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Jesus and the Feast (Part Three): Light of the World
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn John 8:12, Jesus Christ declares, "I am the light of the world." This profound statement follows His compassionate judgment of a woman caught in adultery, revealing His nature as the Great Judge who offers hope and a path to righteousness. He shines a great light on those who witness His actions, illuminating the way of His judgment and His mind. His example sheds light on godly living toward salvation, guiding us in the path of righteousness and goodness. As the light, He reveals not just obstacles along the way, but the true path toward the Kingdom of God. If we follow this light, we will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of everlasting life, reflecting His mercy and grace that lean toward improvement rather than condemnation.
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.
The Christian Walk (Part Two): In Light
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn the beginning, God commanded, "Let there be light," and light bloomed around the earth, banishing darkness so He could work. He saw the light, declared it good, and separated it from the darkness, establishing day and night. Light, originating from God, overcomes darkness and is necessary for creation, as He works in the light and approves it as good, while darkness stands as its opposite. John introduces the Logos, the divine Being who is the Creator, possessing life inherent within Himself. His life is the light of men, shining out God's will, teaching, wisdom, and revelation. Upon receiving and accepting this light, it leads to eternal life. The light shines bright in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it, echoing the creation and pointing to the ultimate victory of light over darkness. As He led Israel out of slavery, God provided a pillar of fire by night and a pillar of cloud by day, a constant light to guide them through the wilderness toward the Promised Land. He was always visible, leading and watching over His people, ensuring they had light to follow if they chose to do so. Jesus declares, "I am the light of the world." He is the light of men, the light of life, guiding as a beacon for the spiritual Israel of God. He leads out of darkness into light, setting a path and illuminating it to ensure safety and direction toward the Kingdom of God. He urges His followers to work and walk in the light, for neither can be done in darkness. Good spiritual work is impossible without illumination, and the only true light is Christ Himself. Jesus expands this light to His disciples, stating they too are the light of the world. They are to reflect His light through good works, allowing others to see the goodness of God and glorify the Father in heaven. By producing light through their actions, they witness to the world, striving to live as children of light, putting off darkness and putting on the attributes of Christ. Light represents Christ, the true light who gives light to every man. His light is multifaceted, touching various aspects of truth and goodness. Through conversion, believers transition from darkness to light in the Lord, called to walk as children of light out of gratitude for being raised out of darkness. True light produces what is good, right, and true, encouraging a life that pleases God through careful examination and imitation of Christ's conduct. To walk in the light, believers must avoid fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, exposing darkness within themselves rather than others. True light not only exposes but transforms, changing those who allow it to illuminate them, making evident God's work in their lives as they become light as He is. Christ gives this light, urging believers to wake up, remember their transformation, and continue to grow in the light toward eternal life in God's Kingdom.
Jesus Christ's Trial (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsJesus Christ, as the Light of the World, shines forth with divine authority even in the darkest moments of His arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane. John emphasizes this truth more than any other gospel writer, highlighting Jesus as the light in the opening chapter and quoting His own declarations of being the light of the world. While His enemies come in darkness with lanterns and torches to seize Him, their feeble lights and weapons stand powerless against the One who embodies true light. Their reliance on human progress or reason, mere shadows of deception, proves foolish when confronted with His radiant presence. Jesus, in complete control, willingly surrenders to His captors, choosing to give Himself up for the sake of salvation. His power is undeniable as He speaks the divine name "I Am," causing the arresting party to draw back and fall to the ground, overwhelmed by the majesty of His words. This revelation of His glory at the moment of arrest underscores the paradox of His incarnation—fully man, yet fully God—demonstrating that His death is voluntary, not coerced, and that no force could compel Him against His will.
Armor of Light
Sermonette by Bill OnisickGod commands His people to walk in the light, radiating the unfathomable brilliance of the Father and Son Who are within them.
