Todays sermon, based on John 1:10-18 (see bottom) is about how can follow the inspiration and guidance of Jesus to shine a light in our community in the year ahead.
“Bringing the Word to the World”
In Johns gospel we encounter one of the most profound descriptions of Jesus Christ: the eternal Word of God, who became flesh and dwelled among us. This passage invites us to reflect on who Jesus is and how His mission challenges us to grow His church in our community. We all remember the verse In the beginning was the word which starts this gospel of Johns. Such a simple phrase but one which reminds us that Jesus has been always with us and that his period on earth as human though short is a vitally important part of his mission.
As followers of Christ, we are called not only to receive His grace but also to embody it, sharing the light of Christ in a world that often walks in darkness. Today, we’ll explore how this Scripture guides us in fulfilling that mission.
“He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, yet the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him.”
This opening verse reminds us of the reality of spiritual blindness in the world. Jesus entered a world that He created, but many did not recognize or receive Him even among his own people. No man is a prophet in his own home we hear in Marks gospel. This was true then and is still true today.
In our community, there are people who have yet to hear or understand the gospel. There are also many who have heard but fail to understand the deep significance it has for each of us. Some may have misconceptions about God, others may feel unworthy, and still others may simply not know where to start. Our role as the church is to identify these individuals and meet them where they are—just as Christ entered our world.
Yes we need to face Jesus as a community, we need to be able to talk about him and help each other to appreciate and understand him in our own lives. Do we spend enough time outside of church and within our community to discuss and share his message to help each other to grow in faith?
And what of those who may have rejected him as a prophet or not even heard his message. Over Christmas I have accompanied Peter in walking through our neighbourhood meeting with and talking to many in the community who may need to experience the love of Christ.
I was surprised by how many were open to a conversation even on occasion a prayer. I think in this new year we can all create opportunities for connection—community events, outreach programs, or simple acts of kindness can open doors to meaningful relationships.
The gospel goes on “But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.”
The gospel is a gift of grace, available to all who will receive it. This verse emphasizes that our mission is not to force people into faith but to offer them the invitation to become part of God’s family.
We can share our testimony of how God’s grace has transformed our life. Authenticity and vulnerability are powerful tools in witnessing. But testimony does not need to be preaching, testimony can be demonstrated in how we hold ourselves and reveal our lives to our community.
Create spaces in your church where people feel welcomed, regardless of their background. Let grace be the foundation of every interaction.
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
Jesus’ incarnation demonstrates the importance of presence. He didn’t stay distant from humanity but entered fully into our experience. Growing the church requires us to embody this same principle: being present in the lives of those around us.
Be active in the community. Participate in local events, support schools, and engage in service projects. Let people see the church as a vital part of the community.
Be intentional about relationships. Spend time with people outside the church walls, showing them Christ through your actions.
The church grows not just through programs or events but through the overflow of grace and truth in our lives. When people see the joy, peace, and love that Christ brings, they are drawn to Him.
We need to commit to being a church that balances grace and truth—offering compassion without compromising the message of the gospel.
John reminds us that Jesus entered a broken world to bring light, life, and grace. As His followers, we are called to continue that mission by reaching out to our community with love and truth.
Let us commit to being a church that reflects the Word made flesh, walking in humility, offering grace, and pointing people to the glory of God through Jesus Christ.
So I challenge you all to see this year as one in which we grow the church in our community but invite you to start small.
This week, just ask God to reveal to you one person in your community who needs to experience His love. Reach out to them, share a word of encouragement, and invite them into the life of the church.
Let us be a people who grow not just in numbers but in faith, love, and unity, all for the glory of God.
Gerry Stacey, Licensed Lay Minister
January 5 2025
John 1:10-18
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. 15 (John
testified to him and cried out, ‘This was he of whom I said, “He who comes
after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.”’) 16 From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17 The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known.