Unity and Obedient Discipleship in the Gospel of John is an in-depth study companion to The Ultimate Victory: Becoming a Follower of Jesus, chapter 5. It can also be read as a stand alone exegetical study of John 17:20-23. Keep in mind that it is easy to read into the Bible what is already part of a person’s experiences and understanding of the world around them. But, in reality, in order to understand Scripture properly, one should first understand how a passage would have been understood by its original audiences and then considered regarding contemporary application. The Gospel of John was written for a first-century Mediterranean world and this book looks at the Gospel of John from this perspective. 

  It is my prayer that many will read this book with its focus on John and in particular John 17:20-23 in order to understand more fully how John’s “Good News” proclamation would have been initially understood in the first-century Mediterranean world, and thereby gain a clearer perspective on the heart of God’s Gospel message, which will in-turn stimulate many to seek that which God desires for all of His obedient children: a vibrant life now as part of His eternal close-knit holy family and eternal perfection in the near future within His holy family within the renewed heavens and earth. In addition, I pray that after working through this in-depth study, if you have not considered the historical-cultural and literary context along with the grammar of passages in the past, you will do so in the future as you continue to study and grow in God’s Word.

  Ultimately, I pray that this book will stimulate many to seek God’s enlightenment and empowerment in order to realize more fully His desired godly unity for His obedient children among all of the universal Church. Let’s all work together more fully in the coming years helping many come to know God and His ways more fully, which will in-turn help those who listen realize God’s more abundant life. In Jesus' Service, Brother James