WEBVTT 00:00:09.740 --> 00:00:13.320 Hello, and welcome to the Kalamazoo church of Christ podcast. 00:00:13.539 --> 00:00:14.839 Thank you so much for listening. 00:00:15.300 --> 00:00:16.199 We're startup church. 00:00:16.280 --> 00:00:23.460 We just planted in September, 2020 and at the Kalamazoo church, we believe that Christianity is done best when it is done together. 00:00:23.559 --> 00:00:32.299 And so if you live in the Kalamazoo area, we would love to connect, be it coming to a Sunday service, one of our small groups, or even just grabbing coffee with a member to learn more. 00:00:32.500 --> 00:00:36.439 You can visit kalamazoo.church in order to do that. 00:00:36.840 --> 00:00:40.399 We pray that you are inspired by what you hear today. 00:00:41.939 --> 00:00:43.359 Good morning church. 00:00:45.140 --> 00:00:52.600 You know, it was an interesting lineup, but you don't have this young, young couple come up and they gradually went to Blaine and Asher. 00:00:53.500 --> 00:00:55.060 And now you're stuck with the old men. 00:00:57.460 --> 00:01:02.520 You know, I'm honored to be able to share the message with you today. 00:01:03.719 --> 00:01:10.659 In the past few weeks, we've been reading Genesis and we're going to be in Genesis today too. 00:01:11.700 --> 00:01:17.840 And we're going to be talking about a topic that most of us are probably familiar with called light and darkness. 00:01:18.700 --> 00:01:31.060 But before I do that, Geron didn't share this, but did you guys, did you hear about Spencer wanting to make his own honey? 00:01:32.599 --> 00:01:34.959 So in order to make honey, you've got to get bees. 00:01:35.900 --> 00:01:37.920 So Spencer said he'll start small. 00:01:38.379 --> 00:01:39.879 So he'll get a dozen bees. 00:01:41.379 --> 00:01:45.439 Now bees are not something you can go to the store and buy, so you ought to order it. 00:01:45.680 --> 00:01:55.819 So he ordered it, went to pick it up yesterday, and it was in a mason jar, and he counted because he wanted a dozen, he counted, and there were 13 in there. 00:01:56.500 --> 00:01:58.819 You know how Spencer is, he's really honest with things. 00:01:58.939 --> 00:02:02.579 So he didn't want, he wanted to make sure that he buys what he paid for. 00:02:03.040 --> 00:02:09.560 So he went back to the guy, but he counted again and then went back and said, hey, there are 13 in here, I only paid for 12. 00:02:10.259 --> 00:02:11.780 The guy said, oh, that's a freebie. 00:02:21.870 --> 00:02:23.889 Well, now that I got your attention. 00:02:29.069 --> 00:02:33.550 So continue with the attention for another 30 minutes, 30, 30, 40 minutes. 00:02:34.110 --> 00:02:35.409 So light and darkness. 00:02:36.740 --> 00:02:46.430 You know, the Bible is rich with symbols, symbolism, and one of the most important symbols is associated with light and darkness. 00:02:47.610 --> 00:02:53.210 The use of light represent goodness, truth, and God's presence. 00:02:54.909 --> 00:03:04.490 This symbol is introduced right from the start in the book of Genesis, where God created life on the first day of creation, separating it from darkness. 00:03:05.469 --> 00:03:14.110 This act actually symbolizes the beginning of order, life, divine, divine power over chaos and evil. 00:03:15.590 --> 00:03:21.289 Now, to set the stage, we're going to be looking at Genesis chapter one, verses one through six. 00:03:23.819 --> 00:03:27.159 It says in the beginning, God created the heaven and earth. 00:03:27.560 --> 00:03:29.699 Now the earth was formless and empty. 00:03:30.039 --> 00:03:35.580 Darkness was over the surface of the deep and the spirit of God was hovering over the waters. 00:03:36.379 --> 00:03:38.060 And God said, let there be light. 00:03:38.219 --> 00:03:39.419 And there was light. 00:03:40.020 --> 00:03:44.340 God saw that the light was good and he separated the light from darkness. 00:03:45.219 --> 00:03:48.439 God called the light day and the darkness he called night. 00:03:48.780 --> 00:03:51.259 And there was evening and there was morning the first day. 00:03:51.759 --> 00:03:55.860 And God said, let there be a vault between waters to separate water from water. 00:03:56.919 --> 00:04:03.419 Now in verse five, say God called the light day and the darkness he called night. 00:04:04.080 --> 00:04:08.080 We're going to look a little bit more into it because that's the title of our message here today. 00:04:08.879 --> 00:04:12.580 Let's move on to was it 14 through 19. 00:04:14.039 --> 00:04:30.500 And God said, let there be light in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night and let the serve and let them serve as sign to mark sacred times and days and years and let them be light in the vault of the sky to give light to the earth. 