The True Light

 John 1:9
That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
Not everyone will believe that Jesus is the true light from God. Many will turn away from this light and continue to live in darkness, and by their choice, remain blinded to their sin. Jesus came down from heaven and He pierced the darkness of this world to show us the way to salvation. Salvation is for all, and not a selected few. Every man is given the opportunity to walk in the light or to refuse the light. Only God knows the hearts of all men, and is faithful to reveal Himself in His way. We were not predestined at birth to live in darkness. Jesus came to the world and His light will reflect in the lives of those who walk in the light. To those who choose to receive the light, He provides the power to live in a world that has rejected the light and continues to live in their sin. We are not to hide our light under a bushel, but to let our light shine that others may see Christ in us. We are to be a witness of the true light, and let our lives testify of the grace of God.

The True Light

 John 1:9,10

That was the true Light, which lights every man that comes into the world.  He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.

 

All light is not true light. Satan can come as an angel of light. His purpose is to deceive people into believing a lie. We are faced daily with old and new information about the world and about what is true and what is false. God’s word is a daily challenge of its authenticity and its reliability. John declares that Jesus is the true light, and that he is the light for every human that is born into this world. Satan has blinded people with his light of deception, and the world is blinded to the light that Jesus brings to humanity. People are quick to try and disprove the Bible, but they will never disprove the true light of God. God is faithful to shine His light of truth on all men and women. The choice is always left to people to decide what they want to believe.

The Light of the World

-->

Matt. 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.

As follower of Christ, there are no secret Christians. How you live will portray what you believe. The life of a Christian is to show the world that it is possible to live a life of love and kindness. Not only possible, but essential to calling yourself a follower of Jesus Christ. Being  the light of the world implies that the world is filled with darkness and those that live in the world walk in darkness and are lost. Light is what pierces the darkness. It illuminates the way and serves as a beacon to help people find their way out of darkness. We our the light of the world when we reflect the true light for “He was the true Light, which lights every man that cometh into the world. (John 1:9). If your light is shining, it is seen by all who know you. Christian are not to hide this light, but we are to let it shine, not in word only, but in the way we live.

Committed to God

2 Tim 1:12.14 I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day…That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwells in us.

Being committed has lost its meaning in our present culture. There are fewer and fewer people willing to stay committed to what they say they will do. Being committed is like keeping a promise. Staying true and following through what you started regardless of the inconvenience or hardship that it may cause. As Christians, we came to Christ as sinners, and He forgave us of our past and made us new creatures. We become a follower of Christ. As we walk with Him, we commit our ways to His way and make decisions and promises to follow Him no matter what comes. Our commitment is test and in our own humanity we fall short of keeping that commitment. But, staying true to our word is made possible when we have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us. It was not until Pentecost that the disciples were able to stay true to their commitment to follow Christ regardless of the circumstances. Before then, they boasted of their commitment, but came short when they were put to the test. What a difference in their commitment when the Holy Spirit came to live and dwell in their hearts. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit with power does not happen by accident. It happens when believers are willing to surrender not only their sins to the cross, but to commit their entire lives to perfect will of God.

The Fruit of True Christianity

 Nov. 11th, 2012

The Fruit of True Christianity

John 15:12 This is my commandment, That you love one another, as I have loved you.

13 Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

1 John:3:14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.

1 Corinth 13: 4 Love suffers long, and is kind; love envies not; love vaunts not itself, is not puffed up,

5 Does not behave itself rudely, seeks not her own, is not easily provoked, keeps no record of evil;

6 Rejoices not in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth;

7 Bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

EXPRESSING YOUR FAITH THROUGH LOVE

How is your faith revealed to others?

Does abstaining from sinful ways demonstrate your love for people?

How is love put into practice?

How does the world perceive you?

Does your faith express selfish passion or selfless passion?

ENERGIZING YOUR LOVE

What is your source of refilling?

Where do you fill out?

Loving in your own strength will not last

ENDLESS SACRIFICE OF LOVE

Is being human a good enough reason to stop loving?

Is there ever a time when you have “Loved enough”?

How is it possible to love that one person who just gets on your nerves?

EXAMPLES OF LOVE

Classic- The love Joseph showed his brothers.- God meant it for good.

Jonathan’s love for David- Gave up is place as King

Hosea Loved Gomer in spit of her infidelity – 

Greatest example ever- Jesus gave his life for sinners. 

Stephen- Give them Lord, they know not.

Paul- All things to all people that some might be won