Lessons from One Who Remained
DIRECTED BY THE LIFE & REVELATION OF THE APOSTLE JOHN
Jesus said to him, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me!” (John 21:22)
2026 LABOR DAY CONFERENCE CLEVELAND, OHIO
​3 Lessons from One Who Remained TABLE OF CONTENTS
Eternal Life ...........................
Fellowship ..............................
A Ministry of Life.....................
The Vision of the Lampstands 
A Life of “Going” ......................
John’s Life: A Visual Timeline .

Message One ETERNAL LIFE
I.  John was called by the Lord, appointed as an Apostle to “be with Him” and that “He could send” him out to preach, and was designated by the Lord to “remain until I come.”
a. John is called while mending his nets. 21Going on from there He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and He called them. 22Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him. Matthew 4:21–22
b. John is appointed an Apostle to be with Jesus and to be sent out. 14And He appointed twelve, so that they would be with Him and that He could send them out to preach, 15and to have authority to cast out the demons. 16And He appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom He gave the name Peter), 17and James, the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James (to them He gave the name Boanerges, which means, “Sons of Thunder”); Mark 3:14–17
c. John remains until the Lord comes 20Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them; the one who also had leaned back on His bosom at the supper and said, “Lord, who is the one who betrays You?” 21So Peter seeing him said to Jesus, “Lord, and what about this man?” 22Jesus said to him, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me!” 23Therefore this saying went out among the brethren that that disciple would not die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but only, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you?” John 21:20–23 5
II. John knew Jesus “by life,” even testifying of knowing Him as “the Word of Life” and recording how Peter stayed with Jesus along with the other Apostles because of the words of eternal life
a. 6 John specifically recalled how Jesus referred to Himself as “the Life.” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me. John 14:6
b. John saw Jesus as “the Word of Life” 1What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life— 2and the life was manifested, and we have seen and testify and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifested to us 1 John 1:1–2 4
c. In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. John 1:4 John witnessed Peter saying to the Lord “You have words of eternal life” 67So Jesus said to the twelve, “You do not want to go away also, do you?” 68Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life.” John 6:67–68
III. John’s Gospel and Epistles emphasize eternal life
a. The word “life” appears 36 times in John’s Gospel and 13 times in his first Epistle, far more than any other Gospel and more than most other Epistles (except Romans at 14).
b. Jesus came that His sheep might have life and have it abundantly 10“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. John 10:10 6
c. Having eternal life fulfills God’s original intention for mankind as seen in God’s creation of man and in the tree of life that God placed in the garden of Eden 26Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” Genesis 1:26 7Then the Lord God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being. 8The Lord God planted a garden toward the east, in Eden; and there He placed the man whom He had formed. 9Out of the ground the Lord God caused to grow every tree that is pleasing to the sight and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Genesis 2:7–9 22Then the Lord God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of Us, knowing good and evil; and now, he might stretch out his hand, and take also from the tree of life, and eat, and live forever”— 23therefore the Lord God sent him out from the garden of Eden, to cultivate the ground from which he was taken. 24So He drove the man out; and at the east of the garden of Eden He stationed the cherubim and the flaming sword which turned every direction to guard the way to the tree of life. Genesis 3:22–24
d. John declares that we who believe can know that we have eternal life 11And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life. 13These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life. 1 John 5:11–13
e. We enjoy life by the Spirit and the living words 63“It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life. John 6:63 7
f. Life overflows by receiving the living water Jesus gives 14but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.” John 4:14
I V. Eternal life is not separated from the Person of Christ; eternal life is Christ Himself 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me. John 14:6
V. Eternal life is knowing God and Jesus, indicating that eternal life involves an organic relationship with the Father and Son 3 “This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. John 17:3
VI. Overall, John’s words encourage us to know Jesus is life, that we have eternal life, and the centrality of that life to our Christian experience. Even more, John’s pattern encourages us to interact with Christ in this way, going as far as seeing, hearing, beholding, and handling with our hands this marvelous Word of Life. 8

​Message Two

FELLOWSHIP
I. “Fellowship” is a translation of the Greek word, koinonia, which indicates “an association involving close mutual relations and involvement” (Louw and Nida). The word “fellowship” denotes a joint participation that involves mutual knowing, unity of purpose, and sharing of resources.
