WEBVTT 00:00:00.700 --> 00:00:02.359 Amen. Pleased to have a seat. 00:00:03.180 --> 00:00:04.560 And it's great to see you this morning. 00:00:04.639 --> 00:00:09.259 How great was that to hear from the young folks about what they've been learning over the last few weeks? 00:00:09.259 --> 00:00:14.359 Isn't it incredible that this God who we come to today really is the light of the world? 00:00:14.460 --> 00:00:16.199 He really is the one who transforms lives. 00:00:16.420 --> 00:00:20.879 And we will see that this morning as we look at who Jesus is claiming to be. 00:00:20.960 --> 00:00:21.760 He is the light of the world. 00:00:21.920 --> 00:00:24.120 So John chapter 8 in front of you. 00:00:24.600 --> 00:00:28.600 So crucial that we have God's word open in front of us as we seek to learn. 00:00:28.600 --> 00:00:30.600 Not from me, not from any of us, but from him. 00:00:31.160 --> 00:00:33.520 And let's pray as we come to God's word together now. 00:00:39.520 --> 00:00:45.760 Father God, the psalmist would talk about how your word is a lamp for our feet. 00:00:46.579 --> 00:00:48.460 And it's a light for our path. 00:00:49.620 --> 00:00:51.260 And it gives understanding. 00:00:52.500 --> 00:00:55.400 And so Father, our prayer this morning is that you would speak to us. 00:00:55.820 --> 00:00:57.180 And that you would mold us. 00:00:57.179 --> 00:01:01.700 And that you would transform us by your spirit as we look at this word together now. 00:01:01.840 --> 00:01:03.340 Thank you that it's living and active. 00:01:03.920 --> 00:01:06.700 And so Father, we know that you hear us wonderfully. 00:01:06.939 --> 00:01:09.519 Because we pray in Jesus' precious name. 00:01:09.859 --> 00:01:10.280 Amen. 00:01:11.640 --> 00:01:16.239 Well, there was a big purchase made in the Shanksville household last winter. 00:01:17.260 --> 00:01:19.599 As they say in Scotland, with the night's fair drawing in. 00:01:20.239 --> 00:01:23.980 At the request of our three-year-old, we purchased a nightlight for her room. 00:01:23.980 --> 00:01:27.060 Now, hands up here if you had a nightlight when you were young. 00:01:28.480 --> 00:01:28.740 Okay? 00:01:28.880 --> 00:01:29.740 We're all friends here. 00:01:30.100 --> 00:01:31.000 It's a room in the air. 00:01:31.859 --> 00:01:33.200 Quite a few of us had nightlights. 00:01:33.340 --> 00:01:35.260 So three-year-old, she wants a nightlight. 00:01:35.359 --> 00:01:36.620 So we go straight on to Amazon. 00:01:36.820 --> 00:01:41.340 And we find out that there are literally hundreds of different nightlights that you can choose from. 00:01:41.340 --> 00:01:43.579 And so we browsed for a while. 00:01:43.700 --> 00:01:45.880 And eventually we settled on an owl. 00:01:46.460 --> 00:01:48.560 And here is Owly. 00:01:49.359 --> 00:01:51.939 How the girls come up with that name, I'll never know. 00:01:52.359 --> 00:01:53.040 But here's Owly. 00:01:53.300 --> 00:01:54.939 And here he is doing his thing. 00:01:55.659 --> 00:01:59.500 And here he is shining his light into the darkness. 00:01:59.500 --> 00:02:06.640 And I guess I've been thinking a lot about Owly this week, as I've spent time in John chapter 8. 00:02:07.439 --> 00:02:11.560 Because this chapter is all about light and darkness. 00:02:12.500 --> 00:02:16.780 In fact, the book of John is really all about light and darkness. 00:02:16.780 --> 00:02:24.140 Now we started, if you were here last week, this little series in John's Gospel, looking at these I am sayings of Jesus. 00:02:25.180 --> 00:02:31.159 These sayings that he makes about himself, through which rather he reveals his true identity to the world. 00:02:32.259 --> 00:02:36.319 And we saw last week that Jesus said, I am the bread of life. 00:02:36.319 --> 00:02:46.879 So he is the one who is able to eternally satisfy our restless souls, because only he can give eternal life. 00:02:46.919 --> 00:02:50.060 And we thought about how that claim was humongous in its implications. 00:02:50.680 --> 00:02:51.919 It's a huge claim to make. 00:02:52.019 --> 00:02:56.199 No other religious leader, no other leader on the planet makes a claim like that one. 00:02:56.539 --> 00:02:57.319 Huge claim. 00:02:59.299 --> 00:03:03.419 And today we'll see Jesus make another massive claim about who he is. 00:03:04.120 --> 00:03:06.099 And if you get your Bibles there, you'll see it in verse 12. 00:03:06.099 --> 00:03:10.000 Chapter 8, Jesus declares, I am the light of the world. 00:03:11.419 --> 00:03:18.620 Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. 00:03:19.659 --> 00:03:25.120 A claim that is huge in terms of its meaning, and a claim that's enormous in terms of its reach. 00:03:26.159 --> 00:03:27.959 Jesus says, I am. 00:03:28.539 --> 00:03:29.900 Remember we thought about that last week. 00:03:30.139 --> 00:03:34.639 He's taking the sacred name of God, talking about himself. 00:03:34.639 --> 00:03:38.759 The name that God had chosen to reveal himself to his people. 00:03:38.859 --> 00:03:40.619 This is what Jesus is using for himself. 00:03:40.959 --> 00:03:43.059 I am the light of the world. 00:03:44.139 --> 00:03:49.019 And it's a claim when we take it and we think about it and we examine the contours of it, 00:03:49.119 --> 00:03:52.359 has massive implications for our lives here today. 00:03:52.360 --> 00:03:57.340 And if we're to see the enormity of what Jesus is saying about himself, 00:03:58.340 --> 00:04:06.280 what we need to grasp is that Jesus doesn't make this claim at a random time and in a random place. 00:04:07.080 --> 00:04:07.260 Okay? 00:04:07.400 --> 00:04:09.200 He's not like we would do. 00:04:09.260 --> 00:04:12.940 He's not sitting on his own on Facebook and he's typing in that little box that says, 00:04:13.040 --> 00:04:14.020 what's on your mind today? 