Matthew 5:14-16 (NKJV) 14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

MATTHEW 5:14-16 When The Light Becomes Brighter

Have you ever gone outside and looked up at the stars? If you live in the city, it might be a bit more difficult If you drive out to the country, you can see so many more stars without all the city lights around

When The Light Becomes Brighter The stars that can be seen, even in the city, are the stars that shine the brightest The sun, of course, is the brightest of all the stars in the sky Obviously, the brighter the star, the more that can visibly see it

The Light of the World Jesus said in Matthew 5:14 that we are the light of the world For centuries, those who represent Christ to the world have allowed their lights to shine to those around Some, like Paul, traveled around and therefore their lights shone brighter

The Light of the World Along came inventions such as the automobile that allowed lights to reach more people and to shine brighter Airplanes did the same for our lights, allowing us greater influence Radio and television gave the church opportunity that it did not have before

The Light of the World Along came the internet, which allowed anyone to have their presence and their speech reach all around the globe Our lights are shining brighter today than they ever have before More and more people can see the lights that are Christians today

Our Presence Online Literally millions, if not billions, of people have some type of online presence today Whether it is through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, a website or blog, we can be accessed by millions Some are accessed whether they like it or not

Our Presence Online It’s been said “With great power comes great responsibility” Jesus said it like this in Luke 12:48, “For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required” We have been given a great tool, and we will answer for how we use it

Our Presence Online Does our online presence strengthen our reputation as a child of God? If you took all of your activity online and only judged your life by that, would you stand proud or ashamed before God? Remember we are Christians online as well as when we are offline

Let Your Light Shine Online 1. Be on guard  We have a pretty good understanding of how Satan works  “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (I Pet. 5:8)

Let Your Light Shine Online 1. Be on guard  Satan operates the same way online  We need to be careful of the websites that we visit while online  Certain ads, links or images can cause us to visit other places that we should not be  We are taught to guard our hearts and minds (Prov. 4:23)

Let Your Light Shine Online 1. Be on guard  Satan wants our minds because he realizes that this is where the battle can be won or lost  The more garbage that goes into our minds, the easier it is for him to operate  We must “resist the devil” (Js. 4:7)

Let Your Light Shine Online 2. Be proactive  One of the best ways to protect ourselves in any situation is to be proactive rather than reactive  What is meant by this is simply letting others know who you are up front  Let others know that you are a child of God

Let Your Light Shine Online 2. Be proactive  Prayer can be proactive; asking God to give us both wisdom and strength  Remember the model prayer? (Matt. 6:13)  We need to have accountability online  Parents being friends with children, following them on Twitter, Instagram, etc.

Let Your Light Shine Online 2. Be proactive  It can be as simple as having a computer in an open area where all can see what is being done  It really boils down to us not putting ourselves in bad spots; not getting into positions where we are susceptible to fall

Let Your Light Shine Online 3. Be a Christian  It’s not just about declaring that you are a Christian, but acting like one  We need to avoid acting like the world when we are online  We represent Christ whether people know us or not

Let Your Light Shine Online 3. Be a Christian  Be kind – Eph. 4:32  Be truthful – Rom. 12:17; Phil. 4:8  Make your message clear (tone, etc.)  Avoid gossip – Rom. 1:29; Prov. 16:28; I Tim. 5:13

Let Your Light Shine Online 3. Be a Christian  Avoid hateful language – Matt. 12:36-37; Eph. 4:29  Acronyms are just as bad as saying the actual words  Be careful who your friends are – I Cor. 15:33