Sermon Notes 07 June 2026

The Day Light Entered the World

Pastor Ryan Perry
Good Hope Baptist Church
07 June 2026

Primary Texts:  Genesis 1:1–5; John 1:1–18
Supporting Texts: Matthew 5:14–16; John 8:12; John 9:5; John 12:36; Matthew 27:45; John 20:1; Colossians 1:13

Big Idea
Jesus is the true Light of the world, and the darkness has not mastered Him. (John 1:5)

I. God Spoke Light into Creation
Genesis 1:1–5
A. God is the self-existent Creator (Genesis 1:1)

• Everything exists because of Him.

B. Darkness existed where life had not yet been ordered (Genesis 1:2)

• Without God there is no order, life, or flourishing.

C. God spoke light into the darkness (Genesis 1:3)

• God's Word creates and gives purpose.

D. Light becomes a biblical picture of God's life and truth (Genesis 1:4–5)

• Light = life, truth, holiness, salvation.
• Darkness = sin, blindness, death, separation.

Key Truth: The Bible begins with God bringing light into darkness.

II. The True Light Entered His Creation
John 1:1–5
A. Jesus is the eternal Word (John 1:1)

• Christ existed before creation.

B. Jesus is the Creator of all things (John 1:3)

• Everything came into existence through Him.

C. Jesus possesses life in Himself (John 1:4)

• He is the source of spiritual life.

D. His life is the light of humanity (John 1:4–5)

• Christ reveals God, truth, and reality.

E. Darkness cannot overcome Him (John 1:5)

• Sin is real, but it is not victorious.

Key Truth: The Creator entered His creation as the Light of the world.

III. The Light Came to a World That Needed Rescue
John 1:9–18
A. The true Light entered the world (John 1:9)
B. The world failed to recognize Him (John 1:10–11)

• Sin blinds people to God.

C. Those who receive Him become children of God (John 1:12–13)

• Salvation comes through faith in Christ.

D. The Word became flesh (John 1:14)

• God came near to His people.

E. Jesus reveals the Father (John 1:17–18)

• Grace and truth come through Christ.

Key Truth: Jesus came not merely to teach about light but to rescue people from darkness.

IV. The Light Entered Death and Came Out of the Grave
Matthew 27:45; John 20:1
A. Darkness fell at the cross (Matthew 27:45)

• Christ bore the judgment of sin.

B. The Light willingly entered death

• The Holy One died in the place of sinners.

C. Resurrection morning proved darkness was defeated (John 20:1)

• The tomb was empty.
• Death could not hold Him.

D. The Gospel in one sentence

• At creation God spoke light into darkness.
• At the incarnation the Light entered the world.
• At the cross darkness fell upon the Light.
• At the resurrection the Light emerged victorious.

Key Truth: The darkness was real, but it was never stronger than Christ.

V. The Light Calls for a Response
John 12:36
A. Believe in the Light (John 12:36)

• Faith is trusting Christ with your life.

B. Follow the Light (John 8:12)

• Christ guides His people in truth and life.

C. Shine the Light (Matthew 5:14–16)

• Believers reflect Christ to the world.

D. Live as children of light (Colossians 1:13)

• The kingdom of darkness no longer owns us.

The Story of Scripture in Four Movements

1. Creation: God spoke light into darkness. (Genesis 1:3)
2. Incarnation: The true Light entered the world. (John 1:9,14)
3. Crucifixion: Darkness fell as the Light bore our sin. (Matthew 27:45)
4. Resurrection: The Light came out of the grave victorious. (John 20:1)