October 7th, 2024
by Joey Hufstedler
by Joey Hufstedler
Hello Church Family,
The True Light That Gives Life
John 1:6-13
In the opening chapter of the Gospel of John, we are introduced to a powerful and foundational truth: Jesus Christ is the true Light that has come into the world to bring life and hope. As we reflect on John 1:6-13, we see how this passage beautifully weaves together the themes of light, witness, and the incredible privilege of becoming children of God through faith.
The Witness of John the Baptist
The text begins by introducing John the Baptist, a man sent by God with a clear purpose—to be a witness to the Light. He wasn’t the Light himself, but he was sent to point people toward it. In verses 6-8, we read:
“There came a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to testify about the Light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light.”
John the Baptist’s role was to prepare the way for Christ, proclaiming that the Light was coming into the world. His message was clear: Jesus is the One who brings life to those in darkness, and it is through Him that we can experience the fullness of God’s grace.
This is a powerful reminder to us today. Just like John, we are called to be witnesses to the Light, pointing others to Christ through our words and actions. Our lives should reflect the transformative power of the Light we have received.
The True Light That Shines in Darkness
The passage continues in verse 9, declaring the arrival of Jesus, the true Light:
“There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man.”
Jesus is described as the “true Light,” a title that sets Him apart as the source of all spiritual life and understanding. He is not just a light, but the Light—the One who reveals truth, exposes sin, and illuminates the way to God. His light shines in the darkness of this world, and the darkness cannot overcome it (John 1:5).
In a world filled with confusion, sin, and spiritual blindness, Jesus brings clarity, righteousness, and life. His light penetrates the deepest corners of our hearts, offering us hope and redemption. No matter how dark our circumstances may be, the light of Christ is always greater.
The Rejection of the Light
Yet, even though the Light has come into the world, not everyone embraces it. Verses 10-11 paint a sobering picture:
“He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him.”
Despite being the Creator of all things, Jesus was not recognized or received by many. This rejection of the Light is a tragic reminder of the hardness of human hearts. People often choose to remain in darkness because it is comfortable, familiar, and undemanding. But Jesus calls us out of the darkness and into the light of His truth and grace. The question we must ask ourselves is: will we receive the Light, or will we reject it?
The Privilege of Becoming Children of God
The good news, however, is found in verses 12-13, which offer a glorious promise:
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.”
Those who receive Christ and believe in His name are given the right to become children of God. This is not something we can earn or inherit through natural means—it is a divine gift, given by the grace of God to those who trust in Christ. Through faith in Jesus, we are adopted into God’s family, with all the rights and privileges that come with it.
What a profound truth! We are no longer lost in the darkness of sin; we are beloved children of God, called to live in the light of His presence. This new identity should shape how we live, think, and interact with others. As children of God, we are called to reflect the light of Christ in our daily lives.
Conclusion: Walking in the Light
The message of John 1:6-13 is one of hope, transformation, and responsibility. Jesus Christ, the true Light, has come into the world to bring life to all who receive Him. Through faith in Him, we are not only rescued from darkness, but we are also given the privilege of becoming children of God. This is a gift beyond measure.
As we move forward, let us embrace the light of Christ in every aspect of our lives. Let us, like John the Baptist, be faithful witnesses to this Light, pointing others to the life and hope that can only be found in Jesus. And let us remember that as children of God, we are called to live in the light, walking in obedience, love, and truth.
May we continually seek to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, shining His light in a world that desperately needs it.
Serving Him,
Bro. Joey
The True Light That Gives Life
John 1:6-13
In the opening chapter of the Gospel of John, we are introduced to a powerful and foundational truth: Jesus Christ is the true Light that has come into the world to bring life and hope. As we reflect on John 1:6-13, we see how this passage beautifully weaves together the themes of light, witness, and the incredible privilege of becoming children of God through faith.
The Witness of John the Baptist
The text begins by introducing John the Baptist, a man sent by God with a clear purpose—to be a witness to the Light. He wasn’t the Light himself, but he was sent to point people toward it. In verses 6-8, we read:
“There came a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to testify about the Light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light.”
