WEBVTT 00:00:00.560 --> 00:00:08.339 Kids, you are excused to your King's Kids class, and if I could invite you to turn in your Bibles to John chapter 1. 00:00:08.339 --> 00:00:13.359 ! It's on page 1053 of your pew Bible. 00:00:18.000 --> 00:00:29.500 As Zach mentioned, we're going to be focusing on what's called the introduction or prologue of the Gospel of John leading up to Christmas. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:37.399 So this morning, next week, the following week, on Christmas Eve, I'll be preaching sermons from John 1, 1-18. 00:00:38.539 --> 00:00:42.179 And so this morning, I'll be preaching through John 1, 1-8. 00:00:42.859 --> 00:00:43.679 Hear God's Word. 00:00:44.960 --> 00:00:52.939 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 00:00:53.579 --> 00:00:55.359 He was in the beginning with God. 00:00:55.359 --> 00:01:01.519 All things were made through Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made. 00:01:02.600 --> 00:01:06.480 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 00:01:07.319 --> 00:01:11.539 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 00:01:12.700 --> 00:01:15.079 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 00:01:15.079 --> 00:01:21.179 He came as a witness to bear witness about the light that all might believe through Him. 00:01:21.259 --> 00:01:26.599 He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. 00:01:28.959 --> 00:01:30.840 May God bless the hearing of His Word. 00:01:33.359 --> 00:01:38.459 Correct me if I'm wrong, but we all like to ooh and ah at Christmas lights. 00:01:38.620 --> 00:01:39.079 Is it true? 00:01:39.079 --> 00:01:41.840 Give me an ooh and an ah. 00:01:42.480 --> 00:01:44.239 Ooh, ah. 00:01:45.319 --> 00:01:49.859 We bought our Christmas tree a little early than usual. 00:01:50.019 --> 00:01:50.799 We set it up. 00:01:50.939 --> 00:01:51.959 It looks great. 00:01:52.120 --> 00:01:53.679 It smells great. 00:01:55.140 --> 00:02:03.519 And one of the things that I look forward to every day is waking up and walking into our dark living room, 00:02:03.519 --> 00:02:07.200 because December mornings in Wisconsin are dark. 00:02:08.359 --> 00:02:12.359 And the first thing I do is I turn on the Christmas lights to our tree. 00:02:13.680 --> 00:02:17.939 And I step back, and I just savor it. 00:02:17.939 --> 00:02:25.979 The Christmas tree lights, they shine in the darkness of our living room. 00:02:26.979 --> 00:02:33.579 Now, it could be just sentimentality, but when I behold those lights brilliantly shining, 00:02:34.979 --> 00:02:37.000 I just linger. 00:02:38.300 --> 00:02:47.879 There's this internal ooh-ing and ah-ing in that moment over light shining in our dark living room. 00:02:47.939 --> 00:02:51.699 We ooh and ah-ing in our Christmas lights. 00:02:51.699 --> 00:02:59.699 And whether it's on Christmas Lane in Kenosha, or if you're driving by the jockey headquarters at night 00:02:59.699 --> 00:03:08.520 and you see those trees lit up, for some reason, the light shining in the darkness, it affects us. 00:03:08.520 --> 00:03:20.280 The reason why Christmas is about lights shining in the darkness is because Jesus, the Word become flesh, 00:03:21.260 --> 00:03:26.700 is the light of salvation shining in the darkness of this world. 00:03:28.320 --> 00:03:31.540 Christmas isn't just about the birth of Jesus. 00:03:31.539 --> 00:03:36.299 It's about the coming of God's salvation. 00:03:37.299 --> 00:03:45.079 It's about the dawning of a new Genesis, a new creation, a life-giving salvation 00:03:45.079 --> 00:03:48.919 that's found in this person, Jesus Christ. 00:03:50.239 --> 00:03:54.840 So, the goal of this morning, when I preach through 1, 1 through 8, 00:03:54.840 --> 00:04:01.219 is to help you ooh and ah at the Word shining in the darkness. 00:04:02.039 --> 00:04:05.360 Has your heart grown a little cold this December towards Jesus? 00:04:07.020 --> 00:04:09.920 Are you already bustling to get things done? 00:04:10.840 --> 00:04:12.719 And have already become a little distracted? 00:04:15.780 --> 00:04:19.360 Are you a little ashamed to witness to Jesus? 00:04:19.360 --> 00:04:26.000 Well, this morning, I want you to behold His brilliance and believe in Him. 00:04:27.220 --> 00:04:30.480 And there are four truths in this passage that I want you to see. 00:04:31.040 --> 00:04:34.160 The Word's nature, that's verses 1 through 3. 00:04:34.360 --> 00:04:36.600 The Word's life, verse 4. 00:04:36.879 --> 00:04:39.120 The Word's light, 4 through 5. 00:04:39.420 --> 00:04:41.020 And the Word's witness. 00:04:41.860 --> 00:04:46.580 So, behold His brilliance, believe in Him, and live boldly for Him. 00:04:46.579 --> 00:04:50.060 And ooh and ah along the way. 00:04:50.839 --> 00:04:52.879 So, let's look at the Word's nature. 00:04:53.779 --> 00:04:55.240 In verses 1 through 3, we read, 00:04:55.300 --> 00:04:58.359 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 00:04:58.419 --> 00:04:59.800 He was in the beginning with God. 00:05:00.300 --> 00:05:05.219 All things were made through Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made. 00:05:05.439 --> 00:05:10.159 So, when I say the Word's nature, what I'm talking about is defined 00:05:10.160 --> 00:05:16.020 and different characteristics of this Word, the Word. 00:05:16.740 --> 00:05:19.500 What uniquely defies Him, defines Him. 00:05:20.320 --> 00:05:24.620 Did you notice in verse 1, the Word is repeated three times? 00:05:24.980 --> 00:05:29.780 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 00:05:29.779 --> 00:05:34.039 And then that Word shows up in verse 14, 00:05:34.779 --> 00:05:37.339 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, 00:05:37.479 --> 00:05:38.719 and we have seen His glory. 00:05:38.839 --> 00:05:41.599 Glory is of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 00:05:41.859 --> 00:05:45.000 And then the idea of what's being said shows up in 18. 00:05:45.500 --> 00:05:49.239 No one has ever seen God, the only God, who is at the Father's side. 00:05:49.339 --> 00:05:50.519 He has made Him known. 00:05:50.619 --> 00:05:51.719 He has worded Him. 00:05:53.179 --> 00:05:54.359 He's disclosed Him. 00:05:54.360 --> 00:06:02.060 In the Old Testament, the Word of God was the primary way in which God related to His people. 00:06:02.460 --> 00:06:06.319 He spoke to them through His Word, through the prophets, 00:06:06.879 --> 00:06:14.540 through Moses, and through Samuel, and David, and Isaiah, and Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, and Micah. 