João 8
G. Campbell Morgan · Citado em PreceptAustin
João 8
Morgan - Eating Christianity - Borrow From this Verse : 365 Inspiring Stories About the Power of God's word In her remarkable autobiography, Queen of the Dark Chamber, Christiana Tsai tells of growing up in imperial China where her father was an official of the Manchu dynasty. His twenty children lived in opulence and rarely ventured from their palatial compound. But as a teenager, Christiana begged to attend a Christian high school. Her father finally relented, saying, “Just be sure you don’t eat [fall for] Christianity.” I made up my mind I was not going to “eat” Christianity, so I used to take a Chinese novel to chapel. I did not like the preaching. Another girl, a Miss Wu, hated this teaching, too, and we started to write a book denouncing all Christian teaching, insisting that Confucius and Buddha were our teachers. But a famous American preacher was to speak in our church; for a little while I let down the bars on my heart and listened. His subject was “Jesus, the Light of the World,” and he used an illustration that stuck in my mind. He said, “If a piece of wood is kept in a dark place, all kinds of ugly insects will hide under it. But if we expose it to the light, the insects will run away, for they love darkness and hate light. So with our hearts: if we do not have Jesus, the Light of the world, in our hearts, they will be dark too, and harbor evil thoughts. The moment we receive Him, the evil thoughts will be driven away.” From childhood I had especially feared all kinds of insects, so this illustration made a deep impression on me. … Later during a game of croquet, Christiana dislodged a stone and recoiled at the insects scurrying away. The minister’s words came to mind and, dropping her mallet, she hurried home and knelt in prayer, asking Christ into her heart. I got up quickly, my heart pounding, my face all red. At last I had found peace. The burden of sin and the pessimism of unbelief had gone from my soul! I had found Christ! From that time, I opened my heart to the study of the Bible and found comfort in it. * The Light Of The World I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life. —John 8:12 Today's Scripture: 1 John 2:7-11 One dark and ominous night during World War II, a US aircraft carrier was plowing through heavy seas in the South Pacific. All lights were out because of enemy submarines. One plane was missing. Somewhere in that pitch-black sky it was circling in a seemingly futile search for the carrier—its only landing place, its only hope of not being swallowed up by the giant ocean. The ship’s captain, knowing the terrible risk involved, gave the order, “Light up the ship.” Soon the plane zoomed onto the deck like a homing pigeon. At Bethlehem, knowing the risk, God gave the command, “Light up the world.” Then Jesus was born. A new and radiant light began to shine, pushing back the darkness of the world, of spiritual ignorance, and of sin and despair. Like a ship lit up in an otherwise darkened sea of sinful humanity, Christ came as “the light of the world” (John 8:12). John wrote, “The darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining” (1 John 2:8). When Jesus the Savior entered this world, it was like the sunrise breaking radiantly over the horizon of human history (Luke 1:78-79). In fathomless grace, God allowed His Son to die on the cross to save us from eternal darkness. What a blessed message for Christmas—and every day of the year! By: Vernon Grounds Long ago in Bethlehem One cold and starry night, Jesus came from heaven above To bring us love and light. —Fitzhugh Without the light of Jesus, we would be in the dark about God. Shine! I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life. —John 8:12 Today's Scripture: Matthew 5:14-16 Author Anne Lamott once wrote that the people she admires have “purpose, heart, balance, gratitude, joy. . . . They follow a brighter light than the glimmer of their own candle; they are part of something beautiful.” In my experience, such people are not simply religious. They are committed disciples of Christ. Jesus explained why His followers have a sort of luminous quality. “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life” (John 8:12). Believing in Jesus as our Savior, we now can light up the world. We are told, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). This doesn’t mean we must always display an artificial cheerfulness. Many of us don’t possess a sunny disposition. We may struggle with moods of depression. We may have to battle melancholy. But in the Holy Spirit’s power, we can be like the Christians to whom Paul wrote, “You shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:15). As Francis of Assisi put it: “Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace! Where there is hatred, let me sow love; . . . where there is darkness, light.” Just as the moon reflects the radiance of the sun, so we who believe and follow the Savior can reflect Him who is the light of the world. By: Vernon Grounds There is sunshine in my soul today, More glorious and bright Than glows in any earthly sky, For Jesus is my light. —Hewitt A world in darkness needs the light of the gospel. Pilot Lights You shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life. —Philippians 2:15-16 Today's Scripture: Philippians 2:5-16 In 1982, a London pastor watched as a man stood on the