00:04:14.020 --> 00:04:19.060 And he's thinking, hmm, I am the light of the world post-send. 00:04:19.180 --> 00:04:19.340 Okay? 00:04:19.360 --> 00:04:20.319 He's not doing that. 00:04:20.400 --> 00:04:25.540 He's doing this where and when, and he's doing it significantly. 00:04:26.280 --> 00:04:26.620 Okay? 00:04:27.400 --> 00:04:31.920 Once we understand this, we'll understand why this claim was so explosive. 00:04:32.060 --> 00:04:36.600 Now, if you've got your Bibles there, follow with me and let's see together what's going on here. 00:04:37.580 --> 00:04:40.300 Have a look at verse 2 of chapter 7. 00:04:43.260 --> 00:04:48.800 It's the time, this is what John tells us, it's the time of the Feast of Tabernacles. 00:04:48.900 --> 00:04:50.640 This is where we are in the calendar. 00:04:51.580 --> 00:04:56.800 This is one of the great Jewish festivals that takes place every year in Jerusalem. 00:04:58.060 --> 00:05:05.520 And during the festival, what the people used to do is to light four enormous lights in the temple area. 00:05:05.519 --> 00:05:13.240 And the reason that they did that, these humongous lights, is because of what the Feast of Tabernacles was all about. 00:05:13.939 --> 00:05:19.759 It was commemorating the 40 years that Israel had spent wandering in the wilderness. 00:05:21.039 --> 00:05:24.740 And it was to celebrate the fact that during that time in the wilderness, 00:05:25.000 --> 00:05:30.579 God had graciously and miraculously and wonderfully guided his people 00:05:30.579 --> 00:05:34.159 and led them all the way to the land that he had promised them. 00:05:34.159 --> 00:05:35.019 And how did he do it? 00:05:35.519 --> 00:05:36.919 By light. 00:05:38.899 --> 00:05:45.199 More specifically, he did it by a pillar of fire at night and he did it by a lighted cloud during the day. 00:05:45.279 --> 00:05:46.839 And this is how God led his people. 00:05:48.399 --> 00:05:52.519 So to celebrate that and to help the people remember what God had done, 00:05:53.419 --> 00:05:58.399 God's goodness and faithfulness, they lit these four lights and they let them burn all night. 00:05:58.500 --> 00:05:59.759 And what a party it was. 00:05:59.859 --> 00:06:00.539 Went on all night. 00:06:00.540 --> 00:06:05.180 Now if you do a bit of reading around on this one, historians will describe this scene 00:06:05.180 --> 00:06:11.060 with these four huge lights blazing away, that it was like a spectacular glowing diamond in the night sky. 00:06:11.819 --> 00:06:13.460 Remember Jerusalem City on a hill? 00:06:13.620 --> 00:06:14.140 Cannot be hidden. 00:06:14.220 --> 00:06:15.820 You could see this from miles away. 00:06:16.220 --> 00:06:18.840 And it was so bright in fact that not only did it light up the temple, 00:06:18.839 --> 00:06:23.000 but it lit up the whole surrounding region or the houses rather just round about. 00:06:24.599 --> 00:06:29.560 Now verse 10, Jesus has gone to the feast. 00:06:29.560 --> 00:06:36.399 And verse 14, he's in the temple teaching. 00:06:38.560 --> 00:06:44.759 In verse 37, John tells us that it was the last and the greatest day of this feast. 00:06:46.439 --> 00:06:48.759 You see, this festival wasn't just one that looked back. 00:06:48.840 --> 00:06:50.420 It was one that looked forward. 00:06:50.420 --> 00:06:57.720 Prophet Isaiah had talked about how God would one day visit his people once more gloriously 00:06:57.720 --> 00:07:01.600 and he would act to save them and he would lead them by light. 00:07:02.379 --> 00:07:07.680 And his Messiah, the one through whom God would do that, wouldn't just be a light to Israel. 00:07:08.240 --> 00:07:10.780 He would be a light to the whole world. 00:07:10.860 --> 00:07:12.319 He would be a light to the nations. 00:07:13.900 --> 00:07:18.720 So what would happen on the last day of this festival is that only one of these great lights would be lit. 00:07:18.720 --> 00:07:26.760 And it reminded the people that they are still waiting on God's promised Messiah to come. 00:07:28.360 --> 00:07:36.100 Now with that backdrop, it's this moment in the most public place in the temple, 00:07:36.760 --> 00:07:43.780 in the Old Testament charged night air that Jesus chooses to declare to his listeners, 00:07:43.779 --> 00:07:49.099 I am the light of the world. 00:07:50.779 --> 00:07:54.379 I am everything that this festival is all about. 00:07:55.299 --> 00:07:58.299 I am God come to rescue you. 00:07:59.159 --> 00:08:03.339 I am the one who has come to save you and lead you to heaven. 00:08:03.559 --> 00:08:06.459 I am the one who has come to give you life. 00:08:06.459 --> 00:08:13.199 And I am the light that you need to not admire, not look on at a distance. 00:08:14.500 --> 00:08:16.719 I am the light that you need to follow. 00:08:18.539 --> 00:08:20.060 Now it's so important that we see. 00:08:20.139 --> 00:08:20.579 Do you see it? 00:08:20.620 --> 00:08:23.939 Jesus is claiming to be the light of not a world. 00:08:24.599 --> 00:08:26.639 He's not claiming to be a light in the world. 00:08:26.719 --> 00:08:29.139 He's claiming to be the light of the world. 00:08:29.139 --> 00:08:33.819 And so Jesus says, follow me. 00:08:35.259 --> 00:08:37.019 Friends, here's the question I've got for you this morning. 00:08:37.120 --> 00:08:37.819 Who are you following? 00:08:40.100 --> 00:08:41.059 Who are you following? 00:08:42.840 --> 00:08:46.559 Because we're all following somebody in life. 00:08:48.059 --> 00:08:52.419 A good friend of mine, he runs a wooden sunglasses company down in London. 00:08:52.419 --> 00:08:57.659 I remember chatting to him recently about how he went about getting his brand out there. 