Living in the Light – “Refocus on Jesus”

Host: Anne Graham Lotz
Episode Date: January 5, 2025

Overview

In this episode of Living in the Light, Anne Graham Lotz addresses the chaos and uncertainty of the modern world by urging listeners, much like the early church, to “refocus on Jesus.” Drawing from Revelation chapter 1, Anne offers scriptural and personal insights on shifting our spiritual gaze away from distractions and toward Christ’s glory, gospel, and imminent return.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Challenge of Focus in Troubled Times ([00:03]–[03:00])

• Anne compares current global turbulence to the turmoil faced by Christians in the first century.
• She highlights how distraction and “spiritual double vision” lead to exhaustion and confusion.
• Illustration: Anne shares her own struggle with physical double vision, relating it to spiritual distraction.

  “Double vision makes life confusing and it actually is exhausting. … Double vision is an issue physically for me, but it also is an issue for us spiritually.” – Anne ([01:46])

2. The Call to Refocus on Jesus ([03:00]–[06:30])

• Anne challenges listeners to continually redirect their focus from worldly chaos to Jesus.
• She outlines the suffering of early Christians for context—“their world was filled with confusion and danger and darkness.”
• God’s response: He gives John a vision of Christ (the Book of Revelation), meant to inspire focus and hope.

3. Jesus Revealed through Scripture ([06:30]–[10:50])

• Anne demonstrates how Jesus is manifested throughout the entire Bible—from Genesis (as Creator) to Revelation (as returning King).

  “In Genesis, he’s the creator of all things… Revelation, when the sky unfolds and he comes back… King of Kings, Lord of Lords.” ([08:10])

• “This is the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Anne stresses that the entire Bible leads to Him.

4. John’s Testimony: The Gospel Eyewitness ([10:50]–[19:15])

• Anne retells the life of Jesus through the eyes of the Apostle John—his experiences, Jesus’ miracles, His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension.
• Memorable Moment:

  “I saw Jesus of Nazareth crucified on a Roman cross. … At the end of six hours, I heard him shout out in a loud voice, ‘It is finished.’” – Anne, paraphrasing John ([13:47])

• The gospel isn’t just history; it’s still unfolding—“The good news is that Jesus is coming back. And I, John, have seen it.” ([15:30])
• John’s visions from Revelation: war, destruction, the rise of evil, and ultimately the triumphant return of Christ.

5. The Bible: Our Anchor for Focus ([19:15]–[20:55])

• Anne emphasizes the blessing of continually reading Scripture:

  “Blessed are you when you read your Bible. … The blessing is that you and I are focused on Jesus in the midst of all of this mayhem.” ([19:45])

• The Bible grounds believers amid a chaotic world, offering hope and perspective.

6. Personal Evangelism: Sharing the Gospel ([20:55]–[22:45])

• Listeners are encouraged to not just rely on pastors or professional evangelists but to personally share what Jesus means to them.
• Memorable Quote:

  “When you and I are focused on Jesus, people are going to follow our gaze and they’re going to maybe ask questions. … Tell other people about Jesus, share the gospel.” ([21:51])

7. The Greatness and Deity of Jesus ([22:45]–[26:20])

• Anne unpacks Revelation 1:4–5, stressing Jesus’ deity and His role as Savior, Lord, and coming King.
• She explains the concept of the Trinity in creation and Jesus as God made flesh.

  “Don’t make him smaller than He is. … He is God, but He is also man.” ([23:59])

• Through Jesus, believers are given purpose and made part of a “kingdom and priests.”

8. The Promise of His Return: Personal and Universal ([26:20]–End)

• Anne uses the illustration of moonbeams reaching every individual to show the personal aspect of Christ’s return:

  “When Jesus comes back, I don’t know how this works, but He’s coming just for you.” ([27:30])

• Every believer can take comfort: Christ sees and comes for each person individually as well as for all His people.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Where is your focus in life? … If our focus is on Him, if our focus is zeroed right in on the things of Jesus, then our whole life falls into perspective.” – Anne ([01:25])
• “We know from the end of the story, we know from the gospel, that the world is not falling out of control, it’s falling into place. And it’s falling into place at the feet of Jesus.” – Anne ([19:57])
• “You don’t have to lead people to Christ the first time you open your mouth, but you just tell them what Jesus means to you.” – Anne ([21:30])
• “Jesus is God. … He is the Savior who redeemed you, the Lord who rules your life so you can fulfill God’s purpose for your life. … He’s the King one day who will return just for you.” – Anne ([25:22])

Key Timestamps

• [00:03] – Anne’s opening challenge: Refocus on Jesus
• [01:46] – Double vision illustration (physical & spiritual)
• [08:10] – Jesus revealed throughout the entire Bible
• [13:47] – John’s eyewitness account of crucifixion
• [15:30] – “The good news is that Jesus is coming back.”
• [19:45] – The blessing of Bible reading and focus
• [21:30] – Call to personal evangelism
• [23:59] – Jesus' deity and humanity
• [27:30] – Moonbeam illustration: Christ’s personal return

Conclusion

Anne Graham Lotz powerfully reminds listeners to fix their gaze on Jesus—the One revealed through all of Scripture, the center of the gospel, and the Hope who is coming soon. In the present darkness and confusion, faith and focus on Christ bring clarity, courage, and the confidence to live and share the gospel boldly.