Jack-O-Lantern of God

Intro

a lantern made from a hollowed-out pumpkin in which holes are cut to represent facial features, typically made at Halloween.

Just a Pumpkin

Before we have a relationship with God we are just like pumpkins. Junk filled, decomposing, ill-purposed things. Any time we exist without God we lack certain things. It is because of us that Jesus had to die on a cross.

Romans 5:8 NRSV

8 But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us.

Proverbs 13:21 NRSV

21 Misfortune pursues sinners, but prosperity rewards the righteous.

Psalm 1:5 NRSV

5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;

Jesus’ Sacrifice

The sacrifice of Jesus is good news of salvation, but until acted upon it is only good news. It can be of no use to us according to salvation if we are not obedient to the will of God.

Acts 2:37 NRSV

37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?”

We must hear the word of God first, hearing the story of Jesus should bother us in the fact that we are responsible. for what happened to Him. Cut the top and maybe the outline for the eyes

Acts 17:30 NRSV

30 While God has overlooked the times of human ignorance, now he commands all people everywhere to repent,

we must be changed internally in order to take advantage of what God has for us. Change your heart about sin. Pull out the nasty stuff inside the pumpkin.

Let Your Light Shine!

Matthew 5:16 NRSV

16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

Insert candle into empty pumpkin and light the candle.