2019 Theme Lights in a Dark World Philippians 2:15

You are the Light of the World Matthew 13:14-16 Philippians 2:15

God, Christ and Light God is light – 1 John 1:5 He created light and sustains it Genesis 1:1-3, James 1:17 God controls light Jesus, “I am the Light of the World” - John 1:4-9, 8:12, 9:5, 12:35-36 In these, we learn what it means to be light

We are the light of the world More than any other illustration, we are lights. Matthew 5:14-16 Jesus described Himself as the Light of the world. He describes us the same way! Philippians 2:15, we are called upon to shine as lights in this dark world

We are the light of the world The gospel, a source of light 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ. Acts 13:47, a light to the Gentiles 2 Peter 1:19, the prophetic word, a light that shines in a dark place 1 Timothy 1:11, glorious

We are the light of the world 1 John 1:5-9, we walk in the light as He is in the light Ephesians 5:8-9, walk as children of light 1 Thessalonians 5:5-6, sons of light and of the day 1 John 2:8-11, we are to abide in the light

Light sustains life We need the light of the sun to survive. Necessary for life Matthew 5:45, it is a gift from God The light of Christ gives life John 1:4 Psalm 27:1 1 Peter 2:9 – called out of darkness into His light

Light illuminates Light reveals what is around you Exodus 13:21-22, the Lord provided a pillar of fire by night Psalm 119:105, your word is a lamp to my feet, a light to my path The gospel, our light, illuminates to us truth. We let our light so shine – Matthew 5:16

Light exposes It exposes what is hidden in the dark (part of illuminating) John 3:19-21, it exposes the deeds of those in darkness, AND those in light 1 Corinthians 4:5, He will bring to light the hidden things of darkness Ephesians 5:11-13, all things exposed are made manifest

Light provides security Part of exposing darkness. There is greater safety when it is light Romans 13:12, put on the armor of light 1 Thessalonians 5:2-7, “thief in the night”, you are sons of light and of the day NOTE: The “DAY of the Lord”

Light has healing properties Light increases vitamin D, is good for mental health and good sleep. E.g. “You need to get some sun light” Malachi 4:2, The Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings Matthew 9:1-8, 12 Jesus heals the paralytic AND forgives His sins He’s the “Great Physician”

Light has healing properties We need His “healing” 1 John 1:7, If we walk in the light… Isaiah 53:5, …by His stripes we are healed Revelation 22:1-5, leaves for the healing of the nations

Light provides warmth The sun is our source of warmth, as is a fire, etc. We are reminded to be “warm” as we let our lights shine – godly attitudes help us Philippians 2:14-15, blameless and harmless…

Light is dependable It does what it is supposed to do God saw to that! Genesis 8:21-22 James 1:17, He is “the Father of lights, with Whom there is no variation or shadow of turning” Mathew 5:37, we need consistency & integrity

Light attracts Lights used to promote events and locations. It even attracts insects. When our light is shining brightly, it can attract others to Christ Mathew 5:16, “Let your light so shine before men…”

How is your light shining?