You Are the Light of the World (Matthew 5:14)

"You are the light of the world. A city 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 men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16)

Often, the temptation in life is to try to run away from people. Someone would say, "I can do ministry; only if there were no people!" But, ministry and people are connected; it is impossible to separate both. Jesus Himself came to serve, not to be served. There would be someone else who might say, "Only if I could just run away to a new place and then it would be wonderful." Yes, you should run to many new places, as the Lord opens doors; but, do not despise the place you are in right now. Every candle has its own stand. Of course, sometimes, especially when it is dark, we have to carry our candle from one place to another (or carry our torches where we go) in order to light another candle there. Similarly, God will carry you from one place to another in order to light more candles, so that the whole world will see the light of God.

So, the FACT is stated: You are the light of the world; and the COMMAND is given: Let your light shine before men!

SHINE BOLDLY - Do not be afraid to shine. It's not bad or prideful or over exerting to shine; because to shine is the duty of light. Do not be afraid to let your light shine before people. Do not hide your talents. Do not think "What will they say?" Do not be afraid that people will criticize. Millions of them still criticize God. Don't be afraid if people look rough and tough. Don't be afraid that they may reject you or not accept you. Because once the light has shone, there is no reversal. The job is done; it is impossible not to see what light has exposed, unless people choose to cover their eyes and run into darkness. So, shine. Shine boldy!

SHINE BRIGHTLY - Don't let the fire be dim. Shine brightly. Let the fire glow bright. It should attract attention. It should be clearly visible. Don't just go into a corner and hide and believe God will use you from your hiding place. He didn't say "Stay inside your house." He said, "Go out into all the world." It's okay, if some people may get envious or mad or angry. There are many others who will be happy to see light. But, be bright. Speak the truth loudly, clearly, constantly, and sincerely.

LIGHT TALKS ABOUT:

THE TRUTH OF GOD - Declare the Truth of God to this generation. Be a messenger of God's word to the people. Speak out His Word.
THE LOVE OF GOD - Light talks about good deeds, which is nothing other than deeds of divine love. The Bible says that the Love of God is the fulfills the Law of God. However, darkness signifies evil deeds. But light overcomes darkness; similarly the Bible calls us to overcome evil by good.
THE LIFE OF GOD - Light also signifies life. That is what is meant by the phrase "light of life". Communicate life wherever you are. The words that you speak and the works that you do must communicate the life of God into people's life.

Is Water Baptism Necessary Before Partaking in Lord's Supper

"Last Supper" by Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo (1750) Yes, it is. Water baptism identifies one with the redemption work of Jesus Christ, with His death, burial, and resurrection. It is anticipated of visible identification with Christ and His Church. Every person has the personal responsibility to examine him/herself before deciding to partake in the Lord's Table. The Bible makes it clear that those who chose not to be baptized were rejecting the counsel of God (Lk.7:30). In a mixed congregation, it is not possible to always know who is worthy to partake of the Table; however, the minister must encourage only those who have been baptized for remission of sins (not just as a ritual but by faith in Jesus Christ) to partake of the Table. Before Jesus sat down to dip bread in the cup, He washed His disciples' feet. He makes the statement that they are already "washed" and only need feet to be washed. Of course, this may not explicitly/only refer to their baptism, fo

Matthew 6:31-33

"Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." (Mat 6:31-33) The original sense of nakedness was from that deep insecurity of autonomy that sprung from man's first alienation from God due to sin-- spiritual death. Seeking God marks man's refusal to stay alienated by turning towards His Maker in whom alone is Covering and true Security and no reason to be ashamed anymore.

Is it not cruel for God to kill His Son in place of us?

The doctrine of atonement is a stumbling block for some who feel that it not only exemplifies cruelty but also does away with human responsibility. The issue abounds with various questions and attempts to solution. Questions: 1. If God knew that man would sin and fall, why did He create man? 2. Why doesn't God, if He exists, intervene and stop evil; why just be Judge but not be Governor with proper police security system that minimises the possibility of transgression? 3. How can the death of one particular man atone for the sins of many particular men? 4. Isn't it not cruel to punish an innocent man for the sins of others so that they go free? Answers that challenge the Christian doctrine: 1. God does not require sacrifice in order to forgive, He can forgive by sovereign authority. 2. Every man must bear his own guilt so that he has a sense of responsibility and possess a genuine reason to pursue good and turn from evil. Biblical Responses: 1. God's knowledge of human Fall

Marbaniang, Domenic

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