Stepping Out of the Darkness
Part 1 of the "Haunted House" message series
16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but so that the world might be saved through Him. 18 The one who believes in Him is not judged; the one who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19 And this is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the Light; for their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light, so that his deeds will not be exposed. 21 But the one who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds will be revealed as having been performed in God.” – John 3:16-21 (NASB)
The BIG Idea:
Jesus came into a dark world to save it. We can overcome the ineffectiveness of fear when we set our hearts on God’s purposes and unfailing love.
6 But He said to them, “Rightly did Isaiah prophesy about you hypocrites, as it is written: ‘This people honors Me with their lips, But their heart is far away from Me. 7 And in vain do they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ 8 Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men.” 9 He was also saying to them, “You are experts at setting aside the commandment of God in order to keep your tradition. – Mark 7:6-9 (NASB)
Through the story of Nicodemus in John 3, Jesus reveals the steps to spiritual birth and a life without fear.
Jesus describes God’s purpose in sending God’s Son to die for the world contrasting an idea to condemn with an agenda to rescue.
The sacrifice of Christ didn’t just atone for sin but gives us the opportunity to have a right relationship with God.
Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. – Hebrews 4:16 (NASB)
Fear makes the follower of Jesus and the Church an inward-focused house rather than an outward-focused movement.
“Scripture describes man as so curved in upon himself that he uses not only physical but even spiritual goods for his own purposes and in all things seeks only himself.” – Martin Luther, Luther’s Works (25:345)
Self-centered holiness is deceptive fraud.
ILLUSTRATION: In-Grown Toenails
Questions for Reflection:
What does the third chapter of John tell us about the character of God? What about our character?
What were some of the potential things that frightened Nicodemus in John 3?
How can selfishness and fear hinder the mission of the Church?
What is one thing that has helped you share the Gospel courageously?
Do you find anything scary about engaging those who are not followers of Jesus in conversation?
The BIG Idea:
Jesus came into a dark world to save it. We can overcome the ineffectiveness of fear when we set our hearts on God’s purposes and unfailing love.
6 But He said to them, “Rightly did Isaiah prophesy about you hypocrites, as it is written: ‘This people honors Me with their lips, But their heart is far away from Me. 7 And in vain do they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ 8 Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men.” 9 He was also saying to them, “You are experts at setting aside the commandment of God in order to keep your tradition. – Mark 7:6-9 (NASB)
Through the story of Nicodemus in John 3, Jesus reveals the steps to spiritual birth and a life without fear.
- Confusion
- Curiosity
Jesus describes God’s purpose in sending God’s Son to die for the world contrasting an idea to condemn with an agenda to rescue.
The sacrifice of Christ didn’t just atone for sin but gives us the opportunity to have a right relationship with God.
Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. – Hebrews 4:16 (NASB)
- Conviction
- Conversion
Fear makes the follower of Jesus and the Church an inward-focused house rather than an outward-focused movement.
“Scripture describes man as so curved in upon himself that he uses not only physical but even spiritual goods for his own purposes and in all things seeks only himself.” – Martin Luther, Luther’s Works (25:345)
Self-centered holiness is deceptive fraud.
ILLUSTRATION: In-Grown Toenails
Questions for Reflection:
What does the third chapter of John tell us about the character of God? What about our character?
What were some of the potential things that frightened Nicodemus in John 3?
How can selfishness and fear hinder the mission of the Church?
What is one thing that has helped you share the Gospel courageously?
Do you find anything scary about engaging those who are not followers of Jesus in conversation?