The following is a chapter summary from the new book, Standing Near the Cross by Pastor Greg Neal. This book is excellent for personal Bible study, group studies like Sunday school, study for a discipleship program, or curriculum for college or Bible institute classes. You can learn more at Berean Publications.
Chapter One – John: The Beloved Disciple
Everyone wants a loyal friend who loves them. Jesus is always that friend to us, but are we that friend to Him? John the Beloved was the only disciple found standing near the Cross. He took great personal risk to be near His Friend and Saviour at the Crucifixion. What made him different from the other disciples, whose blatant absences stand in contrast to John’s presence?
In this chapter of Standing Near the Cross, we study John’s loyalty to Jesus and learn from the unique friendship between John and His Saviour. The elements of what made John’s love exceptional will provoke readers to examine their own relationships with Jesus. John the Beloved’s character study found in this chapter will pave a clear path before readers so that they also can be closer to the Saviour and can have a love for Jesus like John did!
Pastor Neal, through his preaching and his counseling, displays the compassionate heart of a pastor, follows the true leading of the Holy Spirit, and expresses a fervent desire to see lost souls come to know Christ. It is his ultimate desire to see the greater Jacksonville area reached for the cause of Christ and for revival to come to Northeast Florida.