00:04:30.620 --> 00:04:41.310 And it was so God made two great lights, the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. 00:04:42.209 --> 00:04:44.069 He also made the stars. 00:04:45.230 --> 00:04:52.050 Now you have do we have the greater light, the sun, the other light, the moon and then the stars. 00:04:52.509 --> 00:04:59.949 God set them in the vault of the sky to give them light on the earth to govern the day and the night and to separate light from darkness. 00:05:00.310 --> 00:05:02.709 And God saw that it was good. 00:05:03.250 --> 00:05:06.170 And there was evening and there was morning the fourth day. 00:05:07.730 --> 00:05:22.170 Now, God created light and darkness, there's a reason for this expression was 18 to govern the day and the night and to separate light from darkness as a separation from light and darkness. 00:05:23.910 --> 00:05:26.029 Now, God would not have done it if this was not good. 00:05:26.550 --> 00:05:33.329 So this morning, we're going to deep dive into this two concept light and darkness. 00:05:33.329 --> 00:05:38.009 We will explore light first, talk about light and then darkness. 00:05:39.230 --> 00:05:41.750 You know, sometimes it is not black and white. 00:05:42.569 --> 00:05:44.490 And you'll find that out in a few minutes here. 00:05:44.730 --> 00:06:00.470 So let's talk about light here, light, you know, light has a central theme, especially if you look into the Bible, the apostle Paul, the apostle John talks a lot about light. 00:06:02.629 --> 00:06:11.209 Now, I'm going to go ahead here, I'll show you something else to light can take different form, there are different forms of light. 00:06:12.449 --> 00:06:19.910 You know, we have the sun, we have the moon, and we have the stars, just like in Genesis we're talking about. 00:06:20.470 --> 00:06:26.949 But I want to move on to John chapter one, because the apostle John talks a lot about light. 00:06:26.949 --> 00:06:37.470 It says here, In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 00:06:38.009 --> 00:06:39.769 He was with God in the beginning. 00:06:42.129 --> 00:06:48.769 Through him all things were made, without him nothing was made that has not, that has been made. 00:06:49.189 --> 00:06:52.930 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 00:06:53.730 --> 00:06:58.829 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 00:07:01.490 --> 00:07:17.649 And then, I'm going to continue reading another verse here, this is back to back scripture, I'm going to have another one too, it says, This is the verdict, light has come into the world, but people love darkness instead of light, because their deeds were evil. 00:07:18.990 --> 00:07:26.389 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear of their deeds will be exposed. 00:07:27.370 --> 00:07:36.550 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly, and what they have done has been done in the sight of God. 00:07:38.430 --> 00:07:41.250 Okay, I'm going to go to one more scripture here. 00:07:42.050 --> 00:07:52.709 In first John, this is the message we have heard from him, and declare to you, God is light, in him there is no darkness. 00:07:53.850 --> 00:08:04.589 If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in darkness, we lie, pretty strong phrase here, and do not live out truth. 00:08:05.410 --> 00:08:15.410 But if we walk in the light, as he is the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his son, purifies us from our sin. 00:08:16.970 --> 00:08:31.089 Now Jesus, when Jesus came, Jesus coming into the light, exposing the darkness of sin, is actually a form of his grace for us, getting us to see our sin. 00:08:32.830 --> 00:08:36.210 Jesus is the light that draws like sun or star. 00:08:37.450 --> 00:08:39.288 Now let's talk a little bit more about light. 00:08:40.230 --> 00:08:41.788 There is something great about light. 00:08:42.308 --> 00:08:43.950 I'm sure you can probably attest to this. 00:08:44.350 --> 00:08:51.190 You know in the summer month, in Michigan here, it don't get dark till about 9.30. Right? 00:08:54.019 --> 00:08:59.299 And during that time, it really is 9.30, I'm not tired. 00:09:00.200 --> 00:09:09.539 And in the winter month, it gets dark at about 5.30, and about 9.30, I'm tired. 00:09:11.059 --> 00:09:16.259 But it's still 9.30, but the summer months are different than the winter months. 00:09:17.539 --> 00:09:19.220 Now there is something about light. 00:09:19.840 --> 00:09:24.200 Our bodies know that as darkness sets in, it's time to rest. 00:09:25.259 --> 00:09:29.820 Our bodies adapt to the amount of light available. 