Full of Grace and Truth
He focuses on John Chapter 1, emphasizing the grace of Jesus Christ. Dana highlights how John the Apostle witnessed the unique glory of Jesus, which was characterized by grace and truth, contrasting it with the Old Testament's revelation of God's holiness and power. He explains that Jesus' ministry was marked by divine enabling and unmerited love, as seen in His interactions with various individuals, including the woman caught in adultery and Nicodemus. Dana stresses that Jesus acted not on His own initiative but in complete unity with the Father, which allowed Him to minister effectively. He encourages believers to follow this example, emphasizing the importance of being led by God rather than by personal desires or external pressures. Dana concludes by urging the congregation to behold the glory of Jesus, which enables them to receive grace and to live out their faith authentically, reflecting the grace and truth of Christ in their lives.
Outline of Main Points
Introduction and context of Dana's visit to Richmond
Focus on John Chapter 1 and the grace of Jesus
John's witness of Jesus' unique glory
Contrast between Old Testament and New Testament revelations
Jesus' ministry characterized by grace and truth
Importance of divine enabling and unmerited love
Jesus' obedience to the Father's will
Encouragement for believers to follow Jesus' example
Call to behold Jesus' glory for authentic faith
14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
15 John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. 16 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. 17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. 18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.
