I AM the Light of the World - John 8:12; 1:4-9

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I AM the Light of the World - John 8:12; 1:4-9

January 28, 2024 • Mike Burt • John 8:12, John 1:4–9

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“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

This is the second I AM statement that Jesus makes in the Gospel of John. These statements reveal to us who He is and what He came to do. The meaning of John 8:12 is powerful and can change our life and our faith if we let it sink in and become our way of life.

Sunday I will dive into what the ‘I am the light of the world’ means and see how it should change our approach to Growing in Christ and Growing Others!

In Jesus’ first I AM statement in John 6:35 he says he is the Bread of Life. Food was a too scarce commodity in the 1st Century world of the Jews. It was the first thing God provided the Israelites with on their journey in the Exodus from Egypt – ‘manna’ the Bread of Life. Here Jesus uses an equally iconic illustration: light. The Jews in their wanderings followed a pillar of fire by night and day. Moses knew this was of the LORD as he had visited the burning bush that was not consumed and he heard the commands of Jehovah.

Today when it’s dark we simply flip a switch and instantly the darkness is gone. But in the 1st Century, it wasn’t so simple. In Jesus’ day when it got dark, it was DARK. So when Jesus calls Himself the light it’s a big deal. Not so in the days of lamps and oil or even just meager candles – real light! From the Menorah to the Hannukah miracle – Light was a big deal!

Dr Thomas Constable says, “The light of life figure stands for what dispels the darkness of ignorance and death. Jesus was claiming that whoever believes in Him will enjoy the light that comes from God’s presence and produces life.”

Join me Sunday for this second I AM and let me share the 3 ways we are illuminated by Christ and how we are to walk in that light and shine that light – see you Sunday.

Pastor Mike

More from The 7 I AM Statements of Jesus - John

So That You May Believe - John 18:1-11

March 24, 2024 • Denis Garijo • John 18:1–11

“When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground” John 18:6. This Sunday is Palm Sunday, which marks the beginning of Jesus' journey towards the crucifixion and resurrection. It starts with the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, where He was received as the king of the Jews, the Messiah who would rescue them politically and nationally. However, Jesus came to bring salvation not for their nation but for their souls. After His entry, we will fast forward a couple of days to the events when Jesus was arrested, where He delivered the last 'I Am' statement, displaying His power and Divinity. As we look at these events, let us learn from human mistakes and, most importantly, from Jesus, the humble King, Lord, and Savior. John 8:58 - “Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” I appreciate your prayers and hope to see you there! Denis Garijo

I AM the Vine - John 15:1-16

March 3, 2024 • Mike Burt • John 15:1–16

Jesus has used several illustrations of agriculture and common everyday things to demonstrate how uncommon He is – for our understanding. The seventh of the I AMs is just as rich – Jesus steps into the vineyard and draws some heavenly analogies – He is the Vine and we are the branches. Sunday I will try to unpack these life lessons and emphasize how important it is to ‘abide’ in Christ. Jesus is the Vine and His Father the Vinedresser – doing the pruning. We are the branches extending from the Vine whose purpose is to bear fruit for the Vinedresser. Sunday I will cover the 4 types of produce God desires from His vineyard. Fruit, more fruit, much fruit, and fruit that remains. The most important step to this is being connected to the Vine and then to be fruitful in this World. Come Sunday and listen to the lesson from Jesus – our True Vine! See you Sunday - Pastor Mike Fruit of the Spirit - Growing by the Water of the Word and lots of 'Sonlight'!

I AM the Way and the Truth and the Life! - John 14:1-6

February 25, 2024 • Mike Burt • John 14:1–6

“We fear men so much because we fear God so little.” William Gurnall John records the fear of the Disciples when Jesus announces in John 13 that He is ‘only with them a little while longer’ (John 13:31). As we might expect Peter asks ‘where are you going?’ – and Jesus replies with a short answer and then the longer promises of John 14 – the text for Sunday. The conversation in chapter 14 follows in form closely to the preceding chapter. The conversation continues to flow as Christ prepares His disciples for the day ahead. He comforts them by telling them His departure is to His Father's house, with a view of preparing a place for them and then coming again to those who know the direction of the journey. Our key verse is Jesus establishing that knowing Him is not only the ultimate meaning and fulfillment of life on earth but the only way to really know the Father in heaven. Sunday I will take us into the teachings of the Way, the Truth, and the Life – all found in Jesus! Invite someone to join you! Pastor Mike