Got a Light?

Shining Bright: Embracing Our Call as the Light of the World

Bible Passage: Matthew 5:14-16, John 8:12

Teaching: The sermon teaches that being the light of the world means taking action in our communities, demonstrating good works and moral integrity that point others to God. This should challenge you to overcome complacency and embrace your identity as a representative of Christ.

How this passage points to Christ: Jesus is the ultimate Light, as stated in the Gospel of John (John 8:12), 12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

Big Idea: Believers are called to be proactive ambassadors of light in a world filled with darkness, illuminating the path for others to come to know Christ.

Application: This message encourages Christians to actively engage with society and be role models of hope, love, and righteousness. By shining their light, believers can influence others positively and lead them to Christ, particularly in times of uncertainty and despair. The concurrent involvement is to produce Fruit of the Spirit for a testimony.

1. Shining Our Calling

Matthew 5:14–16 “14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

“I just don’t know what I’m called to be for God. I’m going to take time to figure it out.”

Matthew 5:14 “14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.”

Jesus calls His followers the 'light of the world,' not just a local or inconspicuous light. This global scope encourages believers to understand their importance in God’s plan. Their true calling. Please dont confuse your vocation to your calling. Jobs change, how you make a living is distinct from your calling. You may be a Doctor or a Farmer, but you’re called to be the light by God. Within your vocation, be light. A star is millions of miles away, yet its light pierces the darkness. It may be part of a constellation, or it may not, but its light shines no matter where it is in the sky. Shine wherever you are.

Jesus imparts His identity (John 8:12) as the ultimate calling to Christians for reflection of His glory universally. We are challenged to embrace this calling without hesitation. Embrace your call, casts out fear, and spread hope, reflecting Christ's love and truth. AS Bishop told me “it was the priest’s duty to keep and tend the fire of the burning hot Alter”. Our duty to keep the heat, embers, and fire burning. HEAT=Love/ EMBERS=Good Works/ FIRE=Gospel of Jesus

[Jesus imparts this identity to His followers, indicating that their role is to reflect His light in the world until His return.]

*Additional tidbit: Candles were expensive. Most all homes had lamps that burned fats and oils. Think of the worth Jesus just placed on you. So shine as the expensive light you are.

2. Spread The Light

Matthew 5:15 “15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.”

A candle, once lit, must not be hidden under a basket. “This little light of mine” Instead, it should illuminate the area it occupies. And nobody places a candle where its not needed. Jesus wants His light to be seen and shared, “A city on a hill” and He entrusts believers with this role. By doing so, communities can see clearly, and lives can be changed. Let your actions glorify God visibly. Not just here at church, but wherever you occupy. The flipside of this metaphor indicates a danger of hiding our faith, with possible missed opportunities to influence others. For those who know to do good and do it not, the same is accounted unto them as sin. (James 4:17)

*When on long marches coming back from training, on a road aptly named Longstreet, normally we were in darkness, Marching mile after mile. But when we could begin to see the light of post in the sky, we knew we were getting near. That shelter, nourishment, comfort was getting closer. We could not yet see the source of the light, only the glow on the skyline. It changed our attitudes, it gave us a hope of “better”. The world is marching onward in death and lack. they may be financially sound, they may have stuff, but thats not true nourishment, those are false accomplishments, their spirits seek light, even if their eyes do not. And even though they may not see the source of the light, they see the glow from you.

*Another example comes from behind the wheel of your vehicle. Do you show the Light of Christ, or does your driving reflect the green light from Crystal Dragway? Does the world know you are caring and unselfish by how you drive?

*Yet another example comes from the waitress staff at the Legion in Morley, One girl is ALWAYS upbeat and in her words “FREAKIN’ AWESOME” even though she is swamped, often alone. The kitchen has messed up Dan’s toast, and who knows what else is wrong. You wont hear her complaining. She is the consummate waitress. Smiling, helpful, and doing a great job. In contrast there is another waitress, I haven't seen in awhile, but nothing was good, there was always something to complain about and someone else to place blame upon . And she was just SLOW, showing little energy nor care of doing a good job. How does the world see you? of the two which shows the better testimony of a waitress? Who do you think gets the larger tips?

Do you brighten peoples day, or do you cause DRAMA? Are people happy to see you? Do people care what you have to say? Are you a steadying force or do you cause havoc?

