My little village of Ephraim comes alive with light at Christmas.
Homes, neighborhoods, and cities everywhere are aglow with light.
Yet, in the hustle and bustle of the season,
do people stop and ponder why all this light?
Or is Christmas, in particularly irony,
still the living out of this:
The true light, which gives light to everyone,
was coming into the world.
He was in the world, and the world was made through him,
yet the world knew him not.
So, we still pray, “Come to set thy people free!”
And then we must be alert to discover those whose hearts might be being drawn!
A question or two might help discover if there is interest,
if they might be hungering for this message:
Unto you is born a Savior
OH, YES, OUR SAVIOR IS THE TRUE LIGHT OF THE WORLD!
Rebecca Pippert suggests making a statement and seeing if your listener picks it up, (such as, “I had an experience that has changed Christmas for me,” and then stop. If they ask what, then move with His Spirit and tell them. Or, perhaps they’ve told you about a problem or heartache. You could ask, as our own Laura-Dancer suggested, “How do you handle stress?” And then possibly, if His Spirit is moving, follow up with Rebecca Pippert’s “Have you found a solution that makes you better instead of worse?”) It is exciting to move with HIs Spirit. How I loved the story Rebecca Pippert told about her new hairdresser. Her hairdresser’s brother had gotten down on his knees four years before and asked God to send “someone like Rebecca Pippert” into his sister’s life. We have a God who is real and wants us to move where He is moving.
I spent last weekend with my daughter Sally when speaking in her area.
I’ve been praying Sally would be bolder with the many unbelievers the Lord has brought into her life, and I am amazed (I know, I shouldn’t be amazed) at how bold she has become! The day before I came, she had a long discussion with a good friend after they attended a Christmas Tea at her church where Jill Briscoe spoke. Jill Briscoe kept saying, “It’s true. Jesus is true.” Afterwards, Sally and her friend went back to Sally’s home.
While the little girls played, they sat at the dining room table over coffee.
“What did you think about what Jill Briscoe said when she said ‘Jesus is the truth. He really came, He really died, and He really is God.'”
“Sure,” her friend said, “That’s true for her.”
“But not for everyone?”
“Whatever you believe is true for you.”
“Do you think believers in Allah who are blowing people up because then they think they are going to get to have sex with 700 virgins in heaven have the truth?” [I’m not sure that is really what the Koran says, but still, not a bad hypothetical illustration…]
“Well, no…”
They talked for two more hours. It was a start…to be continued, for Sally has a real friendship with this gal. She is being “Incarnational.” She is with her, loving her.
Then, the next morning, while I babysat, Sally went to her Jewish dentist.
Sally asked her dentist, “I’ve wondered what Jewish people think when they drive past all the manger scenes in front of peoples’ homes this time of year. Do they think, Those Christians are crazy to think that the Messiah came as a baby?”
“Well,” her dentist said, “any good person would not think that because that would be intolerant. I have friends of many beliefs, and I don’t think any of them are crazy.” Then he began to drill.
When he stopped, Sally asked, “But who do you think Jesus is?”
“He was a great prophet — not like Moses, but still, a great prophet.”
“He claimed to be God. If He was lying or a lunatic, then He couldn’t be a great prophet — right? Because a great prophet wouldn’t be a liar or a lunatic. Right?”
He was quiet, and told her to open her mouth. Before she did, she said,
“I don’t want to make you mad — it’s not a good idea to make your dentist mad when he’s working on your mouth.”
He laughed. She opened her mouth and he worked.
Then Sally asked the hygienist who was handing him the tools, “What do you think? Are you a Christian?”
“Ummm, yeah, I guess…”
“Who do you think Jesus is?”
She looked blank.
“Do you think He is God?”
“Well, I don’t know…”
The dentist said, “You see — not all Christians believe Jesus is God.”
“All orthodox Christians do because that is who Jesus said He was. If you read the Bible you’ll see He made the religious leaders mad because He kept claiming that He was God and that they just didn’t get it. Read through John’s gospel and you’ll see.”
Sally told me she had to go back three days ago and her dentist immediately brought up God….
None of these discussions ended with people putting their trust in Christ, but I do think His Spirit is moving, and Sally is learning to move with Him. People are in darkness, their heads are in the sand. Tim Keller has said, most people have “Ostrich Beliefs.”
It isn’t that most of them have read the New Testament and the claims of Christ and found them wanting, they’ve never even looked at the TRUE LIGHT. It isn’t that they have pondered the logic of “whatever you believe is true,” They are repeating a mantra they have heard but have not examined.
When Lucy discovered Narnia inThe Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, she came back to tell her siblings of the wonder of it all!
Edmund said she was lying, though he knew in his heart it was true. But he was avoiding the light because his deeds were evil. The professor helped them think logically.
“Logic!” said the Professor half to himself. “Why don’t they teach logic at these schools? There are only three possibilities. Either your sister is telling lies, or she is mad, or she is telling the truth. You know she doesn’t tell lies and it is obvious she is not mad. For the moment then, and unless any further evidence turns up, we must assume she is telling the truth.
We must gently discover where His Spirit might me moving, and then move with Him. John makes it clear both in his gospel and in his letters, that unless the Lord draws them, they cannot come to Him. They are blind. It begins with God. So, first we pray God will draw them, and then, remember Paul’s exhortation:
Have nothing to do with controversies, you know they they breed quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will. (2 Timothy 2:23-24)
This week review the red and go on to the green!
(1) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
(2) He was in the beginning with God.
(3) All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.
(4) In him was life, and the life was the light of men.
(5)The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
(6) There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
(7) He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light,
that all might believe through him.
(8) He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.
9. The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.
10. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him.
Next week: A special treat — we’ll show Laura-Dancer with her team dancing to the prologue of John 1! And I can’t wait to tell you about what happened at our Christmas tea!
SOS Prayer Request: My youngest, Annie, just called as her water broke. The long-awaited grandson (Steven!) is on his way into the world. She asked me to pray that she really would naturally be in labor and not have to be give petosin, which made her first birth so hard. I know I’m taking advantage of my position here — but please pray. Thank you.