John the Baptist’s role was to prepare the way for Christ, proclaiming that the Light was coming into the world. His message was clear: Jesus is the One who brings life to those in darkness, and it is through Him that we can experience the fullness of God’s grace.
This is a powerful reminder to us today. Just like John, we are called to be witnesses to the Light, pointing others to Christ through our words and actions. Our lives should reflect the transformative power of the Light we have received.
The True Light That Shines in Darkness
The passage continues in verse 9, declaring the arrival of Jesus, the true Light:
“There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man.”
Jesus is described as the “true Light,” a title that sets Him apart as the source of all spiritual life and understanding. He is not just a light, but the Light—the One who reveals truth, exposes sin, and illuminates the way to God. His light shines in the darkness of this world, and the darkness cannot overcome it (John 1:5).
In a world filled with confusion, sin, and spiritual blindness, Jesus brings clarity, righteousness, and life. His light penetrates the deepest corners of our hearts, offering us hope and redemption. No matter how dark our circumstances may be, the light of Christ is always greater.
The Rejection of the Light
Yet, even though the Light has come into the world, not everyone embraces it. Verses 10-11 paint a sobering picture:
“He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him.”
Despite being the Creator of all things, Jesus was not recognized or received by many. This rejection of the Light is a tragic reminder of the hardness of human hearts. People often choose to remain in darkness because it is comfortable, familiar, and undemanding. But Jesus calls us out of the darkness and into the light of His truth and grace. The question we must ask ourselves is: will we receive the Light, or will we reject it?
The Privilege of Becoming Children of God
The good news, however, is found in verses 12-13, which offer a glorious promise:
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.”
Those who receive Christ and believe in His name are given the right to become children of God. This is not something we can earn or inherit through natural means—it is a divine gift, given by the grace of God to those who trust in Christ. Through faith in Jesus, we are adopted into God’s family, with all the rights and privileges that come with it.
What a profound truth! We are no longer lost in the darkness of sin; we are beloved children of God, called to live in the light of His presence. This new identity should shape how we live, think, and interact with others. As children of God, we are called to reflect the light of Christ in our daily lives.
Conclusion: Walking in the Light
The message of John 1:6-13 is one of hope, transformation, and responsibility. Jesus Christ, the true Light, has come into the world to bring life to all who receive Him. Through faith in Him, we are not only rescued from darkness, but we are also given the privilege of becoming children of God. This is a gift beyond measure.
As we move forward, let us embrace the light of Christ in every aspect of our lives. Let us, like John the Baptist, be faithful witnesses to this Light, pointing others to the life and hope that can only be found in Jesus. And let us remember that as children of God, we are called to live in the light, walking in obedience, love, and truth.
May we continually seek to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, shining His light in a world that desperately needs it.
Serving Him,
Bro. Joey
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2024
October
The True Light That Gives LifeBlessed or Barren: A Reflection on Matthew 13:54-58Come to Jesus: The Bread of Life and Our Eternal HopeCome to Jesus: Finding Satisfaction in the Bread of LifeHeld in His Hands: The Eternal Security in ChristReflecting on Held in His Hands: The Eternal Security in ChristCelebrating 110 years of Faith: Building on the Past, Looking Forward
2023
May
We Have An Assignment We Cannot FulfillWe Have A Privilege We Cannot ForsakeWe Have A Family We Cannot ForgetWe Have A God We Cannot FathomGod Loves You & Created You To Know Him PersonallyMan Is Sinful And Separated From GodJesus Christ Is The Only Provision For Man's SinWe Must, Individually, Accept Jesus Christ As SaviorThe Sadness Of A MotherThe Pursuit Of A MotherThe Faithfulness Of A MotherFor God So Loved The WorldGod Demonstrated His LoveThe Greatest Gift Ever GivenThe Gospel Is For AllWe Deserve Hell, Jesus Offers Grace
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