00:08:58.439 --> 00:09:03.219 And he told me that the key to it, he said, is to get the right people to be seen wearing your sunglasses. 00:09:04.459 --> 00:09:10.099 And they hit the jackpot recently because Meghan Markle was pictured wearing their sunglasses. 00:09:10.740 --> 00:09:14.799 And he told me that the day after she was pictured wearing those sunglasses, 00:09:14.979 --> 00:09:18.219 that they could not keep up with the demand from the public for those sunglasses. 00:09:18.419 --> 00:09:19.839 The orders were just flying in. 00:09:19.840 --> 00:09:25.540 And the reason was that because so many people follow Meghan Markle. 00:09:25.720 --> 00:09:27.780 So many people around this planet follow her. 00:09:29.320 --> 00:09:33.080 Whether it's on social media, whether it's in the papers, whether it's online, 00:09:33.220 --> 00:09:35.500 so many people follow Meghan Markle. 00:09:35.580 --> 00:09:41.519 They love her, they watch her, they listen to her, and they want to be her. 00:09:43.300 --> 00:09:45.620 Friends, all of us are following someone in life. 00:09:45.620 --> 00:09:51.720 We've all got a grid through which we understand and through which we interpret the world. 00:09:51.960 --> 00:09:53.179 We've all got desires. 00:09:53.399 --> 00:09:56.980 We've all got goals and beliefs that drive the things that we do. 00:09:58.620 --> 00:10:00.179 We're all looking for someone. 00:10:00.360 --> 00:10:05.240 We're all looking for something to give us understanding in this world that we live in. 00:10:05.240 --> 00:10:10.060 And I'm reminded of this at this time of year in Edinburgh as I walk around town. 00:10:11.120 --> 00:10:14.000 Because what do you see as you walk up the Royal Mile? 00:10:14.120 --> 00:10:16.879 You see people queuing to have their palms read. 00:10:17.340 --> 00:10:20.340 You see people offering to be able to tell your fortune. 00:10:20.840 --> 00:10:28.560 You see people out walking on ghost tours as if the dead have got the answers to our understanding and guidance problems in life. 00:10:28.700 --> 00:10:30.279 Friends, we're all following somebody. 00:10:30.379 --> 00:10:32.620 The question is, who are we following? 00:10:32.620 --> 00:10:39.340 Because into our lost world and into our hearts of darkness, Jesus makes an exclusive claim. 00:10:39.419 --> 00:10:46.100 He makes an absolute claim to be the only voice out there in our world that's worth listening to and basing our lives upon. 00:10:46.220 --> 00:10:46.539 Why? 00:10:47.100 --> 00:10:49.340 Because he is God. 00:10:51.060 --> 00:10:55.820 And Jesus says, follow me. 00:10:55.820 --> 00:11:02.060 And that was rather an explosive claim then. 00:11:02.879 --> 00:11:06.500 And it's just as an explosive claim today. 00:11:07.980 --> 00:11:12.520 Now as we journey through these verses, I want us to see two things about Jesus' claim. 00:11:13.080 --> 00:11:16.300 Particularly as we look at the reactions to Jesus' claim. 00:11:16.800 --> 00:11:17.840 Here's the first one. 00:11:17.920 --> 00:11:19.920 Firstly, this is a claim that confronts. 00:11:19.919 --> 00:11:26.219 Because the enormity of what Jesus is saying about himself, do you see, is not lost on the Pharisees. 00:11:26.299 --> 00:11:28.379 They're not sitting there thinking, I wonder what he's on about. 00:11:29.399 --> 00:11:31.219 Because they know exactly what he's on about. 00:11:32.360 --> 00:11:35.679 They're offended by him firstly because of what Jesus says about him. 00:11:36.079 --> 00:11:37.779 Look at verse 13 of chapter 8. 00:11:37.839 --> 00:11:38.879 They challenged him. 00:11:38.879 --> 00:11:44.279 His testimony, what he's saying about himself, who he's claiming to be. 00:11:44.580 --> 00:11:46.240 They think it's nonsense. 00:11:48.000 --> 00:11:51.059 Because Jesus is claiming, verse 19, to be what? 00:11:51.279 --> 00:11:52.320 One with the Father. 00:11:52.399 --> 00:11:52.919 Do you see it? 00:11:53.639 --> 00:11:54.720 One with the Father. 00:11:55.860 --> 00:12:00.399 And he claims to be one who has been sent from heaven. 00:12:00.879 --> 00:12:04.220 And he claims to be one who will return to heaven. 00:12:04.220 --> 00:12:08.860 And what's more, he's saying that he's the light from heaven. 00:12:09.399 --> 00:12:11.800 Who has come to reveal the Father. 00:12:12.560 --> 00:12:15.480 And to give true understanding to the world. 00:12:16.519 --> 00:12:18.620 And they need to listen and to follow him. 00:12:20.259 --> 00:12:21.660 And they don't want to hear it. 00:12:22.860 --> 00:12:25.220 They're offended by what Jesus says about him. 00:12:25.399 --> 00:12:28.320 And they are offended by what Jesus says about them. 00:12:29.519 --> 00:12:32.300 Because when it comes to understanding God. 00:12:32.299 --> 00:12:34.319 When it comes to claiming to know God. 00:12:34.659 --> 00:12:37.579 These Pharisees think they are top of the class. 00:12:38.039 --> 00:12:42.339 I mean if there was anyone in their day who could say, I know God. 00:12:42.740 --> 00:12:45.699 Then all the world is pointing at these people thinking it's them. 00:12:47.419 --> 00:12:49.199 But Jesus says, no you don't. 00:12:51.279 --> 00:12:52.519 Because, verse 19. 00:12:53.919 --> 00:12:55.899 If you really knew God. 00:12:56.939 --> 00:12:58.740 You would listen to me. 00:12:59.599 --> 00:13:02.199 Because I am the one that makes God known. 00:13:02.299 --> 00:13:04.659 In the dark world. 00:13:05.740 --> 00:13:06.740 I make him known. 00:13:07.139 --> 00:13:08.179 I am one with him. 00:13:08.539 --> 00:13:09.719 He stands with me. 00:13:09.919 --> 00:13:11.279 We're not an either ordeal. 