Sunday Icebreaker:
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
Monday-Wednesday Bible Study: Prepare your hearts with this, singing along, contemplating the words: Come Thou Long Expected Jesus
Review your memory work and continue on! I am so proud of how many of you are doing it!
This week I think more light will come to the passage you are memorizing by comparing it with the opening of John’s 1st letter. It’s going to be a good week.
2. Read John 1:9-11
A. What stands out to you and why?
B. Why do you think John says “the true light” instead of just “the light?”
C. How would you correct opponents with gentleness who believe “whatever you believe is true.”
D. There are two ways (maybe more!) to interpret verse 9 — looking at the context, what do you think is God’s meaning and why?
1) God’s light enlightens every man with the truth
2) God’s light exposes every man’s heart
E. What irony do you find in verse 10?
3. Read both of these passages and then I want you to find the links between the two, where
John is repeating a thought in his letter that he also expressed in his gospel.
I’ll do one, and then you can continue.
John 1:1-14
(1) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
(2) He was in the beginning with God.
(3) All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.
(4) In him was life, and the life was the light of men.
(5)The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
(6) There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
(7) He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him.
(8) He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.
9. The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.
10. He was in the world, and the world was
11. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him.
12. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,
13. who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
14. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
1 John 1:1-7
(1) That which was from the beginning, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life —
(2) the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us —
(3) that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us, and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.
(4) And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.
(5) This is the message we proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
(6) If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.
(7) But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.
Both the gospel and the letter say that Jesus was from the beginning.
Now, see if you can find AT LEAST four more commonalities.
4. Now find how John’s letter expands on the follow gospel truths:
A. We have seen his glory. In 1 John he elaborates…how?
B. John the Baptist bore witness that all men might believe. John the apostle also bears witness so that…
C. That was the true light. In 1 John he elaborates on what happens to us if we walk in the true light
5. What is one way comparing these passages impacts you?
6. Write out your memory passage.
Thursday-Friday Free Keller Sermon (wonderful!)
The Meaning of Christmas – Timothy J. Keller
7. Share your notes and comments.
Saturday
8. What is your take-a-way and why?
102 comments
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
oh my! Sally is SO brave! I wish I could be like that. My issue is that I get tangled in the words and forget the scripture. I am getting better knowing scripture and the stories, so I might be able to feel confident now more so than years ago. I guess I want to feel like I have all the “data” before I go arguing the point. For example…
Two weeks ago our librarian at school broke out an easel up for people to comment on a statement she wrote. It was after the world leaders got together and met about “global climate change.” She put Al Gore’s book out and wrote, “What can you do?” You see, I have studied this topic off and on for about 20 years. I have spoken to professors and scientists as well as meteorologists, and really tried to understand the science behind the issue. In that time I also got my masters degree in geoscience. I’m not an authority, but I at least am trying to educate myself. I don’t believe that the media gives the general public both sides of the story; this topic has just been made into a political issue and you receive biased reporting. Not everyone in the scientific community agrees with what you hear. Well, I love the librarian, but I got mad. Someone wrote, “use less water.” I am still trying to figure that one out! Water vapor is the leading greenhouse gas and if we use less, then there is more to evaporate into the atmosphere, becoming more prevalent! I wrote my own ideas on the board (“get the facts” with two web sources). We decided to get together and come up with a better question. we brainstormed and decided to ask, “what do you know about global climate change?” (She also removed the Al Gore book – thank the Lord!) I then spent the next week putting truth on the board (CO2 isn’t pollution, in fact earth needs it to sustain itself, the land is still rebounding from the last ice age, sunspots are fewer these days just like in the 16-1700’s when there was a little ice age, North America was totally underwater except for the tops of the Rocky Mountains at one point, and a graph showing CO2 and temperature from “the beginning” to present day (not just the last 20 years)). Trust me, I have more! One thing I did put up was that people getting their heads chopped off is more important than this issue! (Someone wrote something political)
anyway… I the point is that I felt confident because I had facts to back myself. I do believe the Bible, and I do believe that Jesus is the Messiah. However, arguing that point is very difficult for me. I guess I used to think that people could believe in whatever they wanted to, it was their right. I still think I believe that to a certain extent. My kids think that. But I have heard people like Nancy Lee Demoss ( Wogumuth) suggest that the only way to heaven is through Jesus Christ. How do you defend that? It seems a bit arrogant to me sometimes. I believe I’ve heard her say before, and Tim Keller probably says this too, now that I think of it, if you look at all the religions in the world they all ask people to bring/give something to the “leader”. In Christianity, the leader gave himself for the people. It’s the only religion where that is true. I could use that I suppose. Saying something like the only true way to heaven is through Jesus Christ would be hard to defend (For me). Sally’s argument is great! She backs it up too. And says it to a Jewish person! Wow.
