Bearing Witness with Purpose

Scripture: John 1:7 (ESV) – “He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him.”

When we consider John 1:7, we are struck by the purposefulness of John the Baptist’s mission. Scripture tells us that John came “as a witness, to bear witness about the light.” He was sent to point others to Christ, the true Light of the world, so that all might believe through him. It’s crucial to note that John’s ministry was not an end in itself; he did not draw attention to himself or bask in the glow of his own influence. His sole aim was to prepare the way and direct people to Jesus.

Think for a moment about what it means to bear witness. John did not simply share vague religious ideas or opinions. No, his testimony was clear, intentional, and Christ-centered. He declared that Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah, the One who came to bring light to those living in the darkness of sin. The light he spoke of was not a mere metaphor or abstract concept but the very revelation of God in Jesus Christ. John’s witness was a lamp, illuminating the truth for all who would listen, so that they might turn and believe.

Let us learn from John’s example. Too often, we become distracted or even fearful when it comes to speaking about our faith. We wonder if our words will be well-received or if our testimony will make a difference. But remember: the effectiveness of our witness does not rest on our abilities but on the work of God’s Spirit. We are simply called to be faithful, to speak of Christ with clarity and love, trusting that God can use even our weakest efforts to draw people to Himself.

Consider, too, the purpose behind John’s mission: “that all might believe through him.” John did not bear witness just to share interesting news; he did so that others would come to a saving faith in Jesus Christ. This should be the heartbeat of our witness as well. We are not called to engage in theological debates for the sake of pride or to prove ourselves right. Our aim must be to point others to the Light, that they, too, might be saved.

Let me encourage you today: whether in your conversations, your actions, or even in the way you conduct your work, strive to bear witness about the Light. And remember, the goal of your witness is the glory of God and the salvation of souls. If John’s life teaches us anything, it is that our purpose is to make Christ known so that others might believe.

Reflection Questions:

  1. In what ways can you bear witness to Christ in your daily life?
  2. Are you motivated by a genuine desire for others to believe, or has your witness become routine or self-serving?

Prayer: Sovereign Lord, we are grateful for the example of John the Baptist, who came to bear witness to Your Son. Grant us the courage and the clarity to be faithful witnesses in our own generation. May our testimony be used for Your glory, that many might come to know and believe in Jesus, the Light of the world. Amen.

*this is an edited and modernized edition on John Calvin’s sermon on John 1:7*

Bearing Witness to the Light

Scripture: John 1:6 (ESV) – “There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.”

When we read that “There was a man sent from God, whose name was John,” we must grasp the extraordinary weight of this simple statement. John the Baptist did not come of his own will or ambition but was sent by God Himself. His mission was entirely God-given, and his purpose was clear: to bear witness to the Light, Jesus Christ. This was no ordinary task. John was called to direct people’s hearts and minds to the Messiah, the Savior of the world.

It’s vital for us to understand that John’s greatness didn’t come from any personal accomplishment or fame. No, it was rooted in his unshakable commitment to the work God had entrusted to him. John knew that his role was to point others away from himself and toward Christ. He proclaimed boldly, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). Imagine the humility required to say such a thing! In a world where self-promotion and personal glory are often celebrated, John chose to become less so that Christ would be seen as greater.

Now, I must challenge you: Are you prepared to live with the same humility and focus as John? It is far too easy, even for us believers, to seek our own recognition. Yet, our purpose as Christians is not to make a name for ourselves but to exalt the name of Christ above all else. Our lives should be a constant witness, testifying to the One who gives light and life to the world.

John the Baptist’s calling also reminds us of God’s sovereign hand in appointing ordinary people for His extraordinary purposes. God chose John, and God equipped him. Likewise, you are not left without help in your task of bearing witness to Christ. The Lord, in His infinite wisdom and grace, provides all you need to fulfill your role. This should fill you with courage and assurance, for your strength does not come from within but from God Himself.

Let this truth encourage you: God has called you, just as He called John. You are sent by Him to be a light in a dark world. Remember, your effectiveness in this mission does not rely on your power or eloquence but on God’s power working through you.

Let me ask you, then:

  1. Are you committed to pointing people to Jesus, or are you tempted to seek your own glory?
  2. In what areas of your life can you reflect more of Christ’s light?

Prayer: Almighty God, we thank You for sending John the Baptist, whose life was a model of humility and faithful witness. Grant us the grace to follow his example, that we might magnify Christ in all we do. May we never seek our own glory but always point others to our Savior. Strengthen us for this work by Your Spirit, so that Your name may be praised. Amen.

*taken and edited from John Calvin’s sermon on John 1:6*

The Light That Overcomes Darkness

The Unquenchable Light of Christ

John 1:4-5 declares, “In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” Here, John introduces a theme that will permeate his Gospel: light versus darkness. It is a message of hope and victory that believers can cling to, especially in times when the world seems engulfed by spiritual darkness.

Darkness, as John describes, is not just the absence of light; it symbolizes active, malevolent forces. It reflects the brokenness and sin of humanity, a condition that often leads people to reject or misunderstand the light of Christ. Yet, the hope we have is this: darkness, no matter how deep or threatening, has never—and will never—overcome the light. The light of Christ is victorious, piercing through the hardest of hearts and illuminating the deepest spiritual voids.