The Lord is My Light and Salvation
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod is the only trustworthy source of true everlasting light, and in this divine illumination, Jesus Christ stands as the ultimate embodiment of that light. Jesus declared Himself the Light of the World, bringing God's truth to humanity with a brilliance that surpasses any natural or artificial light. As the eternal Word, He manifests the attributes of the divine nature as Life, Love, and Light, revealing and giving life to become the light of men. His presence is a great light, illuminating great truths of enormous consequence, growing in intensity as His influence spreads far and lasts long. The spiritual illumination brought by Jesus Christ is evident in His Galilean ministry, where He fulfilled prophecy by shining as a light to the people, offering clearness and evidence of truth. He is the Teacher, Enlightener, Guide, and Savior of humanity, giving understanding, wisdom, and truth to those who follow Him. Those who accept Him will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life, being called out of darkness into His marvelous light. In stark contrast, the rejection of this divine light leads to spiritual darkness. The betrayal by Judas exemplifies this, as he left the light of Christ's presence and entered a world of darkness, under the conduct of the prince of darkness during the time of night. The growing hostility between Jesus and His enemies further illustrates the opposition between light and darkness, reflecting the conflict between truth and deception. At the crucifixion, when humanity attempted to snuff out the Light of men, darkness fell at midday, symbolizing the profound struggle between light and darkness. Yet, Jesus remains the personification of divine illumination, and His light continues to define the essence of those delivered from the power of darkness into the kingdom of God's beloved Son. As the Head of the church, Christ, the Light of the World, reveals His glory through His Body, making evident the purpose of the mystery to all. In the final vision of the New Jerusalem, the glory of God provides light for the city, with the Lamb as its lamp, illuminating the eternal presence of divine truth and holiness. The redeemed, under the Great King, Jesus Christ, will reign forever in this everlasting light, where there is no night, only the permanent reality of God's presence and glory.
How Bright is Your Light?
Sermonette by Ryan McClureDo we let our lights shine through our lives by godly conduct, or are we trying to blend in with the world, compromising so as not to stand apart?
Everlasting Light
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod is the only true source of everlasting light, and this divine illumination finds its ultimate expression in Jesus Christ. As the predicted Messiah, Jesus was to be a light for the Gentiles, declaring Himself the Light of the World. He manifests the attributes of the divine nature as love, life, and light, becoming the radiant splendor of God's glory. In revealing and giving life, Christ became the light of men, bringing the true knowledge of God to humanity as their Teacher, Enlightener, Guide, and Savior. He gives understanding, truth, and wisdom to all who follow Him. Spiritual illumination came to the people of Galilee in the form of Jesus Christ, who brought God's truth, a great light representing the clearness and evidence of truth. This light, like the sun shining in its strength, illuminates great things of enormous consequence, lasting long, spreading far, and growing in intensity. Christ, the Eternal Word, embodies this light, and to come to Him is to receive life and to walk in the light of life, in stark contrast to the darkness of a godless existence. When Christ took the sins of the world upon Him, He experienced total darkness for a moment, deeply feeling the separation from the everlasting light of the Eternal Father. This illustrates the effect of sin, which places us in darkness, highlighting our need to return to His light. Those who follow Him will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life, as Christ's presence transforms and overcomes the darkness of sin and error. In the final vision of the New Jerusalem, the glory of God provides light for the city, with the Lamb as its lamp. Illuminated by the overflowing radiance of God's presence, the Holy City no longer needs a temple, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. The servants of God will reign with Christ forever in everlasting light, where there will be no physical or spiritual night, only perfect knowledge, joy, and the continual walking in the light of the Lord.
Be a Lighthouse
Sermon by Ted E. BowlingJust as lighthouses pierce through the obscurity of night, God's light shines through the darkness of this world, satan's domain. Jesus Christ came to warn us of danger, to save us, and to offer forgiveness. There is nothing more precious than light in the midst of darkness, and Jesus declares that He embodies light itself, separating light from darkness. To be in darkness is to be without direction or hope, engulfed in confusion and fear, but when we take on Jesus Christ, we abide in the light. Jesus provides a precious light that illuminates even the darkest places, bringing joy and peace akin to a lighthouse beacon guiding sailors through treacherous waters. He proclaimed, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life." In this, He offered guidance, hope, and comfort, penetrating the darkness of satan's world, teaching that light is life and darkness is death. There is a striking parallel between the beacon of a lighthouse and the light of God, which guides us through the seas of this world, giving direction and comfort, yielding hope. Jesus Christ is the ultimate source of this light, and as His followers, we are also called to be lights of the world. Though our light will never burn as bright as His, we are to shine forth before men, emitting the light of Jesus Christ by producing the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Our foundation must be solid, built on Jesus Christ, our rock, to withstand the harsh conditions of this world. This foundation is nurtured through our relationship with Him, ensuring that we stand tall and remain stable as lighthouses of His light. Jesus set the perfect example as the ultimate Lighthouse through His goodness, mercy, righteousness, and truth. We are to be imitators of Him, shining forth selflessly, not for our own glory, but to serve others and glorify God. Being a lighthouse means providing a good example to all we meet, letting our light shine through our actions, words, and attitudes, reflecting God's character so that Christ may be seen in us. Our values and character serve as a beacon, supporting and helping one another, glorifying God by the way we conduct ourselves in every aspect of life.