II. Fellowship with God is more than aiming at accomplishing a task. It begins with closeness and intimacy, an intimacy demonstrated by John’s use of the word “bosom” in his writing.
a. John only uses the word for “bosom” twice. The first is in John 1:18 to describe the Son’s relationship with the Father. 18No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him. John 1:18
b. Second, John reveals that at Jesus’ last supper, he reclined on Jesus’ bosom as Jesus spoke of the one betraying Him. 21When Jesus had said this, He became troubled in spirit, and testified and said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, that one of you will betray Me.” 22The disciples began looking at one another, at a loss to know of which one He was speaking. 23There was reclining on Jesus’ bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved. 24So Simon Peter gestured to him, and said to him, “Tell us who it is of whom He is speaking.” 25He, leaning back thus on Jesus’ bosom, said to Him, “Lord, who is it?” 26Jesus then answered, “That is the one for whom I shall dip the morsel and give it to him.” So when He had dipped the morsel, He took and gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. John 13:21–26
c. This intimacy ushered John into a night where he remained with Jesus, even after Peter denied the Lord three times and left Him at His trial. Because John remained… 9
i. He saw the Lord Himself on the cross. 26When Jesus then saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” 27Then He said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” From that hour the disciple took her into his own household. John 19:26–27
ii. He saw the blood and water from the side of Jesus, a testimony of full salvation (redemption through His blood, divine life released as the water). 33but coming to Jesus, when they saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. 34But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. 35And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you also may believe. John 19:33–35
d. When we see the Son in the bosom of the Father, we are shown a fellowship that results in the Son making the Father known. Likewise, we are reminded of John’s fellowship with the Father and the Son as he reclines on Jesus’ breast, stays with the Lord through His trials, and receives a testimony for others to believe. What a picture of John’s joint participation with the Father and the Son—the sharing of a common goal that springs out of nearness and intimacy.
III. John invites other believers and fellow workers into fellowship
a. John invites his readers into fellowship with him while testifying that his fellowship is with the Father and with His Son 3what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. 1 John 1:3
b. John, along with Peter and James, offers the right hand of fellowship to Paul and Barnabas 9and recognizing the grace that had been given to me, James and Cephas and John, who were reputed to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas the 10 right hand of fellowship, so that we might go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. Galatians 2:9
I V. Our fellowship with the Father and His Son is displayed in Jesus sending the Apostles as His Father sent Him, while He gives them the Spirit 21So Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” 22And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. John 20:21–22
V. This wonderful, mysterious fellowship is displayed as we join with the Father, Son and Spirit in a rich relationship bringing us into God’s grand enterprise that results in glory and causing us to share all His divine supply
a. The fellowship believers have with the Father and Son results in His believers asking in the Son’s name so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 13“Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. John 14:13
b. The fellowship that the believers have with the Father and the Son results in the believers testifying along with the Spirit who is sent by the Son from the Father. 26“When the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, that is the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify about Me, 27and you will testify also, because you have been with Me from the beginning. John 15:26–27
c. The fellowship that the believers have with the Father and the Son results in a world-affecting testimony of oneness even as the Father and Son are one. 21that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22“The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one; 23I in them and You in Me, that they may 11 be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me. John 17:21–23
d. The fellowship that the believers have with the Father and the Son results in the Spirit and the bride saying the same thing— “Come.” 17The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost. Revelation 22:17

Message Three
A MINISTRY OF LIFE
​I. John’s ministry brings the divine life and truth to the saints and invites them into the fellowship with the Father and with His Son.
a. He writes that they may know they have eternal life 31but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name. John 20:31 13These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life. 1 John 5:13
b. He rejoices when his children walk in truth 4I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth. 3 John 4
c. He invites the saints into fellowship with him, while he has fellowship with the Father and with His Son 3what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. 1 John 1:3
II. John invites his readers to join him in this ministry to give life to a saint who is in need 14This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him. 16If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask and God will for him give life to those who commit sin not leading to death. There is a sin leading to death; I do not say that he should make request for this. 1 John 5:14–16 16 If any one see his brother sinning a sin not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life, for those that do not sin unto death. There is a sin to death: I do not say of that that he should make a request. 1 John 5:16 (Darby)
III. John provides a pattern for any believer seeking to take heed to their ministry and fulfill it (Colossians 4:17). Through knowing the example of John’s life, we can realize that ministry is based on an accumulation of rich experiences of Christ. These experiences add up to allow a rich dispensing of life, truth, and love to the saints, and an invitation to the fellowship.
