First Baptist Church

Fairbanks, Alaska

805 Sixth Avenue

(907) 456-4923

http://www.firstbaptistfairbanks.com

 

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“The Ultimate Duel”

Light versus Dark 

Genesis 1:3-4 

Mark Howdeshell (November 11, 2007)

Genesis 1:3-4   And God said, “Let there be light, “ and there was light.  God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light form the darkness.

Introduction

Literally from the beginning of time, light has opposed dark.  God has always declared that light was good.  This morning we’re going to explore the nuances of the light versus dark duel that has ranged since the beginning of time on this earth. 

Close your eyes for a minute and think of being deep within a cave miles below the surface of the earth.  All you have is a flashlight in your hands.  Find a safe place and sit down.  Look all around you at the surface of the cave walls, the stalagmite over to the right side, and your friends to the left.  On the count of 3, everyone turn out your flashlight.  One……Two……Three.  Turn them all off.  Notice how deep the darkness is all around you.  Put your hand in front of your face…you can’t see it.  You can’t even see an outline of it.  You’ve never been in such a dark place.  How overwhelming this darkness is!!  But wait, look over towards the stalagmite.  Pastor Mark has turned on the light on his watch.  It’s so small…..yet, it has penetrated the overwhelming darkness with ease!!!!  Light has won the battle over darkness!!!  Darkness cannot win against light.  Praise the Lord.  Turn on your flashlights and come back to church with me…………… 

Heart of the Matter 

God wants to shed His light in your life.  He is the Light of the World.  Trust in His light to show you the path you’re to follow and you cannot be lost in the darkness. 

The Meat of the Message 

 

Genesis 1:3-4 

And God said, “Let there be light, “ and there was light.  4 God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light form the darkness.

 

  1. What light shined over the world?
    1. The sun, moon, and stars had not been made, yet.—Day 4
    2. The first 3 days the light of day was the brilliance of the Lord Himself.
    3. The light was good...everything that the Lord creates is good!

 

Ex 10:21-23

 

21 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Stretch out your hand toward the sky so that darkness will spread over Egypt — darkness that can be felt." 22 So Moses stretched out his hand toward the sky, and total darkness covered all Egypt for three days. 23 No one could see anyone else or leave his place for three days. Yet all the Israelites had light in the places where they lived.

 

  1. God can use darkness in our life to get our attention.
    1. Darkness was used as one of the plagues to get the Pharaoh’s attention in Egypt.
    2. Darkness and light can be separated by the thinnest of margins. 

                                          i.    A small piece of wood or metal can shield the light

                                         ii.    It is possible for dark and light to be in the same room with nothing but “walls” separating them

                                        iii.    Have you hidden a part of your heart or put up a wall somewhere in your life that has kept the light from entering?

                                       iv.    The only difference between the Egyptians and the Israelites was the Lord.  HE IS ENOUGH to overcome all darkness!!!

 

  1. Darkness represents…
    1. Absence of light

                                          i.    Nothing creates darkness…it simply is dark

                                         ii.    Not having a source of light allows darkness to exist

                                        iii.    Not having Christ in your life leads to a dark heart

    1. Dark color in a lighted world…

                                          i.    The color black is the result of the absorption of all light

                                         ii.    Nothing reflected

                                        iii.    All of the goodness of Christ may shine upon you, but if you don’t let any reflect for others to see, you’ll still be dark

    1. Evil

                                          i.    Reigns in the darkness

 

John 3:19-21

19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil . 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.

 

                                         ii.    Cannot win against the Power of Light

 

  1. Light
    1. Must have a source

                                          i.    Light just doesn’t happen

                                         ii.    Was initially created by God

                                        iii.    Provided sun, moon, and stars

                                       iv.    Is Jesus Christ in a darkened world

    1. White light is representative of Christ

                                          i.    Reflection of all colors of light

                                         ii.    All of the blessings of God are reflected for others to see and experience

    1. Goodness and righteousness reign in the light where no deeds are hidden and all of our motives are exposed
  1. Truth of the matter…

John 3:19-21

19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light , and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light , so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God."  

 

  1. Our Calling…

Matt 5:14-16

 

14 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

 

    1. Jesus is the True LIGHT
    2. He has called us to be a reflection of His light into the world where we live.
    3. We are warned not to hide our light but instead to let it shine.

                                          i.    Shines through our everyday deeds and demeanor

                                         ii.    We may be the only light on someone’s path

                                        iii.    Your light is more powerful than you know if someone is in the dark

    1. Light doesn’t have to work hard to overcome the dark, it just has to be light!
    2. We are not the source of light………..JESUS is!!.

The Bottom Line   Think how bright the watch seemed to shine in the cave full of overwhelming darkness.  For many people, you may be the only light they see.  Reflect the goodness of Christ by your actions and your attitude.  Your most important witnessing tool isn’t the cards, it’s your LIFE!  It shines and reflects the goodness of Christ whether you realize it or not.  Pray that God will use you to shine brightly in someone’s life….and then be prepared in season and out of season to explain your light!!! 

INVITATION

This morning I invite you to pray for a bright light.  Pray that your light radiates the goodness of Christ.  If your light has been dim, or if you’ve been hiding it under the basket instead of putting it upon the lampstand, pray that God will give you guidance and direction.  Pray for an opportunity to shine this week.

 

 

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Last modified: 11/30/08