And for those who feel better not being so extroverted. Id be remiss to fail to mention these examples;

**Our church looks beautiful on Sundays because there is a family who comes in and cleans and puts out flowers even when they feel less than 100%, and nobody observes these actions, yet we see the glow.

**Also there is food that’s been lovingly prepared for us to fellowship with.

Those acts of SERVICE is Jesus’ light shining, for the glory of God.

3. Show God’s Glory

Matthew 5:16 “16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

Visible good works, or the fruit from those good works, will lead others to God. Jesus connects light to good deeds, good attitudes, righteous lives. Showing that how we live can lead others to God, offering them salvation and hope.

My life has changed so much thanks to Jesus, and as people who knew me “of old”, or know what a miserable person I come from, must see the glory and power of my Savior. And if he has done it for me, he will do it for you. Light in my life, I pray, is seen through out the world to those who see now the difference from my darkness to the light that shines from me. not my light, but Christ’s light in me.

This point underscores active engagement in loving and serving others, (fruit of the Spirit)reflecting the transformative power of Christ’s love. Commit yourselves to social justice, charity, and compassion, standing as beacons of Light amidst darkness. Society may attempt to silence us, but the light cannot be extinguished.

We are not doormats to have the worlds boots wiped on us, we are the light of the world, GOD SAID SO!! We have an authority and position that the world can only dream of. It is the power of God shining from us in our actions toward a world caught in dark traps. Have you ever had someone accuse you of thinking you are better than them? We are free living as children of Light. Of course we don’t think ourselves as better, but to a starving soul, someone who is well fed looks “better”.

Paratroopers walk with a confidence that comes from the forge of experience, they do not just think they are better than the rest of the Army, They KNOW they are they are. I’ve lived with the best legends to arrive violently, and understand the arrogance that comes from a history of excellence. The Marines don't have to sell the mission, all they need do is stand tall in their dress uniform. BOOM INSTANT respect. They have earned it thru experiences. Its about the actions, the lives these warriors live.

How are you seen? What does the life you lead say? Are you miserable? In lack never satisfied with what you richly have? Living in rags of despair like you’re lost and alone? Are you a looser? Or,, Are you VICTORIOUS? Full of Love, Joy, and Peace? Content with what you have today and with where you are going? Does your light shine brightly into the darkness around you? We have THE PATHWAY to HEAVEN, Even Angels don't understand the position Jesus has bought for us with His blood. We are victorious just in Christ’s victories. We are armored in the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, sword of the Sprit, truth, gospel of peace, The whole armor of God. The light of Jesus is Pure, Bright, Beautiful and Powerful.

But God calls us to walk humbly, soberly in the light that shines from the Holy Spirit in us. It goes back to fruit. As the world sees the fruit of the Spirit produced in you through the love of Christ towards others. That is spreading Gods light. And that will draw the ones seeking light out of the darkness, and illuminate an alternate life, a choice, for those so dark, the light hasn't been even thought of for ages. Its not OUR Light, But Christ shining from us. We cannot take credit for the light, its not ours.

Summation: In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus calls His followers the 'light of the world,' emphasizing the importance of living in a way that reflects God's glory and truth in a dark world.

Charles Spurgeon said, “Christ has lighted us that we might enlighten the world. … God intends his grace to be as conspicuous as a city built on the mountain’s brow” That really paints a picture in your mind. God did not redeem us and call us into His kingdom to hide us. He did not save us to be silent, secret saints. We are—and no one else is—the light of the world. We are to be the bright light for all to see when the clouds obscure the stars and moon and the darkness is so thick you can cut it with a knife, and you can feel it in your bones. WE are to be the light that cuts the darkness. This light is to have a global impact among the nations. We manifest on display among the nations the goodness, greatness, and glory of God. Such brilliant light against the backdrop of the darkness of sin “is not able to be hidden” (Quarles). In what we say and how we live, we will reflect the light of Him who is the Light of the World. *Therefore, we must guard our tongues and give attention to our actions. God gives us an influential position, like a lighthouse on a hill that guides ships safely home. God has entrusted us to show those who are lost and alone in the dark fog of life. An escape route from the damnation rocks they are heading toward. This is a light for the world. It should attract. It should give direction. It should stand out near and far. Its more about how you treat others than what you say.

“Be quick to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and if you must, use words”. (citation unknown)

Let Jesus’ light do the talking through you.

SHINE ON CHURCH- SHINE ON!!!!