Sun, 29 December 2019
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Sun, 29 December 2019
Direct download: IBC_20191229_Special_Message_from_Pastor_Jeff.mp3
Category:Light of the World -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT |
Tue, 24 December 2019
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Sun, 22 December 2019
Without light we couldn’t live. Sunlight sustains life. It brings us lots of benefits, some of which you might not be aware. I came across an article this week that lists 5 wide-ranging benefits of natural light. Caveat: the article was written by a company that sells skylights! Anyway, here are some excerpts from their list.
It helps with learning. Artificial light could actually be damaging students’ academic progress. Comparative studies of schools in both Sweden and the United States show that students absorb and process information faster when they receive ample natural light. One study found that students whose schools used natural lighting progressed 20% faster on standardized math tests and 26% faster on reading tests than students who learn under artificial light.
It helps with business. Having natural light in a retail store has been shown to improve sales. A case study found that, on average, facilities that had natural light had sales numbers up to 6% higher than facilities with artificial lighting. Another study, conducted by Walmart discovered that the same product, when displayed under natural light, would consistently outsell an identical item in a non-daylit section of the store.
It helps our health. Moderate exposure to sunlight helps improve visual health and aid in the prevention of medical conditions including seasonal affective disorder, pre-diabetes, multiple sclerosis, hypertension, and some autoimmune diseases. Natural light is so beneficial that workplaces who integrate it experience a decrease in employee sick days of up to 6.5%.
Natural light has a lot of benefits. This was not an exhaustive list. The sun lights our world and brings us good.
But this Sunday I want to focus on spiritual light. There is a spiritual sun (and, by the way, he is the creator of the physical sun)! Malachi 4:2b speaks of him. The prophet foretells that “the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings.”
Who is this “sun of righteousness?” He is the light of the world—Jesus! In John 8:12 Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.” Oh the good that comes to those who embrace and dwell in his light!
Join us for Christmas at Istrouma this Sunday as we continue our series, “The Light of the World.”
The Light of the World John 8:12
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (8:12a).
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (8:12b).
13 So the Pharisees said to him, “You are bearing witness about yourself; your testimony is not true.” . . . 30 As he was saying these things, many believed in him. 31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (8:13-32).
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Sun, 22 December 2019
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Sun, 15 December 2019
People around the world celebrate Christmas in unique ways.
In the Philippines the “Giant Lantern Festival” is held each year on the Saturday before Christmas Eve in the city of San Fernando – the “Christmas Capital of the Philippines.” The festival attracts spectators from all over the country and across the globe. Eleven villages take part in the festival and competition is fierce as everyone pitches in trying to build the most elaborate lantern.
In Iceland for the 13 days leading up to Christmas, 13 “tricksy” troll-like characters come out to play in Iceland. They are called the “Yule Lads.” For each night of Yuletide, children place their best shoes by the window and a different Yule Lad visits leaving gifts for nice girls and boys and rotting potatoes for the naughty ones. Clad in traditional Icelandic costume, these fellas are pretty mischievous.
Italian children believe that their Christmas gifts are delivered, not by St. Nick, but by a kind, old witch named “La Befana” who uses her broom to clean untidy houses. Legend has it that Befana was cleaning her house, when the Three Wise Men knocked on her door asking for directions to reach the stables where Baby Jesus had just been born. She didn’t know, but she kindly provided them with accommodation for the night. In the morning the Three Wise Men invited her to accompany them on their journey. Too absorbed in her household work, she refused, but regretted it almost instantly. Befana wrapped a present and tried to catch up with the Tree Wise Men, but got lost and is still trying to find the way. So, every year, during the Christmas season, she leaves presents to children in her search for Baby Jesus.
Some of these practices may seem strange to us but we have our own hodge-podge of customs in the US--Rudolf the red-nosed reindeer, Frosty the Snowman and mistletoe!
How ought we to celebrate Christmas? I have good news. We have a model in a kind, wise, and, likely, elderly man. His name is Simeon. His story is recorded in Luke 2:25-35. He shows us how we ought to celebrate God’s greatest gift both at Christmas as well as every day. He walked with God. He worshipped God. And he witnessed for God.
Join us for Christmas at Istrouma this Sunday as we continue our series, “The Light of the World.”
The Light of the World “Christmas Made Simple” John 1:1-14
In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it (1:4-5).
In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it (1:4-5). (2:28-30).
In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it (1:4-5).
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Sun, 8 December 2019
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Sun, 8 December 2019
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Sun, 8 December 2019
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Sun, 8 December 2019
People around the world celebrate Christmas in unique ways.
In the Philippines the “Giant Lantern Festival” is held each year on the Saturday before Christmas Eve in the city of San Fernando – the “Christmas Capital of the Philippines.” The festival attracts spectators from all over the country and across the globe. Eleven villages take part in the festival and competition is fierce as everyone pitches in trying to build the most elaborate lantern.
In Iceland for the 13 days leading up to Christmas, 13 “tricksy” troll-like characters come out to play in Iceland. They are called the “Yule Lads.” For each night of Yuletide, children place their best shoes by the window and a different Yule Lad visits leaving gifts for nice girls and boys and rotting potatoes for the naughty ones. Clad in traditional Icelandic costume, these fellas are pretty mischievous.
Italian children believe that their Christmas gifts are delivered, not by St. Nick, but by a kind, old witch named “La Befana” who uses her broom to clean untidy houses. Legend has it that Befana was cleaning her house, when the Three Wise Men knocked on her door asking for directions to reach the stables where Baby Jesus had just been born. She didn’t know, but she kindly provided them with accommodation for the night. In the morning the Three Wise Men invited her to accompany them on their journey. Too absorbed in her household work, she refused, but regretted it almost instantly. Befana wrapped a present and tried to catch up with the Tree Wise Men, but got lost and is still trying to find the way. So, every year, during the Christmas season, she leaves presents to children in her search for Baby Jesus.
Some of these practices may seem strange to us but we have our own hodge-podge of customs in the US--Rudolf the red-nosed reindeer, Frosty the Snowman and mistletoe!
How ought we to celebrate Christmas? I have good news. We have a model in a kind, wise, and, likely, elderly man. His name is Simeon. His story is recorded in Luke 2:25-35. He shows us how we ought to celebrate God’s greatest gift both at Christmas as well as every day. He walked with God. He worshipped God. And he witnessed for God.
Join us for Christmas at Istrouma this Sunday as we continue our series, “The Light of the World.”
The Light of the World “How to Celebrate Christmas” Luke 2:25-35
Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him (2:25).
He took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, 29 “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; 30 for my eyes have seen your salvation (2:28-30).
And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed 35 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” (2:34-35).
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Sun, 1 December 2019
The Light of the World “Operation Christmas” Isaiah 9:1-7
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone (9:2).
You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil. 4 For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. 5 For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire (9:3-5).
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this (9:6-7).
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Sun, 1 December 2019
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