1. 2019 Theme
Lights in a Dark World
Philippians 2:15

2. Shining as Lights in the darkness

3. Christians in this dark world
We must be a proper example
John 8:12 1 John 1:5-6
Matthew 5:14-16 – do not hide your light under a basked
Christians in this dark world

4. Christians in this dark world
Learn about the darkness around us without being enveloped by it
Be alert
1 Peter 5:8 2 Corinthians 2:11 – be aware of Satan
Christians in this dark world

5. Christians in this dark world
Prepare to answer to the best of your ability
1 Peter 3:15 2 Timothy 2:15 – rightly dividing the word of truth
We must learn to expose what is wrong and why
Christians in this dark world

6. Christians in this dark world
Prepare to answer to the best of your ability
2 Peter 1:19 – use God’s word
Proverbs 2:10-13
Colossians 4:5, Ephesians 5:15 we walk circumspectly
Matthew 10:16 – be wise as serpents, harmless as doves
Christians in this dark world

7. Christians in this dark world
We need to be different and willing to be different
Cf. Proverbs 6:27 – can we take fire into our bosom
1 Peter 4:1-14 the world “thinks it strange” that you no longer walk as you did before
Romans 13:12 – cast off the works of darkness
Christians in this dark world

8. Christians in this dark world
Love one another
We need each other as we engage the dark world
1 John 2:9-11, 5:2, etc.
Christians in this dark world

9. Christians in this dark world
Learn self-discipline
We need self-control in many areas as we engage this dark world
1 Corinthians 9:25 – temperate 2 Peter 1:6
Christians in this dark world

10. Christians in this dark world
Pray!
Jesus in the garden – Luke 22:40, 46
Be serious and watchful in your prayers – 1 Peter 4:7
Christians in this dark world

11. Dealing with those in darkness
Realize they have a soul
They will be judged – 2 Corinthians 5:10-11 Acts 17:30-31
Do we love them enough to try and win them?
Jesus is the only way – Acts 4:12, John 14:6, 1 John 5:11-12
Dealing with those in darkness

12. Dealing with those in darkness
Do what you can to influence them
Always be aware and alert
We are being watched!
Matthew 5:13-16 – salt and light
Romans 15:2, 12:18 – live peaceably with all men
Interact without being caught up in their sins
Dealing with those in darkness

13. Dealing with those in darkness
Try to understand where they are coming from
1 Corinthians 9:19-23, Paul became all things to all men
1 Corinthians 10:32-33, Give no offense…
ASK questions! Many will give answers for you to consider
Dealing with those in darkness

14. Dealing with those in darkness
Try to see them like Jesus did
A soul lost and in need of a Shepherd. He cared
Matthew 9:36, Luke 23:34
Take no pleasure in their eternal fate – Matthew 23:37-39
Matthew 11:28-30
Dealing with those in darkness

15. Dealing with those in darkness
Speak the truth in love
Ephesians 4:15
Be as diplomatic as possible – Colossians 4:6
Matthew 10:16
Dealing with those in darkness

16. Dealing with those in darkness
Pray for them
Matthew 5:44-46
1 Timothy 2:1, who needs prayers more than the lost?
Dealing with those in darkness

17. Dealing with those in darkness
Make the gospel as attractive as possible
There will be enough opposition, without unnecessary additions. Don’t complain, guard your words, be happy and content, beneficial, etc. 1 Peter 2:11-12, 3:16
Dealing with those in darkness

18. Dealing with those in darkness
Be patient
Typically, you won’t change someone overnight.
We are also called upon to “suffer long”
1 Corinthians 13:4-5, 2 Timothy 4:2
Dealing with those in darkness

19. Dealing with those in darkness
Be ready to give a defense.
As previously mentioned, defend what we believe in
Dealing with those in darkness

20. Dealing with those in darkness
Do expect to win them all
Even Jesus didn’t win them all.
The parable of the sower – Matthew 13:18 – some would outright reject, while others will drift away
This world continues to lie under the sway of Satan.
Don’t use this as an excuse to do nothing!
Dealing with those in darkness

21. How are you letting your light shine in this dark world?