00:09:30.799 --> 00:09:32.559 Now light is important. 00:09:33.320 --> 00:09:35.179 Where there is light, there is life. 00:09:36.460 --> 00:09:42.820 There is vegetation, plants, flowers bloom and bring a sense of beauty when there is light. 00:09:43.820 --> 00:09:56.620 Now Jesus did not come here as a spotlight to point out our sins, but actually as a sunrise so that things could be illuminated around so we can be exposed. 00:09:58.960 --> 00:10:03.100 Now in the realm of spirituality, we are the embodiment of light. 00:10:04.100 --> 00:10:13.080 Like the sun, we can let our inner radiance shine forth and illuminate the path towards enlightenment for others. 00:10:15.190 --> 00:10:23.850 Through our connection with Jesus, we can spread his teaching and bring about positive transformation in the life of those around us. 00:10:23.850 --> 00:10:25.950 Now this is for all of us here. 00:10:26.750 --> 00:10:37.230 We can spread love, hope, and joy through our words and action and help others realize their true potential as spiritual beings. 00:10:40.000 --> 00:10:42.860 Now as I mentioned earlier, I want to bring this slide back here. 00:10:45.750 --> 00:10:47.690 We can shine in many different ways. 00:10:49.429 --> 00:10:52.870 Just like the light from the sun is different from the light from the moon. 00:10:53.490 --> 00:10:55.330 Now which is better, the moon or the sun? 00:10:57.740 --> 00:10:59.480 Equally important, right? 00:11:00.000 --> 00:11:05.559 So sometimes we tend to compare ourselves that I'm not as bright as this person and so forth. 00:11:05.919 --> 00:11:08.159 That's not the issue, but we all should shine. 00:11:08.679 --> 00:11:10.799 The bottom line is we should all shine. 00:11:11.379 --> 00:11:13.360 We all are different. 00:11:13.960 --> 00:11:16.659 We illuminate God's light in different ways. 00:11:18.519 --> 00:11:27.240 Now this can only happen when we make a conscious effort to obey God, God's word and follow his teaching. 00:11:28.919 --> 00:11:38.139 Only through that we can tap into the source of God's inner strength and the guidance that can help us shine from within. 00:11:38.960 --> 00:11:40.600 The shining has to come from within. 00:11:41.480 --> 00:11:45.340 Sometimes it can be fake and manufactured. 00:11:46.159 --> 00:11:47.360 That will not last long. 00:11:48.500 --> 00:11:56.000 Now this can be a positive impact not only on our own life, but also for those around us. 00:11:57.220 --> 00:12:01.620 Sometimes we feel like, well, I want to shine so that I can help someone else and so forth. 00:12:01.919 --> 00:12:05.860 Not necessarily true in all cases because you are actually helping yourself. 00:12:09.019 --> 00:12:18.639 Now this can be a positive impact, as I mentioned, not only on our own life, but also for those around us as we become a beacon of hope and inspiration to others. 00:12:19.259 --> 00:12:23.879 On the other hand, it is hard to shine if we are not obedient to God's word. 00:12:24.460 --> 00:12:35.159 It is very easy sometimes not to obey God's word because of our selfishness, our own desires and so forth. 00:12:35.480 --> 00:12:49.309 A scripture that comes to my mind, I am not sure if I have it here, but a scripture that comes to my mind is in Philippians 2, verse 14. 00:12:50.190 --> 00:12:51.309 I will go ahead and read this. 00:12:51.610 --> 00:12:54.429 It says, do everything without grumbling or arguing. 00:12:55.889 --> 00:13:09.190 You know, in my opinion, I am not a psychologist or anything, but in my opinion, you can take any situation, work, your family, anywhere, relationship. 00:13:10.870 --> 00:13:16.309 It starts from this phrase here, do everything without grumbling or arguing. 00:13:17.149 --> 00:13:19.250 Grumbling and arguing start from within. 00:13:19.610 --> 00:13:22.230 That destroys a lot of different things around us. 00:13:22.230 --> 00:13:24.909 That destroys our relationship with God. 00:13:25.490 --> 00:13:30.250 Sometimes we can feel like we deserve certain things from God. 00:13:30.730 --> 00:13:32.009 That is not always the case. 00:13:33.230 --> 00:13:36.730 Grumbling and arguing are very subtle. 00:13:37.610 --> 00:13:42.230 I am not saying arguing is bad or complaining is bad. 00:13:42.370 --> 00:13:43.529 I am not talking about that. 00:13:44.429 --> 00:13:46.590 It is the motive behind it. 00:13:46.889 --> 00:13:48.610 What is the motive behind it? 00:13:48.690 --> 00:13:50.690 We always have to be cognizant of that. 00:13:50.690 --> 00:13:54.009 In other words, do everything without complaining. 00:13:54.649 --> 00:13:56.250 Shine like stars in the universe. 00:13:57.409 --> 00:14:06.769 Negative behavior, such as arguing and complaining, can negatively affect our spiritual well-being and emotional well-being. 