Laura – I’m just getting going on the study, but couldn’t help but be stopped by your comments about how “saying something like the only true way to heaven is through Jesus Christ would be hard to defend (for me)”. I guess I’m wondering what you mean exactly by “defend”? There is no question that there can be times when such conversations are difficult indeed – “socially awkward”, for sure!! 🙂 It’s hard for me to imagine the circumstance where that would be the first thing I would be saying to someone…..rather, I would hope to simply pique their interest in “seeing Jesus” – the Jesus of the Scriptures, as opposed to the Jesus of culture. It is so true that if we earnestly ask God to give us those opportunities, He DOES seem to drop them in our laps!! If someone I am praying for and desiring to witness to begins to read the Gospels, for instance, I am SO thrilled for I do feel that the Lord will begin to reveal Himself faithfully. The story I shared from last week about walking with my Jewish friend and her questioning me: one question actually was “but Jesus never actually SAID He was Messiah, right? That was just something His disciples believed and added to his story later…..at least that’s what I’ve always been taught.” Perfect opportunity to gently say….well, actually He DID say He was Messiah. And that led to a LONG conversation about Jesus! Rather than me quoting verse after verse to an unbeliever, I would so LOVE to see them curious, and maybe even searching out the Scriptures for themselves…..and there, in the words of Jesus, they will see some tough things! Like John 14:6 “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Or the exquisite moment at the well with the Samaritan woman in John 4:25 when she says to Jesus: “I know that Messiah is coming (he who is called Christ). When he comes he will tell us all things.” Jesus reply? “I who speak to you am he.” Our personal testimonies do bear weight, and God surely can use them powerfully. But NOTHING compares to His Word and the LIFE to be found there. Utimately, it is God who defends His Word and I don’t really feel pressured to defend it or to pressure others to believe it. But I sure do want to grow in my ability to winsomely offer it and even urge others to consider finding Jesus in it’s pages! 🙂
Jackie, thank you for reading my post! By “defend,” I mean that I would have to explain why Christ is “better” than say, Buddah. When I try to explain this to my own children they think I am arrogant to think that way. They say I am not accepting of others. I have always thought that people could believe any way they want and it was t my business. However, I have realized in the past few years that I have an obligation to spread His Word, right? That’s where I am now. I know I need to spread His Word but I don’t remember the Gospel well enough to even ask the questions that Sally asked. I’m not confident in His Word ?. I know there is a book called “The Case for Christ,” but I haven’t read it yet. I could probably mimick what Sally said for now, until I have studied more? I would feel like o was cheating though! If I don’t know what to say I will probably make it worse!
Laura, so good of you to put your thoughts down here both about the climate change thing and about your lack of confidence regarding “defending” your faith. And Jackie, thank you for a good response.
Personally, I am NOT a debater and tend to stay quiet even when I know a subject quite well because I don’t like controversy and know I tend to come across less than gently when I am feeling criticized. But that does not mean that I should not witness, but should pray that God will change me to make me courageously winsome. I think we are not all called to be evangelists but we are called to be ready to “give an answer to anyone who asks for the reason of the hope that is in us.” You all have good points here. There is much to think about and pray about. Dee is gently pushing us to be bolder and I think that is a good thing.
Diane, I am with you…I am not a debater and tend to avoid conflict. I agree that prayer is key…prayer for the Lord to change my heart to be courageous in sharing my faith with unbelievers and prayer for the Lord to change the heart of the unbeliever. We recently had a sermon on prayer and that was the third point made, how only the Lord can change hearts.
Yes Diane I do believe we should pray more to bring folks to us that need to hear what we have to say, and then knowing how to say it as well. I should have answered that to Jackie as well. I definitely don’t want to put people off in any way.
Laura, I just wanted to say how I appreciate your scientific perspective and sharing it with us. This information on climate change is really interesting. I really enjoyed the information on light reflecting and bending…I think this was from last week (I got a bit behind and went back to read comments later). Science is wonderfully connected with faith…our Creator Lord is incredible (and what do we have yet to learn?).
Yes Nanci! God made the earth for us to use, however we do need to help in any way we can to preserve her. I think God would want us to do that; His creation! I just get annoyed with people who preach the environment to me but then they don’t recycle, use small engines, and claim they know so much about the climate! I’m not as nice as you and Diane….I jump in and debate away!!!!! Dee said it well though; dont argue.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? “Have nothing to do with controversies, you know they they breed quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will. (2 Timothy 2:23-24)”
I need to remember this when I have these conversations with unbelievers. I find myself getting too abrasive when I’m trying to point out the flaws in their logic. I want (and need) to be lead by the Lord in these conversations, because He knows when I’m crossing the line between being bold and being obnoxious. And more than anything I need Him to shut my mouth when it changes from His drawing them to me trying to win the debate.
great point here Dawn! That’s how I get too. Thanks for the s rupture to remind me also!
scripture
Dawn, I think the same is true in conversations with believers. I get obnoxious when I see sustained flaws in logic with both believers and unbelievers (maybe even more with believers “because they should know better!!” 🙂 )
Good discussion already! We often do more harm than good when we quarrel — listening is so important, to where they are, to what is keeping them from Him, loving…
Dee–just wanted to pray here for Annie–Lord we come to You together and ask that You would place Your protection over dear Annie and that You would direct her labor, we ask that You would allow her Lord to not have to be given petosin, but we trust Your ways Lord. We pray that baby Steven would be healthy and grow up to be a man after Your own heart, as his namesake. Please be with the doctors, this dear family, grant protection, blessing and peace. In Your Name~
Smiling too at how much Sally looks like Steve to me in that photo of you two. LOVE her conversation with the dentist.
Blessings to all of you this week!
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Oh Lizzy — you come to bless. And you do. Thanks so for your prayers.
And did you know I prayed Sally would look like her dad, never knowing then how much it would mean one day?
Bless your Sunday.
What stood out to you and why?
Many things but as a whole just to remind myself that I am NOT the light and Jesus IS. And that I need to be attuned to the Spirit and His prompting. That the Spirit moves in the hearts of unbelievers and He convicts and draws and I am just a vessel for His use.
Thankful for the example of Sally. And praying ” Lord, be magnified in the life of Annie as she awaits the birth of Steven. And we ask your favor for Annie to have natural childbirth instead of assistance from a pitocin drip. I think of Zephaniah and pray this for Annie and her family and Dee as well. We praise you for this new life and how you will use him for your purposes.”
The picture of a trapped person jolted me. What a metaphor for those who are lost. Looked so hopeless and helpless but there is the Hound of Heaven who is the Great Rescuer who will ‘resuscitate” and bring life to the trapped one.
Love to reflect on the song Come Thou Long Expected Jesus as it has so many names of our dear Savior-Jesus, Israel’s strength and consolation, Hope, Desire of every nation, Joy, Child, King, Eternal Spirit, Day Spring, Rod of Jesse, Christ the Lord, Redeemer, Shepherd, Friend, Lord of all.
Bing, I agree…the picture of the trapped person is a great metaphor of how the evil one works…enticing his prey only to trap and/or kill.
Zephaniah 3:17 for Annie:
17 The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save;he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love;he will exult over you with loud singing.
