Sermons & Resources
The Incarnation (John 1:1-18)
Pastor Young Park, December 24, 2022
Part of the Advent 2022 series, preached at a Lord's Day service
| Earlier: | Same day: | Later: |
|---|---|---|
| « How We’re Changed | None | The World Became Flesh » |
John 1:1–18 (Listen)
1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.
9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’”) 16 For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.
(ESV)
Gospel Transformation by World Harvest Mission
I heard a lot about Gospel Transformation through the grapevine but I finally got my hands on it a few weeks ago. It’s a 36 week inductive study focusing in on the gospel and our ongoing need for it no matter how long you’ve been a Christian. A few brothers of mine are going to start up soon. After flipping through the contents, it’s probably one of the best discipleship resources out there.
Sonship by World Harvest Mission
I haven’t really gotten a chance to go through this one yet, but it looks very promising. In addition, they have a one week Sonship Retreat as well as phone mentoring as well.
Gospel Centered Living
This is a shorter adaptation of Gospel Transformation. We went through this a few years ago and was very helpful in shaping our understanding of the gospel and our mission.
Matthias Media
I went to a conference by 9Marks and was introduced to ministry from Australia called Matthias Media. I was open to a whole new world! Well, not really. Back in my Boston days, there was a Korean couple from Australia who trained us in leading growth groups. Now I know they were trained by Matthias Media materials back in their university days. Anyway, their gospel resources are solid and they are constantly pumping out new tools and resources.
- Gospel-Driven Sanctification by Jerry Bridges (PDF)
- How to Preach the Gospel to Yourself by David Fairchild (Sermon MSS)
- The Gospel: Key to Change by Tim Keller (PDF)
- God Strengthens Us by the Gospel by John Piper
- The Gospel in Its Many Forms by Tim Keller
- How Does the Gospel Save Believers? (Part 2) (Part 3) by John Piper
- Gospel-Centered by Joe Thorn
- Preach the Gospel to Yourself by Tim Challies
- Signs that you are growing in grace by Scotty Smith (a compilation of his tweets organized by theme)
- Gospel Centered Personal Renewal by Tommy Brister
John 3:16
Here’s Pastor Ken’s attempt to summarize the gospel using John 3:16
Two Ways to Live
A concise summary of the gospel that tells the whole story of God’s redemptive plan from beginning to end. There are tracts for adults and children and its translated in many languages including Chinese.
The Big Story
James Choung is coming out with a new book, True Story: A Christianity Worth Believing In. Instead of going through a tract, which would roll the eyes of many skeptics, James whips out a piece of scrap paper and starts drawing. He starts with human longings and how it points to creation and from there, tells the story of God’s rescue mission. I like the holistic element and how the gospel not only saves and transforms individuals, but also how the gospel transforms society and the world we live in.
How Can I Know God?
This isn’t a gospel tract or a tool, but a great article by Tim Keller called, How Can I Know God?