Blythe Chapel UMC before they appear online.  

Ok, now that all that is said and done, let's get started!

The first chapter of The Gospel of John will be our focus.  Read John 1:1-18 and then answer the questions, ask a few of your own, and/or give your comments.  

Send your replies to amspeedfeet@yahoo.com and we will post them on this page.  We will leave the Bible Study of John 1:1-18 on this page for one month.  After that, we will go on to the next focus.  Please keep this in mind when you send your answers.  

It would be helpful if you would include your first name, your church affiliation, the chapter and verses that you refer to, and the date of your submission along with your replies. Please understand that some replies may require editing for the purpose of allowing space for everyone to express their opinion.  If you find that you would like to reply to a particular opinion, but choose to do so in a private manner, send your request to the above stated web address and your request will be sent to the person in question. They may then choose to respond as they see fit. 

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John 1:1-18

from the NIV Quiet Time Bible

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 ¹In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.    2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through Him all things were made; without Him, nothing was made that has been made.  4 In Him was life and that life was the light of men.   5 The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.  

6  There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John.  7 He came as a witness to testify concerning the light, so that through him all men might believe.  8 He himself was not the light, he came only as a witness to the light. 9 The true light that gives His light every man was coming into the world.  

10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize Him.  11 He came to that which is His own, but His own did not receive Him. 12 Yet to all who received Him, to those who believe in His name, He gave the right to become children of God- 13 children not born of natural descent nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.  

14 The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.  We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. 

15 John testifies concerning Him.  He cries out, saying, " This is He of whom I said, ' He who comes after me and has surpassed me because He was before me ' " 16 From the fullness of His Grace we have all received one blessing after another.  17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth through Jesus Christ.  18 No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father's side, has made Him known. 

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1.)  The first verse of this Gospel is worded in the same way as the first verse of Genesis.  Do you believe that it is possible that John studied that Book as a child of the Jewish faith?  How else might the parallel be explained?

2.)  In verses 2 - 6, John talks about "He".  How would you answer someone who asked you if the "He" that John talks about is Jesus?  How do you believe?

3.) Verse 12 says that the True Light gave the right to be called children of God to those who believe in Him.  How does this belief affect your life?  Do you spend time thinking about what has been given to you?  What does it mean to you?

4.) In verse 17, John says "For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ."  How would you explain this?