Having just pointed out their blindness, Jesus continues his conversation with the Pharisees using word-pictures to explain who He is and who they are.  They don’t understand what He’s telling them so He explains further. The religious leader’s treatment of the man born blind stands in stark contrast to Jesus’ demonstration of God’s care, His heart, and His expectations of those who have been given the job of helping people to know God.  Jesus’ words drive home the truth about what it means to be loved, protected, and cared for like a shepherd cares for his sheep.

To prepare for this week’s message, spend time pondering Jesus words found in John 10:1-21 

What does it take to see? The man who was born blind knew he couldn’t see and received the light that was given to him – both in physical healing and in seeing Jesus as Savior and Lord. In contrast, the pharisees did not admit their spiritual blindness. Although they were talking often with the Light of the world and witnessing evidence of Him as their Messiah, they refused to see.

Let us open our hearts to the Light of the World this Sunday through our study of John’s gospel. Prepare for the message by reading John chapter 9.

In this next section of John, Jesus converses back and forth with the Pharisees about His identity. The conversation is bookended by these two statements:

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

“Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!”

The pharisees could not see Who was standing before them, not because the Light of Jesus had failed to shine but because they were blind. We too must determine how we will respond to who Jesus actually is rather than who we assume Him to be. 

Join us this week as we study Jesus’ testimony recorded for us John 8:12-59.

There is no debate in this passage over what is sin, or necessarily who the sinners are. The debate is what Jesus has to say about it. His response is remarkable in that He is the only one present without sin and therefore the right to both judge and condemn. 

The Bible says this about sin, condemnation and Jesus;

-There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

-But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord

-Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you[a] free from the law of sin and death. 

 -For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Let us receive Jesus’ forgiveness with gratitude and go and sin no more!

Prepare for this week’s message by reviewing John 8:1-11 with Romans 3:22-24, 6:22-23, 8:1 and John 3:16-17.

With all the presents opened and food eaten, are you finding yourself unsatisfied? Do you sense something missing, or empty? Even with the best of Christmas celebrations, there is still a joy that is only found in a relationship with Jesus. He promises to fill those who hunger and thirst with Himself – a quenching like no other!

Join us Sunday as we pick back up in our study of the Gospel of John. We will hear Jesus’ teaching during the Feast of Tabernacles, one of the most popular festivals of the Jewish year. At this feast, the priests would pour out water in memory of the water that God brought out of the rock when the people were wandering through the desert on their way to the Promised Land. It is here at this feast that Jesus invites anyone who is thirsty to come to Him and drink. He is helping the people understand who He is as their promised Messiah so that they will believe in Him and receive from Him life and satisfaction!

The Celebration of Christmas refocuses us on real joy which is found in our experience of God’s grace. This Joy comes from a settled assurance that God loves me, is with me, and has forgiven me. Knowing that He is in control of all the details of my life and is working in everything for my good and His glory gives our hearts peace. No matter what lies in the days ahead - God with us - can be our constant Joy, enabling us to have ourselves a "Merry Little Christmas!"

Prepare for this week’s message by reading Luke 2:8-14 with Psalm 16:11, John 15:9-17, 1 Peter 3-9

Celebrating Christmas is significant because it refocuses our hearts and minds on what is most important—loving people like Jesus loved us. While Christmas trees, lights, presents, fun, food, gifts, etc. make something a celebration or festival, and can enhance our Christmas celebration—they are not essential for celebrating Jesus. The true Christmas Spirit is being rooted in the sacrifice of Jesus coming to earth and becoming human—for us—and living/loving out of that truth. The attitude of love, self-sacrifice, and self-giving mirror Emmanuel—God with us. As we focus on the simple parts of Christ’s coming; the little town, the stable, Almighty God taking on flesh, remember that God did all of those things with intention and purpose. He is showing us what Love looks like and how far Love is willing to go for the sake of another. No matter how your December has been or what lies ahead for you, in all things the truth of God’s love for you is secure. To Him be all glory and praise through Jesus Christ our Lord, amen!