00:06:16.860 --> 00:06:21.980 And the written Word of God always reveals the nature of God. 00:06:24.360 --> 00:06:27.980 It's a self-disclosure of who He is. 00:06:28.400 --> 00:06:33.120 But the Word of John 1.1 is not the written Word of God. 00:06:33.420 --> 00:06:36.240 It is the person God. 00:06:37.040 --> 00:06:38.879 The person Word. 00:06:40.439 --> 00:06:45.000 And I want to help you see something in this stretch. 00:06:46.259 --> 00:06:50.360 That this Word, the Word, is not an it. 00:06:52.319 --> 00:06:54.100 He is a Him. 00:06:55.360 --> 00:06:56.699 Just follow along with me. 00:06:57.620 --> 00:07:01.340 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 00:07:01.639 --> 00:07:04.580 He was in the beginning with God. 00:07:04.920 --> 00:07:06.259 All things were made through Him. 00:07:07.120 --> 00:07:10.639 And without Him was not anything made that was made. 00:07:10.759 --> 00:07:12.100 In Him was life. 00:07:12.460 --> 00:07:13.980 The Word, Him, was life. 00:07:15.220 --> 00:07:16.520 And the life was the light of men. 00:07:16.720 --> 00:07:17.259 Look at verse 9. 00:07:17.259 --> 00:07:21.879 The true light, the Word, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 00:07:22.519 --> 00:07:26.639 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him. 00:07:26.779 --> 00:07:28.459 Yet the world did not know Him. 00:07:28.680 --> 00:07:33.099 He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him. 00:07:33.100 --> 00:07:37.320 But all who did receive Him, who believed in His name. 00:07:37.980 --> 00:07:38.320 Jesus. 00:07:40.080 --> 00:07:41.580 Who believed in His name. 00:07:42.040 --> 00:07:44.060 He gave the right to become children of God. 00:07:45.520 --> 00:07:47.260 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. 00:07:47.320 --> 00:07:47.860 Verse 14. 00:07:47.860 --> 00:07:50.020 And we have seen His glory. 00:07:50.360 --> 00:07:54.879 Glory as of the only, the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 00:07:55.780 --> 00:08:01.500 No one, 18, has ever seen God, the only God, who is at the Father's side. 00:08:02.199 --> 00:08:07.720 He has made Him, the invisible God, known. 00:08:07.720 --> 00:08:14.100 The first thing I want you to say here is, this Word, the Word, is a person. 00:08:15.740 --> 00:08:16.680 A He, a Him. 00:08:20.380 --> 00:08:27.420 And this person is the incarnate self-disclosure of God. 00:08:28.740 --> 00:08:30.060 Do you want to see the Father? 00:08:31.280 --> 00:08:32.300 Look at the Son. 00:08:33.899 --> 00:08:35.639 The S-O-N. 00:08:35.639 --> 00:08:38.779 That might stir a little oohing and aahing in your soul. 00:08:41.100 --> 00:08:45.019 Let's look at something else about the nature of the Word. 00:08:46.379 --> 00:08:47.179 He was in the beginning. 00:08:48.500 --> 00:08:50.879 In the beginning, verse 1, was the Word. 00:08:51.659 --> 00:08:54.220 Verse 2, He was in the beginning with God. 00:08:54.299 --> 00:08:56.799 When you hear those words, in the beginning, 00:08:57.120 --> 00:09:01.000 you should be thinking of another book of the Bible that starts with, 00:09:01.539 --> 00:09:03.819 in the beginning, Genesis. 00:09:03.820 --> 00:09:04.020 Genesis. 00:09:05.080 --> 00:09:06.640 Genesis chapter 1. 00:09:07.460 --> 00:09:10.340 And in Genesis chapter 1, 1, we read, 00:09:10.620 --> 00:09:14.660 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 00:09:14.740 --> 00:09:17.480 You see, God is the creator of all things. 00:09:17.820 --> 00:09:22.780 And He created all things with just words out of nothing. 00:09:22.779 --> 00:09:31.079 And what John is doing here is he's placing this person, the Word, at the beginning. 00:09:32.679 --> 00:09:34.199 At the beginning, He was there. 00:09:34.379 --> 00:09:34.980 What was He doing? 00:09:36.980 --> 00:09:37.679 Verse 3. 00:09:38.939 --> 00:09:41.319 All things were made through Him, the Word. 00:09:42.679 --> 00:09:45.899 And without Him, the Word was not anything made that was made. 00:09:45.899 --> 00:09:49.579 We've got a positive kind of statement and a negative statement. 00:09:49.919 --> 00:09:51.299 All things were made through Him. 00:09:51.740 --> 00:09:52.819 They were made by Him. 00:09:53.100 --> 00:09:55.519 He is the agent of creation. 00:09:56.879 --> 00:10:04.159 Now, it's not just all things, big and small, animate and inanimate on earth. 00:10:04.159 --> 00:10:14.980 But our solar system, the galaxy that we're in, the universe, all things were made through Him. 00:10:16.360 --> 00:10:18.319 And negatively, He states, 00:10:19.019 --> 00:10:22.079 and without Him was not anything made that was made. 00:10:22.759 --> 00:10:24.559 In other words, no exceptions. 00:10:24.559 --> 00:10:28.939 He made everything, no exceptions. 00:10:31.099 --> 00:10:33.759 All of creation came into being through Him. 00:10:35.019 --> 00:10:36.019 No exceptions. 00:10:38.419 --> 00:10:44.699 Which means the Word, Jesus, is the creator. 00:10:46.639 --> 00:10:51.539 And we see that again repeated in Colossians 1.16 and Hebrews 1.2. 00:10:51.779 --> 00:10:52.899 But here's what it also means. 00:10:54.559 --> 00:10:56.019 He is uncreated. 00:10:57.539 --> 00:11:01.279 He was at the beginning because He has no beginning. 00:11:02.439 --> 00:11:03.839 All things were brought into Him. 00:11:03.899 --> 00:11:05.359 Nothing was made that was made. 00:11:05.759 --> 00:11:06.559 He wasn't made. 00:11:08.000 --> 00:11:09.059 He's uncreated. 00:11:10.959 --> 00:11:14.099 He is the eternal Son incarnate. 00:11:15.579 --> 00:11:16.500 It's glorious. 00:11:17.159 --> 00:11:19.039 There's some ooh and aah going on here. 00:11:19.819 --> 00:11:20.559 Behold that! 00:11:21.559 --> 00:11:21.959 Brilliance. 00:11:24.559 --> 00:11:27.399 And this one who created all things. 00:11:28.199 --> 00:11:37.439 Is it not amazing that He took on flesh and was born in a stable in Bethlehem and laid in a feeding trough? 00:11:38.399 --> 00:11:39.719 The creator of all? 00:11:39.720 --> 00:11:42.940 What kind of love is that? 00:11:44.680 --> 00:11:47.580 Next thing I want you to see is the Word was with God. 00:11:49.580 --> 00:11:52.800 In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God. 00:11:53.220 --> 00:12:00.460 And what's being communicated here is that the Word was distinct from God the Father at the beginning. 00:12:01.740 --> 00:12:02.220 Distinct. 00:12:02.740 --> 00:12:03.639 Two different people. 00:12:03.639 --> 00:12:07.939 Yet, they are in relationship with one another. 00:12:09.199 --> 00:12:11.480 We see of that relationship in verse 14. 00:12:12.679 --> 00:12:14.279 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. 