Cindy Learn Memorial

Read Passage

Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV)

Matthew 11:28–30 ESV

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Title: "Let Your Light Shine"

life is meaningless without context

if this is all there is the it’s just memories

but it’s not, it’s eternal

Text: Matthew 5:14-16

"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

I met Cindy for the first time in this room when I came to be her pastor

And by the grace and sovereignty of God, Cindy had a part in my life story long before I arrived a Bryant Street Baptist, even before I was born.

In 1981, Chuck and Cindy were gracious enough to open their house up to small but growing Bible study in Sunny mead California.

In 1983 that small Bible study, now a small church, moved into Moreno Valley high school and became, Calvary Chapel Moreno Valley. My parents felt lead to join this church and just a few months later I was born.

I would spend the next 18 years of my life being shaped by something that Chuck and Cindy had a part in starting, and 20 years later God would send me here so that the Learns could see some of the fruit of their labor.

Part of why I am here is directly linked to Cindy’s generosity and for that I am eternally grateful.

One of Cindy’s favorite passages of scripture comes from

Mark Chapter 12

Mark 12:28–34 (ESV)

The Great Commandment

28 And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” 29 Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” 32 And the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher. You have truly said that he is one, and there is no other besides him. 33 And to love him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” 34 And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And after that no one dared to ask him any more questions.

What is the kingdom of God?

The Kingdom of God is not merely a physical place but God's reign and authority over the universe, particularly over the hearts and lives of those who submit to Him.

It was inaugurated with the coming of Christ

He gave us a glimpse of the final fulfillment of the kingdom as he forgave sins, healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, and raised the dead.

When Christ returns, the kingdom will eventually become heaven on earth, no longer will there be any rebellion against God’s rule.

But for now it is not fully realized, we live in an already but not yet. A time when God is ruling over many hearts, but there are still many who refuse to submit to God’s rule.

Instead they seek to rule over themselves.

The problem is, we are not good rulers, we are unkind and unloving to ourselves and each other.

Sin blinds people to the goodness of God, and his ability to rule much better then any human could.

He is a gentle, kind, compassionate, and loving ruler.

How do we enter the kingdom?

If the kingdom is God’s rule, then we enter the kingdom by allowing God to rule over our lives

Mark 1:15 “15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.””

John 3:3 “3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.””

It’s really very simple

Romans 3:23 “23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”

Romans 6:23 “23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Romans 10:9–10 “9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.”

How are we to live in the Kingdom?

Lord’s prayer

Matthew 6:10 “10 Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

We live in the kingdom by being like God, and pointing people to him. This is exactly how Cindy lived her life

I. The Identity of Light (v. 14)

"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden."

A. Light as a reflection of Christ

Jesus is the ultimate Light

(John 8:12 “12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”” );

we reflect His light in the world. Cindy’s life reflected this light in her service, love, and faith.

B. The public nature of light

A city on a hill is visible to all.As believers, our faith should not be hidden or private but lived out boldly.

II. The Purpose of Light (v. 15)

"Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house."

Kingdom citizens are not spies, or secret agents. We don’t try to blend in and look like everyone else, instead we shine brightly in the darkness.

A. Light’s purpose is to illuminate

Light exposes darkness and guides others.

Cindy’s kindness, prayers, and mentorship served as a light to those around her.

B. Avoiding hidden faith

A lamp under a basket is ineffective—faith must be visible and active.Challenge: Are we living openly as Christ’s ambassadors?

III. The Call to Shine (v. 16)

"Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

Cindy honored the Lord with her light, and I think that she would want me to challenge you to do the same. We are not guaranteed tomorrow.

Colossians 4:5 “5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.”

A. Living out good works

Good works are the evidence of faith (James 2:17).

Cindy’s life of service—from teaching Sunday School to helping others in need—points to this truth.

B. Glorifying God, not ourselves

The ultimate goal is to bring glory to God, not personal recognition.Our lives should point others to Christ, just as Cindy’s did.

Conclusion:

Challenge to the congregation:

Are you shining your light?How can you reflect Christ in your family, church, and community?

Gospel Message:

True light begins with a relationship with Jesus Christ, the Light of the World.