00:13:11.740 --> 00:13:13.399 And the fact that you don't know me. 00:13:13.539 --> 00:13:15.179 And the fact that you won't listen to me. 00:13:15.519 --> 00:13:19.259 God in the flesh shows that you don't know God. 00:13:20.699 --> 00:13:21.919 They're piling up. 00:13:22.000 --> 00:13:22.459 Do you see it? 00:13:22.719 --> 00:13:23.459 Verse 23. 00:13:23.819 --> 00:13:25.240 You are of this world. 00:13:26.620 --> 00:13:28.439 You are in the darkness. 00:13:28.440 --> 00:13:31.480 And because you will not listen to me. 00:13:31.680 --> 00:13:35.040 You will die in your sins. 00:13:36.420 --> 00:13:36.820 Ouch. 00:13:39.340 --> 00:13:41.040 You spend enough time with Jesus. 00:13:41.600 --> 00:13:45.940 And you come to see that he is never interested in winning popularity contests. 00:13:46.540 --> 00:13:47.860 He's not running for election. 00:13:48.180 --> 00:13:49.300 He's not running for president. 00:13:49.740 --> 00:13:51.460 He's come to be the savior of the world. 00:13:51.840 --> 00:13:53.660 And this is truth talking here. 00:13:55.680 --> 00:13:57.400 That he is the light of the world. 00:13:58.000 --> 00:14:01.300 Goes right against the grain of everything that our world teaches us. 00:14:02.100 --> 00:14:03.880 And it's a claim that confronts. 00:14:05.980 --> 00:14:09.220 Because that's what the Bible would say about all of us. 00:14:09.220 --> 00:14:13.720 That outside of a personal saving faith in. 00:14:13.840 --> 00:14:17.399 And outside of a relationship with Jesus Christ. 00:14:17.840 --> 00:14:19.160 By very nature. 00:14:19.759 --> 00:14:20.680 You and I. 00:14:21.220 --> 00:14:22.600 Are in the spiritual darkness. 00:14:24.460 --> 00:14:25.680 And that darkness. 00:14:26.279 --> 00:14:27.240 Will lead us. 00:14:27.960 --> 00:14:28.519 To death. 00:14:30.639 --> 00:14:32.480 It's kind of the thing about light. 00:14:32.560 --> 00:14:32.800 Isn't it? 00:14:32.820 --> 00:14:34.320 That you don't really need it when it's light. 00:14:35.420 --> 00:14:37.060 But boy do you need it when it's dark. 00:14:37.059 --> 00:14:41.799 Jesus said I am the light of the world. 00:14:43.679 --> 00:14:44.679 Remember when we were young. 00:14:44.779 --> 00:14:46.059 And when we were bored at home. 00:14:46.139 --> 00:14:47.979 My brother and I used to go into the garden. 00:14:48.119 --> 00:14:50.659 And we used to lift up the slabs that were there. 00:14:50.759 --> 00:14:52.239 Or we used to lift up a piece of tree. 00:14:52.359 --> 00:14:53.459 If we couldn't lift up the slab. 00:14:54.039 --> 00:14:56.479 One of our favorite games was to see what was underneath the slab. 00:14:57.739 --> 00:14:59.039 Do you know what we found under there every time? 00:14:59.099 --> 00:15:00.519 Maybe you did this as a child as well. 00:15:01.379 --> 00:15:01.699 Woodlice. 00:15:02.459 --> 00:15:02.699 Yeah? 00:15:03.239 --> 00:15:05.319 Or somehow in Scotland they're called slaters. 00:15:05.319 --> 00:15:06.559 That's what we went looking for. 00:15:07.059 --> 00:15:09.839 But in all the times doing that. 00:15:09.919 --> 00:15:12.179 Do you know never once did a woodlice stop to say. 00:15:12.299 --> 00:15:14.279 Thank you so much for exposing me to the light. 00:15:16.379 --> 00:15:17.439 Rather every time. 00:15:18.139 --> 00:15:19.719 They headed straight for the darkness. 00:15:21.319 --> 00:15:23.259 And that's exactly what's going on here. 00:15:23.779 --> 00:15:25.599 As the Pharisees respond to Jesus. 00:15:26.599 --> 00:15:28.299 You see the tragedy of this chapter. 00:15:28.519 --> 00:15:29.159 Is that Jesus. 00:15:29.379 --> 00:15:30.319 The light of the world. 00:15:30.459 --> 00:15:32.099 Has come flooding into the world. 00:15:32.100 --> 00:15:32.180 God. 00:15:32.820 --> 00:15:33.860 And these people. 00:15:33.940 --> 00:15:35.300 The people that should have got him. 00:15:36.019 --> 00:15:38.279 They want nothing to do with him. 00:15:38.519 --> 00:15:39.279 So much so. 00:15:39.379 --> 00:15:41.040 If you want to flick to the end of chapter 8. 00:15:41.120 --> 00:15:42.500 They've got stones in their hands. 00:15:42.620 --> 00:15:43.840 And they're ready to kill him. 00:15:45.000 --> 00:15:47.259 Because this is a claim that confronts. 00:15:47.259 --> 00:15:50.500 But secondly. 00:15:51.500 --> 00:15:52.860 And if we listen. 00:15:53.539 --> 00:15:55.460 And consider what Jesus is saying. 00:15:55.899 --> 00:15:56.200 Friends. 00:15:56.279 --> 00:15:58.200 This is a truth that illuminates. 00:15:59.700 --> 00:16:01.919 Because during this back and forth with the Pharisees. 00:16:01.980 --> 00:16:03.519 Have a look at verse 30. 00:16:03.519 --> 00:16:06.939 John wants us to know. 00:16:07.079 --> 00:16:08.639 That even as Jesus spoke. 00:16:08.759 --> 00:16:10.000 While this is all going on. 00:16:10.480 --> 00:16:12.319 Many believed in him. 00:16:13.480 --> 00:16:14.980 Now whatever is going on. 00:16:15.079 --> 00:16:16.059 With these people. 00:16:16.159 --> 00:16:17.399 At this point in the chapter. 00:16:18.340 --> 00:16:20.079 As they hear Jesus speak. 00:16:20.740 --> 00:16:22.600 The light that he has come to bring. 00:16:22.840 --> 00:16:24.539 Is doing its work in their lives. 00:16:24.620 --> 00:16:25.039 Do you see it? 00:16:25.059 --> 00:16:27.179 Heaven's light is flooding into their minds. 00:16:27.620 --> 00:16:29.579 Heaven's hope is penetrating. 00:16:29.740 --> 00:16:30.960 Infiltrating their hearts. 00:16:30.960 --> 00:16:33.300 As people respond to. 00:16:33.460 --> 00:16:34.660 And are drawn to. 00:16:34.980 --> 00:16:36.379 The light like moths to a flame. 00:16:36.440 --> 00:16:37.400 This is what's going on. 00:16:38.360 --> 00:16:40.000 Because of what Jesus says about him. 00:16:40.080 --> 00:16:40.540 Verse 12. 00:16:40.639 --> 00:16:42.139 That he is the light of the world. 00:16:43.180 --> 00:16:45.120 That where there was death. 