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Laura-d, Something additional that stood out to me is that we get to see you dancing next week 🙂 (Reminds me, I think there is a performance at the university illustrating creation to redemption; hope I haven’t already missed it. Might be one I saw about 10 years ago. I do have to say that Christianity still is pretty evident in public places, especially through the arts)
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Ernema – one of the most tender verses in all of Scripture!! Thank You!! Oh, that we would have it engraved upon our hearts…..that even in our valley of the shadow of death times…..with the tears falling…..we speak this truth to our souls to the end!!
What a good verse — thanks Bing.
For Annie this morning ~ “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you.” Isaiah 43:2 (This was the verse that became my prayer through six deliveries. He remains faithful.)
Good prayer, Nila!
For Annie ~ “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you.” Isaiah 43:2 (This verse was the one for me through my six deliveries. He remains faithful.)
Praying for Annie today! Look forward to the dancing next week. (I LOVE LOVE liturgical dance!) And I have such admiration for Sally. How I wish I would be bolder. I am shy by nature – saying ANYTHING is difficult for me; let alone something that could be awkward.
Hi Beth — good to see you. Loved your contribution last week.
Beth – what a treat to scroll down and see your smiling face here tonight! 🙂 I stopped for a moment and prayed along with you for your wish for boldness…..and I started thinking about Matt:9: 36-38. I always love when the gospels point out Jesus’ looking at the crowds, or at individuals, and having compassion on them in their lost condition. I have seen evidences of His compassion in your own heart…..and maybe that’s a different starting point for some of us introverts! That we would be so compelled by His compassion for the lost that we would reach out with the gospel in spite of our desires to just stay below the radar and not make any waves!!
There’s another little thing that has helped me so much with my desire to just cocoon. It’s not been uncommon for me to pray earnestly to the Lord and ask Him to send believers across the paths of those beloved unbelievers in my own life who so desperately need Him. A few years ago the Lord began to show me that I was asking Him to move others to speak words of life for those I cared so much for…..but I was not quite as willing to BE the answer to someone else’s similar prayer! I began to see people that God moved through my life a little more purposefully …..more meaningfully. Just as we’re looking at this week, I began to look more closely for open doors…..asking questions….hoping to see the Spirit’s movement in their lives……now I have NOT become an extrovert!!! But I have found more peace in awkward conversations!! 🙂 Sorry to be so long winded…..but your response here just drew me in.
I am thrilled to scroll through the comments and see everyone that lifted Annie and baby Steven up in prayer-and I know others have that didn’t post..God’s Love in us-oh.
Thanks so much, Beth. That means so much. Shy people are part of the beautiful kinds of flowers God gives.
What stood out:-Sally’s conversation with the dentist (Wow!)
-photo of guy with his head in the sand. eeww, kind of a gross pic, but it did get the point across!
-THIS: “We must gently discover where His Spirit might me moving, and then move with Him.” and the verses from 2 Timothy: “Have nothing to do with controversies….”
Sometimes controversies do cause me to stick my head in the sand. I get frustrated and don’t know what else to do! I’ve found it challenging to help graduate students begin to look at evidence (which often demands some knowledge of research methods and statistics) rather than look for “evidence” which supports their own points of view. Sometime within the past 6 months, I read a research article providing some evidence that people do tend to selectively find or use research that only supports their own beliefs. I don’t have time to analyze research design and statistics in articles on every controversial topic, even in my own discipline, but occasionally, I get curious 🙂 I can understand why Paul said “have nothing to do with controversies.” Most controversies distract from the Gospel. Humility is crucial on many controversies because we don’t/won’t know “truth” for sure any time soon. I have begun to think that one of the worst things to do is attach scientific (or political) claims to Christians or Christianity on Facebook! If I am ignorant in the views of at least half the population on topic x, why should someone pay too much attention to me if I am making claims about God? The Spirit sheds light on the truth; other than when on a “search for truth” in a professional context, I’m probably better off avoiding some controversies, let alone talking about them.
Praying for Annie!
Dee, The link to Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus takes us to a yahoo search. I liked this because I listened to several. The following is very unique (music with painting): http://skitguys.com/videos/item/come-thou-long-expected-jesus
Also, I wasn’t sure if there is a particular one you are recommending? I do recommend checking out the link above 😉 Now I’m going to move on to other links!
So true about controversies — with those I think listening is good — but have nothing to do with arguing.
I was trying to give the link to Red Mountain — whenever I add something after the tech team has checked it out I get into trouble.
Oh, I did see the Red Mountain one:) People might want to check out the skit guys one, too, because the visual art also adds to the message
https://youtu.be/vRAFQCOkjgE Here’s the you tube link for the Red Mountain one. I like the music on the Red Mountain one the best (but I have several singers going through my head. I tend to beat a song to death by listening to every rendition possible to find my favorite 🙂
I have quietly been with you. Just love this scripture passage and it gets better this time. It seems like I am hearing these verses in so many teachings and it all becomes so beautiful. The lights at Christmas are more special than I ever noticed before.
Last week I was impressed with the witness that is my responsibility, yet I was also aware more of the deceitfulness of my heart.
So I am dealing with both of these truths. I love your prayer for boldness for Sally and I love the answer, especially as she discussed these questions with her dentist.
I have contemplated these discussions, but have not proceeded. At least I acknowledged my faith with my retiring Jewish physician. He accepted my gift of a New Testament with Psalms, and exclaimed, “Oh, there are Psalms. I will read this.” My prayer is that he will also be open to the New Testament. As Beth said, I am shy, and also get stuck trying to open a conversation with an unbeliever.
I would ask you to pray for me to be obedient and witness of my faith. I know it is the Spirit’s leading and drawing the person to seek the truth.
Shirley, what do you mean by this?
“Last week I was impressed by the witness that is my responsibility yet I was also more aware of the deceitfulness in my heart.”
just curious about the second part.
Yes. I want to witness to unbelievers, and then I was confronted by my own sin when a request was made to me. I avoided replying instead of directly speaking to the person. It made me examine my own motives.
