MESSAGE TITLE
Light in the darkness
sermon guide
God truly is our light in the darkness! Since the beginning of creation, He shouted the words, “Let there be light!” And He has been driving out darkness with light ever since. Let’s explore some verses together that remind us of His light.
Have someone read Luke 23:44-45; Genesis 1:1-4; John 1:4-5; Psalm 18:28; John 8:12.
Gene explained, “It is the nature of God to bring light into the darkest places, the darkest circumstances, and the darkest moments of our lives.”
Are you experiencing any areas of darkness during this difficult time? Economic darkness, emotional darkness, relational darkness, physical darkness, or spiritual darkness?
What area of your life do you feel God hovering over at this time?
Ask your group to close their eyes as you read Psalm 119:105.
What thoughts do you have of the imagery of light chasing out the darkness? Of God being the lamp to your feet and a light for your path?
Share a time in your life when God came into the darkness with you and turned it into a story that showed you His light.
Though people speak longingly of things getting “back to normal,” Gene pointed out that the coronavirus has created the perfect opportunity for God to work within us something that takes us way beyond what was normal in our lives before. If normal has meant being comfortable in things like selfishness, it’s-all-about-me, a spiritually lukewarm relationship with God, then let us ask, “God, how do you want to USE this time in my life? God, draw me CLOSER to You. God, show me A CHANGE I’m supposed to make so that when this is over I don’t go back to making the same mistakes and same shallow living I did before.”
Share an area of personal or spiritual growth that God is prompting you to pursue during this time? Maybe it is spending time in Bible? Taking time to pray more and learn how to share your feelings with God authentically? Maybe it is learning to trust that God is in control? Perhaps this is a season to learn to rest in His comfort and goodness?
Applitcation
Jon Foreman wrote in a RELEVANT magazine article:
What if the Kingdom of Heaven was at hand? Here. In this moment. What if the Kingdom of Heaven was within you? Right now. What if our culture of control and pleasure was a world spinning backward and upside down? What if money couldn’t buy happiness, fame couldn’t deliver meaning and neither power nor control could bring safety? Today let’s embrace the pain of this moment. Let us embrace our limitations. Let us embrace our flawed humanity. Let us repent and pray that our eyes would be opened to the Kingdom of Heaven, here and now! This is a day of celebration, where we remember the resurrection. Remembering the cross …where love conquers death. Where peace shames violence. Where the weak laugh at the strong and the vulnerable conquer the protected.
What are some ways we can shine Christ’s light to others during this difficult time?
Brainstorm how can we bring the Kingdom of Heaven to Earth right now? To our neighbors? To our families? To our essential works? To our seniors, our vulnerable?
What is one area you want to invite Jesus into your life to make you stronger in? Is it your family, marriage, relationships? Maybe you want to grow stronger in your mindset?
prayer
Have each person share their requests. Ask someone to type them up and share with the group. This week spend time daily praying for your group.
Consider pairing group members up to pray on a separate call during the week.
Ask God to show us how He wants to use us during this time in our life.
Ask Him to show us a change that we are supposed to make in our life. Pray that God would show us where He wants us to be a light in the darkness.
If you do not currently use an app such as GroupMe, we suggest you give it a try. It is a great way to keep in touch throughout the week.