00:14:07.789 --> 00:14:09.029 It can dim our light. 00:14:09.929 --> 00:14:19.389 We are not going to shine as bright, making it hard for us to radiate positive energy and kindness in our interaction with one another. 00:14:19.990 --> 00:14:22.250 So far I have talked about everything great about light. 00:14:22.350 --> 00:14:23.549 Everybody is excited about it. 00:14:23.850 --> 00:14:25.230 Now let's talk a little bit about darkness. 00:14:26.830 --> 00:14:29.450 We don't like to hear a lot about darkness. 00:14:30.269 --> 00:14:32.289 But darkness is essential for us. 00:14:33.450 --> 00:14:34.649 We need to have darkness. 00:14:35.070 --> 00:14:36.570 Imagine if the whole day was bright. 00:14:39.720 --> 00:14:40.759 It would be hard to sleep. 00:14:41.559 --> 00:14:49.720 And when we don't sleep or rest, that is where our body actually rejuvenates and rebuilds. 00:14:49.720 --> 00:15:02.730 However, when we address darkness, I feel that when I want to talk about darkness, it is my opinion that we should talk about two different perspectives here. 00:15:03.649 --> 00:15:06.049 Dark times and living in darkness. 00:15:06.330 --> 00:15:09.490 It is different and I will go through that in a few minutes. 00:15:11.210 --> 00:15:17.909 Dark times are beyond our control, sometimes. 00:15:18.750 --> 00:15:24.889 And we get into the dark time, our action might have contributed us to get there. 00:15:26.350 --> 00:15:27.850 But not all the time. 00:15:28.870 --> 00:15:34.710 We may have some control at a micro level, but not at a macro level. 00:15:35.110 --> 00:15:37.990 For instance, losing a loved one. 00:15:38.629 --> 00:15:39.950 You really got no control over that. 00:15:41.590 --> 00:15:42.629 Health issues. 00:15:46.509 --> 00:15:51.590 For instance, some of us experience dark time in our life when we are grieving. 00:15:53.029 --> 00:15:56.769 Loss of a loved one or dealing with different family situations. 00:15:57.809 --> 00:16:04.970 Kids, some of you probably have been in a situation where your parents were struggling and ending up in divorce. 00:16:06.289 --> 00:16:16.769 Or parents, there is a struggle seeing your kids being obedient to you or looking over when your kids are disobedient or when your kids are struggling. 00:16:20.690 --> 00:16:24.970 Those are just a few situations that can lead us to dark time. 00:16:25.750 --> 00:16:29.129 Now, living in darkness can be different altogether. 00:16:29.889 --> 00:16:34.549 Now, finding life or joy in our life can feel like a constant struggle. 00:16:34.789 --> 00:16:38.529 Well, somewhat sometimes when we are in dark time, it could be a challenging situation. 00:16:39.629 --> 00:16:45.309 It is essential for us to remember that even in the darkness time, there is always hope. 00:16:46.409 --> 00:16:53.190 We find a way through the darkness with proper support and mindset, we can actually come out of that. 00:16:54.789 --> 00:17:06.588 Now, the big thing here is, the important thing here is how we handle difficult situations can shape who we are as individuals. 00:17:07.549 --> 00:17:12.910 Often it is during this challenging and dark time that we experience the most personal growth. 00:17:14.170 --> 00:17:16.170 Kind of weird, but that is what it is. 00:17:16.509 --> 00:17:23.430 We realize that we cannot control everything that surrounds us and that can lead us to humility and vulnerability. 00:17:26.450 --> 00:17:33.809 Now, I am going to share a story, my personal story during the dark time. 00:17:34.869 --> 00:17:40.369 You know, I finished college and undergraduate and then I went to grad school. 00:17:42.750 --> 00:17:53.910 I had the opportunity because it was all paid for, so I finished my MBA and I was pretty certain of going to this prestigious university to work there. 00:17:54.329 --> 00:17:57.769 Because I have already gone through my interview process and everything was set. 00:17:58.049 --> 00:18:01.430 It was just a matter of time getting a phone call to tell me when I was going to start. 00:18:02.799 --> 00:18:04.700 God had a different plan. 00:18:05.799 --> 00:18:08.079 However, things did not go as planned. 00:18:09.160 --> 00:18:11.880 And I found myself in Milwaukee with no job. 00:18:14.750 --> 00:18:23.220 And I ended up as a dishwasher in a Chinese restaurant, feeling lost. 00:18:24.339 --> 00:18:27.400 And doing dishes is not my cup of tea. 00:18:28.440 --> 00:18:30.000 Angela will attest to that. 00:18:32.319 --> 00:18:33.980 Even now, I am not good at that. 00:18:35.440 --> 00:18:42.240 And with an MBA, I am doing dishes and I am getting yelled at because I am not fast enough. 