GOD IS THE LIGHT OF THE UNIVERSE

LIVING IN THE LIGHT AS LIGHT (GENESIS 1:1-5, 1 John 1:5-6)

As we begin this study of Living in the light as light, we begin with two precepts.  First we begin with light as the substance that illuminates the world.  Second we come into the knowledge and understanding as to whom and what this substance that illuminates the world is.  In this study we will use pictures and video clips to help us take you into a deeper and more profound understanding of who God is, who we are and who we are in God.  So as you explore this subject “GOD AS THE LIGHT OF THE UNIVERSE”  pause and meditate on what is being conceived in your mind. Now allow your mind to take you deep into the mind of God as He created you in His image to be a reflector of this light.  Click on this video clip and let us begin our studies.

Let me give you a working definition of the word light; it is something that makes things visible are affords illuminations.  In Physics it is also called, luminous energy, radiant energy.electromagnetic radiation to which the organs of sight react, ranging in wavelength from about 400 to 700 nm and propagated at a speed of 186,282 mi./sec (299,972 km/sec), considered variously as a wave, corpuscular, or quantum phenomenon.

The state of being visible, exposed to view, or revealed to public notice or knowledge; limelight: Stardom has placed her in the light. A person who is an outstanding leader, celebrity, or example; luminary: He became one of the leading lights of Restoration drama. A gleam or sparkle, as in the eyes. A measure or supply of light; illumination:  The wall cuts off our light, Spiritual illumination or awareness; enlightenment.

GOD IS THE SUPPLIER OF ALL OUR ENERGY (PHOTO BY SHIRLEY RHODES)

GOD IS THE SUPPLIER OF ALL OUR ENERGY (PHOTO BY SHIRLEY RHODES)

Now let us look at just how this light came into its existence.  In order to do so let’s begin with Genesis 1:1-5 (Amplified Bible) 1IN THE beginning God (prepared, formed, fashioned, and) created the heavens and the earth.  Now watch this short video clip and we will continue on the other side.

The earth was without form and an empty waste, and darkness was upon the face of the very great deep. The Spirit of God was moving (hovering, brooding) over the face of the waters.

And God said, Let there be light; and there was light.  This had to be one of the most profound moments in the history of the universe.  God spoke the word, “LET” and let went into action.  It did not waste any time.  It obeys the master’s command.  Did just what it was told to do and lit up the entire universe.  Now you can see that God is light, and no where in this universe is His light not reflected.  This next video clip allows you the opportunity to experience the joy of how marvelous is light really is.  Now pause your thoughts for a moment, watch it and we will continue on the other side.

This was the very moment in time that any form of light existed upon the earth.  Do not allow your mind to become confused with the establishment of the sun, moon, and stars on the fourth day.  You see it was not until the fourth day that the Lord set the sun, moon, and stars in the heavens as light bearers and as means for establishing a calendar.

And God saw that the light was good (suitable, pleasant) and He approved it; and God separated the light from the darkness.

And God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, one day.

Now the entire universe has experienced the awesome power and beauty of this light that shines forever to provide us with the light of a loving God who allows His marvelous light to light up the entire universe.

We are reflecting God’s Marvelous Light

Now we can stand and tell the world that we are living in that light and that same light is reflecting from us to all that see us.  We are truly that marvelous light and in us that believe, there exist no darkness.

In our second precept, we stated that we would come into the knowledge and full understanding as to whom and what the substance that illuminates the world is.  In order for us to do that, let us take a compelling look at the life of Jesus, the son of God who became the living light.

And this is the message [the message of promise] which we have heard from Him and now are reporting to you: God is Light, and there is no darkness in Him at all no, not in any way].

[So] if we say we are partakers together and enjoy fellowship with Him when we live and move and are walking about in darkness, we are [both] speaking falsely and do not live and practice the Truth [which the Gospel presents]. (1 John 1:5-6) (AMP)

When Jesus was on earth, his divine life illuminated the inner lives of his followers.  Everywhere he was present, he gave light.  This light penetrated people, exposing their sin and revealing divine truth.  No one could come into contact with Jesus without being enlightened.