I thought about it and wondered what would Jesus do? My sinfulness was in not responding as I could have and should have said , no, I am not able to meet the request. Rather I allowed anger to brew and became judgmental which was the sinfulness.
Shirley – isn’t it just amazing how the Lord seems to do that? He brings a passage/theme to our attention time and time again…..it’s like He’s saying “listen, listen….I so want you to hear my words to your heart…..”. I love the “special” in the Christmas lights for you this year too! And wow, I think that giving your Jewish physician a New Testament (with Psalms) was VERY bold!! Oh Father, I join Shirley in her heart’s desire prayer that she might be an obedient and faithful witness for Jesus. Let her heart be at rest that You will give her the words to say and the timing and the person of your choosing to be in conversation with. Help her to ask good questions and may the words she would speak be Spirit saturated. For Your Name’s sake we pray. Amen.
Praying for Annie. Your lessons this month has been so good. I have loved reading them even if I have not had time to be completely engaged. Thank you so much for allowing the Spirit to speak through you 🙂
Thank you, Cyndi. Blessings to your full household!
what stood out?
i am amazed and impressed with Sally’s questions. Relating to moving with the Spirit, I am just as clueless here as when holding up a wet finger to find wind direction! I can count on one hand the number of times in my life that I’ve “gotten it” and moved with Him. I can count as least three times as many instances of moving without or beyond Him and totally destroying something. Seeing that in print helps me understand why I find it so difficult to witness. I’ve done it wrong way more than I’ve ever done it right.
tonight I went to my office Christmas party, where my boss hosts but is not a believer. I prayed ahead of time for the Lord to give me ears to hear and eyes to see an opportunity to witness and His heart to listen and love. The second part got answered. Fifty percent isn’t too bad. I’ll have to keep praying and watching.
Mary — it is huge that you prayed and were alert — that is half the secret — the other is boldness — and you can pray for that too. Progress!
oh Mary! I get this post!! Dee is right, half the battle is being aware. I have actually caught myself in situations this week where in my head I say to myself, “is this a time for witnessing?” I’m trying to do better; it’s all we can hope for, I suppose.
I love Sally’s gutsy questions. And I’m praying for Annie. This further study on witnessing is great.
2. Read John 1:9-11
A. What stands out to you and why?
When we choreographed this part in our dance we wanted to express chaos somehow, because we felt that the world would be chaotic if it didn’t know the light.
B. Why do you think John says “the true light” instead of just “the light?”
I think John was referring to himself being a reflection of the light , but not the true light and he didn’t want people getting confused.
Praying for Annie…hopefully all has gone well and baby Steven has arrived…:) (just saw this…we were at my sister and brother-in-law’s over the weekend; no internet access.)
1. What stands out to you and why?
Oh my goodness, so much! The necessary aspect of relationship in evangelism. I have recently listened to some podcasts regarding this topic. One of those being interviewed spoke about the transitional phase we are in, how the current generation is not looking for reasoning (e.g., C.S. Lewis) as much as looking for genuineness, i.e., Christians walking the talk. It brought to mind Rebecca Pippert’s story about the gal throwing the evangelistic information at her through the car window. If you stop and think about evangelism, how would I want someone to talk to me?…I would be turned off by someone I don’t know trying to ram something down my throat (so to speak). I would need relationship, trust, etc. Sally is taking advantage of relationships that have been formed and moving forth with gentle inquiry. It is always important (I think) to keep in mind that our gentle inquiry may be nourishing a seed that was planted by another, or may be a seed planted that will be nurtured by another…the bloom may be seen by an entirely different person altogether. I need to remind myself that it is the Holy Spirit who is at work in us all…planting, nurturing, prompting, nudging, etc.
The reference to joining the Lord in His work reminded me of Experience God, Knowing and Do the Will of God. That book was recently brought up in a sermon. I did that study many years ago…I remember how it stirred the heart and brought folks into action.
What a treat Laura’s liturgical dance will be next week.
Light…lie, truth, madness… great thoughts to spend time pondering. I love the beauty of the Christmas lights…how special to think of them in terms of Jesus.
So true about people looking for genuine people — good thoughts, Nanci.
Nanci, your gentle words about relationship building and trust, etc. reminded me that I simply MUST be willing to give of my TIME. I can be Soooooo resistant in that regard….preferring and sometimes even craving time “alone”. It saddens me to ponder the persistence of my selfishness…..when I am not my own, I have been bought with a price. It’s getting late and too much to try to connect the dots with here….but your words stirred some things tonight that I needed… to press on…..repent…..and to consider the needs of others more than my own. thank you.
Dear Jackie. As I read your comments, I am just struck by your depth, gentleness, humility, love. You are a gift to us all…thank you for sharing your presence with us.
Nancy,
What an encouragement your post is. Loved this: It is always important (I think) to keep in mind that our gentle inquiry may be nourishing a seed that was planted by another, or may be a seed planted that will be nurtured by another…the bloom may be seen by an entirely different person altogether.
And it is no coincidence that this radio message this morning from Discover the Word is about asking the right question! Jesus is the master question-asker. Someone said, “Sometimes its far more important to come to the right questions, than to have the right answer.”
Nanci, I like your references to planting the seeds and nurturing them. How true. Also, I have a couple of friends I would like to “work on” but don’t know how to start, so I am just trying to show them (walking the walk)
Co we have a baby yet??
Sweet sisters. We do have a baby. Steven was born at 5:00 P. M. last night. Long labor but all is well and we are over the moon. Pix next week! THANK YOU SO FOR PRAYING.
oh Dee-rejoicing with you all!
“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” Revelation 4:11
CONGRATULATIONS!! Saw the sweet photo on FB 😀
So very sweet Dee!
Congratulations, Grandma…what a lovely namesake baby Steven has.
Oh my…see what I miss when I’m absent for a few days! Congratulations on your newest grandson and I love that he is named after your Steve. Special blessings to you and your family, Dee!
