God’s Answer to Chaos

"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth."
"In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind."

From the very first words of Scripture, light emerges as a central theme—a radiant thread weaving through the story of creation and redemption. Genesis introduces us to a God who brings order out of chaos, speaking light into existence as his first creative act. In John’s gospel, we see this theme echoed as Jesus, the Word, is revealed as the true Light that shines in the darkness.

But what does this mean for us today? How does this ancient story of light and creation speak into the chaos and darkness of our own lives?

God Brings Order to Chaos

In Genesis, the world is described as "formless and empty," with darkness covering the deep. Yet God hovers over the waters, bringing light and separating the chaotic seas. This act of creation is more than just a historical moment; it’s a declaration of God’s character. From the beginning, God’s desire has been to bring order to brokenness.

Fast forward to the gospel of John, and we see this same God stepping into human history through Jesus. John’s poetic opening reminds us that the light of Christ is not a flicker but a brilliant force that darkness cannot overcome.

Is your life feeling chaotic right now? Are you longing for clarity in the midst of confusion? The same God who calmed the seas at creation and sent his son into the world can bring peace and order to your heart today.

Light Reveals and Heals

Light does more than illuminate—it reveals. It uncovers what is hidden, clarifies confusion, and even exposes what is broken. At first, this can be uncomfortable. Like stepping out of a dark room into the bright sunlight, the light of Christ may reveal things in us that need healing or repentance.

But here’s the good news: God’s light doesn’t expose to shame; it reveals to heal. Just as Jesus gave sight to the blind, freed the oppressed, and brought life to the dead, his light works to restore us, too.

"Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil." – John 3:19

Are there areas of your life where you’re hesitant to let God’s light shine? Remember, the light that reveals also heals.

Believing Is Seeing

One of the most profound lessons from John’s gospel is this: seeing isn’t believing; believing is seeing. After his resurrection, Jesus tells Thomas, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Faith invites us to step into the light before we fully understand. It’s trusting that God’s promises are true even when the path ahead is unclear.

This is the kind of faith that brings hope to those waiting for miracles, longing for peace, or searching for direction. It’s the assurance that the light of Christ is already shining, even if it feels hidden by the darkness around us.

Reflecting the Light

The beauty of God’s light is that it isn’t just for us—it’s meant to be shared. Jesus calls us to reflect his light into the world, to be his hands and feet in bringing grace and truth to others.

"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."

Like Jesus, we are called to embody grace and truth in our daily lives. This means forgiving as we have been forgiven, loving as we have been loved, and shining brightly in a world desperate for hope.

Your Origin Story

As John’s gospel begins, it calls us back to Genesis, reminding us that the same God who spoke light into existence now invites us into a new creation. Through Jesus, we are invited to become children of God—not born of human effort, but born of his Spirit.

What if today could be the beginning of your own origin story? A moment where you step out of the darkness and into the light of Christ.

Whether you’re waiting for a miracle, wandering in doubt, or longing for hope, the light of Jesus is for you. He came to bring order to your chaos, to reveal what needs healing, and to invite you into a relationship with him.

Jesus is the light that will help us find our way. In the darkest night, his light shines bright. Step into that light today, and let it guide your every step.

Blog adapted from December 15, 2024, message by Minister Dawn Gentry

Building Up The Church

In the tapestry of Paul's letters, we often encounter a mosaic of diverse themes, perspectives, and instructions. Much like the intricate mosaic I once beheld beneath the Lakeshore Drive bridges in Chicago, Paul's writings can initially appear fragmented and disparate. Each passage, like an individual tile, holds its own significance, yet it is only when we step back to appreciate the broader picture that we discern the interconnectedness of Paul's messages.

Consider Corinthians, where Paul addresses a myriad of issues ranging from spiritual gifts to the conduct of worship. At first glance, these topics may seem unrelated, even contradictory. However, upon closer examination, we discover a common thread weaving through Paul's words: the overarching goal of building up the church in love and unity. Just as the mosaic in Chicago revealed a larger illustration when viewed from a distance, so too does Paul's mosaic of letters unveil a grand narrative of God's redemptive plan for His people.

Contextualizing Paul's Priorities

To unlock the full depth of Paul's teachings, we must delve into the foundational priorities that shape his theological framework. Throughout his epistles, Paul consistently emphasizes three central themes: love, unity, and mutual edification. These priorities serve as guiding principles, illuminating the path for believers as they navigate the complexities of Christian living.

In Corinthians, Paul's commitment to these priorities shines brightly. His exhortations regarding spiritual gifts, conduct in worship, and the roles of men and women all stem from his unwavering dedication to fostering a community marked by love and unity. Whether admonishing the Corinthians to pursue love above all else or encouraging them to embrace their diverse spiritual gifts for the edification of the body, Paul's overarching goal remains clear: to build up the church as a vibrant and cohesive fellowship of believers.

Applying Paul's Principles Today

As we contemplate the timeless wisdom of Paul's letters, we are compelled to consider how his teachings resonate in our contemporary context. Just as Paul sought to guide the Corinthians in their pursuit of a flourishing church community, so too are we called to nurture and strengthen the body of Christ in our time.

In grappling with complex issues such as spiritual gifts, worship practices, and gender roles, we must approach them with humility, discernment, and a steadfast commitment to the principles of love and unity. Rather than viewing Paul's words as rigid mandates, we should seek to embody the spirit of his teachings, creating an inclusive and uplifting environment where every member is valued and empowered to contribute.

Just as each tile contributes to the beauty of a mosaic, so too does each believer enrich the tapestry of the church with their unique gifts and perspectives. By embracing Paul's priorities and applying them with wisdom and grace, we can continue to build upon the foundation he laid, fashioning a community that reflects the boundless love and transformative power of the Gospel.

Blog adapted from April 21, 2024, message by Minister Dawn Gentry