I V. John’s experiences of Christ that added to the richness in his ministry
a. He was a seer
i. He heard, saw, beheld and handled Christ, the Word of Life 1What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life— 1 John 1:1
ii. He beheld His glory 14And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14
iii. He continuously “saw,” seeing even more in his old age, when he saw the lampstands and the Son of Man 12Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands; 13and in the middle of the lampstands I saw one like a son of man, clothed in a robe reaching to the feet, and girded across His chest with a golden sash. Revelation 1:12–13
iv. In principle, when a Christian sees the Lord, he becomes more like Him. 2Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet 14 what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. 1 John 3:2
b. 9 He was faithful to the Lord even amid suffering in which he even partook of the “tribulation…in Jesus” i. ii. He was a fellow partaker in the tribulation, kingdom, and endurance in Jesus He was on Patmos for the word of God and testimony of Jesus I, John, your brother and fellow partaker in the tribulation and kingdom and perseverance which are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. Revelation 1:9
c. He realized that Christ in resurrection was his key to serve, even to write the letters to the seven churches recorded in Revelation 2 and 3. 17When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. And He placed His right hand on me, saying, “Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, 18and the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades. 19“Therefore write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after these things. Revelation 1:17–19
V. John lived continually with the saints—putting himself with them and learning to minister to them.
a. Preaching the gospel in his youth 19But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; 20for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:19–20
b. Wanting to see the saints face to face in his old age 13I had many things to write to you, but I am not willing to write them 15 to you with pen and ink; 14but I hope to see you shortly, and we will speak face to face. 3 John 13–14
c. Rejoicing when he sees his children walk in the truth in his church life 3For I was very glad when brethren came and testified to your truth, that is, how you are walking in truth. 4I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth. 3 John 3–4
VI. All John’s experiences of Christ and the church—seeing more of Christ throughout the years, persevering with Him even when suffering, serving because Christ is the living One who was dead and is now alive, and continually being with the saints to serve them—added to John’s rich experience in his ministry. 16
Message Four
THE VISION OF THE LAMPSTANDS
I. Near the end of his life, John sees a grand vision of seven golden lampstands and of the Son of Man walking in the midst of the lampstands. He sees a vision of the churches and of Christ.
a. 9 John is in spirit as he is on Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. I, John, your brother and fellow partaker in the tribulation and kingdom and perseverance which are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. 10I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like the sound of a trumpet, Revelation 1:9–10
b. He hears a voice telling him to write to seven churches in seven cities, indicating that in God’s view there is one church in one city 10I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like the sound of a trumpet, 11saying, “Write in a book what you see, and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.” Revelation 1:10–11
c. John sees seven golden lampstands which are the seven churches 12Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands; Revelation 1:12 … and the seven lampstands are the seven churches. Revelation 1:12
II. Lampstands in the Old Testament testify of the work of God in being of gold (the divine nature), involving almond blossoms (the resurrection of Christ), having seven shining lamps (the shining of the Spirit), and being a hammered work (the work of God to make it). (see Exodus 25:31–34; Zechariah 4:2, 6).
III. As a lampstand, a New Testament local church bears the true testimony of Christ and the Spirit as it:
a. Takes no name other than Christ and has no description other than the city in which it resides.
b. Has a definite expression, presenting a place where a believer can “tell it to the church” and a place where a believer can put their light. 17“If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Matthew 18:17 14“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; 15nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Matthew 5:14–15
c. Receives all believers in that city. 1Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions. Romans 14:1 7Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God. Romans 15:7
d. Testifies of the truth. 15but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth. 1 Timothy 3:15
e. Displays the authority of the Holy Spirit. 18 28“Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. Acts 20:28
f. Provides for every member to serve. 4For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, 5so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; Romans 12:4–6
g. Practically expresses the oneness of the Spirit. 1Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, 2with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, 3being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1–3
I V. A healthy New Testament local church practically testifies of Christ just as a shining, golden lampstand should express Christ and the Spirit. 8For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith toward God has gone forth, so that we have no need to say anything. 9For they themselves report about us what kind of a reception we had with you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God, 1 Thessalonians 1:8–9 24But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an ungifted man enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all; 25the secrets of his heart are disclosed; and so he will fall on his face and worship God, declaring that God is certainly among you. 1 Corinthians 14:24–25
V. John sees a vision of Christ in the midst of the lampstands, showing how the lampstands are a setting in which the care and speaking of Christ can be realized by the saints. 19 13and in the middle of the lampstands I saw one like a son of man, clothed in a robe reaching to the feet, and girded across His chest with a golden sash. 14His head and His hair were white like white wool, like snow; and His eyes were like a flame of fire. 15His feet were like burnished bronze, when it has been made to glow in a furnace, and His voice was like the sound of many waters. 16In His right hand He held seven stars, and out of His mouth came a sharp two-edged sword; and His face was like the sun shining in its strength. Revelation 1:13–16
VI. The churches, the lampstands, are the settings in which believers faced with problems that must be overcome can hear the Spirit’s speaking and overcome.