church steps and witnessed to passersby about Jesus. The pastor had never seen anything like it. He admitted that before that day he had considered himself an evangelist because he preached evangelistic sermons. But that night a fire was kindled in his heart. He promised God he would begin talking to people outside his church as well as inside. The pastor invited members of the church to join him, and the weekly venture became known as Pilot Lights. Just as a pilot light stays lit and ready to be used, members of the Pilot Lights commit themselves to be faithful to God and available for Him to use to tell others about Christ. After a time of training and prayer, they walk the sidewalks near the church every Saturday morning, talking with people about Jesus. Our churches are to be places of wonderful friendship and support. But perhaps, like the pastor in London, we need to raise our eyes to see people just beyond the walls of our traditional practice. It’s important to share the glow of worship together, but the sidewalks of life are filled with people who need to see the light of Christ shining through us (Phil. 2:15). Let’s step outside and be “pilot lights” burning with God’s love today.By: David C. McCasland Is your life a channel of blessing? Is the love of God flowing through you? Are you telling the lost of the Savior? Are you ready His service to do? —Smyth A world in darkness needs the light of the gospel. The Light Of The World He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life. —John 8:12 Today's Scripture: John 1:1-9 Scholar and historian Will Durant wrote 11 volumes titled The Story Of Civilization. Across the pages of that monumental work moves a procession of the world’s outstanding persons—rulers, philosophers, military heroes, artists, scientists, and explorers. When someone spends his life studying history and keeping company with the most influential men and women of all time, his appraisal of famous people is worthy of respect. And in Durant’s opinion, Jesus of Nazareth stands out above all others. From a human standpoint, Jesus was a young Jew who was crucified as a criminal in first-century Israel. He never commanded an army, ruled a nation, wrote a book, or did any of the other things that are regarded as significant achievements. Yet that young Jew had the audacity to declare, “I am the light of the world” (Jn. 8:12). And 20 centuries later, people are still following His light and being delivered “from the power of darkness” (Col. 1:13). What place does Jesus occupy in your life? Jesus said, “He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life” (Jn. 8:12). Are you obediently and faithfully following Him and walking in that light? By: Vernon Grounds No darkness have we who in Jesus abide— The light of the world is Jesus; We walk in the light when we follow our Guide— The light of the world is Jesus. —Bliss God wants us to walk in the light of his Son, not stumble in the darkness of the world. Nic At Nite I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness. —John 12:46 Today's Scripture: John 3:1-21 According to the apostle John, Nicodemus “came to Jesus by night” (John 3:2). Was this Pharisee skulking under cover of darkness, embarrassed or ashamed that he, as one of the ruling class, was curious about Jesus? Some have suggested that it was just cooler at night. Others have said that evening was a better time to ask Jesus questions because it was quieter and there were fewer distractions. We really don’t know the reason Nicodemus went to Jesus at night, but John seemed determined to make a point of that specific fact. Every time he mentioned Nicodemus, he identified him by saying something like: “You know who I’m talking about—the guy who came to Jesus by night” (see 7:50; 19:39). Nicodemus, no doubt, was quite moral and lived according to Mosaic Law. People probably thought he was a pretty good person. Yet none of that mattered. He was in the dark about who Jesus really was, and he wanted to know the truth. So he was drawn from the darkness into the presence of “the light of the world” (John 8:12). Jesus calls us “out of darkness” too (1 Peter 2:9) and promises that whoever believes in Him will not stay in the dark (John 12:46). By: Cindy Hess Kasper Our search for truth is hindered by The darkness of the night, Until the Bright and Morning Star Reveals His brilliant light. —Sper Faith in Christ is not a leap into the dark; it’s a step into the Light. A Light In The Darkness I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life. —John 8:12 Today's Scripture: Luke 2:25-33 An artist was painting a winter scene. Snow blanketed the ground and the pine trees. Night was falling, and the landscape was enveloped in semi-darkness. A log cabin was barely visible in the shadows. The whole scene was one of gloom. Then the artist used some yellow tints to put the cheerful glow of a lamp in one of the cabin windows. That lone light, its golden rays reflecting on the snow, completely transformed the impression given by the painting. In contrast to the cold darkness of the surrounding forest, that light in the window created a warm feeling of love and security. What happened on that canvas is a striking portrayal of one of the most dramatic events of all history. When Jesus was born in Bethlehem’s stable, a light was placed in this sin-darkened world. The apostle John