00:12:14.360 --> 00:12:15.299 And we've seen His glory. 00:12:15.419 --> 00:12:18.480 Glory as of the only Son from the Father. 00:12:18.919 --> 00:12:20.000 And then in verse 18. 00:12:20.000 --> 00:12:21.279 No one has ever seen God. 00:12:21.340 --> 00:12:24.820 The only God who is at the Father's side with Him. 00:12:26.100 --> 00:12:29.440 In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God. 00:12:29.960 --> 00:12:34.519 Distinct from God yet in relationship to God. 00:12:34.779 --> 00:12:38.559 This is getting at the Christian doctrine of the Trinity. 00:12:39.259 --> 00:12:42.120 We see two of the three persons of the Trinity. 00:12:42.259 --> 00:12:45.299 The Father, the first person of the Trinity. 00:12:45.620 --> 00:12:48.100 And the Son, the second person of the Trinity. 00:12:48.100 --> 00:12:51.220 And in January, we're going to keep on going through the book of John. 00:12:51.399 --> 00:12:53.620 We'll be introduced to the third person of the Trinity. 00:12:53.879 --> 00:12:57.440 The Holy Spirit who plays a prominent role in the Gospel of John. 00:12:59.139 --> 00:13:00.580 The Word was with God. 00:13:00.680 --> 00:13:02.700 He was at the beginning with Him. 00:13:03.519 --> 00:13:05.820 And He is distinct from God. 00:13:06.240 --> 00:13:08.399 And yet, He is in relationship to God. 00:13:08.540 --> 00:13:09.340 Father, Son. 00:13:09.340 --> 00:13:13.420 And the third thing I want you to see is that the Word was God. 00:13:15.320 --> 00:13:16.320 Not a God. 00:13:18.100 --> 00:13:21.379 Not being God-like. 00:13:23.759 --> 00:13:25.000 But fully God. 00:13:27.399 --> 00:13:30.800 In verse 14, we read that this Word became flesh. 00:13:32.159 --> 00:13:34.360 And dwelt among us. 00:13:34.360 --> 00:13:44.120 In Isaiah 7.14, we know of prophecy that spoke of this one to come as Emmanuel. 00:13:44.840 --> 00:13:46.759 God with us. 00:13:47.820 --> 00:13:48.720 It's kind of like this. 00:13:48.759 --> 00:13:52.539 You know on July 4th when you go to the fireworks show. 00:13:52.820 --> 00:13:54.379 And it starts kind of slow. 00:13:54.580 --> 00:13:55.899 And you're like, ooh-ah, ooh-ah. 00:13:56.060 --> 00:13:57.539 And then the finale hits. 00:13:57.600 --> 00:13:59.000 And you're like, ooh-ah, ooh-ah. 00:13:59.000 --> 00:14:03.779 John is beginning with the Christological finale. 00:14:04.879 --> 00:14:07.799 You're supposed to be like ooh-in and ah-in from the get-go. 00:14:07.899 --> 00:14:13.100 Because he's introducing the very topic, the focus of the entire Gospel. 00:14:13.399 --> 00:14:17.440 It is the Word made flesh. 00:14:17.440 --> 00:14:27.500 John begins with a brilliant prologue of Christological glory in which we're ooh-in and ah-in. 00:14:27.500 --> 00:14:29.020 He was God. 00:14:29.740 --> 00:14:30.940 The creator of all. 00:14:31.860 --> 00:14:34.680 Distinct from but in relationship to the Father. 00:14:35.560 --> 00:14:36.680 That is amazing. 00:14:36.679 --> 00:14:37.279 Amazing. 00:14:39.500 --> 00:14:40.139 Amazing. 00:14:42.179 --> 00:14:48.859 And the rest of the Gospel of John is the brilliant glory of the Son on display. 00:14:49.879 --> 00:14:51.779 And we're going to behold his glory. 00:14:52.239 --> 00:14:53.739 And we're going to believe in him. 00:14:53.919 --> 00:14:57.439 And we're going to live boldly for him as a result. 00:14:58.419 --> 00:15:05.059 So if you're approaching this Christmas season and you're kind of like, oh, I'm just a little spiritually dull. 00:15:05.059 --> 00:15:08.199 A little cold at heart towards Jesus. 00:15:08.859 --> 00:15:12.199 Hey, just hang out in John 1, 1 through 3 for a while. 00:15:13.259 --> 00:15:15.059 Let the juices flow. 00:15:15.739 --> 00:15:18.159 Let the oohs and ahs come out. 00:15:19.119 --> 00:15:23.959 And if you're distracted, camp right there for a while. 00:15:25.779 --> 00:15:27.259 Oohs and ahs. 00:15:27.399 --> 00:15:31.419 Behold his brilliance and believe him. 00:15:32.239 --> 00:15:33.699 Believe who he is. 00:15:33.700 --> 00:15:35.940 That's the word's nature. 00:15:37.240 --> 00:15:39.600 Now let's look at the word's life. 00:15:40.879 --> 00:15:42.280 He's the source of life. 00:15:42.980 --> 00:15:45.240 I just want to focus on four words in verse 4. 00:15:45.580 --> 00:15:46.440 The first four words. 00:15:46.640 --> 00:15:48.560 In him was life. 00:15:50.500 --> 00:15:52.400 In him, the word. 00:15:52.399 --> 00:15:58.500 Who is the uncreated creator in the beginning. 00:15:58.659 --> 00:16:01.360 Who created everything distinct from God the Father. 00:16:01.480 --> 00:16:04.840 But in relationship to him who is totally God. 00:16:06.139 --> 00:16:07.340 In him was life. 00:16:09.659 --> 00:16:13.419 Given the reference back to Genesis 1 here. 00:16:14.179 --> 00:16:15.319 And John 1. 00:16:15.320 --> 00:16:19.500 And given that everything was made through him. 00:16:19.560 --> 00:16:25.680 You might think that John, who wrote this gospel, has a certain kind of life in mind. 00:16:26.100 --> 00:16:27.220 Created life. 00:16:27.660 --> 00:16:29.379 It's physical life of creation. 00:16:29.560 --> 00:16:31.580 From mountains to mitochondria. 00:16:31.580 --> 00:16:39.000 And we know that the word created mountains in mitochondria. 00:16:39.120 --> 00:16:41.680 But John is also using that word life. 00:16:41.759 --> 00:16:44.820 He'll use it throughout the gospel in a different way. 00:16:45.780 --> 00:16:47.780 Let me introduce you to some of these uses of it. 00:16:48.740 --> 00:16:49.440 Remember this one? 00:16:49.440 --> 00:16:52.000 For God so loved the world. 00:16:53.560 --> 00:16:55.320 That he gave his one and only son. 00:16:55.400 --> 00:16:57.740 That whoever believes in him shall not perish. 00:16:57.880 --> 00:17:00.160 But have eternal life. 00:17:00.840 --> 00:17:02.680 He's not talking about physical life. 00:17:03.400 --> 00:17:06.880 He's talking about a different kind of life. 00:17:08.799 --> 00:17:10.580 In John 6.35. 00:17:12.160 --> 00:17:13.279 We read this. 00:17:15.160 --> 00:17:16.200 Jesus said to them. 00:17:16.320 --> 00:17:17.539 I am the bread of life. 00:17:17.539 --> 00:17:20.240 Whoever comes to me shall not hunger. 00:17:20.399 --> 00:17:22.180 And whoever believes in me shall never thirst. 00:17:22.359 --> 00:17:24.519 That's talking about a certain kind of life. 00:17:25.639 --> 00:17:27.639 That satisfies your soul. 00:17:28.460 --> 00:17:29.700 It's not physical life. 00:17:30.539 --> 00:17:32.279 It's a spiritual life. 00:17:32.440 --> 00:17:33.259 A spirit. 00:17:33.559 --> 00:17:34.220 Holy Spirit. 