00:18:43.599 --> 00:18:45.460 I am like, you know, I was walking. 00:18:46.400 --> 00:18:49.359 Well, I did not have any transportation, so I had to walk to work anyway. 00:18:51.119 --> 00:18:53.680 And this was in the winter months in Milwaukee. 00:18:54.740 --> 00:18:58.480 You know, I ended up asking myself, what is going on here? 00:18:58.859 --> 00:18:59.720 You know, it does not make sense. 00:18:59.720 --> 00:19:05.960 So much so I was afraid to call my family to tell them, yeah, I graduated and I am working as a dishwasher. 00:19:10.420 --> 00:19:17.079 You know, it was during this time that I had to turn to God for guidance. 00:19:17.519 --> 00:19:19.140 God put me in that situation. 00:19:19.700 --> 00:19:27.079 If I had landed this job at this university, I would have been consumed with greed and selfish ambition. 00:19:27.079 --> 00:19:33.480 And my focus and priority would have shifted towards climbing corporate or academic ladder. 00:19:34.640 --> 00:19:39.519 I am not saying that climbing corporate or academic ladder is bad or terrible. 00:19:40.440 --> 00:19:47.400 In my case, it would have distracted me from seeking God's guidance and living a more meaningful life. 00:19:48.279 --> 00:19:49.299 I probably would not be here. 00:19:49.559 --> 00:19:54.599 I know God can do miracles, but, you know, just based on that, I do not think I would be here today. 00:19:55.960 --> 00:20:02.819 God had to humble me, to scoop me up, so that I can seek God. 00:20:04.650 --> 00:20:06.730 That was a transformation time for me. 00:20:10.359 --> 00:20:16.299 You know, just like the scripture in James talks about, humble yourself before the God and he will lift you up. 00:20:16.619 --> 00:20:19.140 I felt like I was lifted up by that. 00:20:20.440 --> 00:20:25.940 Now, as I mentioned earlier, God works through the inevitable darkness in our lives. 00:20:25.940 --> 00:20:28.619 Some of you might have experienced that too. 00:20:29.900 --> 00:20:37.619 Sometimes our greatest time of growth are in what we call darkness, trouble, uncertainty, wilderness. 00:20:38.980 --> 00:20:43.019 Times like this forces us to be God-reliant. 00:20:44.019 --> 00:20:58.119 You know, in Romans chapter 5, not only so, but we also glorify in our suffering. 00:20:59.579 --> 00:21:07.819 Because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance character, and character hope. 00:21:07.819 --> 00:21:14.180 So, if you are in situations like that, there is always something God is working in the background. 00:21:14.700 --> 00:21:16.539 That you and I will not know at that time. 00:21:17.299 --> 00:21:18.680 But that is where our faith comes in. 00:21:20.339 --> 00:21:24.759 Another example is in the book of Acts. 00:21:25.200 --> 00:21:33.039 You do not have to turn it there, but the apostle Paul, in Acts chapter 9, there is a story about Paul. 00:21:33.180 --> 00:21:37.180 Most of us probably already know this, but I will go ahead and mention here. 00:21:37.180 --> 00:21:44.160 See, according to the Bible, Paul, known as Saul of Tarsus, was on his way to Darmacus. 00:21:47.079 --> 00:21:54.539 When a bright light from heaven suddenly struck him, the light was so intense that it led him blind. 00:21:55.980 --> 00:22:00.339 Three days later, his vision was miraculously restored. 00:22:01.660 --> 00:22:04.099 What do you think Paul was doing for those three days? 00:22:08.720 --> 00:22:12.180 Top that goes to your mind, you know, I hear praying and stuff. 00:22:12.720 --> 00:22:15.759 I feel like, you know, those are exactly what he probably was doing. 00:22:16.779 --> 00:22:18.180 It would be nice to ask him someday. 00:22:20.579 --> 00:22:26.279 And I conclude that he was being humble and was seeking God. 00:22:27.440 --> 00:22:34.960 Now, if you know Paul's story, he was actually a very prominent religious leader. 00:22:36.359 --> 00:22:42.160 In Acts chapter 7, we see him giving the approval for stoning Stephen. 00:22:44.619 --> 00:22:53.299 Now this event with Paul is considered a significant event in the history of Christianity. 00:22:54.299 --> 00:22:57.440 As it marked a crucial turning point in Paul's life. 00:22:58.059 --> 00:23:05.140 Before this incident, Paul was a fierce opponent of Christianity and was actively involved in persecuting his followers. 00:23:06.240 --> 00:23:14.660 However, after his encounter with the divine, he became one of the most prominent figures in the early Christian churches. 00:23:15.099 --> 00:23:16.619 He has wrote so many books in the Bible. 