00:16:45.200 --> 00:16:46.500 He's come to be life. 00:16:46.639 --> 00:16:47.720 Where there was darkness. 00:16:47.900 --> 00:16:49.000 He's come to be light. 00:16:49.220 --> 00:16:50.180 To be those things. 00:16:50.379 --> 00:16:51.820 And to give those things. 00:16:54.220 --> 00:16:54.620 Because. 00:16:55.180 --> 00:16:56.040 Verse 27. 00:16:56.180 --> 00:16:58.220 What is it that Jesus is about to do? 00:16:58.220 --> 00:17:01.759 He's about to be lifted up. 00:17:02.639 --> 00:17:03.399 Do you see it? 00:17:04.680 --> 00:17:07.559 It's a reference to the Calvary road. 00:17:07.700 --> 00:17:09.360 That he's going to soon walk. 00:17:09.940 --> 00:17:11.400 The place where he will go. 00:17:11.579 --> 00:17:12.559 And be physically. 00:17:12.940 --> 00:17:14.460 Lifted up on the cross. 00:17:14.799 --> 00:17:16.559 And the place where Jesus. 00:17:16.779 --> 00:17:18.259 The light of the world. 00:17:20.120 --> 00:17:22.420 Not only did he step into our darkness. 00:17:22.420 --> 00:17:26.120 But he experienced our darkness. 00:17:26.700 --> 00:17:28.480 And he took the punishment. 00:17:28.720 --> 00:17:29.420 That our darkness. 00:17:30.340 --> 00:17:31.720 Our sin deserved. 00:17:32.220 --> 00:17:33.320 On himself. 00:17:35.880 --> 00:17:38.060 Because it's through his death. 00:17:38.180 --> 00:17:39.700 That he's able to give. 00:17:40.539 --> 00:17:40.960 Life. 00:17:42.560 --> 00:17:44.140 This is what Jesus says about him. 00:17:44.759 --> 00:17:46.980 And to all those who would put their trust in him. 00:17:47.039 --> 00:17:48.100 Who would come to the light. 00:17:48.240 --> 00:17:49.820 See what Jesus says about them. 00:17:49.819 --> 00:17:52.700 So the command is to follow him. 00:17:52.799 --> 00:17:54.839 And the promise is for all those that do. 00:17:55.259 --> 00:17:57.200 They will no longer be walking in darkness. 00:17:57.339 --> 00:17:58.859 But they will have the light. 00:17:59.299 --> 00:18:00.119 Of life. 00:18:01.599 --> 00:18:02.579 What a promise. 00:18:04.839 --> 00:18:06.200 Of course it's no coincidence. 00:18:06.359 --> 00:18:07.559 That this chapter 8 finishes. 00:18:07.899 --> 00:18:09.500 And as we enter chapter 9. 00:18:09.579 --> 00:18:10.859 That we see Jesus doing what? 00:18:11.200 --> 00:18:12.960 Healing a blind man. 00:18:14.460 --> 00:18:15.599 The blind man. 00:18:15.720 --> 00:18:16.879 This social nobody. 00:18:17.099 --> 00:18:18.799 This religious nobody. 00:18:18.799 --> 00:18:21.039 Sees Jesus. 00:18:21.359 --> 00:18:22.319 Believes in him. 00:18:23.200 --> 00:18:24.359 And the Pharisees. 00:18:24.460 --> 00:18:25.700 The social somebodies. 00:18:25.839 --> 00:18:26.899 The religious somebodies. 00:18:27.039 --> 00:18:27.960 They see Jesus. 00:18:28.419 --> 00:18:29.839 And they reject him. 00:18:31.139 --> 00:18:32.879 And it's just a wonderful chapter of scripture. 00:18:33.059 --> 00:18:33.500 You see it. 00:18:33.539 --> 00:18:35.159 The Pharisees question this blind man. 00:18:35.220 --> 00:18:36.279 They say what is going on? 00:18:36.319 --> 00:18:37.279 And the blind man says. 00:18:38.119 --> 00:18:39.779 Verse 25 of chapter 9. 00:18:39.879 --> 00:18:42.180 He declares after his encounter with Jesus. 00:18:42.180 --> 00:18:43.160 All I know. 00:18:44.200 --> 00:18:45.160 All I know. 00:18:45.700 --> 00:18:47.460 Is that I was blind. 00:18:48.299 --> 00:18:49.600 And now I can see. 00:18:50.519 --> 00:18:51.380 That's all he knows. 00:18:51.880 --> 00:18:52.759 I was blind. 00:18:52.980 --> 00:18:53.880 And now I can see. 00:18:53.960 --> 00:18:55.320 And I love how he drops it in there. 00:18:56.120 --> 00:18:56.720 He says to them. 00:18:56.860 --> 00:18:58.539 Do you want to be one of his disciples too? 00:18:58.799 --> 00:18:59.340 Love that. 00:19:00.580 --> 00:19:01.180 Love that. 00:19:01.180 --> 00:19:04.860 Words famously echoed by John Newton. 00:19:05.019 --> 00:19:07.200 The former slave trader turned minister. 00:19:07.420 --> 00:19:07.900 Who sang. 00:19:08.500 --> 00:19:09.460 Or penned rather. 00:19:09.580 --> 00:19:10.060 From his heart. 00:19:10.160 --> 00:19:11.019 Amazing grace. 00:19:11.539 --> 00:19:12.680 How sweet the sound. 00:19:12.900 --> 00:19:15.080 That saved a wretch like me. 00:19:16.860 --> 00:19:17.120 Friends. 00:19:17.119 --> 00:19:18.519 I genuinely remember singing that song. 00:19:19.919 --> 00:19:21.299 And it became clear to me. 00:19:21.399 --> 00:19:22.179 That I was that wretch. 00:19:22.839 --> 00:19:24.519 I'd sung it hundreds of times before. 00:19:24.619 --> 00:19:25.099 All of a sudden. 00:19:25.199 --> 00:19:25.959 One Sunday singing it. 00:19:26.000 --> 00:19:26.199 Thinking. 00:19:26.279 --> 00:19:26.819 That was me. 00:19:28.099 --> 00:19:29.279 Saved a wretch like me. 00:19:29.359 --> 00:19:30.319 I once was lost. 00:19:30.379 --> 00:19:31.279 But now I'm found. 00:19:31.539 --> 00:19:32.479 Was blind. 00:19:32.599 --> 00:19:34.339 But now I see. 00:19:35.659 --> 00:19:36.799 And this is essentially. 00:19:36.799 --> 00:19:38.899 The testimony of everyone. 00:19:38.899 --> 00:19:40.619 Who ever becomes a Christian. 00:19:41.059 --> 00:19:41.379 I mean. 00:19:41.439 --> 00:19:42.500 No one becomes a Christian. 00:19:42.599 --> 00:19:43.619 Looks back on their life. 00:19:43.699 --> 00:19:43.959 And says. 00:19:44.039 --> 00:19:44.519 Do you know what? 00:19:44.579 --> 00:19:45.639 The reason I reckon. 00:19:45.759 --> 00:19:46.599 That God saved me. 00:19:47.459 --> 00:19:49.439 Is that God looked into my life. 00:19:49.619 --> 00:19:50.279 And he thought. 00:19:50.659 --> 00:19:52.039 He could probably do with me. 00:19:52.079 --> 00:19:52.519 And his team. 00:19:55.439 --> 00:19:57.459 Like God looked over my key stats. 