00:17:34.579 --> 00:17:36.119 Given life. 00:17:36.759 --> 00:17:37.599 And this life. 00:17:37.960 --> 00:17:39.619 Doesn't begin for a Christian. 00:17:39.819 --> 00:17:40.759 When they die. 00:17:41.539 --> 00:17:43.420 It begins at conversion. 00:17:44.139 --> 00:17:45.539 The moment you believe. 00:17:45.539 --> 00:17:48.039 You are given the gift of eternal life. 00:17:51.359 --> 00:17:52.420 Soul satisfying. 00:17:54.119 --> 00:17:54.920 In John 10.10. 00:17:55.000 --> 00:17:55.440 Jesus says. 00:17:55.559 --> 00:17:56.799 I came that they might have life. 00:17:57.000 --> 00:17:58.980 And might have it abundantly. 00:17:59.359 --> 00:18:00.240 He's talking about. 00:18:00.399 --> 00:18:01.440 Not physical life. 00:18:01.700 --> 00:18:03.000 But spiritual life. 00:18:03.319 --> 00:18:04.700 And the they that he's talking about. 00:18:04.779 --> 00:18:05.920 I came that they may have life. 00:18:06.019 --> 00:18:06.639 Are his sheep. 00:18:08.019 --> 00:18:09.659 Those he shed his blood for. 00:18:09.779 --> 00:18:11.000 Those who would believe in his name. 00:18:11.000 --> 00:18:14.019 Those who are born again by his spirit. 00:18:14.200 --> 00:18:16.460 Will experience this abundant life. 00:18:16.880 --> 00:18:18.759 It's not just a duration of eternity. 00:18:19.259 --> 00:18:22.380 It is a qualitatively different kind of life. 00:18:23.859 --> 00:18:24.500 11.25. 00:18:24.700 --> 00:18:26.160 I'm the resurrection and the life. 00:18:27.039 --> 00:18:27.960 John 14.6. 00:18:28.700 --> 00:18:30.259 I'm the way, the truth, and the life. 00:18:30.380 --> 00:18:32.000 No one comes to the Father but through me. 00:18:32.220 --> 00:18:33.339 He's talking about a relationship. 00:18:34.680 --> 00:18:35.920 John 17.3. 00:18:35.920 --> 00:18:37.519 And this is eternal life. 00:18:37.900 --> 00:18:40.140 That they know you, the only true God. 00:18:40.220 --> 00:18:42.580 And Jesus Christ whom you have sent. 00:18:43.000 --> 00:18:45.080 Jesus is speaking about eternal life. 00:18:45.180 --> 00:18:46.740 As being in relationship. 00:18:47.259 --> 00:18:49.000 With the God of the universe. 00:18:50.240 --> 00:18:52.120 Having a personal relationship. 00:18:52.620 --> 00:18:54.039 With the God of the universe. 00:18:54.340 --> 00:18:56.840 Having a life giving relationship. 00:18:57.180 --> 00:18:59.180 With the God of the universe. 00:18:59.440 --> 00:19:00.620 The word became flesh. 00:19:00.619 --> 00:19:06.079 In order to bring new creation life. 00:19:09.139 --> 00:19:11.219 To make you live. 00:19:11.899 --> 00:19:14.059 Having believed in him. 00:19:15.739 --> 00:19:17.939 In verse 17 of chapter 1. 00:19:17.939 --> 00:19:20.699 We are told explicitly. 00:19:20.939 --> 00:19:23.519 The name of this one who is the word. 00:19:24.319 --> 00:19:25.539 For the law was given through Moses. 00:19:25.759 --> 00:19:28.239 Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 00:19:28.240 --> 00:19:31.620 He is the source of all life. 00:19:31.740 --> 00:19:34.620 Both physical and spiritual. 00:19:35.220 --> 00:19:38.319 And John is going to major on eternal spiritual life. 00:19:38.440 --> 00:19:39.680 In the gospel of John. 00:19:40.000 --> 00:19:43.099 And so the question that I want to ask you this morning is. 00:19:43.319 --> 00:19:44.400 Do you believe in him? 00:19:45.259 --> 00:19:46.539 And I'm not asking. 00:19:47.120 --> 00:19:48.539 Do you believe he existed? 00:19:49.279 --> 00:19:50.380 What I am asking. 00:19:50.880 --> 00:19:52.940 Is do you believe. 00:19:53.559 --> 00:19:55.160 That he is the source. 00:19:55.460 --> 00:19:57.000 Of all that exists. 00:19:57.000 --> 00:19:59.000 Do you believe. 00:19:59.000 --> 00:19:59.559 Do you believe. 00:19:59.559 --> 00:20:02.019 That your next breath. 00:20:02.279 --> 00:20:03.400 Comes from him. 00:20:04.279 --> 00:20:05.400 Do you believe. 00:20:06.039 --> 00:20:07.740 That the salvation. 00:20:07.740 --> 00:20:09.279 Of eternal life. 00:20:09.759 --> 00:20:11.099 Is in no one else. 00:20:11.380 --> 00:20:12.460 But in him. 00:20:18.039 --> 00:20:19.640 Behold his brilliance. 00:20:21.039 --> 00:20:22.240 He is the source. 00:20:22.440 --> 00:20:23.299 Of all life. 00:20:23.299 --> 00:20:25.519 We all need. 00:20:25.859 --> 00:20:27.619 This spiritual life. 00:20:27.980 --> 00:20:29.379 That God gives. 00:20:29.539 --> 00:20:30.379 As a gift. 00:20:30.579 --> 00:20:32.339 Through Jesus Christ. 00:20:32.460 --> 00:20:34.339 It is soul satisfying. 00:20:35.659 --> 00:20:36.500 That's where you're like. 00:20:36.659 --> 00:20:37.000 Ooh. 00:20:37.700 --> 00:20:38.359 Ah. 00:20:38.899 --> 00:20:40.419 I want some of that. 00:20:43.139 --> 00:20:43.740 Life. 00:20:44.460 --> 00:20:45.779 Is found in the word. 00:20:46.779 --> 00:20:48.460 And then in verses four and five. 00:20:48.460 --> 00:20:50.680 We read about. 00:20:50.680 --> 00:20:51.019 The word's. 00:20:51.019 --> 00:20:51.019 00:20:51.019 --> 00:20:51.539 The word's. 00:20:51.539 --> 00:20:51.759 The word's. 00:20:52.120 --> 00:20:52.600 Light. 00:20:55.000 --> 00:20:56.180 In him was life. 00:20:56.440 --> 00:20:57.240 In the life. 00:20:57.860 --> 00:20:58.840 Was the light. 00:20:59.140 --> 00:20:59.660 Of men. 00:21:00.059 --> 00:21:01.340 The light shines in the darkness. 00:21:01.559 --> 00:21:02.120 And the darkness. 00:21:02.480 --> 00:21:03.779 Has not overcome it. 00:21:05.240 --> 00:21:06.160 The word. 00:21:06.880 --> 00:21:07.360 Jesus. 00:21:07.740 --> 00:21:08.440 God incarnate. 00:21:08.559 --> 00:21:09.340 Is the source. 00:21:09.420 --> 00:21:10.039 Of all life. 00:21:10.120 --> 00:21:10.600 Especially. 00:21:11.120 --> 00:21:11.920 Spiritual life. 00:21:12.000 --> 00:21:12.779 Eternal life. 00:21:13.619 --> 00:21:15.279 And we learn in verse four. 00:21:15.420 --> 00:21:16.440 That this life. 00:21:16.660 --> 00:21:17.500 Was the light. 00:21:17.680 --> 00:21:18.319 Of men. 00:21:18.379 --> 00:21:19.379 And we got to ask the question. 00:21:19.480 --> 00:21:20.240 Well what does that mean? 00:21:20.279 --> 00:21:21.039 What does it mean. 00:21:21.359 --> 00:21:22.579 That the life. 00:21:22.940 --> 00:21:23.460 The word. 00:21:23.759 --> 00:21:24.539 Was the light. 00:21:24.720 --> 00:21:25.099 Of men. 00:21:25.160 --> 00:21:25.579 Now remember. 00:21:25.680 --> 00:21:27.079 There's this creation motif. 00:21:27.180 --> 00:21:27.879 Going on here. 00:21:28.059 --> 00:21:29.440 In John chapter one. 00:21:30.960 --> 00:21:32.639 And in Genesis chapter one. 00:21:32.779 --> 00:21:34.299 The first thing that God speaks. 00:21:34.299 --> 00:21:35.000 Into existence. 