Series: Committed 
Message: Authenticity 
Preacher: Japhet De Oliveira

Refresh: Open with prayer. Read or listen to Psalm 64:1-6.

Read: John 8:12-30 (NIV). As you read the New International Version, note 1-3 insights. 

Reflect:  Jon Paulien, in Abundant Life Bible Amplifier—John, ties context into the timing of Jesus’ declaration. 
. . . chapter 8 is part of the Feast of Tabernacles episode, which began at 7:1. The section begins and ends with I AM statements (vss. 12, 58). Jesus continues to debate His case with those who are in the template courts for the feast, but now the leaders emerge from backstage and take Jesus on directly (vss. 13, 22, 48,52, 57). 
The Feast of the Tabernacles,….was a celebration of the Exodus, with particular emphasis on the wilderness experience in which God provided water from the rock and the pillar of fire to light and warm the night (Exod. 17:1-7; Num. 10:1-13; Exod. 13:21,22; 14:24; Num. 14:14; compare Isa. 60:1-3; Zech. 14:7,8). Jesus again interrupts the proceedings, this time to declare that He is the One who lights up the world. He is the One who provided light in the wilderness (8:12). (p. 159)
This connection was exhilarating to me as it so simply ties together the past, present, and future. We can see clearly how Jesus is the light of the world, and the source of all truth. In fact, He is the Truth. When I first started out in pastoral ministry, a wise senior pastor helped me process the difference between principle and preference. Our local Church family will always argue over matters. It is the nature of human beings. As a pastor, he explained, you need to try to work out if the church is arguing over a matter of principle or preference. It is in the areas of principle that he advised me to speak truth and to hear truth. 
When we are able to grasp the difference between principle and preference, we can also grasp the level of struggle that takes place. 

Recalibrate: ​ 

1. What are some of the beliefs in your tribe that make you proud? 
2. What are some “beliefs” in your tribe that make no sense, maybe even embarrass you and why?
3. Are those “beliefs” that cause you stress principles or preferences?

Respond: Pray for clarity.

Research: Ask your oldest relative or friend to share a moment in their life that was pivotal, that changed everything—and why it was so important.