testified, “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men” (John 1:4). During this week, as we commemorate the birth of the Lord Jesus, let’s be mindful of how much brighter this world is because He came into it. Jesus declared, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life” (John 8:12). How has Jesus brightened your life? By: Richard DeHaan The whole world was lost in the darkness of sin, The Light of the world is Jesus; Like sunshine at noonday His glory shone in, The Light of the world is Jesus. —Bliss Without the light of Jesus, we would be in the dark about God. A Great Light The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. — Isaiah 9:2 Today's Scripture: Isaiah 9:1-7 I was driving through the mountains of western Maryland on a cold December night. As I topped a ridge near Rocky Gap State Park, a brilliant sea of lights caught my attention. What in the world is that? I wondered as the exit road flashed past. It so aroused my curiosity that 5 miles down the interstate I turned around and drove back to see what it was—a local community’s celebration in lights during the Christmas season. At noon, I wouldn’t have noticed anything. But at night, the dazzling display couldn’t be ignored. Strange, isn’t it, that we complain about the moral and spiritual darkness of our world, yet it is the perfect setting for the radiance of the Lord Jesus Christ. At Christmas, we often read these prophetic words: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined” (Isaiah 9:2). Jesus said of Himself: “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12), and to His disciples, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14). In a dark world, people don’t see a great light without wondering why it’s there and what it means. We get to tell them. By: David C. McCasland O Holy One of glorious birth Who lives within our heart, May we to all men everywhere Your wondrous love impart. —Brandt To lead others out of the darkness, let them see your light. Words Of Light I am the light of the world. — John 8:12 Today's Scripture: John 8:12-20 Jesus, an itinerant rabbi from the town of Nazareth, asserted that He was the light of the world. That was an incredible claim from a man in first-century Galilee, an obscure region in the Roman Empire. It could not boast of any impressive culture and had no famous philosophers, noted authors, or gifted sculptors. And we have no record that Jesus had any formal education. More than that, Jesus lived before the invention of the printing press, radio, television, and e-mail. How could He expect His ideas to be circulated around the globe? The words He spoke were committed to the memories of His followers. Then the Light of the world was snuffed out by the darkness—or so it seemed. Centuries later we still listen with amazement to Jesus’ words, which His Father has miraculously preserved. His words lead us out of darkness into the light of God’s truth; they fulfill His promise, “He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life” (John 8:12). I encourage you to read the words of Jesus in the Gospels. Ponder them. Let them grip your mind and change your life. You’ll exclaim as His contemporaries did: “No man ever spoke like this Man!” (John 7:46). By: Vernon Grounds Thy Word is a lamp to my feet, A light to my path alway To guide and to save me from sin And to show me the heavenly way. —Sellers Because Jesus is the Light of the world, we don't need to be in the dark about God. Christmas Lights I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. John 8:12 Today's Scripture & Insight: John 8:12–20 Each year for several weeks around Christmas, Singapore’s tourist belt, Orchard Road, is transformed into a wonderland of lights and colors. This light-up is designed to attract tourists to spend their money at the many stores along the street during this “golden month of business.” Shoppers come to enjoy the festivities, listen to choirs sing familiar Christmas carols, and watch performers entertain. The first Christmas “light-up” ever was not created by electrical cables, glitter, and neon lights but by “the glory of the Lord [that] shone around” (Luke 2:9). No tourists saw it, just a few simple shepherds out in their field. And it was followed by an unexpected rendition of “Glory to God in the Highest” by an angelic choir (v. 14). The shepherds went to Bethlehem to see if what the angels said was true (v. 15). After they had confirmed it, they could not keep to themselves what they had heard and seen. “When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child” (v. 17). Many of us have heard the Christmas story often. This Christmas, why not share the good news with others that Christ—“the light of the world”—has come (John 8:12). By: C. P. Hia Lord, help me this Christmas to reflect the light of Your presence and goodness to others. Read more of the Christmas story in God of the Stable at discoveryseries.org/hp145. The gift of God’s love in us can bring light to any darkness. John 8:13 So the Pharisees said to Him, "You are testifying about Yourself; Your testimony is not true." You: Jn 5:31-47 John 8 - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Deuteronomy 17:6+ “On the evidence of two witnesses or three witnesses, he who is to die shall be put to death; he shall not be put to death on the evidence of one witness. Numbers 35:30+ ‘If anyone kills a person, the murderer shall be put to death at the evidence of witnesses, but no person shall be put to death on the testimony of one witness. Source: Swindoll's Insight's on John JESUS' LIGHT CLAIM IS HEAVY AND STIRS UP THE SERPENTS Don't miss the keyword in Jn 8:13-19 where we encounter some form of witness/testify/testimony (noun or verb) about seven times. Ray