00:21:35.259 --> 00:21:35.619 Is. 00:21:35.940 --> 00:21:36.819 Let there be. 00:21:37.779 --> 00:21:38.259 Light. 00:21:38.899 --> 00:21:40.139 And there was light. 00:21:40.639 --> 00:21:41.799 And it was good. 00:21:42.779 --> 00:21:45.680 And then from there on out. 00:21:45.759 --> 00:21:46.960 In the days of creation. 00:21:47.720 --> 00:21:49.139 God speaks. 00:21:49.279 --> 00:21:50.500 Into existence. 00:21:51.139 --> 00:21:51.879 One thing. 00:21:52.019 --> 00:21:52.779 After another. 00:21:53.079 --> 00:21:54.619 And he brings order. 00:21:54.980 --> 00:21:56.379 Out of the darkness. 00:21:56.839 --> 00:21:58.039 And day by day. 00:21:58.220 --> 00:21:59.379 He brings order. 00:21:59.660 --> 00:22:00.420 In fullness. 00:22:00.720 --> 00:22:01.579 Of life. 00:22:02.899 --> 00:22:04.579 It's a creation event. 00:22:04.920 --> 00:22:05.740 Where God. 00:22:06.180 --> 00:22:07.200 Brings things. 00:22:07.480 --> 00:22:08.420 Into life. 00:22:08.539 --> 00:22:09.299 Into existence. 00:22:09.299 --> 00:22:12.859 And it sets up a pattern. 00:22:16.279 --> 00:22:17.279 John is. 00:22:17.519 --> 00:22:19.259 Is riffing off. 00:22:19.599 --> 00:22:20.639 Creation account. 00:22:21.319 --> 00:22:23.480 To talk about this new creation. 00:22:24.139 --> 00:22:26.480 The dawning of a new creation. 00:22:26.700 --> 00:22:27.440 A salvation. 00:22:28.119 --> 00:22:29.779 Found in Jesus alone. 00:22:31.180 --> 00:22:31.480 This. 00:22:31.559 --> 00:22:32.799 This dawning. 00:22:32.799 --> 00:22:33.919 Of salvation. 00:22:33.919 --> 00:22:35.159 At the birth. 00:22:35.299 --> 00:22:36.559 Of Jesus Christ. 00:22:36.559 --> 00:22:37.859 Is shining. 00:22:37.859 --> 00:22:38.980 Into the darkness. 00:22:38.980 --> 00:22:40.720 Of a sinful world. 00:22:42.220 --> 00:22:43.259 This light. 00:22:43.339 --> 00:22:44.139 Began shining. 00:22:44.919 --> 00:22:46.179 At the moment. 00:22:46.179 --> 00:22:47.179 Of his birth. 00:22:48.779 --> 00:22:50.039 And it's shining. 00:22:50.039 --> 00:22:51.220 Into the darkness. 00:22:51.799 --> 00:22:52.720 Our darkness. 00:22:53.299 --> 00:22:53.740 Today. 00:22:54.299 --> 00:22:54.839 The darkness. 00:22:54.839 --> 00:22:55.539 Of mankind. 00:22:55.819 --> 00:22:56.279 The darkness. 00:22:56.279 --> 00:22:56.859 Of sin. 00:22:57.200 --> 00:22:58.440 Sin has brought about. 00:22:58.579 --> 00:22:59.799 A dark chaos. 00:23:00.000 --> 00:23:00.919 Into our lives. 00:23:01.019 --> 00:23:02.139 We all have personally. 00:23:02.259 --> 00:23:02.899 Experienced. 00:23:03.220 --> 00:23:03.940 The chaos. 00:23:04.059 --> 00:23:04.859 Making power. 00:23:04.859 --> 00:23:05.399 Of sin. 00:23:06.139 --> 00:23:07.419 It messes everything up. 00:23:08.819 --> 00:23:09.319 Messes up. 00:23:09.359 --> 00:23:09.839 Our relationship. 00:23:09.839 --> 00:23:10.359 With God. 00:23:10.519 --> 00:23:11.240 It messes up. 00:23:11.299 --> 00:23:11.799 Our understanding. 00:23:11.799 --> 00:23:12.319 Of ourselves. 00:23:12.519 --> 00:23:13.219 It messes up. 00:23:13.259 --> 00:23:13.759 Our relationship. 00:23:13.759 --> 00:23:14.519 With other people. 00:23:14.519 --> 00:23:15.479 And it definitely. 00:23:15.479 --> 00:23:16.139 Brings about. 00:23:16.139 --> 00:23:17.439 A messed up. 00:23:17.500 --> 00:23:18.119 Chaos making. 00:23:18.119 --> 00:23:18.719 Relationship. 00:23:18.719 --> 00:23:19.879 With this creation. 00:23:20.559 --> 00:23:21.759 Under frustration. 00:23:24.759 --> 00:23:25.740 Our sin. 00:23:25.899 --> 00:23:26.279 And the sin. 00:23:26.339 --> 00:23:27.000 Of our parents. 00:23:27.079 --> 00:23:27.939 Adam and Eve. 00:23:28.899 --> 00:23:29.339 Ushered. 00:23:29.740 --> 00:23:30.019 This. 00:23:30.559 --> 00:23:31.479 Chaos making. 00:23:31.639 --> 00:23:32.039 Darkness. 00:23:32.339 --> 00:23:32.719 Into. 00:23:33.039 --> 00:23:33.919 Our existence. 00:23:33.920 --> 00:23:35.620 And it renders us. 00:23:35.940 --> 00:23:37.080 Spiritually dead. 00:23:39.580 --> 00:23:40.640 Spiritually dead. 00:23:40.940 --> 00:23:41.380 Blind. 00:23:41.840 --> 00:23:42.800 Not inclined. 00:23:42.900 --> 00:23:43.400 In the least. 00:23:43.480 --> 00:23:43.920 To God. 00:23:43.960 --> 00:23:44.740 Or his ways. 00:23:44.740 --> 00:23:45.660 We're living. 00:23:45.660 --> 00:23:46.800 In the darkness. 00:23:46.800 --> 00:23:47.720 Of death. 00:23:47.840 --> 00:23:49.060 And it is. 00:23:49.300 --> 00:23:50.279 A chaos making. 00:23:50.600 --> 00:23:51.200 Experience. 00:23:51.400 --> 00:23:52.759 Who is reigning. 00:23:52.759 --> 00:23:53.539 Over that. 00:23:53.660 --> 00:23:54.620 Is the lord of that. 00:23:54.860 --> 00:23:55.380 Chaos making. 00:23:55.560 --> 00:23:55.880 Satan. 00:23:56.200 --> 00:23:57.340 But Jesus Christ. 00:23:57.340 --> 00:23:58.620 Has rendered him. 00:23:59.180 --> 00:23:59.660 Defeated. 00:23:59.660 --> 00:24:02.440 In Isaiah. 00:24:02.440 --> 00:24:03.140 Nine. 00:24:04.180 --> 00:24:05.240 Two through seven. 00:24:06.380 --> 00:24:07.019 Zach opened. 00:24:07.080 --> 00:24:07.640 Our service. 00:24:07.720 --> 00:24:08.040 With it. 00:24:09.320 --> 00:24:09.720 Isaiah. 00:24:09.720 --> 00:24:10.340 Speaks. 00:24:10.580 --> 00:24:10.880 Of. 00:24:11.480 --> 00:24:12.279 This coming light. 00:24:12.380 --> 00:24:12.960 That will shine. 00:24:13.040 --> 00:24:13.400 Into. 00:24:13.800 --> 00:24:14.360 Deep darkness. 00:24:15.320 --> 00:24:16.100 And the result. 00:24:16.220 --> 00:24:16.940 Of that light. 00:24:17.180 --> 00:24:18.259 Shining into the darkness. 00:24:18.600 --> 00:24:19.660 Is rejoicing. 00:24:20.320 --> 00:24:21.440 It's joy. 00:24:21.519 --> 00:24:22.400 It's gladness. 00:24:22.640 --> 00:24:23.480 It's a multiplying. 00:24:23.480 --> 00:24:24.380 Of the nation. 00:24:24.380 --> 00:24:26.880 And do you know. 00:24:26.880 --> 00:24:27.600 What. 00:24:28.000 --> 00:24:28.300 That. 00:24:28.820 --> 00:24:29.100 Light. 00:24:29.400 --> 00:24:29.800 Shining. 00:24:30.080 --> 00:24:30.860 In the darkness. 00:24:31.720 --> 00:24:32.120 Would be. 00:24:33.500 --> 00:24:35.300 Or who it would be. 00:24:39.340 --> 00:24:39.980 For. 00:24:40.700 --> 00:24:42.000 A child has been born. 00:24:42.940 --> 00:24:43.260 Given. 00:24:44.180 --> 00:24:45.100 Unto us. 00:24:46.700 --> 00:24:46.980 And. 00:24:47.600 --> 00:24:48.200 And the government. 00:24:48.380 --> 00:24:49.260 Will be upon his shoulder. 00:24:50.740 --> 00:24:51.840 And his name. 00:24:52.300 --> 00:24:53.420 Will be wonderful counselor. 00:24:54.380 --> 00:24:55.220 Mighty God. 00:24:55.300 --> 00:24:56.120 Everlasting Father. 00:24:56.600 --> 00:24:57.200 Prince of Peace. 00:24:59.020 --> 00:24:59.260 And. 00:24:59.660 --> 00:25:00.200 In the fullness. 