Our dearest Dee….we are all rejoicing with you and your family!!! Stephen. How precious the legacy your Steve has left for his namesake!! And how about Stephen the servant, the deacon, the filled with the Spirit ultimate witness of Acts 6 and 7!! Phew….your little Stephen has wondrous forbears…..from his incredible, tender, humble grandpa……to the fiery, first martyr of the faith!! Amen and amen. Like Renee, I saw the photo of Annie with the children on FB…..it is as lovely a photo as one could find on this earth!!! 🙂 Melted my heart into a puddle.
Congratulations! Praise God for the safe delivery of Steven! :)))
Praising God for the new child, Steven, a blessing. What a joy to have this little one come at this special season!
2.A. What stands out to you and why?
verses 9 and 10 seem contradictory…(v 9, He was coming into the world; v 10, He was in the world).
verse 11 makes me sad…His own did not receive Him. What a loving, patient, merciful Lord we have..
2.B. Why do you think John says “the true light” instead of just “the light?”
There is truly only only on light, all other light is a reflection of “the true light,” similar to the moon reflecting the light of the sun, without the sun the moon would have no light on its own (reminds me of Sara Groves song, “You are the Sun”).
I need to ponder 2.C….I want to be gentle yet clear. I understand how people are turned off by those who are brash in their sharing of faith…by those who are too aggressive, condescending…those who don’t listen, don’t encourage curiousness. I want to be gentle, winsomeness, interested, attentive…I will ponder this today and see where the Lord leads.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
Getting a slow start this week. 🙂 Others’ have offered such wonderful thoughts on this and I don’t want to duplicate. Here’s something I loved: Dee, your amazement that God actually ANSWERED your pleas for Sally’s boldness in witness to the unbelievers the Lord has placed in her world! I love that sense of “look what He did, look what He did!!!” that Sally’s story of the past week showed forth. You said: “None of these discussions ended with people putting their trust in Christ, but I do think His Spirit is moving, and Sally is learning to move with Him.” Be still my heart!! I love that dose of reality – it’s not to be our expectation that we will begin to witness and immediately will see throngs falling at the feet of the cross….wonderful beyond wonders though that would be. Reading between the lines I see your encouragement here to persevere, to take heart and not become discouraged. Moving with the Spirit means that HE is in charge of the outcome!! We are only called to faithfulness. What a wonder that He has invited us into His dance and the wooing of the lost!!! How can we even begin to grasp the mystery??????
Such life giving words, Jackie.
2. Read John 1:9-11.
A. What stands out to you and why? LIGHT. By verse 9, the word light has stated 7 times! There is no question in my mind that I need to “get” what God, through His Spirit is teaching us here. For several weeks I have been memorizing and studying in 1 John. I have been blown away by the help I have found there from Martyn Lloyd Jones’ commentary “Life in Christ” (he is a favorite mentor of our own favorite teacher Tim Keller!). He helped me see this word “light” in a more piercing way by showing that light referring to the HOLINESS of God. Wow! That would help me to see that the first verses in the gospel of John are shouting out about Jesus: “HOLY, HOLY, HOLY!!!!!” It is as though John is introducing us to Jesus Christ by not only saying that He is God…..but by emphasizing that He is HOLY. He is not just a man!! This IS our “God-Man”, Immanuel, God with us!!!!!
1. What stood out to you and why?
It was such an encouragement to read about your Annie’s (I have an Annie too) conversations, ignited by the right questions. I will need for the Lord to remind me of the right questions at the right moments. I tend to hold back
I also loved the Chronicles of Narnia photo and reminder from the movie. I have taught C.S. Lewis writings to Jr. High and High School students ~ love this dialogue with the professor regarding logic. Ravi Zacharius (Christian apologist) is one in our day that continues to expose the lies with logical thinking as well as to expose our dark hearts with the Light.
2. John 1:9-11
a. What stood out?
The statement that, “There was a true light.” It suggests that there is a false light. II Corinthians 11:14 tells us that Satan disguises himself as an angle of light. I grew up in a small town in Wyoming that had a very high percentage of folks that were in a cult. Many of my friends from Kindergarten through high school were Mormon and they tried diligently to convert me. I remember one particular day in high school when a Lutheran friend (who was dating a young LDS man) described her “conversion” coming about by experiencing the (unholy) presence of an angel of light. She became convinced that Mormonism must hold the truth. It took me a while to understand who that angel was.
So, there were many discussions with friends in high school over this topic. My own dad left that cult and became a Christian in his mid-forties, through the faithful, gentle friendship of our Lutheran pastor. So grateful for that man in my dad’s life.
Like Jackie, LIGHT is what stands out to me as well. And as I’ve pondered these verses, I’ve been more attentive to light. All of the songs and nativity depictions tell of His birth in the night. Light in the night. The Light exposing the darkness. His life penetrating the darkness (evil, sinfulness) even with His first breath. I was reminded of the song O Holy Night. (I recently posted this on facebook.)
The incredible history of “O Holy Night” ~ Dating back to 1847, lyrics by a french poet, tune by a well-known Jewish composer, this hymn was embraced, loved and eventually banned. It eventually made its way to America where it fell into the hands of a young professor tinkering with radio waves in his office on Christmas Eve, 1906. How the Lord birthed this song to pierce that night so that the first human voice ever transmitted was declaring the birth of Christ! And how he continues to pierce our dark nights of the soul.
http://extraordinaryintelligence.com/true-story-of-o-holy-night/
Nila – I always love hearing about your dad’s conversion to Christ in his mid-40’s and out of Mormonism. That pastor friend’s faithful friendship reminds me of the humble pastor in Syracuse who befriended Rosaria Butterfield and how he and his wife just winsomely loved on her in true friendship for years before her conversion to Christ. 🙂 It’s a lovely picture of that persevering, authentic friendship that sets the table for sharing the gospel …..and rests in the Spirit as to the “results”. The faithfulness in friendship that I see is that God has befriended us……thus we are His friends….and out of our friendship with Him…..friendships with believers and nonbelievers both! For HIS glory!!