God is light; He is the light of the world.  For so many of us, we have taken this light for granted.  When we awaken each day, we believe that this light will always be there without ever giving it a second thought of how it got there and how it remains there for our lives to exist from.

Let us reflect upon this thought for a moment; Light enables people to do their work.  It produces growth in crops; it reveals beauty and provides safety.  Light represents what is good, pure, true, holy, and reliable.  Light reveals; light shines.  God is so completely “light” that there is no darkness in him at all.  “Darkness” represents what is sinful and evil.  God is untainted by any evil or sin.  Thus “God is light” means that God is perfectly holy and true and that he alone can guide people out of the darkness of sin.

While “light” have many connotations, this reference points specifically to God’s purity.  Therefore, those who claim to have fellowship with God are living in God’s light, trying to live holy and pure lives for him.  To claim to belong to God but then to go on living in spiritual darkness is hypocritical.  Christ will expose and judge such deceit.

Now let’s for a moment take a close look at how John confronted the first of three claims of the false teachers.  When you open your bibles to (1 John 1:8 then to 1 John 1:10), you will see that John was exposing the false teachers who said that people can have fellowship with God and still walk in sin.  False teachers who thought that the physical body was evil or worthless taught one of two approaches to behavior; either they insisted on denying bodily desires through rigid discipline, or they approved of gratifying every physical lust because the body was going to be destroyed anyway.  Here John was stating that no one can claim to be a Christian and still live in evil and immorality.

Those who claim to follow the Son must be living in the light of God’s presence.  They must be illumined by the truth of God’s character.  To “live in the light” requires constant contact with God and no tolerance for dishonesty, hypocrisy, or sin.  Living in the light comes from continuous effort to take on Christ’s qualities.  This involves complete transformation from within.

Fellowship with God's people at Ebenezer Baptist Church Praise and Worship Service (Photo by Pastor Davis)

Fellowship with God’s people at Ebenezer Baptist Church Praise and Worship Service in Mt. Airy’s Ga. each Sunday Morning where my Spiritual Father, Dr. Oliver Dorsey Sr. is the Senior Pastor  (Photo by Pastor Davis)

Living in the light leads to fellowship with each other.  This fellowship among believers results from each believer’s having fellowship with God.  True spirituality manifests itself in community fellowship.  One cannot say that he or she communes with God and then refuse to commune with God’s people.  Such was the case with some of the false teachers of John’s day, and this situation exists among false cults today.  Often their followers and leaders claim to have special relationships with God, but they don’t affiliate with other believers.  They stay isolated and withdraw from everyone else.  John’s point is that the natural result of living in the light (in fellowship with God) should be joyful relationships with other Christians.

Another result of living in the light is that the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from every sin.  John emphasized that the death of Christ saves people, not the false teachers’ knowledge.  The verb cleanses also means “purifies.”  Sin is not only forgiven, it is completely erased.

Now let me close with this final thought for each one of you who have taken the time to read this entire lesson and the many lessons we teach here daily, “Think globally, and work locally.  Looking beyond ourselves in the real and on line world, to reach out to others who might be in need, for we all are truly our Brothers Keeper, salvation is FREE for the asking.  If you have not received the saving grace of God, take a moment wherever you may be, and ask the Lord to come into your heart.  Ask Him to forgive you of your sins, and if you have spoken these few simple words in truth, you are saved, and you now have eternal life. May the grace of God abide in you now and forever, Amen. I remain your brother in Christ, Pastor Davis/Master Teacher.

May God continue to bless each one of you? Today I minister to you from a position of peace, power, purpose and prosperity in Jesus name. I remain your brother in Christ, Pastor Davis/Master Teacher.

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