00:25:00.340 --> 00:25:00.600 Of his. 00:25:00.980 --> 00:25:01.300 Government. 00:25:01.420 --> 00:25:01.720 Of peace. 00:25:01.880 --> 00:25:02.500 There will. 00:25:02.780 --> 00:25:03.640 The increase of that. 00:25:03.720 --> 00:25:04.700 There will be no end. 00:25:05.740 --> 00:25:06.500 The light. 00:25:06.700 --> 00:25:07.060 Shining. 00:25:07.180 --> 00:25:07.940 Into the darkness. 00:25:08.140 --> 00:25:08.840 According to Isaiah. 00:25:08.940 --> 00:25:09.260 Nine. 00:25:09.660 --> 00:25:10.340 Is this. 00:25:10.800 --> 00:25:11.180 Child. 00:25:11.320 --> 00:25:12.160 That would be born. 00:25:12.320 --> 00:25:12.680 And given. 00:25:15.160 --> 00:25:15.900 Do you see. 00:25:15.900 --> 00:25:16.100 That. 00:25:16.220 --> 00:25:16.840 The light. 00:25:17.240 --> 00:25:17.680 Shining. 00:25:18.340 --> 00:25:19.400 In the darkness. 00:25:19.660 --> 00:25:19.920 Into. 00:25:20.380 --> 00:25:21.100 Our darkness. 00:25:21.360 --> 00:25:21.780 Today. 00:25:21.779 --> 00:25:24.139 Is the eternal light. 00:25:24.139 --> 00:25:24.980 Of life. 00:25:25.519 --> 00:25:26.039 The light. 00:25:26.039 --> 00:25:26.779 Of salvation. 00:25:27.960 --> 00:25:28.779 And the word. 00:25:28.879 --> 00:25:29.519 Become flesh. 00:25:31.099 --> 00:25:31.960 He is. 00:25:32.119 --> 00:25:32.759 Our salvation. 00:25:33.500 --> 00:25:34.579 And he's shining. 00:25:34.740 --> 00:25:35.180 Bright. 00:25:36.859 --> 00:25:38.099 And that shining. 00:25:38.299 --> 00:25:39.639 Is a making known. 00:25:39.639 --> 00:25:40.859 Of who he is. 00:25:40.859 --> 00:25:41.759 To all mankind. 00:25:42.420 --> 00:25:43.420 The apostle Paul. 00:25:43.740 --> 00:25:44.319 Picks up. 00:25:44.599 --> 00:25:44.940 On this. 00:25:45.319 --> 00:25:45.879 Creation. 00:25:46.119 --> 00:25:46.599 Language. 00:25:46.599 --> 00:25:48.099 In 2nd Corinthians. 00:25:48.480 --> 00:25:49.000 Chapter. 00:25:49.819 --> 00:25:50.339 4. 00:25:50.519 --> 00:25:51.039 Verse 6. 00:25:51.199 --> 00:25:52.000 Zach is going to close. 00:25:52.079 --> 00:25:52.859 The service in it. 00:25:53.159 --> 00:25:53.980 Listen to this. 00:25:54.099 --> 00:25:55.039 This is the apostle Paul. 00:25:55.879 --> 00:25:56.439 For God. 00:25:56.980 --> 00:25:57.839 Who said. 00:25:58.639 --> 00:25:59.480 Let light. 00:25:59.740 --> 00:26:00.619 Shine out of darkness. 00:26:01.819 --> 00:26:02.839 Has shown. 00:26:03.000 --> 00:26:04.119 In our hearts. 00:26:04.579 --> 00:26:05.899 To give the light. 00:26:06.139 --> 00:26:07.480 Of the knowledge. 00:26:07.919 --> 00:26:08.759 Of the glory. 00:26:08.759 --> 00:26:09.359 Of God. 00:26:09.419 --> 00:26:10.000 In the face. 00:26:10.000 --> 00:26:11.019 Of Jesus Christ. 00:26:11.319 --> 00:26:12.319 Give me an ooh. 00:26:12.399 --> 00:26:12.959 And ah. 00:26:12.959 --> 00:26:13.059 Ah. 00:26:13.059 --> 00:26:16.659 Okay. 00:26:20.859 --> 00:26:22.179 I think I'm a little more excited. 00:26:22.179 --> 00:26:22.619 About this. 00:26:22.720 --> 00:26:23.240 Than you are. 00:26:26.179 --> 00:26:26.980 That was like. 00:26:26.980 --> 00:26:27.899 Waking my dad up. 00:26:28.039 --> 00:26:28.639 After Thanksgiving. 00:26:30.399 --> 00:26:30.879 Uh. 00:26:31.339 --> 00:26:31.579 Ah. 00:26:35.319 --> 00:26:35.779 Well. 00:26:36.440 --> 00:26:36.819 Christmas. 00:26:37.659 --> 00:26:38.839 Is far more. 00:26:39.119 --> 00:26:39.859 Than celebrating. 00:26:40.480 --> 00:26:41.259 The birth. 00:26:41.440 --> 00:26:42.220 Of Jesus Christ. 00:26:42.319 --> 00:26:43.039 It is that. 00:26:43.059 --> 00:26:44.299 But we are celebrating. 00:26:44.299 --> 00:26:44.980 The dawning. 00:26:44.980 --> 00:26:45.899 Of a new creation. 00:26:46.819 --> 00:26:47.359 The dawning. 00:26:47.359 --> 00:26:48.220 Of salvation. 00:26:49.179 --> 00:26:50.220 And we are to behold. 00:26:50.220 --> 00:26:51.539 His brilliance. 00:26:51.639 --> 00:26:52.240 This light. 00:26:52.460 --> 00:26:53.940 Shining into our darkness. 00:26:54.259 --> 00:26:55.519 And believe him. 00:26:55.779 --> 00:26:56.700 And live. 00:26:56.839 --> 00:26:57.579 As a result. 00:26:57.700 --> 00:26:58.859 The gospel of John. 00:26:59.240 --> 00:27:00.679 Is the shining forth. 00:27:00.740 --> 00:27:01.559 Of the glory. 00:27:01.559 --> 00:27:02.500 Of Christ. 00:27:04.240 --> 00:27:05.679 The light of life. 00:27:07.899 --> 00:27:09.299 And it's this one. 00:27:10.119 --> 00:27:11.559 Who became flesh. 00:27:11.559 --> 00:27:12.519 And his light. 00:27:12.519 --> 00:27:14.659 And his light. 00:27:14.659 --> 00:27:15.279 Is shining. 00:27:15.279 --> 00:27:16.619 Into our darkness. 00:27:20.399 --> 00:27:22.319 Brings me to the fourth point. 00:27:22.480 --> 00:27:23.000 This morning. 00:27:23.679 --> 00:27:25.000 The words witness. 00:27:26.879 --> 00:27:28.379 In verses six through eight. 00:27:28.519 --> 00:27:29.599 There's a shift. 00:27:30.259 --> 00:27:31.379 In this passage. 00:27:31.379 --> 00:27:33.279 We've been looking at the word. 00:27:34.000 --> 00:27:34.899 And then in. 00:27:35.359 --> 00:27:36.379 Verses six through eight. 00:27:36.380 --> 00:27:37.240 It shifts. 00:27:37.620 --> 00:27:38.120 To the witness. 00:27:38.120 --> 00:27:39.380 A witness to the word. 00:27:40.580 --> 00:27:41.780 His name is John. 00:27:42.900 --> 00:27:43.900 John the Baptist. 00:27:44.720 --> 00:27:46.400 I like to refer to him. 00:27:46.500 --> 00:27:47.980 As JTB. 00:27:50.180 --> 00:27:50.580 JTB. 00:27:52.340 --> 00:27:53.180 So we read. 00:27:53.380 --> 00:27:53.920 There was a man. 00:27:54.020 --> 00:27:54.560 Sent from God. 00:27:54.620 --> 00:27:55.360 Whose name was John. 00:27:55.880 --> 00:27:56.360 JTB. 00:27:57.500 --> 00:27:58.440 He came as a witness. 00:27:58.500 --> 00:27:59.000 To bear witness. 00:27:59.000 --> 00:27:59.560 About the light. 00:27:59.620 --> 00:28:00.440 That all might believe. 00:28:00.500 --> 00:28:00.880 Through him. 00:28:00.940 --> 00:28:01.820 He was not the light. 00:28:01.819 --> 00:28:03.179 But came to bear witness. 00:28:03.299 --> 00:28:04.039 About the light. 00:28:05.879 --> 00:28:06.700 John the Baptist. 00:28:06.839 --> 00:28:07.200 JTB. 00:28:07.279 --> 00:28:08.419 Appears in every one. 00:28:08.439 --> 00:28:09.279 Of the four gospels. 00:28:10.179 --> 00:28:10.919 And he appears. 00:28:11.220 --> 00:28:12.099 Early on. 00:28:12.240 --> 00:28:13.439 In all four gospels. 00:28:14.000 --> 00:28:14.859 Matthew chapter three. 00:28:14.919 --> 00:28:15.439 One through three. 00:28:16.079 --> 00:28:17.039 Mark chapter one. 00:28:17.079 --> 00:28:17.639 Two through four. 00:28:18.159 --> 00:28:19.019 Luke chapter one. 00:28:19.099 --> 00:28:20.039 Sixteen through seventeen. 