João 8:12
Morgan - Eating Christianity In her remarkable autobiography, Queen of the Dark Chamber, Christiana Tsai tells of growing up in imperial China where her father was an official of the Manchu dynasty. His twenty children lived in opulence and rarely ventured from their palatial compound. But as a teenager, Christiana begged to attend a Christian high school. Her father finally relented, saying, “Just be sure you don’t eat [fall for] Christianity.” I made up my mind I was not going to “eat” Christianity, so I used to take a Chinese novel to chapel. I did not like the preaching. Another girl, a Miss Wu, hated this teaching, too, and we started to write a book denouncing all Christian teaching, insisting that Confucius and Buddha were our teachers. But a famous American preacher was to speak in our church; for a little while I let down the bars on my heart and listened. His subject was “Jesus, the Light of the World,” and he used an illustration that stuck in my mind. He said, “If a piece of wood is kept in a dark place, all kinds of ugly insects will hide under it. But if we expose it to the light, the insects will run away, for they love darkness and hate light. So with our hearts: if we do not have Jesus, the Light of the world, in our hearts, they will be dark too, and harbor evil thoughts. The moment we receive Him, the evil thoughts will be driven away.” From childhood I had especially feared all kinds of insects, so this illustration made a deep impression on me. … Later during a game of croquet, Christiana dislodged a stone and recoiled at the insects scurrying away. The minister’s words came to mind and, dropping her mallet, she hurried home and knelt in prayer, asking Christ into her heart. I got up quickly, my heart pounding, my face all red. At last I had found peace. The burden of sin and the pessimism of unbelief had gone from my soul! I had found Christ! From that time, I opened my heart to the study of the Bible and found comfort in it. (BORROW From this Verse) Charles Stanley - The Victory That Is Yours SCRIPTURE READING: John 8:32–37 KEY VERSE: John 8:12 Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” Jesus told His disciples: “If you abide in My word … you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31–32). Christ knew His followers would face many temptations after He was gone. That was why He wanted them to focus on the truth of His Word, not the instability and spiritual darkness of the world around them. As long as Christ was with them, the disciples followed with ease. Then came the night of His arrest, and Jesus was gone. However, instead of walking in the light of His truth, they allowed fear to capture their hearts. Many people struggle with emotional or physical bondage because they walk in the dim light of their own desires and resources, not the light of God’s Word. Christ said, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life” (John 8:12). Our hope as believers is the fact that Christ is our Source of light. You may be struggling with something that has held you captive for years. Now is the time to ask God to help you face it and deal with it by submitting it to His control. Then claim the victory that is yours through the power of His Spirit. No matter what you are facing, there is hope in the light of God’s truth. God, I submit the bondage in my life to Your control. I claim the victory that is mine today through the power of Your Spirit. (Into His Presence) Chris Tiegreen - The Only Light “I am the light of the world.”John 8:12 “When God spoke to humanity in Jesus, He said the last thing He has to say.”—G. Campbell Morgan IN WORD How the world wants to change this claim of Jesus! One little word would satisfy all of the religious pluralists in our culture. If only Jesus had said “I am a light of the world,” few would disagree. We live in an age when people like to grab a little light from here, a little from there, and even a little from Jesus Himself. For most, He is one source of illumination among many. Adherents of most of the world’s religions have a remarkable admiration for Jesus, as long as He is a light. As soon as we remind a nonbeliever that His claim is far more exclusive—He is the light—we are accused of arrogance and intolerance, as though we were the ones who put those words in Jesus’ mouth. No, these are His words, not ours. The claim is His, and whoever has an argument with this exclusivity has an argument with Him. IN DEED Do we ourselves heed these words? Aren’t we also sometimes guilty of seeking illumination from other sources? A little secular philosophy and psychology here, a little humanism and spiritism there? Or, perhaps a little closer to home, what about the editorials and advice columns in the morning paper? Or the mind and body experts? Does it all measure up to Christ? Surely there is truth in some of mankind’s research and findings, we would counter, and we are probably right; many have discovered some elements of truth, even apart from Christ. But it must all be measured by Him. Only He may validate for us what is—and is not—light