Learning to Live in the Light
Sermon by Kim MyersGod has given us the understanding of His Word, which is life through Christ, enabling us to comprehend His way of life and expectations. The Holy Spirit, received at baptism, helps us to share the light of the knowledge of God through Christ with others by our conduct, speech, and adherence to God's laws. There are three ways of life, but only one Man, Jesus Christ, has lived in total light all the time, as God is light and His laws are light. Christ lived perfectly in the light, and it is our responsibility to teach ourselves to live in that same light, despite the challenges posed by our human nature, the evil world, and satan's deception. We are called to be light to this world through our actions, striving to live in total light as Christ does, not in a mixture of light and darkness. Christ's death granted us, His called-out ones, the ability to live in the light with the help of the Holy Spirit, for which we should be thankful. Christ is the light, and without Him, there would be only darkness where the world resides. We must train ourselves to walk as children of light, expanding the light in our lives and diminishing the darkness.
The Light of Day and the Dark of Night
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mike FordIf we keep God's commandments, we are walking in the light. If we hate our brother or become enticed by the ways of the world, we are living in darkness.
Approaching God Through Christ (Part Five)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThough the menorah has been paired with Judaism, it should more properly be associated with Jesus Christ, the Light of the World.
Christians in the Spotlight
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe must let our lights shine by our moderation, self-control, attitude, and behavior, realizing that we are reflecting the characteristics of God Almighty.
Christ, the Chief Cornerstone
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIf a foundation is flawed, the building cannot stand. God built His spiritual temple on the prophets and the apostles, and Jesus Christ is the chief cornerstone.
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.
Hebrews (Part Four): Who Was Jesus?
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Jesus Christ was not just an extraordinary man, but also possessed the massive intellect needed to create, design and implementing all manner of life—He was God.
Marriage and the Bride of Christ (Part Ten)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMany have carried the baggage of the world into God's Church. We need to gain an appreciation of the privileges Christ has bestowed on His Church.
Christ's Revelation of the Father
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughJohn 1:1-3 reveals Jesus' pedigree as the Logos (Spokesman), whose function was to declare or reveal the Father. He had existed with His Father from eternity.
Mutability and Our Christlike Response
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe all change repeatedly throughout the stages of life, as do others, requiring constant adjustment as to how we evaluate and treat others.
Those Who Live in the Light
Sermonette by Ryan McClureWe suffer persecution because We embrace the truth and light, which terrifies those who love to live in darkness, defying God's holy and spiritual laws.
How Jesus Reacts to Sin
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughThe episode of the women caught in adultery offers a stark contrast between the scribes and Pharisees and Jesus Christ in terms of their reactions to sin.
Approaching God Through Christ (Part Seven)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe have access to a Trailblazer, who has gone before us to show us the way. The only way can have fellowship with the Father is through Jesus Christ.
Remember the Christians
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod made the gospel available to the Gentiles to provoke Israel to jealousy. The key to breaking down the enmity and animosity is to put on Christ.
An Illuminating Prophecy
CGG Weekly by Charles WhitakerPaul links God's ancient command, uttered on the first day of Creation of the physical world, to His ongoing spiritual work with mankind.
What is Acceptable to the Lord
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWhile Jesus associated with harlots and publicans, He did not condone their works nor had fellowship with the works of darkness. We must follow His example.
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.
Glorify You Me
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidThe purpose of our calling is not the place of safety, but that we glorify God, following the example of Jesus Christ.
Seeking God's Will (Part One): Holiness
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughDetermining the will of God is difficult to do unless we know the character of God. Holiness is the foundation for all of the other traits of God.
Hebrews (Part One): The Stage Is Set
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Early converts from Judaism claimed to accept the Law but had difficulty accepting the Lawgiver. Today, many claim to accept Christ, but will not accept His Law.
John (Part Two)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJohn emphasizes the reality of Jesus as the Logos (a word revealing hidden thought), the manifestation of God in the flesh, emphasizing His preexistence and divinity.
The Healing of a Man Born Blind (Part Three)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe must accept that there are some things for which we do not know the answer, and not all the things we 'know' are necessarily true.
John (Part Twenty)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJust as a seed must die to itself in order to bear fruit, we also must sacrifice our lives, submitting unconditionally to God's to bear abundant fruit.
John (Part Fourteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe overriding motivation for the individuals bringing to Jesus the woman caught in adultery was to trap Him, impaling Him on the horns of a dilemma.