The book we want to review this time is intitled Life Through His Name, by Charles H. Welch.  This book is an exposition of the Gospel according to John.

     The writer explains that John's purpose in writing this gospel is to bring the message of the gift of eternal life to those who believe God's record of His Son.  John 20:30,31 says, "...and many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book;  but these are written that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and believing ye might have life through His name."  Hence, the title of the book.

     Mr. Welch breaks the Gospel of John down into sections to help us to better comprehend the purpose of John's Gospel.

1.) The Logos - the invisible God manifested in the flesh (1:1-14).
2.) The eight signs or miracles that proved Christ was the Son of God:
   a) The marriage in Cana - Jesus turned water into wine (2:1-11).
   b) The ruler's son - Jesus healed the child who was about to die (4:46-54).
   c) The impotent man - healing a man who had been impotent for 38 years (5:1-16).
   d) Feeding the 5,000 - Jesus fed these men from 5 barley loaves and 2 fish (6:1-14).
   e) Walking on the sea - Jesus walks on the water (6:15-21).
   f) The man born blind - Jesus gives sight to a man who is born blind (9:1-14).
   g) The sister's brother- Mary and Martha's brother Lazarus is brought back from death
       after four days (11:1-44).
   h) The drought of fishes - Jesus tells the disciples to cast their net on the right side of
       their ship and they caught 153 great fishes and didn't break the net (21:1-14).
3.) The attitude of the Jews to the teaching of the feast of Tabernacles is brought out
      and explained (8:2-59).
4.) The Lord's witness to "His own" - The Lord has a few chosen believers who are
      willing to follow Him and His leading (13:1-18:3).
5.) The many mansions - the place prepared for some believing ones (14:2-4).
6.) The vine and the branches - a parable to explain the vital relationship that must exist
      between the Lord and His people if they are to be fruitful (15:1-18).
7.) The gift and purpose of eternal life is brought out in chapter 17.
8.) The Lord's death, burial, and resurrection is the final topic (18:4-20:31).

     We encourage you to study this book, Life Through His Name, in order for you to have a good foundation based upon the book of John.