I AM: Part 5 - The Light of the World

In week 5 of this series on the mission and identity of Christ, Pastor Jake discussed Jesus' role as the light of the world. Just like the church in Thyatira, we live in a world full of darkness, but Jesus has the answer for us, and He wants us to step out of the darkness into His light. Read the key verses and discuss the following questions: John 8: 12, 1:1-10, Genesis 1:1-4, John 3:19-21, John 12:35-36, 44-46 and Revelation 2:18-29 1) Why do you think John chose to begin his gospel the way He did (John 1:1-10) rather than with the story of Christmas? 2) Why do you think God created light days before the sun, moon, and stars? How does this reference to God hovering over the face of the water reflect the condition of the lost soul? 3) Why do you think people (or do you remember yourself) are afraid to step into the light of Jesus? What do you know about Jesus that should quiet those fears? 4) In John 9:5-7 Jesus gives the blind man sight. How has Jesus used "mud" in your eyes to show you where you are in darkness? 5) The church in Thyatira had the love that the church in Ephesus lacked, and were diligently working like the church in Smryna, but like the church in Pergmamum, they were allowing compromise from their culture. Why was their compromise even more offensive to God? 6) As a follower of Christ, are there areas of your life where you have allowed the darkness to have a small space? What do you think are some practical ways to keep that darkness from creeping in? 7) Pastor Jake said that people who believe that the Christian life is boring are believing a lie. Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not?