Consider how this truth manifests in your own life. Were there moments when Christ’s light shone into the darkness of your soul, revealing truths you never saw before? Maybe you’ve experienced the rejection of friends or family, who, instead of celebrating your newfound faith, withdrew because they couldn’t comprehend the change in you. This rejection is a sign of spiritual darkness at work. But fear not, because the light of Christ is unstoppable. It transforms, heals, and gives us eternal hope.

Prayer: Jesus, Light of the world, shine brightly in our hearts and lives. Help us to be carriers of Your light in a world that desperately needs Your truth. Let us rest in the assurance that darkness will never overcome Your light. Amen.

Standing Firm in a World of Many Beliefs

The Exclusivity of Christ

In our pluralistic world, the exclusive claims of Christianity can be a stumbling block. John 1:1 reminds us, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” This statement is not only foundational to Christian faith but also a direct challenge to the many philosophies and religions that reject the deity of Christ.

When Jesus proclaimed, “I am the way, the truth, and the life,” He wasn’t offering a suggestion but an absolute truth. This has always been counter-cultural, and it has cost many believers their lives throughout history. The idea that there is only one God, and one way to Him through Christ, still incites outrage. Yet, we are called to hold fast to this truth, even when it is unpopular or misunderstood.

Consider how you might respond when faced with challenges to your faith. Remember C.S. Lewis’s famous argument: Jesus is either Lord, a liar, or a lunatic. We cannot simply relegate Him to the status of a good moral teacher. Either He is who He claimed to be, or He is not. The early church faced persecution for holding to this conviction, and today, we are called to stand firm in the same truth. It’s not about winning arguments but about being a faithful witness to the life and hope found only in Jesus.

Prayer: Father, give us courage to stand firm in the truth of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to share this message with love and conviction, knowing that You alone are the source of life. Amen.

The Wonder of the Trinity

Understanding the Complexity and Glory of God’s Nature

In John 1:1-5, we are introduced to the foundation of Christian theology: the nature of God as a Trinity. It’s a mystery that has both fascinated and frustrated believers for centuries. John begins his Gospel with the familiar echo of Genesis 1:1, “In the beginning,” reminding us that God stands outside of time and creation. Yet, John introduces a new revelation: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” This reveals the eternal nature of Jesus Christ, distinct from yet fully unified with the Father.

As humans, we often struggle to comprehend God’s triune nature. How can God be One and yet Three? The heresies that plagued the early church, like Arianism and Modalism, are a testament to our tendency to simplify or misinterpret this truth. But instead of being discouraged by the complexity, let it drive us to awe and worship. Our finite minds are not equipped to fully grasp the infinite God—and that’s okay. We don’t need to fully understand gravity to acknowledge that it keeps us grounded. Similarly, the mystery of the Trinity invites us into a deeper relationship of trust, awe, and reverence.

The Nicene Creed, crafted by early church fathers, beautifully summarizes our faith: Jesus Christ is “God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God.” Reflect on the profound unity and harmony within the Godhead. Let this understanding shape your worship, as we marvel at the One who, being eternal and uncreated, stepped into time for our redemption.

Prayer: Lord, Your nature is beyond our understanding, yet You have revealed Yourself to us in love and truth. Help us to embrace the mystery of the Trinity and to stand in awe of Your majesty. Amen.

Icebreaker Evangelism Series – Part 1

Ever find yourself tongue-tied, intimidated, stuck, or just plain overwhelmed at the thought of sharing your faith in Christ with a co-worker, friend, or family member?

Learning how to start a conversation is the very first step.

But you don’t have to take it alone; join us from 7:00pm to 9:00pm this Tuesday, September 24 at All Saints Anglican. Details below!

We Cannot Be More Merciful Than God

Let us try to be honest with ourselves. Picture to yourself a man who has risen to wealth or power by a continued course of treachery and cruelty, by exploiting for purely selfish ends the noble motions of his victims, laughing the while at their simplicity; who, having thus attained success, uses it for the gratification of lust and hatred and finally parts with the last rag of honour among thieves by betraying his own accomplices and jeering at their last moments of bewildered disillusionment. Suppose, further, that he does all this not (as we like to imagine) tormented by remorse or even misgiving but eating like a schoolboy and sleeping like a healthy infant – a jolly, ruddy-cheeked man, without a care in the world, unshakable confident to the very end that he alone has found the answer to the riddle of life, that God and man are fools whom he has got the better of, that his way of life is utterly successful, satisfactory, unassailable. We must be careful at this point. The least indulgence of the passion for revenge is very deadly sin. Christian charity counsels us to make every effort for the conversion of such a man: to prefer his conversion, at the peril of our own lives, perhaps of our own souls, to his punishment; to prefer it infinitely. But that is not the question. Supposing he will not be converted, what destiny in the eternal world can you regard as proper for him? Can you really desire that such a man, remaining what he is (and he must be able to do that if he has free will), should be confirmed for ever in his present happiness – should continue, for all eternity, to be perfectly convinced that the laugh is on his side?

C.S. Lewis, the Problem of Pain, ch. 8

To We’en or Not to We’en


Anglican pastor Steven Wedgeworth at Davenant has written one of the most comprehensive yet accessible essays on the objections and pros/cons of Christians and Hallowe’en.

For your consideration:

“But I don’t really mean to sound like a grinch who might steal Halloween from everyone. Insofar as it can be a feast in the true sense of the word, then it can be good. Invite those you know into true fellowship. And even a little trivial fun is fine too, in its place. But it’s precisely here where we need to keep it in its place, not giving it more than its due and not letting it become a temptation to join in with the deeds of darkness.”

Halloween Revisited