How wonderful that the friendship of a godly pastor rescued your dad from Mormonism — and ripples out for generations.
Thank you for this about “O Holy Night!” I enjoyed it and posted it on Facebook.
C. How would you correct opponents with gentleness who believe “whatever you believe is true.”
I’m not sure if this is gentle or not, but I probably would say to them “…in your religion did your leader die for his people?”
D. There are two ways (maybe more!) to interpret verse 9 — looking at the context, what do you think is God’s meaning and why?
1) God’s light enlightens every man with the truth
2) God’s light exposes every man’s heart
I have to choose one of the above, I would so probably say Number one, God’s light enlightens everyman with the truth. This might be saying the same thing, but I believe Jesus came to show us how we should act and behavior on earth. This is the light.
E. What irony do you find in verse 10?
People didn’t recognize his goodness. They did not notice that he was something special. Only the disciples did that. His own Jewish people did not recognize him.
2. Read John 1:9-11
A. What stands out to you and why?
“He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.” This statement sums up John the Baptist’s purpose in life, and should be ours/mine as well. It stands against my attention-seeking, approval-idol behavior and wanting to be center stage
B. Why does John say the “true light” instead of just “the light”?
I was stumped about this, because in verse 4 John uses just “the light”, and also in verse 5 he uses “the light”. I thought maybe it meant that there if there is a true light then I need to watch out for false lights. I looked up some commentaries and found two very helpful; one was the Expositor’s Greek Testament. Here is what I learned:
“It means that which corresponds to the ideal; true, not as opposed to false, but to symbolical or imperfect. John himself was a light, but not the true light.””The word for ‘true’ (alethinos) means ‘true’ as opposed to spurious, not true as opposed to lying. Christ then is the true, the genuine, the perfect Light…He was in reality what all others are in figure and imperfectly.”
2. Read John 1:9-11
A. What stands out to you and why?
The TRUE LIGHT gives light to EVERYONE. This is why Jesus came-to rescue us from darkness for we were blind, and bring us to Him..This isn’t ours to hide under a bushel but rather to put on a stand-Matthew 5:14-16. His light in us-to draw unbelievers to Him-to the Gospel for He wants them too. It is beautiful and it is even more wonderful that we can confidently ask unbelievers penetrating questions like Sally-and not be afraid for HE draws them to Him, not us-but they will see His light in us..and He puts them in our path, not us. So if they reject us then they are rejecting Him..if they embrace Him it is because of Him not us-so we are free to Love, free to let His light shine in us and not hide it under a bushel.
B. Why do you think John says “the true light” instead of just “the light?”
To me the word TRUE means only HE perhaps and not John..So it is He in us-not us. True is also a word for truth? John 14:6 He is the way the truth and the life came to mind. His light in us..not just in me or believers in America but in millions of believers around the world shining His light in a dark world. His light is eternal, limitless by boundaries. I can be a light in the places God has me, but not in every nook and cranny..so His light abounds in other believers around the world shining on men convicting them of sin and their need for God.
I also think the true light contrasts false light..satan masquerades as an angel of light-in so many who claim to be His but aren’t..dividing the body in local churches and abroad, and causing us to look to idols instead of to Jesus..but His light has “overcome” the darkness!! Hallelujah!
Happy belated birthday, Nila…hope you enjoyed a wonderful day and your new year is off to a great start!
2.C. How would you correct opponents with gentleness who believe “whatever you believe is true?”
Oh how this question convicts…I would like to think that in gentleness and in the contest of a trusting relationship, we could chat about who Jesus is and what He said…Sally’s example of Jesus being either truth, a lie, or mad comes to mind as a good manner for chatting. I would eventually end with John 14:6…Jesus says that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Light and no one comes to the Father but through Him.
2.D. What do you think is God’s meaning and why?
1) God’s light enlightens every man with truth.
Jesus’ presence will open people’s eyes, minds, and hearts to the truth that He is Savior, Lord, and King. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Light. The light enlightens us to the gospel…we are sinful in need of a Savior, the Lord is just and merciful.
2) God’s light exposes every man’s heart.
Our hearts are sinful, idol makers–the Lord’s light is purifying. The Lord’s light exposes our need for a Savior…our need for Jesus.
2.E. What irony do you find in v. 10?
He/Jesus is coming, but He/Jesus is here.
Ladies-I am preparing for our family Christmas this Saturday-to host it-it was a last minute switch from my brothers home to mine. There will be around 23 people. God is moving in a sweet way for my bend is to get stressed with not having time to deep clean before everyone gets here-and make the cookie gifts..When I work during the school months-nothing gets done..it is pretty bad. The boys help but it isn’t the clean I prefer. 🙂 But God is reminding me via our blog study this week of WHY He had this switch to our home!!
Will pray for you Rebecca — I know His love will flow through you!
Well pray for your family Christmas this Saturday, Rebecca. 23! Wow! Let us know how things go.
Rebecca, how intriguing. The Lord has something special in mind…I will be eager to hear what occurs. Blessings, dear sister.
THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR DEAR CONGRATULATIONS ON STEVEN. WE ARE OVER THE MOON.
Steven is SO precious-love the picture you posted on fb.. and I just love that they named him after Steve!!!
Oh — me too!
3. Read both of these passages and then I want you to find the links between the two
Both have references to the Word.
Both say he was seen by us.
Both say God is the light.
2C. How would you correct opponents with gentleness who ascribe to “whatever you believe is true.”?
Well, Dee. Here I feel like you are the teacher who kind of gave us the answer! When you were speaking about the characters in Narnia and “the professor helped them to think logically.” Logic. We can gently ask questions such as “have you ever thought of this?”. Or…..”let’s examine the possibilities together….” I actually look for conversational opportunities to say something like “I never thought of that”…..not as a gimick or a ruse, but rather to solidify the bonds of humble friendship and humanity. SO often in the gospels it seems to me that the sense I get from those who meet the Savior is that they go and find another and say “come and see!”……let’s go see Him….let’s go explore together the Scriptures…..let’s follow Him together!!! I would try to push for the “big questions”…..who are we, really? Why were we even created? Where did it all go so wrong? Is there a solution to our troubles (sin)? What are the stakes if truth really is NOT relative? What if there is a true truth about God and humans and sin and eternal destinies??? What are the stakes for our lives if God IS???
