Our Light in Darkness

Eph 5:8 says, “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light”.  Eph 5:13 says, “But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light”.  This message is about our light in darkness.

In 1 Pet 2:9, the Lord called us out of darkness into his marvelous light.  Jesus said, “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life”, Jn 8:12.

1 Thes 5:5 says, “Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night nor of darkness”.  So we are light and the world is darkness and people who are not saved are still in darkness.  We must shine our light in darkness.

Is 60:1-3 is a reference to Israel after Jesus returns at his Second Advent.  However, we can make a spiritual application to us in the church age.  We should he shining bright enough in the world today that “the Gentiles shall come to thy light”.  We are like:

Light on the horizon.  People can even see us at a distance to find their way out of the darkness.  Dr Sehmish’s prayer is that the Lord would enlarge our light and diminish the darkness.

• Like the lights of a city on the horizon.
• Like the old search lights that light the sky.
• And like lighted signage outside to bring them in.

Our invitations, tracts, witness, and testimony emit “light” that the lost can follow to the Lord and our church.  Also, our radio broadcasts and media posts can emit supernatural “light”.

Then when visitors get inside, the preaching of the true word of God will give light, Ps 119:130.  It’s not the light show in a dark auditorium that gives them light, Is 8:20.  It’s the preaching and teaching of the words of God from teachers and preachers who believe the words and have light in themselves.

Navigational light.  Like a lighted path, Ps 119:105.  The words of God light the way to heaven.  They help us navigate life.  We can be like the landing lights of a runway.  Pastor Keck said, “We have to build a runway to safely land the plane of bad news. We don’t want that plane to crash-land”.  Many people come to the Lord in times of crisis; we want to be here for them.

Traffic control lights.  Warning lights, Eph 5:13, to keep people away from danger.  We can show them how to avoid danger and go around it.  Our light should help them know when to slow down.  “He that hasteth with his feet sinneth”, Prov 19:2.  We can be like traffic lights signaling stop, caution, and go.

A Porch light.  They should know that we’re expecting them.  Remember the old Motel 6 slogan, “We’ll leave the light on for you”.  We had missionaries in Mexico who would stop in any time of the night or day on their way to and from the field.  They were always welcome and our guests and visitors should know that they are always welcome, too.  This should feel like their church “home” to them.  Be looking for them and greet them.

The light of a camp fire. Camp fires always bring to mind warm fellowship, good food, and camp songs.  Around a camp fire you really feel like you are away from the hustle and bustle.  You can rest.  Our light should signal good fellowship.

Conclusion: if you’re not saved come to Jesus, the light of the world.  If you are saved, come make this home, get help with navigating life, and enjoy the warn fellowship around our fire.  And for us who are members here, let’s be sure to shine your light in darkness.