00:28:20.220 --> 00:28:20.859 And then in three. 00:28:20.960 --> 00:28:21.220 Four. 00:28:21.220 --> 00:28:22.700 And he will appear later. 00:28:22.919 --> 00:28:23.619 Multiple times. 00:28:23.720 --> 00:28:24.779 In the gospel of John. 00:28:25.139 --> 00:28:26.779 But especially in John one. 00:28:26.879 --> 00:28:28.139 Nineteen through thirty four. 00:28:28.679 --> 00:28:29.579 Every gospel. 00:28:29.759 --> 00:28:30.279 Tells us. 00:28:30.460 --> 00:28:31.379 That John the Baptist. 00:28:31.380 --> 00:28:32.760 Was the fulfillment. 00:28:32.760 --> 00:28:34.060 Of a prophecy. 00:28:34.060 --> 00:28:35.360 In Isaiah forty. 00:28:36.360 --> 00:28:37.500 You want to turn there with me. 00:28:42.380 --> 00:28:43.740 Isaiah is in the Old Testament. 00:28:44.820 --> 00:28:46.580 If you're in the Psalms. 00:28:46.580 --> 00:28:47.240 Go right. 00:28:51.020 --> 00:28:52.300 Psalm forty. 00:28:55.540 --> 00:28:56.540 Verse three. 00:28:56.539 --> 00:29:01.559 A voice cries. 00:29:01.920 --> 00:29:02.460 In the wilderness. 00:29:02.639 --> 00:29:03.960 Prepare the way of the Lord. 00:29:05.159 --> 00:29:07.099 Make straight in the desert. 00:29:07.539 --> 00:29:09.619 A highway for our God. 00:29:10.619 --> 00:29:11.220 And he goes on. 00:29:11.279 --> 00:29:12.539 Every valley shall be lifted up. 00:29:12.599 --> 00:29:14.480 And every mountain and hill be made low. 00:29:14.639 --> 00:29:17.099 And uneven ground shall become level. 00:29:17.259 --> 00:29:18.799 And rough places a plain. 00:29:19.139 --> 00:29:23.019 And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed. 00:29:23.019 --> 00:29:24.019 Light shining. 00:29:24.019 --> 00:29:24.779 Light shining. 00:29:25.519 --> 00:29:27.240 And all flesh shall see it together. 00:29:27.619 --> 00:29:30.940 For the mouth of the Lord has spoken. 00:29:33.440 --> 00:29:38.079 John the Baptist came as a witness to the light. 00:29:38.200 --> 00:29:39.079 He was not the light. 00:29:39.160 --> 00:29:42.259 But he came to bear witness to the light. 00:29:42.400 --> 00:29:43.220 The word. 00:29:43.639 --> 00:29:44.460 Jesus Christ. 00:29:44.579 --> 00:29:48.700 The incarnate self-disclosure of the glory of God. 00:29:48.700 --> 00:29:48.740 God. 00:29:49.039 --> 00:29:51.080 And I just want to let you know what he said. 00:29:53.799 --> 00:29:54.200 John. 00:29:54.319 --> 00:29:56.259 We see what he says about Jesus. 00:29:57.340 --> 00:29:58.420 In John 1. 00:29:58.940 --> 00:29:59.340 23. 00:30:00.720 --> 00:30:01.480 We read this. 00:30:01.580 --> 00:30:01.779 He's been. 00:30:02.140 --> 00:30:03.319 He's being asked. 00:30:03.400 --> 00:30:04.080 Who are you? 00:30:06.059 --> 00:30:06.299 Who. 00:30:06.840 --> 00:30:07.700 Are you the Christ? 00:30:07.779 --> 00:30:08.380 I'm not the Christ. 00:30:08.460 --> 00:30:08.900 Are you Elijah? 00:30:09.039 --> 00:30:09.319 No. 00:30:09.740 --> 00:30:10.400 Are you the prophet? 00:30:10.640 --> 00:30:10.940 Nope. 00:30:12.200 --> 00:30:12.940 So they said. 00:30:12.980 --> 00:30:13.779 Who are you? 00:30:13.880 --> 00:30:15.700 We need to give an answer to those who sent us. 00:30:15.819 --> 00:30:17.140 What do you say about yourself? 00:30:17.140 --> 00:30:18.120 He said. 00:30:18.500 --> 00:30:21.800 I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness. 00:30:22.920 --> 00:30:24.759 Make straight the way of the Lord. 00:30:24.900 --> 00:30:26.340 As the prophet Isaiah said. 00:30:26.680 --> 00:30:28.140 We just read that. 00:30:29.360 --> 00:30:30.720 But then he goes on to say. 00:30:31.500 --> 00:30:32.820 In chapter 1. 00:30:32.860 --> 00:30:34.140 Verses 29 through 30. 00:30:34.580 --> 00:30:35.360 The next day. 00:30:35.660 --> 00:30:37.720 JTB saw Jesus coming toward him. 00:30:37.780 --> 00:30:38.120 And he said. 00:30:38.200 --> 00:30:39.259 Behold the Lamb of God. 00:30:39.280 --> 00:30:40.720 Who takes away the sin of the world. 00:30:41.200 --> 00:30:42.140 He goes on to say. 00:30:43.100 --> 00:30:43.840 This is he. 00:30:43.960 --> 00:30:44.840 Of whom I said. 00:30:44.839 --> 00:30:45.759 After me. 00:30:45.899 --> 00:30:46.740 Comes a man. 00:30:46.819 --> 00:30:47.759 Who ranks before me. 00:30:47.879 --> 00:30:49.319 Because he was before me. 00:30:49.439 --> 00:30:50.639 And it sounds like a riddle. 00:30:50.819 --> 00:30:51.379 But it's not. 00:30:55.519 --> 00:30:56.339 This is he. 00:30:56.419 --> 00:30:57.099 Of whom I said. 00:30:57.159 --> 00:30:57.639 After me. 00:30:57.720 --> 00:30:58.319 Comes a man. 00:30:59.980 --> 00:31:01.480 Jesus was born six months. 00:31:01.559 --> 00:31:02.439 After JTB. 00:31:04.019 --> 00:31:04.779 Then he says. 00:31:04.839 --> 00:31:05.899 Who ranks before me. 00:31:05.980 --> 00:31:06.659 In other words. 00:31:07.019 --> 00:31:07.959 He is of. 00:31:08.480 --> 00:31:09.659 Greater rank than me. 00:31:09.659 --> 00:31:11.299 Even though he was born after me. 00:31:11.299 --> 00:31:13.319 And the reason why he has. 00:31:13.599 --> 00:31:15.039 A greater rank than him. 00:31:15.680 --> 00:31:16.539 Is because. 00:31:17.039 --> 00:31:17.599 In verse 30. 00:31:18.200 --> 00:31:19.859 Because he was before me. 00:31:20.879 --> 00:31:22.139 What he's saying is this. 00:31:22.259 --> 00:31:22.799 It's no riddle. 00:31:23.799 --> 00:31:24.460 This one. 00:31:25.359 --> 00:31:26.720 That's coming after me. 00:31:26.859 --> 00:31:27.059 Whose. 00:31:27.299 --> 00:31:27.700 Whose. 00:31:28.460 --> 00:31:29.240 Sandal lace. 00:31:29.379 --> 00:31:31.039 I am not worthy to untie. 00:31:32.639 --> 00:31:34.419 He's the eternally existent. 00:31:34.419 --> 00:31:35.119 Son of God. 00:31:35.220 --> 00:31:36.039 Who took on flesh. 00:31:38.039 --> 00:31:39.180 He's from eternity. 00:31:39.180 --> 00:31:42.060 And so he is announcing. 00:31:42.060 --> 00:31:43.480 The coming of the word. 00:31:43.560 --> 00:31:44.299 Become flesh. 00:31:44.440 --> 00:31:45.620 The dawning of God's. 00:31:45.759 --> 00:31:46.860 New creation. 00:31:47.100 --> 00:31:48.100 Of eternal life. 00:31:48.360 --> 00:31:49.299 Into the darkness. 00:31:51.000 --> 00:31:51.660 He's saying. 00:31:51.759 --> 00:31:52.340 He's God. 00:31:52.660 --> 00:31:53.480 In the flesh. 00:31:54.240 --> 00:31:55.400 And I've prepared his way. 00:31:57.160 --> 00:31:58.039 This is the one. 00:31:58.100 --> 00:31:58.940 In whom is salvation. 00:32:00.240 --> 00:32:01.480 Here's what that means for us. 00:32:04.340 --> 00:32:05.460 When we behold. 00:32:05.660 --> 00:32:06.440 His brilliance. 00:32:06.440 --> 00:32:09.480 And we believe. 00:32:09.820 --> 00:32:11.000 He is who he is. 00:32:13.000 --> 00:32:14.480 We will be emboldened. 