The Light Has Come | Part 2 | Pastor Ben Miller | Joy Church | Bend Oregon

Описание: What do you do when life feels dark, confusing, and heavy? In Part 2 of our series "The Light Has Come," Pastor Ben Miller unpacks why darkness is so destructive, and how the light of Jesus changes everything. Using powerful stories from the Alaskan wilderness and Scripture, he shows how darkness affects our visibility, confidence, decisions, health, and relationships - and why we were never meant to live in darkness.

The Bible describes darkness as the absence of God. When His presence and truth are shut out, fear rises, anxiety grows, isolation sets in, and we lose our sense of direction. But the good news of Christmas is this: to all who sit in darkness, a great Light has come. Jesus steps into our confusion, fear, and spiritual blindness and leads us into clarity, confidence, and peace.

Scripture reveals who Jesus is as the Light of the world, how He opens the eyes of the blind, and how He brings us out of spiritual darkness into the light of life. You’ll be challenged to ask: Are there areas of my life that I’m still keeping in the dark - my thoughts, relationships, decisions, habits - where Jesus is inviting me to let His light in?

You’ll also see how the light of Jesus not only transforms us, but shines through us: revealing truth, guiding our steps, bringing comfort, promoting growth, dispelling darkness, bringing purity and holiness, and drawing people in. We are called to live in the light and share the light with those around us who are still walking in the dark.

📖 Scriptures Shared:

Matthew 4:16 The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light; for those living where death casts its shadow, a light has shined.

Psalm 23:4 Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.

Isaiah 9:2 The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.

John 8:12 Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you will not have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”

John 9:1-3 (summary) As Jesus walked along, He saw a man blind from birth. When the disciples asked why he was born that way, Jesus said it was so the power of God could be seen in him.

John 3:16-21 (summary) God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent His Son not to judge the world, but to save it. Light came into the world, but many loved darkness more than light because their actions were evil. Those who do what is true come into the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.

John 3:20 All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed.

Psalm 145:8 The Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.

Ephesians 5:6-9 Do not be fooled by those who try to excuse sin, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey Him. Once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light, for this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.

Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.

💡 Key Takeaway:
Darkness is not just a feeling, it is the absence of God. Jesus came as the Light of the world to bring us out of fear, confusion, and spiritual blindness and into clarity, confidence, growth, and peace. When we invite His light into every area of our lives, everything changes.

🎯 Call to Action:
Ask the Holy Spirit this week, “Where am I still walking in darkness?” Then invite Jesus into that specific area - your mind, your heart, your relationships, your decisions - and commit to walking in the light through His presence and His Word. As He brings freedom, look for someone you can encourage by sharing your simple story: “I was blind, but now I see.”

📲 Share this message with someone who needs hope, leave a comment about how God is speaking to you, and stay with us for the rest of The Light Has Come series.

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📍 Join us in person in Bend, Oregon or online each week. Visit https://joychurchbend.com for service times, next steps, and resources to grow in your faith.


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