00:23:19.019 --> 00:23:32.019 Now the story of Saul's blindness and miraculous recovery is significant, not because it marks a turning point in his life, but also it reveals the power and the transformation nature of God. 00:23:32.019 --> 00:23:35.039 How God can transform us. 00:23:35.599 --> 00:23:42.619 It is a powerful reminder that hope and healing are possible, even in the darkest moment. 00:23:44.000 --> 00:23:46.400 You know, there's a total transformation for Paul. 00:23:47.400 --> 00:23:50.200 Now God worked miraculously during our dark time. 00:23:51.000 --> 00:23:53.579 As I mentioned, Paul is an example here. 00:23:55.490 --> 00:24:01.630 During challenging time, it is important to acknowledge the disappointment and shortcomings we encounter. 00:24:02.329 --> 00:24:04.910 Sometimes it's hard for us to acknowledge that. 00:24:06.509 --> 00:24:18.589 However, many of us tend to avoid confronting those issues honestly, which can lead us to getting stuck in dark places. 00:24:20.490 --> 00:24:25.450 Remember, dark times and dark places are two different things, and I'll be addressing that in a few minutes here. 00:24:25.710 --> 00:24:38.900 Living in darkness, it is essential to face these challenges head on and take steps to overcome them rather than trying to avoid or ignore them. 00:24:39.279 --> 00:24:42.039 Sometimes we can avoid it, ignore it, and we run away from it. 00:24:42.519 --> 00:24:45.539 But God, on the other hand, might be doing something to transform us. 00:24:46.799 --> 00:24:55.420 By acknowledging what's not working and working to improve it, we can move towards a brighter future with greater resilience and strength. 00:24:56.559 --> 00:25:01.660 Now sometimes you probably ask, well, if I'm in a situation, what can I do? 00:25:01.660 --> 00:25:05.500 What are some of the practicals that we could do when you are in dark times? 00:25:06.559 --> 00:25:10.200 Definitely relying on God, but sometimes it's not easy to do it on your own. 00:25:10.299 --> 00:25:13.519 That's why we need help from others around us. 00:25:13.859 --> 00:25:21.279 We have many people in this room here that can help us, but it is we who have to take the first step. 00:25:21.380 --> 00:25:22.440 We have to initiate that. 00:25:25.779 --> 00:25:28.059 Now let's talk about living in darkness. 00:25:30.019 --> 00:25:31.579 You probably want to know what the difference is. 00:25:32.960 --> 00:25:37.720 Living in darkness is when we sway away from God's plan. 00:25:38.880 --> 00:25:40.079 It's not dark time. 00:25:40.279 --> 00:25:41.099 Dark times happen. 00:25:41.359 --> 00:25:42.559 It's going to happen in our life. 00:25:42.599 --> 00:25:44.859 We're all going to go through some struggles and stuff like that. 00:25:45.279 --> 00:25:49.759 But living in darkness is when we sway away from God's plan. 00:25:50.880 --> 00:25:55.079 We live our life based on our desires and selfish ambitions. 00:25:57.220 --> 00:26:03.799 What I'm telling you right now is not that I have not experienced it. 00:26:04.039 --> 00:26:04.740 I've been there. 00:26:05.160 --> 00:26:06.240 I've lived in both situations. 00:26:07.319 --> 00:26:16.319 Living in darkness is directly linked with our own actions, our own desires, and our own decisions. 00:26:17.980 --> 00:26:20.000 In fact, then darkness sprung around us. 00:26:22.690 --> 00:26:28.650 Now if your life is not in tune with God's plan, you will get off course. 00:26:28.650 --> 00:26:30.529 You will deviate from that. 00:26:30.829 --> 00:26:34.730 This is God's plan, and if you are right in here, it's fine. 00:26:34.990 --> 00:26:40.049 Sometimes what can happen is we can go a little bit close, and we try to deviate a little bit. 00:26:41.490 --> 00:26:42.829 Oh, you know, no big deal. 00:26:43.089 --> 00:26:49.589 And it is very easy to do that, and eventually it gets separated further away, and it's hard to make a U-turn. 00:26:50.589 --> 00:26:52.950 I have personally seen people in that situation. 00:26:53.210 --> 00:26:55.289 So I'm not just telling you something that I have not seen. 00:26:55.289 --> 00:27:04.549 And it's hard to turn back because that's where our pride, our arrogance, and we kind of get angry with God sometimes. 00:27:05.210 --> 00:27:06.990 We get upset with situations. 00:27:07.609 --> 00:27:11.190 But some of the root action starts from us, is within us. 00:27:14.529 --> 00:27:22.269 And when your plan is not in line with God's plan, it is important for us to seek help with that so we can get with God's plan. 00:27:23.569 --> 00:27:34.380 In James 1.13-15, it says, When tempted, no one should say, God is tempting me. 00:27:35.599 --> 00:27:45.700 God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone, but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own desires and entice. 