John, "The Gospel of Belief"

FOREWORD

It is generally accepted by Bible students that John the apostle is "that disciple whom Jesus loved," and the author of the Gospel bearing his name. This being true, John would have been the most intimate and closely associated with Jesus of any of the disciples. Such intimacy and the apostle’s keenness of observation in relating minute incidentals such as the hour, the day, feast days, the number of fishes in the net, etc., and his inspiration by the Holy Spirit, would eminently qualify him to write a book such as the Gospel whose theme is the deity and Godhood of Jesus.

Robert Harkrider, now in the prime of life and a careful and observant student, is peculiarly qualified to write a book emphasizing John’s message. His years as a student, a preacher of the gospel, and a teacher of the word, have given him an insight into the Bible, and the needs of both teacher and student, which add to these qualifications. He is the author of a large number of Bible workbooks in which he has manifested an unusual insight into the scripture text, and has demonstrated an ability to analyze and present truth in a clear and understandable order. In this particular volume, "Bob" (as he is affectionately known by his many friends) has divided John’s Gospel into twenty-six lessons, discussing the text in a manner that emphasizes John’s message of the eternal Godhood ofJesus, and of man’s responsibility to Him. Without becoming lengthy and technical, the author has developed a concise and helpful commentary of the book and at the same time exposed erroneous doctrines held today but refuted by divine truth.

Of the many spiritual needs today, there is none greater than to establish in the hearts of the present generation a solid and unshakable faith in Jesus Christ as the divine Saviour and Lord. With this established, respect for the Lord’s authority and our need to bow the knee unto Him is irrevocably settled. The aim of John’s Gospel and of Harkrider’s book is to accomplish this. In the hands of a competent teacher and a truth seeking student, this workbook should achieve this goal.

Brother Harkrider is to be commended for his diligence as a student and his labor in producing this valuable teaching and study aid. It is a pleasure to recommend the book to all who may be looking for a helpful tool in teaching the Gospel of John. May God bless Bob’s effort.

Homer Hailey
Tucson, Arizona
June, 1988

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION:

PART I: PRESENTATION OF JESUS CHRIST, THE SON OF GOD, 1:19-4

PART II: CONTROVERSIAL REACTIONS TO THE CLAIMS AND PROOFS THAT JESUS IS THE CHRIST, CHAPS. 5-12

PART III: PARTING WORDS OF COMFORT TO THE APOSTLES AT THE LAST SUPPER, CHAPS. 13-17