Scripture: John 1:1-14
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being 4 in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.
6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. 9 The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
10 He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. 12 But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.
14 And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.
Synopsis
In this sermon, we explore the essence of what it means to be the church in the 21st century. Reflecting on John 1:1-14, we examine how the church is called to embody Christ's presence in the world, much like Jesus was the incarnate Word of God. The message challenges us to reconsider the traditional notion of church as merely a building and instead embrace the idea that the church is wherever God's people are.
We are encouraged to step beyond our walls, not just inviting others in but going out into our communities, workplaces, and neighborhoods to build relationships and reflect the light of Christ. Drawing from the example of John the Baptist, who ministered in the wilderness, we are called to meet people where they are, both physically and spiritually, and to bring the church to them.
This message invites us to rethink how we "practice church" and challenges us to live out the incarnational nature of our faith in today's world.
More Information
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