RECAP: LIGHT OF THE WORLD based on John 8:12, 9:5, and 12:35-46
Without the presence of light, everything would eventually die. Our world would turn cold from the loss of heat. All plants would die from a lack of sugar production. And we would lose all oxygen, for plants produce oxygen. Light is crucial for our ability to live. The same thing is true spiritually; we need the light in our lives. Plato identified that light as the LOGOS; Jesus identified himself as the light. How does Jesus function as the light of the world?
Jesus reveals what is hidden in the darkness. Some darkness is easy to identify. We are quick to identify Satan and his supporters as darkness, as well as all forms of evil and violence in our world. Culture itself seems to have embraced the darkness, as morality has disappeared! But some darkness is more subtle.
Sometimes, darkness looks like incorrect beliefs or teachings, coming to believe a reality that is not consistent with the teachings of scripture which leaves us in bondage. This is what happened to the man born blind in John 9; he had come to believe that he was cursed by God because of his or his parent’s sin because he was blind. But that was not the truth; his blindness had nothing to do with sin at all! He encountered the light and could see.
Sometimes, darkness looks like a lifestyle of sin. When we choose to live a life of sin, we are embracing darkness. And the darkness does not want to be uncovered, especially when we are in sin. The woman caught in the act of adultery in John 8 was indeed caught in a sin, but so were the accusers who did not follow the lawfully AND also sinned by taking the place of judge reserved only for God. But when the light shines on the darkness of sin in our own hearts, we have a choice–we can either run from the darkness or choose to go and sin no more.
At other times, darkness looks like a refusal to acknowledge the truth. In John 12, Jesus confronted the people because they had closed themselves off to belief. Their eyes were blinded and they could not see. Instead of hearing the truth, they ignored the truth and pushed it away, like a migraine sufferer tries to block out all forms of light!
And still further, darkness looks like impure motives. Some of the people wanted to follow Jesus, but they did not because they were afraid of the Pharisees, afraid of losing their popularity and being put out of the synagogue, subjecting their families to shame. Instead of standing for what they knew was right, they were motivated by machinations of the darkness and abandoned the light. Jesus revealed the light in the midst of the darkness. The darkness either has to acknowledge the light, try to distance itself from the light, or snuff it out.
As the light of the world, Jesus shows us the pathway out of the darkness. Without light, it is impossible to fully navigate in the darkness. We can’t see what traps and harm befall us! His light, the Word or Logos, is a lamp unto our feet (Psa 119:105). If we need to know the way to navigate through our times and not fall into the darkness, we need to be spending regular time with the light and in the Word. If it is not in the Word, then maybe it is the darkness! As we follow the light, he will guide us in the way we should go with the ultimate goal of eternal life!
This world needs the light of Jesus. Do we have the light? Can we share the light?
Questions for Reflection
1) What darkness exists within us? Can we bring it to the light and allow Jesus to bring freedom?
2) Where do you feel the external pressures push you toward darkness? Can you bring those to the light?
3) Do you regularly spend time with God’s word that you could recognize when something does not align with its life-giving message?
4) Who do you know who is in darkness? How can you share with them the light of Jesus?
Upcoming Service
This Sunday, Pastor Ryan will continue the “I AM JESUS” series with the sermon titled, “The Gate,” based on John 10:1-10. Jesus said he was the gate for his sheep. What does it mean, and how should it deepen our faith? Come or tune in Sunday to find out!
Daily Bible Readings for February 8 – 14
February 8: Matthew 25:1-13 Why is it important to tend to the light of our living for Jesus?
February 9: Romans 1:16-17 How did Paul let his light shine for Jesus?
February 10: Philippians 2:12-18 How do we shine our light for Jesus like stars?
February 11: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-11 How do we shine our lights by pleasing God?
February 12: 1 Peter 2:9-12 Why do we need to let our lights shine for Jesus?
February 13: Exodus 12:1-7, 12-13 Why do we need to be covered by the blood? Why on the door?
February 14: Deuteronomy 6:1-9 Why should we write the commandments on the doorposts?
This Week’s Events:
No special events this week!
Upcoming Events:
Tuesday, February 15–Leadership Team Meeting with District @ 7 pm
Wednesday, February 16–Ministry Team Meeting @ 7 pm
Thursday, February 17–Leadership Team Meeting @ 7 pm
Sunday, February 20–Birthday Dinner after church; we will need cake sign-ups!
Sunday, February 27–Winter Jam Christian Concert in Roanoke; $10 admission
Saturday, March 5–Sadie Rose Pancake benefit @ 2 pm
Friday, March 25–Gospel Hymn Sing Concert Benefit for the Whitmore Family @ 6:30 pm
Announcements:
Whitmore Family Relief
Thank you all for your help so far! Through Sunday’s offerings, over 33,000 dollars have come into the church to help the family! It is truly amazing to see how we as a church and the community have come together to help our friends!
We will host a Gospel Hymn Sing Concert benefit on Friday, March 25 beginning at 6:30 pm (doors open at 6 pm). We will collect a love offering for the Whitmore family. Some of the guests include Michael Hoover (Elvis), one of the Crestmans, and more!
Call for Worship Leaders and Children’s Story
As we look at the ability to reopen in the coming weeks, we are in need of both worship leaders and children’s stories. We are looking for one person each week, rather than a month at a time. If you would like to serve, contact Alice Over (worship leading) or Tammy Stine (children’s story).
Call to Prayer & Discernment
Let us continue to pray for our nation in the following ways:
1) National return to God
2) Repentance of personal sin
3) Repentance of corporate sin
4) Healing for the brokenness of relationships
5) Our leaders
6) Revival
7) Guidance for our congregation in the days ahead
Nursery
The Christian Education Team is looking for volunteers for the nursery during the Sunday School hour for next year. If you are willing to help, even if it is just for a Sunday, please reach out to her and let her know.
Four Ways to Give!
1) Mail your tithe into the church office
2) Drop it by the church office on Tuesday, Thursday or Friday, 9 am – 1 pm
3) Our online giving platform: https://beavercreekchurchva.churchcenter.com/giving
4) Drop off in the offering plate on Sunday!
Prayer Needs
Continue to Keep in Prayer our members in Skilled Care Facilities: Mary G Miller, Shirley Miller, Stanley Suter & Carolyn Wine
Those within our church family who either have COVID or were exposed to COVID.
John Bennington (health)
Sandy Bennington (health)
Samantha Cooper (health)
Patsy Dastoli (health)
Elijah Tucker Dean (health)
Natalie Dodge (health)
John Fix (addiction)
Janet Good (health)
Cindy Heatwole (health)
Barbara Meadows (health)
Alda Miller (health)
Betty Miller (health)
Mary G Miller (health)
Marty Moore (recovery)
Tami Plaugher (health)
Pidge Rhodes (recovery)
Lottie Ritchie (health)
Abbie Shiflet (health)
Ann Simmons (health)
Crystal Smith (health)
Whitmore family
Mary Whitmore (health)
Tom Wilfong (health)
Winne Wilfong (recovery)
Charles Wright (recovery)
Owen Wright (health)
Pastor Ryan Cooper
Beaver Creek COB