Seminary Program

This is where we post the essays from many of our Universal Life Church Seminary students. When students finish a ULC course, they write a comprehensive essay about their experiences with the course, what they learned, didn't learn, were inspired by, etc. Here are their essays.

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Friday, September 25, 2009

Christian Studies

A Light Overview Of the Beginning of The Book Of John

Rev. Pablo (Eric) Sanchez

The Gospel According To John, the last of the four gospels, is full of the rich history of a man named John the Baptist, of the origin of the Apostles, and many of the miracles of Jesus.

          The telling begins with an explanation of the Word, and "the light of the world", where John states "life was the light"… that nothing happened or began without it. John tells of the man, also named John, who was a witness of the light, and came to testify-- to establish faith among the people. He was questioned by the Jewish Pharisaic Priests, who were sent to identify him, where he stated that he was not Elijah, but that was the "voice crying from the wilderness", imploring others to straighten the way for the coming of the Lord.

Soon after, the arrival of Jesus the messiah allowed John to herald the arrival of the Son of God. Soon afterward, he finds among the followers Simon and Phillip. They then join Him in His journey, along with Nathaniel. Shortly afterward, He comes across a wedding in Cana, where He produces the first of miracles among His new followers by turning water into wine. During the Passover, while with His mother, and family, He over turned the moneychangers in the temple, admonishing them not to turn His Father's House into a house of merchandise. He said "destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up." He was not only referring to the temple, but of Himself, and his soon to come sacrifice for humanity. He preached and spoke with many, including the Pharisee Nicodemus, whom He told that "God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whomever believes in Him will have everlasting life." He then continued to Judea, and continued baptizing many, and preaching the word of His Father.

John, while baptizing in Enon, rose into dispute among his students. It was there that he said "no one on earth can receive a single thing beyond what is given them from the sky."  He further testified as to the reality of Jesus.

The Messiah performed many more miracles and wonders on his journey. The Gospel is rich with the history of Jesus and John. It is a necessary read upon your own journey into the light of God's word and promises to His believers. I found it to be very enlightening. I would suggest that others who give it a read will do the same, and will strengthen their belief in our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ.

Rev. Eric Pablo Sanchez 
Christian Studies

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