SUNDAY WORSHIP: 8:30, 9:45 & 11:00 a.m.
CLOSE

AfterThoughts: January 18, 2026

January 18, 2026
I Am The Light Of The World
John 8:12–20

This week, Dr. David Eldridge continued the series from the Gospel of John. In these verses, he explanded on two points: 

  • A Staggering Claim To Consider
  • A Life-Changing Invitation To Accept

GOING DEEPER: 

  • Pastor David shared that light is essential for our lives. We use the metaphor of light to describe truth, honesty, purity, and goodness. Jesus described Himself this way: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). Just like natural light from the sun, how would you describe Jesus as your light who brings life, safety, health, and joy to your life?
     
  • As the Jews in Jerusalem celebrated God’s provision for His people in the wilderness, Jesus described Himself as the Light, not as “a” light but as “the” Light. Pastor David shared this was a staggering claim for us to consider. He made an exclusive claim. If you want to know joy, experience true life, and know true goodness and truth, you must know Jesus and accept His invitation to come into the light (John 1:12). If you have accepted Jesus as your Savior, describe your salvation story. If you are not a believer and follower of Jesus, will you acknowledge you are a sinner, submit yourself to Jesus’ truth, and come into the light? Who can you talk with about your decision this week?
     
  • Jesus’ claim to be the Light is not a statement you can admire from a distance. Light reveals and exposes. Light reveals the darkness in our lives and names our sin. But here is the grace of the Gospel: Jesus does not expose us in order to shame us but in order to forgive us and heal us. You cannot be healed in the dark or by refusing to come into the light. As you walk with the Lord in this season of your life, what sin/sinful patterns is He exposing/revealing to you? How can you change your schedule this week to make more time for confession, repentance, and prayer?
     
  • Pastor David shared that Jesus’ invitation to come to Him, the Light, is a life-changing invitation to accept. He does not invite us to a set of beliefs only, but to a life of following Him daily—a life that chooses His way over your way and trusts His direction even when the way is unclear. How are you living a life of visible integrity, visible hope, and a visible difference between you and the world?
     
  • Pastor David said Jesus is calling us to a “long obedience in the same direction” (Eugene Peterson)—the small, ordinary, repeated moments of your life when you demonstrate the character and light of your Savior. How would you answer these questions: Do you handle frustration at work in a different way than others; do you love your spouse even when you are tired or annoyed; do you love your children even when they fail; do you choose honesty even when no one is watching; and do you show grace to others when it would be easier to withhold?

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: 

  • To view past sermons, please click here.

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24–26

STAY IN TOUCH WITH DAWSON:
WEBSITE: dawsonchurch.org
EMAIL: connect@dawsonchurch.org
TEXT: Text CONNECT to 205-997-3717