00:32:14.559 --> 00:32:15.220 In our witness. 00:32:17.180 --> 00:32:18.440 We'll be saying things like. 00:32:18.500 --> 00:32:18.799 You know what? 00:32:18.840 --> 00:32:19.759 I am not worthy. 00:32:19.759 --> 00:32:21.380 To untie his sandal. 00:32:23.140 --> 00:32:24.380 He's greater than me. 00:32:24.500 --> 00:32:25.460 He ranks before me. 00:32:25.600 --> 00:32:25.980 I am. 00:32:26.140 --> 00:32:27.340 I am a creation. 00:32:27.559 --> 00:32:28.600 He is the creator. 00:32:28.860 --> 00:32:29.180 He is. 00:32:29.519 --> 00:32:30.000 From eternity. 00:32:30.120 --> 00:32:30.400 To earn. 00:32:30.539 --> 00:32:32.140 From eternity past. 00:32:32.200 --> 00:32:32.960 To eternity future. 00:32:33.700 --> 00:32:33.820 I. 00:32:34.180 --> 00:32:35.059 He created me. 00:32:35.059 --> 00:32:36.359 He must increase. 00:32:36.460 --> 00:32:37.500 And I must decrease. 00:32:39.259 --> 00:32:40.419 But then you're going to be like. 00:32:41.240 --> 00:32:42.460 Let me tell you about him. 00:32:43.940 --> 00:32:45.539 Because we want others. 00:32:45.859 --> 00:32:47.200 To behold his brilliance. 00:32:47.339 --> 00:32:48.480 And believe in him as well. 00:32:48.879 --> 00:32:49.619 And live. 00:32:50.500 --> 00:32:51.519 And experience. 00:32:51.639 --> 00:32:52.659 The life giving. 00:32:53.339 --> 00:32:54.579 Restored relationship. 00:32:55.119 --> 00:32:55.679 With God. 00:32:55.759 --> 00:32:56.759 That Jesus alone. 00:32:57.220 --> 00:32:57.659 Provides. 00:32:57.759 --> 00:32:59.119 We want to go tell it on the mountain. 00:32:59.440 --> 00:33:00.799 That Jesus Christ is Lord. 00:33:00.799 --> 00:33:00.879 The word. 00:33:02.559 --> 00:33:04.119 The word is shining. 00:33:04.119 --> 00:33:05.440 Into the darkness today. 00:33:05.759 --> 00:33:06.619 And we have. 00:33:06.980 --> 00:33:08.659 We have brothers and sisters. 00:33:08.879 --> 00:33:09.859 We have family members. 00:33:09.859 --> 00:33:10.639 And friends. 00:33:10.779 --> 00:33:11.879 Who are presently. 00:33:11.919 --> 00:33:13.000 Under God's wrath. 00:33:13.180 --> 00:33:14.039 Living in darkness. 00:33:14.839 --> 00:33:15.960 And we get. 00:33:16.200 --> 00:33:17.980 To boldly witness to them. 00:33:19.079 --> 00:33:20.200 Of this one. 00:33:21.159 --> 00:33:22.180 Of this word. 00:33:22.259 --> 00:33:23.039 Become flesh. 00:33:23.680 --> 00:33:24.419 We get to say. 00:33:24.539 --> 00:33:25.279 Behold. 00:33:25.599 --> 00:33:26.159 Him. 00:33:26.559 --> 00:33:27.639 Behold his brilliance. 00:33:27.819 --> 00:33:28.559 And believe. 00:33:28.559 --> 00:33:29.559 And in believing. 00:33:29.720 --> 00:33:30.720 You will live. 00:33:32.599 --> 00:33:33.159 Experience. 00:33:34.079 --> 00:33:35.299 This abundant life. 00:33:38.259 --> 00:33:39.819 Maybe you're in this room. 00:33:40.119 --> 00:33:40.460 And you've. 00:33:41.220 --> 00:33:42.559 Didn't know that Jesus. 00:33:42.799 --> 00:33:43.700 Is God in the flesh. 00:33:43.759 --> 00:33:45.000 And that he created all things. 00:33:47.379 --> 00:33:48.700 You can believe that. 00:33:49.940 --> 00:33:50.859 And live. 00:33:53.519 --> 00:33:54.599 In John 1. 00:33:54.639 --> 00:33:55.240 1 through 8. 00:33:55.440 --> 00:33:57.359 John shows us the word's nature. 00:33:57.519 --> 00:33:58.220 He's a person. 00:33:58.220 --> 00:33:59.140 He's in the beginning. 00:33:59.400 --> 00:34:01.640 He's the uncreated creator. 00:34:01.799 --> 00:34:03.319 He's distinct from God. 00:34:03.400 --> 00:34:04.100 But in relationship. 00:34:04.579 --> 00:34:05.299 With God. 00:34:05.360 --> 00:34:06.519 And he's fully God. 00:34:06.600 --> 00:34:09.000 We've seen the word's life. 00:34:09.460 --> 00:34:12.059 That he is the author of it all. 00:34:12.519 --> 00:34:14.039 The light of salvation. 00:34:15.559 --> 00:34:16.159 Shining. 00:34:16.900 --> 00:34:17.639 The words. 00:34:18.099 --> 00:34:19.300 Is light. 00:34:20.420 --> 00:34:21.940 The dawning of a new creation. 00:34:23.179 --> 00:34:25.119 And what JTB shows us is. 00:34:26.059 --> 00:34:27.300 We're to witness to that. 00:34:27.300 --> 00:34:30.700 Did you notice that at the end of verse 5. 00:34:30.880 --> 00:34:33.660 That darkness will not overcome the light shining. 00:34:35.140 --> 00:34:36.620 The darkness will not. 00:34:36.800 --> 00:34:38.160 It cannot sin. 00:34:38.600 --> 00:34:39.320 The devil. 00:34:39.760 --> 00:34:40.360 The world. 00:34:40.560 --> 00:34:43.380 Cannot overcome the light of life. 00:34:43.640 --> 00:34:45.000 He has overcome the world. 00:34:46.400 --> 00:34:47.900 The word is shining now. 00:34:48.360 --> 00:34:49.560 And will shine always. 00:34:50.960 --> 00:34:52.260 Even in the new Jerusalem. 00:34:52.260 --> 00:34:55.240 Revelation 21. 00:34:55.420 --> 00:34:55.840 22. 00:34:57.840 --> 00:35:00.340 Where this city has no need of sun or moon. 00:35:00.920 --> 00:35:01.760 To shine on it. 00:35:02.760 --> 00:35:04.320 For the glory of God. 00:35:04.860 --> 00:35:05.920 Gives it light. 00:35:07.180 --> 00:35:08.420 And its lamp. 00:35:09.220 --> 00:35:11.040 Is the lamb. 00:35:12.840 --> 00:35:14.340 The word incarnate. 00:35:14.720 --> 00:35:16.000 Behold his brilliance. 00:35:16.000 --> 00:35:17.739 Ooh and awe. 00:35:19.079 --> 00:35:20.320 Believe in him. 00:35:20.639 --> 00:35:21.440 In his name. 00:35:22.300 --> 00:35:24.599 And live for him boldly. 00:35:25.900 --> 00:35:26.920 Happy incarnation. 00:35:27.960 --> 00:35:28.760 Let's pray. 00:35:31.579 --> 00:35:32.619 God in heaven. 00:35:35.320 --> 00:35:37.380 What mortal could think up this? 00:35:37.380 --> 00:35:41.960 You are altogether glorious. 00:35:42.480 --> 00:35:43.039 Father. 00:35:43.320 --> 00:35:43.599 Son. 00:35:43.800 --> 00:35:44.480 Holy Spirit. 00:35:46.200 --> 00:35:46.720 Altogether. 00:35:47.460 --> 00:35:48.160 Glorious. 00:35:49.760 --> 00:35:50.640 Lord Jesus. 00:35:51.180 --> 00:35:53.599 We thank you for shining into our hearts. 00:35:54.300 --> 00:35:57.019 That we would see the light of the glory of God. 00:35:57.099 --> 00:35:58.619 In the face of Jesus Christ. 00:35:58.780 --> 00:36:00.680 And we are oohing and aahing. 00:36:00.679 --> 00:36:03.659 Would you cause us. 00:36:04.500 --> 00:36:06.519 To worship you. 00:36:06.739 --> 00:36:07.960 This Christmas time. 00:36:08.960 --> 00:36:11.019 And that we would enter January. 00:36:11.679 --> 00:36:13.179 Not worn out. 00:36:14.199 --> 00:36:15.419 But refreshed. 00:36:16.759 --> 00:36:17.399 Revived. 00:36:18.899 --> 00:36:20.159 Looking to the sun. 00:36:21.099 --> 00:36:21.879 In your name we pray. 00:36:22.440 --> 00:36:22.779 Amen.