Welcome to Worship
November 27, 2022
8:30am
The First Sunday of Advent
Prepare the way for the Lord. —(Isaiah 40:3)
Lighting the Advent Wreath: The Prophecy Candle: Hope
Bobby and Linda Rivas
Worship Song: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
Prayer: Rev. Kevin Freeman
Redland Happenings and Welcome: Rev. Kevin Freeman
Worship Song: Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus
Musical Meditation: The Glory of God
Ensemble, solo: Rob Burba
Christmas Offering for International Missions Video: Seeing the Unseen
Travis and Beth Burkhalter, Embera People
Ministry and Mission Moment: Tom Garin
Scripture: John 8:12-59
Sermon Series: A Chrismon Christmas
Sermon Title: The Light of the World
Rev. Mark Adams
Sermon Notes:
“Early Christians used symbols of the early church to transmit the faith and beliefs of the artist/teacher to the viewer. In this way the inspiration was shared and passed on.” —Frances Kips Spencer
“…sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all those who heard Him were astounded at His understanding and His answers.” —Luke 2
“No one ever taught like this Man.” —John 7:46
“He Who is the Bread of Life began His ministry HUNGERING.
He Who is the Water of life ended His ministry THIRSTY.
Christ hungered as a MAN, yet He fed the multitudes as GOD.
He was weary, yet He is our rest.
He prayed, yet He hears our prayers.
He was sold for 30 pieces of silver, yet He redeems sinners.
He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, yet He was the Good Shepherd.
He died and by dying destroyed death.” —Anonymous
“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
“How could you know Abraham? You’re not even 50.” —John 8:57
“Before Abraham was, I AM.” —John 8:58
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great LIGHT; those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a LIGHT has shined.” —Isaiah 9:2
“The Dayspring from on high has visited us. To give LIGHT to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death.” —Luke 1:78-79
“A LIGHT to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.” —Luke 2:32
“In Him was life and the life was the LIGHT of men. And the LIGHT shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” —John 1:4-5
What does this metaphor tell us about our Lord?
1.) Light gives
.
“The simple and wholly adequate word for SALVATION in the New Testament is ‘LIFE.’ Jesus said, ‘I am come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly.’ —and ‘He that hath the Son hath life.’ Paul said, ‘Even when we were DEAD through our trespasses, God made us ALIVE together with Christ.’” —Dallas Willard
“In Him—in Jesus—was LIFE—and that life was the LIGHT of men!” —John 1:4
2.) Light
.
“I believe in Christ like I believe in the sun. Not only because I see it, but because by it all things are seen.” —C. S. Lewis
3.) Light gives
.
“The HOPE of Israel.” —Acts 27:20
“The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; in him the Gentiles will HOPE.” —Romans 15:12
“We have this HOPE as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” —Hebrews 6:19
“I have come into the world as a light so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.” —John 12:46
4.) Light banishes
.
“I tell you do not worry about your life, what you eat or drink. Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.” —Matthew 6
“When reports come in of wars and rumored wars, keep your head and don’t panic.” —Matthew 24:6
“Take courage! I am here! I will be with you always—even to the end of the world!” —Matthew 14:27
“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in Me.” —John 14
“In ALL THINGS we are more than victorious through Him Who loved us,” —Romans 8:14
“The Lord is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life. Of whom shall I be afraid.” —Psalm 27:1
Time of Decision and Commitment: Hope is Dawning
Benediction: Rev. Mark Adams