Camp Fire Discussions of John
Join our Summer discussion of the Gospel of John
John 11 - Are Zombies Real?
October 31, 2021 • John 11:1–17
It’s so appropriate that we are at John 11 on Halloween. Otherwise known as Keith V appreciation day. The story recorded in the first part of John 11 is perfect for this day because we may see the very first zombie. If I had to put a title on today, it would be, “Are Zombies Real?” Or “Was Lazarus a Zombie?”
John 13 - It's all about washing feet
November 14, 2021 • John 13:1–17
How many of you are people who remember a lot about their childhood? I am not one of those people. I have tried to figure out why, and I don’t think it was because of some repression. I think it is because I was never very sentimental as a child. I wasn’t so much thinking about my life as I was just living my life. I didn’t get sentimental until later in life.
John 10 - Stranger Danger
October 17, 2021 • John 10
John 10 is full of little analogies that run together, sort of. Gate. Wall. Gatekeeper. Sneaky People. Thieves & Robbers. Sheep. Good Shepherd. Oh, and don't forget Jesus' reference to the Psalms calling people "gods". If you weren't confused before you got to this chapter, you might be now.
John 8 - Freedom or Law: Which is more effective?
September 26, 2021 • Matt Atkins • John 8:12–59
One of the dangers when a chapter contains really famous verses, is to get caught up in their individual significance rather than in the overall purpose of the section. Such is the case with this section.
John 9 - In Local News
October 3, 2021 • Matt Atkins • John 9:1–5
John 9 reads like a news story that could be put in so many different sections. I was reading it this week and was thinking of these headlines: “In health news today, clinical trials of spit and mud show promise in healing blindness.” ESPN: “Watch Jesus Nazareth restore sight and give black eye with one punch.” From Christianity Today: “Jesus muddies the water of major religious festival”.
John 8 - Women, Men & Condemnation
September 12, 2021 • Matt Atkins • John 8:1–11
If the story of the woman caught in adultery is not very troubling to you, something is wrong. There are reasons why this story is included in the gospel of John, even though early manuscripts don't include it. In the end, my view is that it just sounds so much like Jesus that it has to be here.
John 7 - Who is Jesus to YOU?
August 29, 2021 • Matt Atkins • John 7
“Belief is a powerful and necessary thing, governing our societies, our day-to-day and inner lives, our thoughts, hopes, plans, and relationships. You believe that the plane will leave the runway, that working hard will lead to a promotion, that the candidate you support is the best one for the job. Some things you believe because a pattern of experience suggests you should: The sun has come up every morning so far, so why should tomorrow be any different?" I can't help but wonder why we(?) believe in Jesus.
John 6 - "I AM"
August 22, 2021 • John 6
Aaron leads us in thought provoking look at John 6. After Jesus feeds a whole ton of people, the people decide that Jesus should be their new king. This isn't the Jesus wanted things to go, so after hiding out for a bit and taking a stroll across the lake, Jesus finally addresses the crowds. What he says is not exactly what they expected.
John 2 - What happens when your wine runs out?
July 11, 2021 • Matt Atkins
"The wine supply ran out during the festivities, so Jesus’ mother told him, “They have no more wine.” “Dear woman, that’s not our problem,” Jesus replied. “My time has not yet come.” But his mother told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Standing nearby were six stone water jars, used for Jewish ceremonial washing. Each could hold twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus told the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” When the jars had been filled, he said, “Now dip some out, and take it to the master of ceremonies.” So the servants followed his instructions." The wine always runs out, doesn't it.