Building the Kingdom: Stepping into the Light
Pastor Hunter Bingham
October 27, 2024
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Main Topics Discussed
Introduction: A Call to Reflect on God’s Kingdom
Welcome and Introduction by Pastor Hunter
Joy in seeing the church community come together for the conclusion of the series.
Reflection on the past 10 weeks: stories shared, lives touched, and discussions in small groups on “Building the Kingdom.”
Preview of next week’s new series, “In the Wilderness.”
Purpose of Today’s Message
Closing reflection on our role as “disciple missionaries” and members of God’s Kingdom.
Key question: What does it mean for us to build a “Kingdom of Light” alongside God?
Overview: Exploring how to offer a vision of God’s light that overcomes darkness in the world and within ourselves.
Part 1: God’s Mission – Overcoming Darkness with Light
God’s Character and Desire to Bring Light
God’s first act of creation in Genesis: bringing light into a formless, dark world (Genesis 1:2-3).
Darkness in Genesis symbolizes chaos, confusion, and lack of safety.
God’s response is immediate: “Let there be light,” setting the foundation for His nature as light and order.
Light as God’s nature and the essence of His Kingdom.
Light is more than a physical reality; it represents God’s goodness, presence, and His desire for order and safety.
Jesus as the Fulfillment of God’s Light
Jesus as the “Light of the World” (John 8:12).
Jesus enters a spiritually dark world, bringing clarity, truth, and the presence of God.
John 1:4-5 – The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
This is a declaration of hope: no matter the depth of darkness, God’s light is undefeatable.
Jesus’ ministry embodies God’s ultimate mission to overcome the powers of darkness and bring His transformative light.
God’s Mission Revealed through Jesus
Through His teachings and actions, Jesus shows that God’s light brings restoration to those lost in darkness.
Jesus reaches out to marginalized, broken, and sinful individuals, bringing healing and forgiveness.
The call for His followers to do the same – to embody and extend this Kingdom of Light to others.
Part 2: Human Instinct to Hide – Darkness and Shame
Genesis 3 – Humanity’s First Reaction to Sin
Story of Adam and Eve: God commands them to avoid the Tree of Knowledge, yet they choose independence over trust.
The consequence: awareness of their vulnerability and exposure, symbolized by their nakedness.
Immediate instinct: hiding from God’s presence, covering themselves in darkness and separation.
This human tendency is universal: hiding in darkness when we feel shame, guilt, or failure.
Darkness as a Place of Isolation and Fear
The spiritual and emotional implications of hiding from God.
Darkness represents isolation, secrecy, and fear; hiding away our struggles, mistakes, and brokenness.
Darkness is where lies, shame, and condemnation grow, fueled by separation from God and others.
God’s Invitation to Step into the Light
God’s response to Adam and Eve: “Where are you?” – an invitation to come out of hiding.
God does not react with immediate punishment but rather seeks them out, offering grace and the chance for restoration.
The lesson: God’s desire for us is not to stay hidden but to step into His light where we can be healed and restored.
Scripture Foundation – 1 John 1:5-7
“God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.”
If we claim fellowship with God yet walk in darkness, we deceive ourselves.
Walking in the light brings fellowship, cleansing, and renewal.
Part 3: Living as People of Light – Transformation through Openness
Darkness vs. Light: Understanding the Profound Distinction
In Scripture, light and darkness are not merely physical states but represent two ways of living.
Darkness: hiddenness, shame, fear, and often hostility toward truth.
Light: openness, vulnerability, clarity, peace, healing, and restoration.
Old Testament Imagery of Light and Darkness
Exodus: God provides light for His people even during the plague of darkness in Egypt.
The Tabernacle: a perpetual flame as a symbol of God’s presence, even in the wilderness.
Prophets foretell a time when God’s light will bring ultimate healing and hope to His people (Isaiah’s vision of the people seeing a “great light” in darkness).
The Role of Confession and Transparency
Jesus’ encounters: the sick, the sinful, the outcasts, and the rejected – all invited into the light.
Examples of Transformation: Zacchaeus, the tax collector; the woman at the well; those shamed by their pasts.
Jesus’ radical love reveals the truth: stepping into the light brings healing, not condemnation.
1 John’s message to the early church: walk in the light, allowing God to cleanse and purify.
True fellowship with God and one another requires transparency, trust, and stepping away from hiding.
Part 4: Practical Steps – How We Join the Kingdom of Light
Living in Confession and Openness as a Practice
Confession as an essential aspect of building a “Kingdom of Light.”
