Let His Light Shine

Theme this week is Evangelization of Every People

What is evangelization? or Evangelism?

Example of telling others about something we like.

moving and looking for recommendations for new doctors and mechanics and stores, restaurants, etc.

Every people – every people group, ethnicity, community, nation, background, demographic, etc.

More directed than just giving a recommendation - promoting a cause or a product.

Evangelism is that - promoting the cause of Jesus. telling others through our words and, better yet, through our actions living out the Spirit of Jesus as He works in us.

Praying for the evangelization of every people = pray toward the hope of a thoroughly evangelized world.

Goal = That all people of every group would follow Jesus.

This is the heart of God the Father and the reason He sent His Son Jesus.

Light to shine upon the nations

Isaiah 49:6 (NIV)

he says:

“It is too small a thing for you to be my servant

to restore the tribes of Jacob

and bring back those of Israel I have kept.

I will also make you a light for the Gentiles,

that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.”

Prophecy about Jesus - His purpose - not just to restore Israel but all people.

Light for the Gentiles - the scope of ministry, area of reach, audience for proclaiming Good News, target of dealing hope - not just for internal enjoyment, not just for tribal benefit - that would be too small, too limited, too easy. Outer limit? The ENDS OF THE EARTH!

Every ethnic grouping, every racial sector, every language cluster, every economic level, and so on...

Jesus declaring He is the fulfilment of the prophecy.

John 8:12 NIV

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

He is the light, followers never walk in darkness.

But also at the beginning of His ministry, Jesus also broadens the scope. Jesus declared His followers are the light.

Matthew 5:14–16 NIV

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Let your light shine before others - Jesus in you, shining on others as you do good.

Evangelizing is telling others your story - the story of what Jesus is doing in you. It is also living the story - living out the heart of Jesus as we follow Him, letting the light of Jesus shine through us.

Name to be honored among all peoples

Malachi 1:11 (NIV)

My name will be great among the nations, from where the sun rises to where it sets. In every place incense and pure offerings will be brought to me, because my name will be great among the nations,” says the Lord Almighty.

The name of Jesus will be honored by all as He is honored by each of us. As His name is praised. As He is given praise for the change He makes in each of us. As we tell the story of Jesus in our life.

God revealed by responding to prayer

Psalm 65:2–5 (NIV)

2 You who answer prayer,

to you all people will come.

5 You answer us with awesome and righteous deeds,

God our Savior,

the hope of all the ends of the earth

and of the farthest seas,

Luke 19:37 (NIV)

When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen:

God is revealed to others as He answers prayer. We pray for others, we pray over and with others, and His response helps us to see God’s care and love. To know that He knows.

Often, that response also includes us. We are the provision. Our gifts, our kindness, our willingness to allow Jesus to work through us for the benefit of others. Then they see Jesus clearly, not just in a story but in action. In answering prayer.

Leaders to hear and honor the truth

Psalm 138:4–5 NIV

May all the kings of the earth praise you, Lord, when they hear what you have decreed. May they sing of the ways of the Lord, for the glory of the Lord is great.

Gospel to be declared to all peoples

Psalm 96:2–4 (NIV)

Sing to the Lord, praise his name;

proclaim his salvation day after day.

Declare his glory among the nations,

his marvelous deeds among all peoples.

For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise;

he is to be feared above all gods.

Psalm 96:2-4a sing, praise, proclaim, declare. We do that in our service. Worship Jesus and God the Father through His Spirit. That is a beginning. To make Him known we simply tell the story - v3 declare His glory, His wondrous works - to the nations and to all peoples. We start that proclamation in our gatherings and carry it wherever we go.

Entire cities to seek the living God

Matthew 21:9–11 (NIV)

The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,

“Hosanna to the Son of David!”

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?”

The result as God’s people praise Him is that others are drawn. They begin asking. We get opportunities to tell the story. We get opportunities to be the hands and feet of Jesus as we help those in need. Point people to Him.

Worship from every nation

John 12:20–21 NIV

Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the festival. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. “Sir,” they said, “we would like to see Jesus.”

You - if you follow Jesus - if He is making a difference in your life - you are an evangelist. Your story is important to helping others see Jesus. You living out the heart of Jesus to love and to serve others is important. You are part of the rescue operation to bring the whole world in the Light.

Matthew 5:16 NIV

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.