and truth. Ask yourself this: Is Jesus my only source of light? Does my view of His exclusivity measure up to His claim? (The One Year At His Feet Devotional) A reflection on THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD When I need to remember my real source of truth Mankind’s research and findings have discovered some elements of truth, even apart from Christ. But it must all be measured by Him. Only He may validate for us what is —and is not —light and truth. Ask yourself this: Is Jesus my only source of light? Does my view of His exclusivity measure up to His claim? Jesus . . . said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” Charles Stanley - HOW TO BE SALT AND LIGHT John 8:12, Matthew 5:13 God calls us to be salt-and-light Christians in a bland, dark society. We need to remember salt must not lose its taste and light must not be hidden. Let me suggest three statements that declare and describe how to fulfill this role: • “I am different.” We should not become like the world. We must guard against being sucked into the prevailing culture and conforming to society’s expectations. • “I am responsible.” Every once in awhile we need to ask some hard questions: Are we making contact with others? Are we seeking isolation? It’s up to us to spread the salt and light. • “I am influential.” Let’s not kid ourselves. The very fact that we belong to Christ—that we don’t adopt to the system, that we march to a different drumbeat—gives us an influence in this society of ours. We are influencing others in our every behavior, be it good or bad. Even when we aren’t trying, out comes the salt and on comes the light. Remember to keep your light “on” and your saltshaker tipped! (Day by DAy with Charles Swindoll) If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.—Galatians 5:25. He that followetb me shall not walk in darkness.—John 8:12. No, my dear Lord, in following Thee, Not in the dark, uncertainly, This foot obedient moves, T’is with a Brother and a King, Who many to His yoke will bring; Who ever lives and ever loves. JOHN GAMBOLD. If we are so led by the Spirit, where we go, and what we do, is of comparatively little moment; we may be forced by the circumstances of our life into surroundings that seem full of peril, but if God sent us there, such surroundings can do us no harm, though they may dull our feeling of happiness. Only let us remember that if, by God’s mercy, we are free agents, and can choose our own way of life, then it is simple mockery to talk of aspirations for the higher life, if we deliberately indulge our lower nature, by living in an atmosphere of worldliness, or by doing something which is, perhaps, quite innocent for others, but consciously works us harm. GEORGE H. WILKINSON. No one who has not tried it would believe how many difficulties are cleared out of a man’s road by the simple act of trying to follow Christ. ALEXANDER MACLAREN. When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’ JOHN 8:12 My wife Anne and I often ride through nearby neighborhoods, enjoying the Christmas lights. Ever so often we’ll come across a truly awesome display covering the house and yard and trees, and Anne will say, “Now that really is over the top there!” And I’ll say, “Yeah, bless their heart.” (That’s a Southern gentleman’s way of saying, “You know it really is pitiful looking, isn’t it?”) But whatever the case, I’ve got good news for you if you’re one of those that have all those lights. You see, lights are an important symbol of the meaning of Christmas. Jesus entered this world to be the light in the darkness, and God got in on the original light show. After all, the angels appeared to the shepherds, and whenever angels appear they often have this dazzling array around them. And then there was the star over Bethlehem that the wise men were drawn to. So the next time you go driving around looking at Christmas lights, remember the coming of Jesus, “the Light of the world.” —BRYANT WRIGHT Right from the Heart We are called to be a light to the world. In what ways do you let your light shine? I Am: the light of the world JULY 23 Then Jesus spoke to them again: “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows Me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.” … As He was passing by, He saw a man blind from birth. His disciples questioned Him: “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” Jesus answered. “This came about so that God’s works might be displayed in him. We must do the works of Him who sent Me while it is day. Night is coming when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” After He said these things He spit on the ground, made some mud from the saliva, and spread the mud on his eyes. “Go,” He told him, “wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means “Sent”). So he left, washed, and came back seeing. Life was in Him, and that life was the light of men. That light shines in the darkness, yet the darkness did not overcome it. ∼ JOHN 8:12; 9:1–7; 1:4–5 Related Texts:; Psalm 27:1; John 1:1–14; 3:19–22; 12:44–46; 1 John 1:1–7; Revelation 21:2–27 (CSB One-Minute Bible for Students) I heard the voice of Jesus say ‘I am this dark world’s Light; Look unto Me, thy morn shall rise, And all thy day be bright.’ I looked to Jesus, and I found In Him my Star, my Sun; And in that light of life I’ll walk Till travelling days are done. Horatius Bonar, 1808–89 Henry