Many Other Signs

Plain Bible Study Guides

Read: John 20:30-31

John then added, “Therefore many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book” (20:30). Even though there were four gospels written that discussed the life of Jesus, there were many things He did which were never recorded. However, John said, “But these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name” (20:31). What has been recorded is there to lead us to belief so that we can be saved. The inspired record is sufficient to do this.


The above post is an excerpt from the John Study Guide. Follow the link to learn more about the book and purchase your copy today!

The Vine and the Branches

Plain Bible Study Guides

Read: John 15:1-8

Jesus began with an illustration of the vine and the branches. His teaching is straightforward and easily understood, yet many have misunderstandings about it.

There are three parties depicted in the illustration – the vine, the vinedresser, and the branches. Jesus explained, “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser” (15:1). Identifying the vine and vinedresser is obvious from the first verse, but who are the branches? “I am the vine, you are the branches” (15:5).

It is important that we understand that when Jesus said, “You are the branches” (15:5), He was speaking to individuals. Many in the religious world, in their attempt to justify denominationalism, claim that the branches are denominations. In other words, the Baptist church, Methodist church, Lutheran church, and so on are all branches that grow off of – yet are still connected to – the vine (Jesus). However, Jesus made it clear that He was referring to individuals as the branches. Notice the words He used: “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch” (15:5-6). The branches in Jesus’ illustration can only refer to individual disciples.

The disciples, as branches, were expected to bear fruit (15:2). Even today, this means that Jesus’ disciples must be actively serving Him. However, it is not enough to do just anything we decide to do in His service (cf. Matthew 7:21-23); we must do what He has instructed. This was the point of Jesus’ statements: “The branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine,” and, “For apart from Me you can do nothing” (15:4-5). That does not mean that if they fell away they would be incapable of any action; instead, it meant that if they quit following the instructions of Christ, they would not be able to please Him and bear the proper fruit.

Those who do not bear fruit will be taken away (15:2). Jesus said, “If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned” (15:6). This is a reference to divine judgment against those who failed to faithfully serve Him.

Those who do bear fruit “prove to be [Jesus’] disciples” (15:8). They will then be pruned so that they can bear more fruit (15:2). This is referring to the continued growth and maturity that will necessarily take place as Jesus’ disciples faithfully serve Him. These disciples were “already clean” or pruned “because of the word” that Jesus taught them (15:3). In fact, Jesus told them, “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you” (15:7). This promise for asking and receiving was specifically for the apostles (cf. 14:13-14; 15:16; 16:23). Yet this also teaches us how we abide in Jesus – by having His words abide in us. When His word abides in us, we will bear fruit (15:4-5).


The above post is an excerpt from the John Study Guide. Follow the link to learn more about the book and purchase your copy today!

Words of Eternal Life

Plain Bible Study Guides

Read John 6:66-70

After Jesus’ teaching in the synagogue, the crowd left. Rather than panicking about losing so many followers, as we might have been tempted to do, He offered His twelve disciples a chance to leave as well (6:66-67). Peter spoke up and explained why they could not leave: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life” (6:68). Peter understood what the crowd failed to understand – one must follow the words of Christ if he hopes to have eternal life. We must do the same.


The above post is an excerpt from the John Study Guide. Follow the link to learn more about the book and purchase your copy today!

NEW RELEASE: John Study Guide

Plain Bible Study Guides

We are excited to announce our new workbook on the Gospel of John. This study guide contains 21 lessons with questions to aid in personal and group Bible studies. You can read more about it here: John Study Guide.

John Study Guide (cover)This is fourth of our Plain Bible Study Guides we are developing. Stay tuned for new releases in the future!

Plain Bible Study Guides are designed to help Christians engage in profitable studies of the Scriptures. The study guides include a straightforward explanation of the text and questions at the end of each lesson, making them useful for both individual and group Bible studies.

The Gospel of John

The gospel of John discusses the life of Jesus, including His teaching, miracles, crucifixion, and resurrection. However, John focuses on certain events that are not recorded in the “synoptic gospels” (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), giving us a more complete picture of Jesus. It is designed to produce or strengthen faith in Jesus as the Son of God. Knowing who Jesus is, why He came to earth, what He expects of His followers, and where He is today is essential if we are to be one of His disciples.

DOWNLOAD SAMPLE

If you order 10 or more copies of the John Study Guide, you will receive a special bulk discount. Contact us if you would like to place a bulk order.