Jackie-wonderful wonderful response!
D. There are two ways (maybe more!) to interpret verse 9 – looking at the context, what do you think is God’s meaning and why?
1) God’s light enlightens every man with the truth.
2) God’s light exposes every man’s heart.
Thank you for reminding us of context, Dee! When I look at the three verses that directly precede verse 9, the answer begins to take shape: JOHN THE BAPTIST!!! HE is the introduction to Jesus! He came as a witness. John the Baptist described his ministry when questioned by the Pharisees in vs. 23 of this chapter as this: “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as the prophet Isaiah said.” What did John continually cry out? “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” Matthew 4:17 describes Jesus’ very first words in ministry after the arrest of John the Baptist. Jesus words were this: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Repent. Sin. Darkness. John 3;19-21 is extremely helpful here too……and so I think that the FIRST step in true conversion – and what verse 9 may well be referring to is #2. exposing every man’s heart.
Which is kind of bolstered by what I learned from Martyn Lloyd Jones while studying the concept of Jesus as the LIGHT in the book of 1 John. It may well be that “light” emphasizes HOLY. And HOLY would surely first and foremost expose our sin, our darkness. Which is the greatest love and kindness God could possibly offer us: to see our need and our utter separation from a holy God…..only THEN do we know that we need a Savior!!
Wonderful well thought out response, looking at context!
These are good thoughts here, Jackie. I like your logic and research. Light = Holy.
3. Links between John 1:1-14 and 1 John 1:1-7.
1) both speak to the desire in prompting belief…the gospel of John via John the Baptist and 1 John through the apostle’s sharing of his personal experience.
2) both speak to the Lord being light and dispelling the darkness.
3) both speak to Jesus coming in a physical, human, bodily form.
4) both note the union of Jesus and the Father (Holy Trinity).
4.
A We have seen His glory…1 John elaborates, how?
John speaks to literally touching the Lord Jesus, being in His physical presence.
B. John the Baptist bore witness that all men might believe. John the apostle also bears witness so that…
John bears witness so that all will have fellowship with the Lord and other believers and their joy will be complete.
C. That was the true light. 1 John elaborates on what happens if we walk in the true light.
We are blessed with fellowship and the Lord cleanses us from all sin.
Have to share..A couple in our home community group at church (the couple whose husband has a great testimony about how Idol Lies impacted him.) have just found out their boy has high functioning autism. God has weaved mom’s and my heart together and we are connecting deeper in fellowship because of this. I get to encourage her, and she wants to memorize with me. :))) it is just amazing how God put them in our group in this time. I love it when he hears the longing of our hearts to have a face to face sister to have deep fellowship with. 🙂
Rebecca, isn’t it amazing how God brought the two of you together to answer the longing of her heart…and now that she has found out her son has autism, I’m sure that the longing of her heart would have been to connect with another mom who has a child or children with autism.
Wow.
4. A. How have we seen His glory?
“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life—”
1 John 1:1 ESV
B. John the apostle bears witness so that…
“the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us— that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, 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 1:2-3 ESV
C. If we walk in the light….
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.”
1 John 1:7 ESV
5. What is one way comparing these passages impacts you?
Nancy (Leigh) Demoss Wolgemuth always says that if something is repeated in the bible that it must be very important, and we should “camp” on it to really flesh out its meaning. I believe this is the case here….John is repeating himself so that there won’t be any confusion about what truly happened. (speaking of “truly,” and repetition; that is one question I have that came about by reading the chronological bible this year…..why does Jesus always say, “truly, truly” when He says things?)
Back to John…..John wants the events to be accounted for, in detail, with no speculation. The account itself is repeated and the actual details are as well (beginning, light, etc.)
Yes, Laura — such a RICH RICH passage.
Lol!
This week has just been so busy at school with finals and all. The words of Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland kept coming back to me “I,m late, I’m late, I’m late for an important date!” That is how I have been feeling these days. Just when I feel like I am caught up with something, another thing comes into view which I am late for! God is good in still being there for me,loving and coming alongside me, tempering my speed. Letting me know He is there for me. Illuminating the dark recesses of my heart so I can be enLIGHTened.
I love the comparison of the gospel of John and the epistle of John and the life of John the Baptist. For our bible reading schedule based in Colossians 1, this passage stood out for me as written by Paul ” He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by[f]him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven,making peace by the blood of his cross.”
5. What is one way comparing these passages impacts you?
I was struck by how John 1 was all “doctrine” the goads to anchor my faith or as one commentary said the gospel of John was written for unbelievers and I John was written for believers most probably were Gentile believers. The latter is so “personal” and both are complementary in addressing the mind and soul/heart. I think it is good to note also that the epistle was written when John was much older. Which bring me to the thought that as a Christian, and as a I grow older in Him, the gospel should be deeply personal to me rather than just mere mental assent to the truth.
6. Write out your memory passage.
In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were created through Him. And without him was not anything made that was made. In Him was life and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it. There was a man sent from god whose name was John. He came as a witness to bear witness about the light. He was not the light but came to bear witness about the light. The true light which gives light to everyone has come into the world. He was in the world and the world was created through him yet the world did not know him. He came to his own but his own people did not receive him.
I missed several words while I was typing the above and had to correct them.
Yes, Bing, You make me smile, “I’m late.”
Well, that’s me- I am late, but loving how all these passages fit together and reinforce the truth of scripture. The Colossians passage that you gave impressed me also.
I loved all the responses to the comparisons to I John and I never had compared these before. It is wonderful to see that light is holy, Jackie. And the passage in I John brings us right up to our need to confess that sin in me ( of idols) and shows us that when we confess he is righteous and just and forgives that sin. The true light which gives light to everyone has come into the world…
Praying that my light will reflect and that I may have boldness to proclaim this precious gift.