Opening up to God and trusted people about the real, specific struggles and burdens we carry.
Practical steps:
Begin with God in prayer, laying down hidden fears, shame, and struggles.
Confide in a trusted friend, mentor, or community leader, building a habit of openness.
Community as a Safe Place of Restoration
The church as a community of light where people can bring their struggles without fear of rejection.
Encouragement to view confession as a path to growth and freedom, not as weakness or failure.
Examples from Jesus’ Ministry: Jesus dining with sinners and tax collectors, showing acceptance, mercy, and transformation.
Walking in the Light as Disciple Missionaries
God’s invitation is for us to model His Kingdom of Light, offering others a compelling alternative to darkness.
Practicing vulnerability, sharing testimonies of God’s grace, and creating a culture of openness in our church.
Encouragement to let our lives reflect God’s light to a world longing for peace, acceptance, and truth.
Conclusion and Response
Summary of the Kingdom of Light
The message of today: God is light, and in Him, there is no darkness.
Walking in God’s Kingdom means choosing transparency, confession, and trust in His grace.
Call to Worship and Reflection
Invitation to worship through communion as a reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice and the cleansing of His blood.
Prayer time available with pastoral staff and community leaders.
Reflecting through worship, prayer, and song on our role as people of light.
Communion as a time to recognize God’s love that welcomes us into the light, fully known and loved.
Encouragement for Each Person
Encouragement to use this time as a space for honesty with God about what is happening in their lives.
Reminder of the promise in 1 John 1:7 – that walking in the light brings fellowship and cleansing.
Closing prayer for courage to step into the light, receiving God’s grace and becoming builders of His Kingdom of Light.
Biblical References
1 John 1:5-7
“This is the message that we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.”
Genesis 1:2-4
“The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light. And God saw that the light was good, and God separated the light from the darkness.”
Genesis 3:8-9
“And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man and said to him, ‘Where are you?’”
Matthew 4:16 (quoting Isaiah 9:2)
“The people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.”
John 1:4-5
“In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
John 3:16-17
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”
John 3:19-21
“And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”
John 12:36
“While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.”
Reflection Questions
Reflecting on 1 John 1:5-7, how do you feel about the idea of God as light and His invitation to walk in the light? Are there areas in your life where you feel called to step into the light but hesitate?
In what ways do you see God’s light overcoming darkness in your own life or in the lives of others around you? How can you be a witness to this transformation?
Think about the themes of shame and vulnerability discussed in the sermon. How do you respond when you feel vulnerable or exposed? Are there places in your life where you’re hiding in darkness that you might bring into God’s light for healing?
The sermon spoke about building a “kingdom of light” by embodying Jesus’ love, healing, and peace. What does building this kingdom look like in your everyday relationships and interactions?
Jesus often drew people into the light, offering forgiveness and love rather than condemnation. How does this example encourage you in your own journey of forgiveness, both of yourself and others?
Daily Activities
Daily Light Reflection
Activity: Spend five minutes each morning in prayer or journaling, asking God to reveal any areas of darkness (e.g., fear, shame, resentment) in your heart.
Application: Reflect on how you can bring these areas into the light through honesty, forgiveness, or by seeking support. Conclude by asking God to fill you with His light for the day.
Confession with a Trusted Friend or Mentor
Activity: Choose one area where you feel you've been hiding or struggling in darkness. Schedule time with a trusted friend or mentor to openly discuss it, seeking support, guidance, or prayer.
Application: This act of confession can be a step toward healing and openness in your walk with God, helping you to experience the freedom of stepping into the light.
“Kingdom of Light” Acts of Service
Activity: Each week, find one intentional way to be a light in your community or relationships, such as helping someone in need, offering a listening ear, or simply being present with someone who may feel isolated.
Application: Reflect afterward on how serving others brings light to both them and you, helping you live out the call to be a visible part of God’s kingdom.
Scripture Meditation on Light
Activity: Dedicate time each week to meditate on a passage about light, such as John 8:12 or Matthew 5:14-16.
Application: Allow the scripture to inspire you to be a reflection of Jesus’ light in your interactions. Journal how this can influence your actions and mindset in daily life.
Creating Safe Spaces
Activity: If you lead a group, host a small gathering, or mentor others, intentionally create an environment where others feel safe to share openly.
Application: Encourage honesty and vulnerability by sharing your own experiences of moving from darkness to light. Reflect on how this openness strengthens community and builds God’s kingdom.