a. 4 They can overcome losing their first love ‘But I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 5 ‘Therefore remember from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first; or else I am coming to you and will remove your lampstand out of its place—unless you repent. Revelation 2:4–5
b. 1 They can overcome spiritual deadness “To the angel of the church in Sardis write: He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars, says this: ‘I know your deeds, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. 2‘Wake up, and strengthen the things that remain, which were about to die; for I have not found your deeds completed in the sight of My God. Revelation 3:1–2
c. 8 They can overcome to be faithful to keep the Lord’s word and not deny His name. ‘I know your deeds. Behold, I have put before you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have kept My word, and have not denied My name. Revelation 3:8 ‘I am coming quickly; hold fast what you have, so that no one will take your crown. Revelation 3:11 20
d. They can overcome lukewarmness 15‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. 16‘So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth. Revelation 3:15–16 18I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. Revelation 3:18
VII. In Revelation 2–3, John speaks in union with Christ and the Spirit to minister to the churches among whom Christ is walking.
VIII. Lampstands with servants who are exercising their ministry are (1) shining testimonies of the work of Christ and the Spirit, and (2) practical church settings for believers to hear the Lord’s encouraging words so that they might overcome. 21
Message Five
A LIFE OF “GOING”
I. During Jesus’ ministry on earth, John was sent out to announce the kingdom along with the other Apostles. In this he began a life of testifying to others. 14And He appointed twelve, so that they would be with Him and that He could send them out to preach, Mark 3:14 7 “And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Matthew 10:7 12They went out and preached that men should repent. 13And they were casting out many demons and were anointing with oil many sick people and healing them. Mark 6:12–13 30The apostles gathered together with Jesus; and they reported to Him all that they had done and taught. Mark 6:30
II. John reacted to the Samaritan’s rejection of the Savior by asking Jesus if he and James should command fire to consume the Samaritans. In showing his impetuousness to Jesus, Jesus taught him about saving and not destroying men’s lives. 51When the days were approaching for His ascension, He was determined to go to Jerusalem; 52and He sent messengers on ahead of Him, and they went and entered a village of the Samaritans to make arrangements for Him. 53But they did not receive Him, because He was traveling toward Jerusalem. 54When His disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” 55But He turned and rebuked them, and said, “You do not know what kind of spirit you are of; 56for the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.” And they went on to another village. Luke 9:51–56 22
III. After the Lord’s resurrection, John, along with other Apostles, received the Holy Spirit and were sent out by Jesus in resurrection. Jesus gave all the disciples the command to “go.” 21So Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” 22And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. John 20:21–22 19“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19–20
I V. His life of being filled in Spirit can be summarized by one word: “Go!” This going was full of the gospel, imprisonments, and releases from prisons so he could speak more words of this life. In going, John became a wonderful pattern of preaching to others what he had seen and heard himself. 1As they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to them, 2being greatly disturbed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 3And they laid hands on them and put them in jail until the next day, for it was already evening. Acts 4:1–3 18And when they had summoned them, they commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; 20for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:18–20 18They laid hands on the apostles and put them in a public jail. 19But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the gates of the prison, and taking them out he said, 20“Go, stand and speak to the people in the temple the whole message of this Life.” Acts 5:18–20
V. Eventually, John returned to the Samaritans, who had now believed in Jesus. Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. 23 14Now when the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent them Peter and John, 15who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. 16For He had not yet fallen upon any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17Then they began laying their hands on them, and they were receiving the Holy Spirit. Acts 8:14–17
VI. Through John’s life, we see how Christ changed him, taught him, freed him from prisons and exile so he could speak and write more. God worked out a gospel life in John in which he loved people and ministered life to them.