00:27:46.759 --> 00:27:54.299 Then when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and sin, when it's fully grown, gives birth to death. 00:27:59.109 --> 00:28:05.190 Now we need to ask ourselves, Who is the Lord of my life, God or me? 00:28:05.829 --> 00:28:09.329 That will answer the question whether you're living in darkness or not. 00:28:11.940 --> 00:28:16.960 You know, a few weeks ago, Jaron mentioned in his sermon, he asked a very convicting question. 00:28:17.140 --> 00:28:18.200 I was convicted by that. 00:28:18.619 --> 00:28:22.819 The question was, by kind of paraphrasing it here, What fills up your day? 00:28:24.839 --> 00:28:26.579 You know, what fills up your day? 00:28:26.579 --> 00:28:30.400 I know we work and stuff, so that could be a big chunk, but what happens after that? 00:28:30.960 --> 00:28:32.940 What else is important in your day? 00:28:35.930 --> 00:28:42.910 And it could be our own stuff that we want to do, which is great, but is it bringing God into the picture? 00:28:51.930 --> 00:28:52.049 Okay. 00:28:52.990 --> 00:28:54.710 Moving a little bit ahead of myself here. 00:28:54.970 --> 00:29:02.440 So now God created the light and darkness. 00:29:02.940 --> 00:29:05.200 We need both light and darkness. 00:29:06.220 --> 00:29:07.440 Both are good for us. 00:29:08.440 --> 00:29:10.160 That's why God created light and darkness. 00:29:11.480 --> 00:29:13.980 God is light, and in him there is no darkness. 00:29:14.619 --> 00:29:19.779 Just like the scriptures we read earlier, you know, I went through real fast, but I'm going to go back in here. 00:29:22.809 --> 00:29:33.970 In John chapter 1, 1 through 5, in verse 4, In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 00:29:35.589 --> 00:29:37.670 Let's look at another one here so we can summarize. 00:29:38.470 --> 00:29:45.349 In 1 John chapter 1, this is the message we have heard from him and declared to you. 00:29:45.750 --> 00:29:48.170 God is light, in him there is no darkness. 00:29:49.250 --> 00:29:50.910 So there is a clear distinction here. 00:29:51.970 --> 00:29:55.190 If we're not in the light, it's darkness. 00:29:55.430 --> 00:29:57.390 If we're not with God, then we are in the darkness. 00:29:58.930 --> 00:30:03.789 Now, I know this can be a little bit depressing, right? 00:30:04.750 --> 00:30:06.069 Don't worry, there's good news. 00:30:06.069 --> 00:30:08.650 God always provides us good news. 00:30:10.329 --> 00:30:15.910 The good news is, for us, to find ways how we can get into the light. 00:30:17.289 --> 00:30:18.849 And how we can shine. 00:30:20.569 --> 00:30:23.210 I'm going to bring us to another scripture here. 00:30:24.049 --> 00:30:37.450 In Matthew chapter 5, verse 16, it says, In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. 00:30:39.089 --> 00:30:42.269 Now, if we are not in light, how are we going to shine our light? 00:30:43.549 --> 00:30:46.109 There is no light, nothing to shine really. 00:30:46.769 --> 00:30:50.450 So in order to get to this, we have to get into the light. 00:30:53.279 --> 00:31:04.480 So, wherever you are, you know where you are, and it will be important to ask yourself the question, how can I be a radiant to others around me? 00:31:05.160 --> 00:31:06.680 How can I shine my light? 00:31:07.579 --> 00:31:10.740 Because it says, let your light shine before others. 00:31:11.400 --> 00:31:16.900 First, we need to get light, we need to have the light within ourselves, before we can bring it out to others. 00:31:18.420 --> 00:31:25.900 Now, if you are already having the light, this will be an interesting time now, are you shining your light? 00:31:30.539 --> 00:31:34.799 Now, let us make sure that our lives are powered with the right kind of energy too. 00:31:36.859 --> 00:31:41.480 You know, the divine blessing of God, that's where you get your energy. 00:31:42.180 --> 00:31:46.819 Understanding the significance of staying fresh in our walk with God is crucial. 00:31:47.339 --> 00:31:49.880 You are not going to be able to shine if you are not staying fresh with God. 00:31:50.259 --> 00:31:51.400 You are going to fool yourself. 00:31:52.420 --> 00:31:57.240 I hate to say this, but he has given me the stage so I can talk to you about it. 00:31:58.180 --> 00:31:59.819 That was all God's plan too. 00:32:01.500 --> 00:32:03.460 All glory to God. 00:32:04.160 --> 00:32:07.500 So it's important for us to stay fresh in our walk with God. 00:32:07.940 --> 00:32:08.799 It is very crucial. 00:32:10.259 --> 00:32:11.660 It's like solar panels. 00:32:12.180 --> 00:32:14.480 You guys probably know, I work for a utility company. 00:32:15.339 --> 00:32:19.619 It's like a solar panel, we need some light stored in to shine. 