00:19:57.639 --> 00:19:57.739 He. 00:19:57.859 --> 00:19:58.619 He read. 00:19:58.739 --> 00:19:59.859 He saw how many times. 00:19:59.979 --> 00:20:00.739 I read my Bible. 00:20:00.919 --> 00:20:01.059 He. 00:20:01.399 --> 00:20:03.019 He saw how often I recycle. 00:20:03.159 --> 00:20:03.299 He. 00:20:03.559 --> 00:20:03.819 He. 00:20:04.179 --> 00:20:05.659 Saw how few times I curse. 00:20:05.659 --> 00:20:05.939 He. 00:20:06.059 --> 00:20:07.179 Saw how many times. 00:20:07.299 --> 00:20:07.919 I eat quiche. 00:20:08.639 --> 00:20:09.939 And I was clearly somebody. 00:20:09.939 --> 00:20:11.519 Who was worthy of his consideration. 00:20:13.619 --> 00:20:14.019 Friends. 00:20:14.159 --> 00:20:14.359 You. 00:20:15.119 --> 00:20:15.799 All of us know. 00:20:15.879 --> 00:20:16.939 The depths of our own. 00:20:16.940 --> 00:20:17.240 Hearts. 00:20:17.279 --> 00:20:17.700 Well enough. 00:20:17.779 --> 00:20:18.360 To know that. 00:20:18.480 --> 00:20:19.900 That could not have been the case. 00:20:21.440 --> 00:20:22.400 Amazing grace. 00:20:23.220 --> 00:20:24.320 How sweet the sound. 00:20:24.420 --> 00:20:25.759 There is no other explanation. 00:20:25.759 --> 00:20:26.460 For this. 00:20:26.500 --> 00:20:27.320 Other than Jesus. 00:20:27.480 --> 00:20:28.440 The light of the world. 00:20:28.740 --> 00:20:30.220 He smashed into my life. 00:20:30.220 --> 00:20:30.740 Of darkness. 00:20:30.740 --> 00:20:32.039 He turned on the lights. 00:20:32.120 --> 00:20:33.200 He helped me understand. 00:20:33.900 --> 00:20:34.900 Who he is. 00:20:35.279 --> 00:20:36.759 And he gave me new life. 00:20:39.279 --> 00:20:39.640 See. 00:20:39.700 --> 00:20:40.840 We're all from different backgrounds. 00:20:40.960 --> 00:20:41.980 We've all got different stories. 00:20:41.980 --> 00:20:43.080 About how we came to faith. 00:20:43.079 --> 00:20:44.199 But we've got one song. 00:20:44.779 --> 00:20:46.039 I was lost. 00:20:46.419 --> 00:20:48.159 And Jesus found me. 00:20:48.879 --> 00:20:50.879 I was blind. 00:20:51.319 --> 00:20:53.599 But now I see. 00:20:55.960 --> 00:20:56.919 Don Carson. 00:20:58.220 --> 00:20:59.399 Wonderful biblical scholar. 00:20:59.519 --> 00:21:00.240 Put it like this. 00:21:00.500 --> 00:21:01.720 Every single conversion. 00:21:01.720 --> 00:21:03.079 As a result of God. 00:21:03.240 --> 00:21:04.720 Speaking into somebody's life. 00:21:04.779 --> 00:21:05.359 And saying. 00:21:05.819 --> 00:21:07.839 Let there be light. 00:21:07.839 --> 00:21:10.139 Of course. 00:21:10.179 --> 00:21:11.240 That's what God has been doing. 00:21:11.639 --> 00:21:12.720 Ever since the beginning. 00:21:12.839 --> 00:21:13.139 Isn't it? 00:21:13.199 --> 00:21:13.939 Let there be light. 00:21:15.539 --> 00:21:16.859 No one gives life. 00:21:17.079 --> 00:21:17.959 Like Jesus. 00:21:19.299 --> 00:21:20.059 Jesus says. 00:21:20.159 --> 00:21:21.740 I am the light of the world. 00:21:22.740 --> 00:21:23.859 Whoever follows me. 00:21:23.859 --> 00:21:25.500 Will never walk in darkness. 00:21:25.500 --> 00:21:26.419 But will have. 00:21:26.919 --> 00:21:27.759 The light. 00:21:27.980 --> 00:21:28.799 Of life. 00:21:30.539 --> 00:21:32.480 And it's a claim that confronts. 00:21:33.579 --> 00:21:34.740 And it's a claim. 00:21:35.059 --> 00:21:36.059 That illuminates. 00:21:38.459 --> 00:21:39.259 And at this point. 00:21:39.319 --> 00:21:39.519 Listen. 00:21:39.579 --> 00:21:40.220 We could all sing. 00:21:40.319 --> 00:21:40.819 Shine Jesus. 00:21:40.980 --> 00:21:41.299 Shine. 00:21:41.399 --> 00:21:42.659 Followed by this little light of mine. 00:21:42.699 --> 00:21:43.459 I'm going to let it shine. 00:21:43.579 --> 00:21:44.000 Say amen. 00:21:44.079 --> 00:21:44.599 And go home. 00:21:44.720 --> 00:21:45.000 But. 00:21:45.279 --> 00:21:46.059 Before we do. 00:21:46.959 --> 00:21:48.559 Let me just leave you with two questions. 00:21:48.639 --> 00:21:49.159 To chew on. 00:21:49.199 --> 00:21:50.579 As we think about the light of the world. 00:21:51.819 --> 00:21:52.179 Here's. 00:21:52.319 --> 00:21:53.039 The first one. 00:21:53.039 --> 00:21:54.059 As we work towards a close. 00:21:54.139 --> 00:21:54.879 Here's the first one. 00:21:55.639 --> 00:21:57.059 How do you respond to the light? 00:21:59.959 --> 00:22:00.379 You know. 00:22:00.399 --> 00:22:01.079 I take it that it's. 00:22:01.699 --> 00:22:02.319 God's word. 00:22:02.439 --> 00:22:03.980 Has come at us this morning. 00:22:05.439 --> 00:22:06.339 And as it's done. 00:22:06.339 --> 00:22:07.419 It's shining work. 00:22:07.579 --> 00:22:08.579 On our lives. 00:22:08.819 --> 00:22:09.419 And as it's done. 00:22:09.519 --> 00:22:10.819 It's exposing work. 00:22:11.059 --> 00:22:12.220 In our hearts. 00:22:13.159 --> 00:22:14.539 That many of us today. 00:22:14.539 --> 00:22:15.919 Will be sitting here. 00:22:16.059 --> 00:22:17.619 With big questions about life. 00:22:17.720 --> 00:22:19.480 And big questions about who Jesus is. 00:22:21.159 --> 00:22:21.740 And if that's you. 00:22:21.819 --> 00:22:22.679 Can I encourage you. 00:22:22.779 --> 00:22:24.039 Just go with that thought. 00:22:25.519 --> 00:22:27.099 If you've come with somebody this morning. 00:22:27.220 --> 00:22:27.959 Then grab them. 00:22:28.019 --> 00:22:28.519 And say listen. 00:22:28.599 --> 00:22:30.119 I'd love to chat that out with you. 00:22:30.500 --> 00:22:32.779 I'd love to explore who this man Jesus is. 00:22:32.819 --> 00:22:33.819 Or come and grab any of us. 00:22:33.819 --> 00:22:35.000 Who you've seen up the front this morning. 00:22:35.000 --> 00:22:39.259 And we'd love to walk with you through those questions. 00:22:39.259 --> 00:22:42.420 Because we believe there's no man like Jesus Christ. 00:22:43.240 --> 00:22:44.079 Nobody like him. 00:22:44.099 --> 00:22:45.380 How do you respond to the light? 