LIGHT VS. DARKNESS
Read Time: 4 min 58 sec
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“Your progress in holiness will never exceed your relationship with the Word of God.”
Nancy Leigh DeMoss
THE GOOD STUFF
LIGHT VS. DARKNESS
by Linda Justice | Member at Redeemer
“…God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all.” - 1 John 1:5
While pastoring the church in Ephesus, the Apostle John (the last living apostle - around the age of 90) was faced with false prophets teaching false doctrine. This doctrine known as ‘gnosticism’, was popular because it appealed to the flesh in many ways. It required no repentance or even acknowledgement of one’s sin. Those who practiced it also claimed they had a relationship with Jesus because of their made-up levels of ‘spiritual enlightenment.’
In 1 John, the apostle John takes apart this false doctrine piece by piece by exposing their darkness and preaching the gospel light of truth in detail!
If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 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. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. - 1 John 1:6-10
Light versus darkness is a common theme in scripture. The very physical properties of light tell a story. Light stimulates sight, makes things visible, and illuminates everything surrounding it. Darkness cannot overtake or invade light. When a light turns on, darkness flees!
So what does all this mean for us today? First of all, we live in the same fallen, sin-filled world the apostle John did. We have a different culture today, yet the spiritual battle of LIGHT and DARK continues. Praise God His Word is timeless!
John boldly proclaimed the Gospel. As believers, we too are to share it even when it is difficult. No doubt, I have missed many opportunities with co-workers, fellow classmates, friends, and family. (It seems family is always the hardest to minister to). Let us not miss the opportunities God gives us to be a light to those we meet.
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven” - Matthew 5:14-18
The darker the world, the brighter the LIGHT! Be a light this week.
GOD AT WORK AT REDEEMER
We are 6 Sundays away from meeting for the first time in our new sending base. Even typing that out is crazy... There are only 5 more setup/teardowns at the school and that makes me jump for joy. Paint is on the walls,
We are greatly looking forward to having our own space for worship in the very near future, but we are also so grateful for the last 6 years that we have met at Clark Pleasant Middle School. The relationship with the school is a true miracle and we praise God for His faithfulness in allowing us to meet there and to continue the relationship as we officially become neighbors! We've seen God work powerfully as we've met in a middle school, and He will continue to work powerfully as we meet in a brand new building. Because we know it is NOT about the building we worship in, but the One we worship.
We want to hear from you about how the Lord has used Redeemer to impact your life over the last 6 years. Reply here with a story of how God has moved and we will rejoice together!
STAFF PICKS
PRODUCT
Jack Henry Deodorant
This may be TMI, but I've got some sweaty armpits. It doesn't even have to be hot and I'll sweat through a shirt in no time. I've tried all sorts of deodorants, antiperspirants, medical lotion things, and even resorted to wearing undershirts that basically have a diaper in the armpit region to keep from sweating through them (Shout out Thompson Tees, they are actually amazing and saved my confidence for years).
But this last year, I finally said "Oh well, nothing works. I might as well try something that is natural." I found Jack Henry deodorant online and tried it out. And wouldn't you know it, I stopped sweating so much. It doesn't even advertise itself as a sweat blocker, but the natural detox that happened made me sweat less and it was the most beautiful thing to happen to me since getting married (Love you, Olivia!). Try it out if you are in the market for a new deodorant and interested in going natural.
Jake Zurawski | Creative Arts & Communications Director