Lenten Series

40 DAYS READING THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

Welcome to our Lenten Devotional Series of reading through the gospel of John. The gospel of John is different from the gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke in that John shares stories about Jesus that are unique to the gospel of John. Only John tells us about the wedding miracle, a woman at a well and the brother of two sisters raised from the dead.

The gospel of John is written to help us see the humanity of Jesus and how Jesus is touched by the things that impact us. However, John also reminds us that Jesus is divine as well and in his divinity, will use his power to aid us.

Each day we will read an assigned passage from John and will have Sunday as a rest day or to catch up on missed readings. At the end of each week, I will post a reflection of the readings for the week with key takeaways.

In addition to reading the gospel of John, I am requesting that persons give one dollar each day during Lent. The dollar a day gift will be used at the end of Lent to support a mission project that will show our ongoing witness to the gospel. You may give your gift online, by cash app, by mail or drop off at the church. Please indicate your gift is for Lent.

Finally, for those who so desire, join us in a Daniel Fast during these 40 days. (Click Here for More Info)

I pray that our Lenten journey together through Bible reading, giving, prayer and fasting will further unite us as a congregation toward a common cause and a common goal--to be drawn near to Christ.

Let’s begin the journey with a prayer of commitment:
Lord, my desire is to be drawn closer to thee. I know my tendencies to do the things that please me and require less of me in terms of sacrifice, surrender, suffering and service. So, grant me the strength I need to honor my commitment to you. May I learn what you have waiting for those who will offer themselves to you and trust you to lead in paths of higher potential. Make me ready for the journey because of the promise of your presence. Amen

                                                                            DR. RICKY A. WOODS
                                                                            FBC-W SENIOR MINISTER

LENTEN JOURNEY

lent1

John in 40 Days (Ash Wednesday- Easter)

  • Wed          1:1-28
  • Thurs        1:29-51
  • Fri.            2:1-23
  • Sat            3:1-21
  • Sun          Rest
  • Mon         12:27-50
  • Tues        13:1-20
  • Wed         13:21-38
  • Thurs       14:1-14
  • Fri            14:15-31
  • Sat           15:1-17
  • Sun          Rest
  • Mon          3:22-36
  • Tues         4:1-42
  • Wed          4:43-54
  • Thurs        5:1-29
  • Fri             5:30-47
  • Sat            6:1-21
  • Sun          Rest
  • Mon          15:18-27
  • Tues         16:1-15
  • Wed          16:16-33
  • Thurs        17:1-26
  • Fri             18:1-24
  • Sat            18:25-40
  • Sun          Rest
  • Mon          6:22-59
  • Tues         6:60-71
  • Wed          7:1-31
  • Thurs        8:1-30
  • Fri             8:31-59
  • Sat            8:31-59
  • Sun          Rest
  • Mon          19:1-27
  • Tues         19:28-42
  • Wed          20:1-18
  • Thurs        20:19-30
  • Fri             21:1-14
  • Sat            21:15-25
  • Sun          Rest
  • Mon          9:1-41
  • Tues        10:1-21
  • Wed         10:22-42
  • Thurs       11:1-27
  • Fri            11:28-57
  • Sat           12:1-26
  • Easter--Celebrate!



Tips for Bible Reading Success

  • Set a time and place where you will do your reading
  • Place your Bible someplace visible as a reminder.
  • Print out the Bible chart and track your progress by marking off readings as you complete them.
  • Make no exceptions! Vow to do it no matter what!
  • If you blow the last tip, then just start over where you left off. Pick up on a light day or on Sunday.
  • Think of this as a gift to God. Have fun giving it and share your story with others. Your accomplishment may inspire them.
Thursday, February 25, 2021 8:21 AM

Week One Lenten Devotional John 1:1-3:21

Thursday, February 25, 2021 8:21 AM
Thursday, February 25, 2021 8:21 AM

The first week’s reading in the gospel of John introduced us to key characters and actions that would be repeated throughout the gospel story.

John the Baptist affirms that Jesus is the Messiah and although John has a religious following, he is clear on his role. He must decrease and Jesus must increase.

The gospel of John also presents us with an important theme to understanding the gospel--the invitation to come and see. The gospel provides what is referred to as signs and the signs are evidence to the claims of Jesus. The signs help us to see who Jesus is for no one can do the things he does unless God is with him.

There are multiple signs in this week’s reading. There is the sign of Jesus seeing Nathanael under the fig tree. There is the sign of Jesus cleansing the temple. There is the sign of Jesus turning the water to wine at the wedding in Cana. Each sign provides unique insight to the ministry of Jesus and its impact upon humanity.

The first sign demonstrates Jesus’ understanding of others as in the case of Nathanael. The second sign reveals the place of authentic and unencumbered worship where Go--not things--are central. The third sign affirms the importance of love and the celebration of community.

Understanding, worship and affirmation are the building blocks that John uses to introduce us to new ways of experiencing God’s love. The age of rules has passed and the dawn of grace has come.

Our reading concluded with the story of Nicodemus and perhaps the most quoted passage of scripture in the entire Bible- John 3:16-- For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Whereas we celebrate the witness of that love on Easter, we learn of the journey of that love on the way to the cross during Lent.

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