00:22:47.539 --> 00:22:48.539 And secondly. 00:22:49.059 --> 00:22:50.619 Are you living in the light? 00:22:52.900 --> 00:22:54.539 Jesus says follow me. 00:22:55.240 --> 00:22:58.339 It's not a word to me that suggests that being a disciple. 00:22:58.339 --> 00:22:59.720 Is about a one-off decision. 00:22:59.720 --> 00:23:05.400 That I made on 24th of January 1978. 00:23:05.700 --> 00:23:06.240 Whatever it is. 00:23:06.259 --> 00:23:07.220 It's not a one-off decision. 00:23:07.360 --> 00:23:08.799 This is much more suggestive. 00:23:08.900 --> 00:23:09.819 Of an everyday. 00:23:10.759 --> 00:23:11.160 Active. 00:23:11.559 --> 00:23:12.600 All-out pursuit. 00:23:12.759 --> 00:23:13.579 Of the light. 00:23:15.720 --> 00:23:17.620 I just wonder if some of us are here today. 00:23:17.860 --> 00:23:19.079 And friends. 00:23:19.160 --> 00:23:20.600 We've taken our eyes off the light. 00:23:22.860 --> 00:23:23.819 Perhaps particularly. 00:23:24.339 --> 00:23:25.620 Maybe you're here this morning. 00:23:25.619 --> 00:23:27.399 And there's an area of your life at the minute. 00:23:27.539 --> 00:23:28.839 Where you think and you know. 00:23:29.279 --> 00:23:30.979 That the darkness has gained. 00:23:31.319 --> 00:23:32.339 And is gaining. 00:23:32.759 --> 00:23:33.759 A foothold. 00:23:35.000 --> 00:23:36.239 And it's crushing you. 00:23:39.719 --> 00:23:41.159 Jesus would say to you this morning. 00:23:41.259 --> 00:23:41.879 Come to me. 00:23:44.179 --> 00:23:45.219 Step into the light. 00:23:45.339 --> 00:23:45.979 Come to me. 00:23:46.079 --> 00:23:47.279 Know that I'm a saviour. 00:23:47.659 --> 00:23:49.799 Who specialises in forgiveness. 00:23:49.799 --> 00:23:50.799 And I'm a saviour. 00:23:50.879 --> 00:23:53.199 Who specialises in giving transforming light. 00:23:53.400 --> 00:23:54.259 Know who I am. 00:23:54.900 --> 00:23:56.500 And know what I've done for you. 00:23:56.799 --> 00:23:59.860 And know the price that I paid for you. 00:24:00.680 --> 00:24:02.120 Come to Jesus this morning. 00:24:04.140 --> 00:24:05.940 And I was reflecting with somebody the other day. 00:24:06.019 --> 00:24:09.660 That this is now my seventh year serving at Brunsfield. 00:24:10.220 --> 00:24:11.620 Seventh year serving here. 00:24:12.539 --> 00:24:12.759 Friends. 00:24:12.799 --> 00:24:14.400 You know as I reflect on those seven years. 00:24:14.500 --> 00:24:16.660 The things that have encouraged me the most. 00:24:17.660 --> 00:24:19.279 It's never the upfront stuff. 00:24:19.279 --> 00:24:21.960 It's the behind the scenes stuff. 00:24:22.039 --> 00:24:23.559 That goes on in your lives. 00:24:24.539 --> 00:24:26.879 And as I walk with some of you. 00:24:27.059 --> 00:24:29.619 Through some real hard stuff. 00:24:30.460 --> 00:24:32.339 And as I walk with you. 00:24:32.460 --> 00:24:33.839 Through the tears and the pain. 00:24:34.019 --> 00:24:35.200 And as I hear about you. 00:24:35.259 --> 00:24:38.000 And watch you making costly decisions in life. 00:24:38.440 --> 00:24:39.819 Because you want to follow. 00:24:39.960 --> 00:24:41.559 And honour Jesus Christ. 00:24:42.680 --> 00:24:43.180 Can I just say. 00:24:43.240 --> 00:24:44.859 That's the most encouraging thing for me. 00:24:44.920 --> 00:24:45.440 As your pastor. 00:24:45.440 --> 00:24:45.559 Father. 00:24:47.860 --> 00:24:49.460 And you say no to the darkness. 00:24:50.480 --> 00:24:51.740 And with the Spirit's help. 00:24:51.840 --> 00:24:52.220 You say. 00:24:52.740 --> 00:24:53.960 I'm going to follow the light. 00:24:54.860 --> 00:24:56.240 And it costs you big time. 00:24:57.420 --> 00:24:58.680 But through tears and through pain. 00:24:58.759 --> 00:24:59.100 You say no. 00:24:59.160 --> 00:25:00.840 I'm following Jesus. 00:25:01.039 --> 00:25:01.220 Friends. 00:25:01.259 --> 00:25:02.000 If that's you this morning. 00:25:02.080 --> 00:25:02.960 Can I just say keep going. 00:25:04.340 --> 00:25:04.960 Keep going. 00:25:06.420 --> 00:25:08.100 Fix your eyes on Jesus. 00:25:10.100 --> 00:25:11.019 Abide in his word. 00:25:11.019 --> 00:25:14.279 Put your whole weight of your life. 00:25:14.660 --> 00:25:15.720 On trusting him. 00:25:16.859 --> 00:25:18.660 Would you take refuge in him. 00:25:19.500 --> 00:25:20.920 And would you come to the cross. 00:25:21.079 --> 00:25:21.900 And come to him. 00:25:22.180 --> 00:25:23.480 And find your identity. 00:25:23.480 --> 00:25:24.700 In who he is. 00:25:24.779 --> 00:25:26.799 And what he proclaims over you. 00:25:28.379 --> 00:25:29.359 Keep your eyes. 00:25:29.599 --> 00:25:30.359 On the light. 00:25:30.680 --> 00:25:31.359 Of the world. 00:25:34.279 --> 00:25:36.299 I put our girls down to bed. 00:25:36.379 --> 00:25:37.039 A few weeks ago. 00:25:37.220 --> 00:25:37.299 And. 00:25:38.359 --> 00:25:39.519 I did the usual routine. 00:25:40.519 --> 00:25:41.000 Jammies. 00:25:41.420 --> 00:25:41.900 Milkies. 00:25:42.180 --> 00:25:42.579 Stories. 00:25:43.079 --> 00:25:43.359 Beddies. 00:25:43.440 --> 00:25:44.920 I don't know why everything has to end in ease. 00:25:45.000 --> 00:25:45.579 When you have children. 00:25:45.680 --> 00:25:46.099 But it does. 00:25:46.200 --> 00:25:46.359 Okay. 00:25:46.819 --> 00:25:47.539 That's what we did. 00:25:48.819 --> 00:25:49.639 Lights off. 00:25:50.200 --> 00:25:51.000 And Owly on. 00:25:52.299 --> 00:25:52.740 But. 00:25:53.279 --> 00:25:54.299 It turns out. 00:25:54.839 --> 00:25:56.379 That I couldn't get Owly to work. 00:25:57.859 --> 00:25:59.440 So we changed the batteries in him. 00:25:59.539 --> 00:26:00.000 I see we. 00:26:00.119 --> 00:26:01.359 Alex changed the batteries in him. 00:26:01.619 --> 00:26:03.319 And we tried to give him a new lease of life. 00:26:03.319 --> 00:26:06.119 But it turns out that Owly's life giving days are over. 00:26:06.119 --> 00:26:10.259 John would write this in chapter one. 00:26:10.859 --> 00:26:12.219 Of his gospel about the light. 