Change Becomes

2nd in series of “What Change Does” - stretches, becomes, restarts, intends, produces, inspires, amazes, includes

Overarching scripture from Isaiah 55:8-11 - God’s higher thoughts, higher ways, word from his mouth does not return empty but accomplishes my purpose

John 1 - “The Word” with God and Is God - all things made by him - light & life

The Word and the Light the subject of our scripture this morning

John 1:9–14 NIV

The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Unprecedented History

We are living in an unprecedented time of a world slowdown or even shutdown

- reexamination of our priorities

- illness & information transfer because the speed of our travel and our technology

Our text today highlights an unprecedented time not just in world history but in spiritual/heavenly history

Roman Empire - at the beginning of its 500 year existence

common currency - roads built - connections made - citizenship - use and control of local governments - ease the spread of the gospel

verse 9 the TRUE light, for everyone, was coming into the world

verse 10 - in the world, created the world, but not recognized

verse 11 - the Jews didn’t accept him but his message was to be so much more than that

Become Children

Verse 12 We have the right to become children when we believe on His name

Unprecedented because it is not by our family tree, or human choice of adoption, but because of God

God adopts us; joint heirs with Jesus; Paul says we can call out to Abba, Father - like Dad or Daddy

a wonderful, loving relationship -

by believing in

the Light

the Word

His Son

His name

in Jesus Christ

That “right” is still there today - 2000 years later

The “Word” that John writes about made it possible

Became Human

verse 14 - Word became flesh/human - God became one of us!

His Glory is seen - the one & only Son - full of grace & truth

Not just Moses on Mt Sinai - not just visible symbols of his presence or power - not just words or visions from prophets

But God himself!! Became one of us to share his continuing story of redemption - unprecedented even today - that God would sacrifice His only son - so that we can experience eternal life - now and forever more

Unprecedented Response?

Accept him, believe in him?

Be His child - be in His family -

Allow His grace & truth to be evident in your life

The world needs our response - the name of Jesus