00:32:20.799 --> 00:32:24.859 A solar panel will be of no good if we cannot radiate the light. 00:32:27.410 --> 00:32:29.890 And it can never be fake or manufactured. 00:32:30.910 --> 00:32:35.170 We live in a society, in a culture, where everything is fine. 00:32:36.390 --> 00:32:41.329 You know, we don't want to be vulnerable, we don't want to seek help, we don't want to seek guidance. 00:32:41.710 --> 00:32:43.869 We feel like we can do better on our own. 00:32:45.509 --> 00:32:53.890 Coming back to the story that I was telling you when I was in Milwaukee, one of the ministers was studying the Bible with me, and he actually made this comment. 00:32:53.890 --> 00:32:59.849 He said, Calvin, I think you feel like you can do better on your own than with God. 00:33:01.839 --> 00:33:04.099 That was a very humbling situation. 00:33:04.559 --> 00:33:08.579 I feel like God used that situation so that I can be humble. 00:33:09.339 --> 00:33:11.700 And sometimes God uses that with all of us. 00:33:12.140 --> 00:33:17.480 In different situations, we all are at a different level, different places in our lives. 00:33:20.740 --> 00:33:23.319 So, we cannot be fake or manufactured. 00:33:23.680 --> 00:33:31.920 We must always keep our light, but always remember in Genesis that there were two different types of light. 00:33:38.799 --> 00:33:41.140 We all shine in our own unique way. 00:33:43.349 --> 00:33:48.369 Don't let someone convince you that you're not shining if you're trying your best to shine. 00:33:49.910 --> 00:33:51.410 Like I say, we shine differently. 00:33:51.569 --> 00:33:54.470 Not everybody will be like the sun or the moon or the star. 00:33:55.410 --> 00:33:56.490 But we have to shine. 00:33:56.569 --> 00:33:57.849 The bottom line is we have to shine. 00:33:57.849 --> 00:34:03.390 We may feel like we can shine because we express God's glory differently than others. 00:34:05.890 --> 00:34:10.710 Sometimes we can feel that, and sometimes it could be Satan trying to deceive us into believing that. 00:34:13.239 --> 00:34:19.440 But on the contrary, we cannot hide our lamp under a bowl. 00:34:21.539 --> 00:34:25.659 You don't want to do that because that's not going to help you either. 00:34:27.860 --> 00:34:29.980 Or put your light under the bed. 00:34:31.179 --> 00:34:33.679 Try putting a lamp or a candle under the bed. 00:34:34.400 --> 00:34:35.300 That's fire hazard. 00:34:39.239 --> 00:34:46.260 That's the reason why these particular incidents are in the Bible because sometimes we can do that without even realizing it. 00:34:46.460 --> 00:34:49.000 It can be a fire hazard to us. 00:34:49.300 --> 00:34:50.559 Spiritual fire hazard. 00:34:51.880 --> 00:35:00.360 Instead, we should shine in how God created us in our own unique way just as he made different kinds of light. 00:35:01.280 --> 00:35:07.059 As I mentioned earlier when I started, which is more important, they all have their importance, but they are just different. 00:35:07.820 --> 00:35:17.920 Therefore, the theme of light and darkness reminds us of the importance of faith, morality, and the struggle against evil or against dark time. 00:35:19.300 --> 00:35:26.340 It encourages us to seek the light of God in our daily lives, to embrace truth and walk in the path of righteousness. 00:35:27.280 --> 00:35:36.199 It also reminds us that we will face challenges and adversities in this world, but we can overcome them by walking in the light with God. 00:35:36.780 --> 00:35:43.460 Just to summarize what I have talked so far, I talk about light and then I talk about darkness. 00:35:44.679 --> 00:35:53.500 When I was in darkness, we were talking about the dark times where sometimes we are in dark times, when we have struggles, we have challenges, those are dark times. 00:35:53.760 --> 00:35:58.260 How we respond to that will dictate how far we will go with our walk with God. 00:35:58.579 --> 00:36:00.880 The other one was living in darkness. 00:36:01.280 --> 00:36:08.300 Living in darkness is probably not an ideal place to be at unless we figure out a way to get into the light. 00:36:10.079 --> 00:36:11.940 So, I appreciate your time. 00:36:12.500 --> 00:36:14.719 I'm glad that we got a chance to talk about light and darkness. 00:36:15.280 --> 00:36:17.340 So, shine your light. 00:36:30.309 --> 00:36:34.909 Thank you so much for listening to the Kalamazoo Church of Christ podcast. 00:36:35.289 --> 00:36:38.590 If you're in the Kalamazoo area, we'd love to get connected. 00:36:38.829 --> 00:36:46.190 Please go to kalamazoo.church and fill in your information to come to a Sunday service or any other event that we have going on. 00:36:46.349 --> 00:36:48.809 In any case, you'll be hearing from us next week.