00:26:13.099 --> 00:26:14.719 That we've been thinking about this morning. 00:26:14.819 --> 00:26:15.679 Speaking about Jesus. 00:26:17.139 --> 00:26:18.259 In him was life. 00:26:19.759 --> 00:26:23.519 And that life was the light of all mankind. 00:26:24.619 --> 00:26:26.579 And the light shines in the darkness. 00:26:27.500 --> 00:26:28.539 And the darkness. 00:26:29.199 --> 00:26:31.639 Has not overcome it. 00:26:31.640 --> 00:26:34.300 In other words. 00:26:34.880 --> 00:26:35.920 Jesus' voice. 00:26:36.440 --> 00:26:37.720 Will never be silenced. 00:26:38.820 --> 00:26:39.780 Jesus' rule. 00:26:40.140 --> 00:26:41.000 Will never end. 00:26:41.380 --> 00:26:42.240 And this light. 00:26:43.259 --> 00:26:44.400 Is never going out. 00:26:46.380 --> 00:26:47.600 Because this light. 00:26:48.220 --> 00:26:49.080 Is the light. 00:26:49.280 --> 00:26:50.480 That overcame the darkness. 00:26:51.640 --> 00:26:53.300 As Jesus rose from the grave. 00:26:53.320 --> 00:26:54.380 As we sang about earlier. 00:26:54.460 --> 00:26:55.320 On the third day. 00:26:56.120 --> 00:26:58.100 Jesus would be lifted up on the cross. 00:26:58.560 --> 00:27:00.200 But he would gloriously be lifted up. 00:27:00.200 --> 00:27:01.059 From death. 00:27:01.059 --> 00:27:02.340 And declared to be. 00:27:02.559 --> 00:27:03.640 To the watching world. 00:27:03.880 --> 00:27:05.240 Like he says in this chapter. 00:27:05.759 --> 00:27:07.900 Exactly who he says he is. 00:27:07.980 --> 00:27:09.039 The great I am. 00:27:09.380 --> 00:27:10.900 Nobody's snuffing out this light. 00:27:12.740 --> 00:27:13.740 And Jesus says. 00:27:13.819 --> 00:27:14.360 Follow me. 00:27:15.799 --> 00:27:16.360 Follow. 00:27:16.920 --> 00:27:17.259 Me. 00:27:17.660 --> 00:27:18.539 I am. 00:27:18.860 --> 00:27:19.279 The light. 00:27:19.400 --> 00:27:20.080 Of the world. 00:27:20.980 --> 00:27:21.940 And this man John. 00:27:22.019 --> 00:27:22.799 Who wrote this gospel. 00:27:23.039 --> 00:27:23.440 Would say. 00:27:23.940 --> 00:27:24.620 Follow him. 00:27:25.580 --> 00:27:26.460 Follow him. 00:27:27.380 --> 00:27:28.259 Yield your life. 00:27:28.380 --> 00:27:28.779 To him. 00:27:28.779 --> 00:27:30.639 He has conquered death. 00:27:30.720 --> 00:27:31.899 He is king of kings. 00:27:32.339 --> 00:27:33.359 Accept the joy. 00:27:33.420 --> 00:27:34.559 Which he gives to those. 00:27:34.660 --> 00:27:35.379 Who yield. 00:27:35.799 --> 00:27:36.500 Their lives. 00:27:36.920 --> 00:27:37.259 To him. 00:27:37.379 --> 00:27:38.259 Jesus said. 00:27:38.859 --> 00:27:39.639 I am the light. 00:27:39.680 --> 00:27:40.440 Of the world. 00:27:41.299 --> 00:27:42.480 Whoever follows me. 00:27:42.920 --> 00:27:43.660 Will never. 00:27:44.099 --> 00:27:44.440 Walk. 00:27:44.779 --> 00:27:45.339 In darkness. 00:27:46.160 --> 00:27:47.000 But will have. 00:27:47.460 --> 00:27:47.960 The light. 00:27:48.559 --> 00:27:49.200 Of life. 00:27:50.660 --> 00:27:51.079 Friends. 00:27:51.139 --> 00:27:51.559 Let's pray. 00:27:51.639 --> 00:27:52.240 As we close. 00:27:52.399 --> 00:27:53.700 And just as we do. 00:27:53.799 --> 00:27:54.519 I want to give you. 00:27:54.599 --> 00:27:55.019 Just a chance. 00:27:55.099 --> 00:27:55.819 To respond. 00:27:55.819 --> 00:27:56.299 To the. 00:27:57.919 --> 00:27:58.319 Word. 00:27:58.399 --> 00:27:59.079 As it's come at us. 00:27:59.099 --> 00:27:59.579 This morning. 00:27:59.700 --> 00:28:00.960 So maybe just in the silence. 00:28:01.079 --> 00:28:01.259 Now. 00:28:01.960 --> 00:28:02.899 Can I plead with you. 00:28:03.000 --> 00:28:04.079 Just to take this opportunity. 00:28:04.079 --> 00:28:05.059 Just to be with. 00:28:05.500 --> 00:28:05.839 God. 00:28:06.259 --> 00:28:07.039 Be with your maker. 00:28:08.980 --> 00:28:10.259 And just come to him. 00:28:10.339 --> 00:28:11.220 As you are just now. 00:28:12.079 --> 00:28:12.559 His son. 00:28:12.659 --> 00:28:13.299 Jesus Christ. 00:28:13.379 --> 00:28:14.339 The light of the world. 00:28:14.339 --> 00:28:14.439 God. 00:28:25.240 --> 00:28:26.000 Psalm 27. 00:28:26.000 --> 00:28:26.599 Would say. 00:28:26.859 --> 00:28:26.899 The. 00:28:27.899 --> 00:28:28.359 Lord. 00:28:28.459 --> 00:28:29.299 Is my light. 00:28:29.379 --> 00:28:30.399 And my salvation. 00:28:31.139 --> 00:28:32.139 Whom shall I fear? 00:28:33.240 --> 00:28:33.959 The Lord. 00:28:34.039 --> 00:28:35.220 Is the stronghold. 00:28:35.220 --> 00:28:35.980 Of my life. 00:28:36.480 --> 00:28:37.220 Of whom. 00:28:37.319 --> 00:28:38.119 Shall I be afraid? 00:28:40.039 --> 00:28:41.039 Our gracious father. 00:28:41.119 --> 00:28:41.759 We would thank you. 00:28:41.799 --> 00:28:42.099 So much. 00:28:42.159 --> 00:28:42.839 For this morning. 00:28:42.839 --> 00:28:45.179 And thank you. 00:28:45.179 --> 00:28:46.279 For your precious word. 00:28:46.379 --> 00:28:47.240 That shines light. 00:28:47.240 --> 00:28:48.319 Into our lives. 00:28:48.939 --> 00:28:49.839 And I pray. 00:28:49.939 --> 00:28:50.959 And ask that you would help us. 00:28:51.019 --> 00:28:51.699 By your spirit. 00:28:51.799 --> 00:28:52.480 This spirit. 00:28:52.579 --> 00:28:52.939 This week. 00:28:53.079 --> 00:28:54.980 To fix our eyes. 00:28:54.980 --> 00:28:55.959 On your son. 00:28:56.759 --> 00:28:57.659 And to know. 00:28:57.819 --> 00:28:59.179 With a deep conviction. 00:28:59.879 --> 00:29:00.759 And a certainty. 00:29:01.419 --> 00:29:02.299 That he is. 00:29:02.759 --> 00:29:04.299 Exactly who he says he is. 00:29:04.679 --> 00:29:06.199 That he is the light. 00:29:06.480 --> 00:29:07.919 Of the world. 00:29:09.539 --> 00:29:10.019 Amen.