WEEK 1.7 Discussion questions below.Episode SummaryIn this inaugural explore episode of A Slow Journey through John, co-hosts Nick and Jamie introduce themselves and their podcast while exploring the fundamental questions: Who is Jesus according to John's Gospel, and how should we respond to him? They establish John's Gospel as unique among the four gospels, examine Jesus as revealer of God who embodies love and lordship, and discuss belief as a journey rather than a destination. The episode addresses concerns about spiritual abuse while emphasizing their mission: "Christ formed in you for the sake of others."Timestamps00:00 Welcome to A Slow Journey through John00:28 Meet Your Hosts: Nick and Jamie04:12 The Vision Behind the Podcast05:49 How the Podcast Works10:52 Diving into the Gospel of John13:16 The Uniqueness of John's Gospel19:38 Jesus: The Revealer of God23:23 Jesus: Embodiment of Love25:59 Jesus: Lord and Creator27:25 Wrestling with the Identity of Jesus28:17 Jesus: The Giver of the Spirit28:54 The Challenge of Receiving God's Love31:23 The Evidence of the Holy Spirit: Gifts vs. Fruit32:51 Belief as a Journey, Not a Destination36:21 Creating Safe Spaces for Belonging and Belief38:21 Abiding in Christ: A Lifestyle of Following Jesus41:29 What Obedience Is and Isn’t45:56 Going Forth: Loving Others as Jesus Did49:49 Conclusion and TakeawaysKey PointsPodcast Structure: 5 daily meditations + prayer of examen + explore day with discussion questions for individuals or groupsJohn's Gospel Uniqueness: Likely written 80-100 AD by master storyteller John, covers three years of ministry (or one year three times) and demonstrates Jesus as disruptorWho is Jesus? Four Answers: Revealer of God, Love incarnate, Lord deserving allegiance, and Giver of the Holy SpiritHow Should We Respond? Three Ways: Believe (faith as journey), Follow (life-giving invitation to flourishing), Go (sent to give life and love abundantly)Understanding Abundant LifeAvailable now, not just future promiseIncludes both loving God and loving neighboursTrue abiding means following Jesus's teaching as whole lifestylePurpose of spiritual practices is formation for the sake of othersDiscussion QuestionsThe Jesus Filter: How might asking "Can I picture Jesus doing/saying this?" change your understanding of God or Scripture?Journey of Belief: What has your own journey of belief looked like? How have questions or doubts been part of your spiritual growth?Receiving vs. Giving Love: Why is receiving God's love often more challenging than giving it? How do you struggle with accepting God's abundant love?Following Without Burden: How can you distinguish between teachings that lead to freedom versus those that create shame and control?Christ Formed for Others: How does your spiritual growth connect to serving others? What would bringing "heaven on earth" look like in your daily life?TakeawaysFaith as Journey: Embrace questions and gradual awakening as normal parts of spiritual growthJesus as Filter: Use Jesus's character as the lens for understanding God and Christian livingIntegration Over Separation: Abundant life means Jesus's influence in all areas of life, not just private spiritualityConnect With UsEmail: [email protected] Media: @GoTheWildWay on Instagram and FacebookWebsite: thewildway.caDONATE TO THE WILD WAY⁠.  Your support helps us create spiritual formation and discipleship resources that help people be formed in the image of Christ for the sake of others. BibliographyMost Scripture from the Common English Bible (2012).Music credits:Teaching podcast: Music produced by Nick Osborne

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