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The Light of Day and the Dark of Night
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mike FordDarkness, in a spiritual sense, is often associated with sin, despair, and hopelessness, which seem to intensify under the cover of night. The night, while a time for rest, frequently becomes a cloak for sin, as people believe their actions are hidden from sight. Historical events, such as the New York City blackout of 1977, demonstrate the chaos that ensues when physical light is absent, with looting, vandalism, and arson rampant in the darkness, revealing how the absence of light can mirror spiritual darkness. Spiritually, darkness is linked to the adversary, once called Lucifer or Helel, meaning morning star or light-bearer, who became associated with sin and darkness due to pride. This contrasts sharply with God, in whom there is no darkness at all, as He is light in its fullest sense. The call to turn from darkness to light is a call to move from being under the power of sin and the adversary to receiving forgiveness and an inheritance through faith, a process that requires God to open our eyes. The metaphor of light and darkness permeates the scriptures, illustrating the choice between walking in the light of day, which is love and obedience to God's truth, or stumbling in the dark of night, which is hate and sin. If hatred for a brother exists, one remains in darkness, whereas love for the brethren signifies walking in the light. The adversary, as a deceiver, may disguise darkness with artificial light, dressing up sin to appear appealing, as seen in places where bright lights mask underlying vices. Yet, no matter how sin is concealed, it cannot be hidden from God and will eventually come into the light of day. The ultimate victory over spiritual darkness is envisioned in a future where God's glory illuminates the New Jerusalem, with the Lamb as its light, suggesting a time when darkness, both physical and spiritual, will be no more. This reflects the profound truth that God is the source of light and truth, while the adversary represents lies and darkness, urging a life of reflection of God's light through obedience and love.
This Little Light of Mine
CGG Weekly by Gary MontgomeryThis world loves darkness, where many believe they can hide their actions—lying, cheating, stealing, and more—thinking no one will see or find out. Jesus confirms in John 3:20 that those who practice evil hate the light and avoid it, fearing their deeds will be exposed. Yet, the light of God surpasses even the sun, revealing all secrets, for nothing is hidden from Him as stated in Hebrews 4:13. The light of truth exposes the sinful deeds of men, illuminating what is concealed in darkness. We have been given God's truth to light up our lives, ensuring we do not dwell in darkness. Jesus declares Himself the true light of the world in John 12:46, promising that those who believe and follow Him will not remain in the dark. As He teaches in John 3:21, those who live by the truth come to the light, so their deeds may be seen as done in God. Therefore, we must walk in the fullness of His light, practicing what pleases Him, allowing our little light to shine brightly in this increasingly darkening world.
Believing is Seeing
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityWe must walk in God's truth, seeing the spiritual path a little bit at a time until we arrive in the New Jerusalem, needing no external illumination.
The Radiance of God's Glory
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe so-called Age of Enlightenment replaced divine revelation with carnal human reason, replacing God's true light with Satan's counterfeit 'illumination.'
The Lord is My Light and Salvation
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsSpiritual darkness, symbolizing error, evil, and the works of satan, stands in stark contrast to the light of truth and goodness that represents God's redemptive work. Those who worship light itself, rather than the Creator, unknowingly dwell in spiritual darkness, which is a state of spiritual ignorance. Morally and spiritually, much of society is enveloped in darkness, reflecting a profound spiritual bankruptcy where the light of truth is but a flicker. Biblically, light is the great antithesis and conqueror of darkness. The absence of light evokes terror, as seen in depictions of deposed rulers groping in the dark without guidance, and in apocalyptic visions where light is darkened by clouds. Jesus Himself spoke of the body being full of darkness when the eye, the lamp of the body, is bad, illustrating the pervasive nature of spiritual blindness. The betrayal of Jesus by Judas exemplifies this darkness. When Judas left the presence of Christ, it was night, a literal and symbolic representation of entering a world of darkness under the influence of satan, the prince of darkness. This moment underscores the conflict between light and darkness, as Jesus later declared to His enemies that their actions against Him were under the power of darkness. Jesus further highlighted this opposition by stating that those who reject His truth are children of the devil, who is a liar and dwells in darkness with no truth in him. This spiritual darkness manifests in a world of lies and deception, where truth becomes a foreign language to many, evident in the distortions prevalent among various professions in society. In contrast, God is light, with no darkness in Him at all. Walking in darkness while claiming fellowship with Him is a lie, for true fellowship with God occurs only in the light, where the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses from sin. God calls His people out of darkness into His marvelous light, delivering them from the power of darkness into the kingdom of His beloved Son. Satan, however, uses false light to deepen darkness, as seen in historical shifts toward humanism and evolution, which lead people away from true spiritual enlightenment. True enlightenment will come during the Millennium, when God will shine light on all minds, revealing His truth. Ultimately, in the New Jerusalem, there will be no night, no spiritual darkness, for the glory of God and the Lamb will be its everlasting light, obliterating all traces of darkness forever.
The Light of the World
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeChrist's teachings on the Eighth Day revolved around light and darkness, and twice on that Holy Day He proclaimed that He is the Light of the World.
Everlasting Light
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod's Spirit illumines the truth to the core of our beings. We must exemplify light in our testimony and behavior, anticipating our future glory of the New Jerusalem.
Christian Myopia
Article by StaffMyopia, or nearsightedness, is not just an eye condition. It also describes a worldview that is quite limited and limiting.
The Healing of a Man Born Blind (Part Two)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsAll of us have been born spiritually blind and have spent a great deal of our early lives in total darkness, oblivious to our need for salvation.
Truth (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWith the Spirit of God—the light of God—we see the true shape and form of things, and reality appears as something we can see clearly. We find truth.
Seeking God's Will (Part Seven): Conclusion
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAs we walk in the light, we will prove to ourselves and others that God's way is best. Wisdom and understanding will accrue by keeping God's commandments.
Communication and Leaving Babylon (Part Three)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughChristians must continue to fight against self-centered and deception long after their calling to deepen and strengthen their relationships with God.
The Miracles of Jesus Christ: Healing Two Blind Men (Part One)
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsTwo blind men doggedly follow Jesus into a house so that He will restore their sight to them. Here are the lessons we can learn from these two supplicants.
Is America a Christian Nation? (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The Constitution, in some ways, makes a mockery of God's sovereignty, preferring a hodge-podge of syncretism of the world's religions.
You Have Not So Learned Christ
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWhile the truth of Christ has the power to elevate, our worldly orientation blinds us, dulls our minds, and pulls us downward to abject slavery to sin.
Hope That Purifies
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe true Christian has the unique hope of becoming like Jesus Christ, sharing in His joy, power, and honor. Only the pure in heart will actually see God.
Facing Times of Stress: Lack of Clarity
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMany people called by God realize the world is wrong, but also cannot see the way of God clearly, having an inability of seeing or comprehending the truth.