Sermon: October 15, 2023
Sermon Part 5: "The New Creature in Christ Brings Light To Those Trapped in Darkness!"
Good morning to the beloved Saints of God.
For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light (Eph.5:8)
A Quick Story before I Get Started
My best friend is Bishop Larry Dempsey, and we have been best friends for over 60-years. When I was 9-years old, and Larry was about 16, he invited me to attend his Church for Sunday School and Worship Service—a Pentecostal Church, named, “The Church of Jesus Christ, Inc.” I later became a member too. Larry and his family lived two houses down from my family on Varnum Street.
One day, I was walking down our street on my way to Grant Circle, to meet some friends to play ball. I was about a block away from the Circle, when I happened to see something that brought utter shock and dismay to me—something awful that happened to Larry! To this day, I have never mentioned this story to Bishop Dempsey, and he does not know that I saw it. But, I am sure he would not mind if I told it to you.
Larry was about to leave Grant Circle when a bully (very large guy) walked up to him, and just punched him very hard in the face! In that split second, with my mouth- wide open, I wondered how Larry would respond—would he fight back, run, or just what?
The punch knocked Larry backwards and he stumbled and almost hit the ground. Then, I heard Larry cry-out very loudly, “Jesus!” The bully continued aggressively toward him, as Larry stood up straight in from of him. The bully did not strike Larry again, and went on his way mouthing profanities at him. I said to myself, that’s Jesus in action—that’s Jesus Christ being persecuted—and the Light of Christ shining.
I have no idea what impact, if any, Larry’s example of restraint and courage had on the bully. But that day, as in every day that I have known Larry, his life has shown brightly the Light of Jesus Christ. I am so very proud of my best friend the honorable Bishop Larry Dempsey.
Now, I hear the Lord saying, Saints of God:
Everywhere you go, and the people you interact with, should see the evidence of God in Christ in you? Today, God is asking of you: Is your life serving as an “influence” for people to come to God through Jesus Christ and receive salvation?
Introduction
Consider that as born-again Christians, New Creatures in Christ, our lives are to be fully committed to Jesus Christ, and to allow the Spirit of the Life and Mind of Jesus Christ to live through us, as He is seated at the right throne of God the Father. (Luke 9:23-24, Col. 3:3 & I John 4:17)
At Matthew 5:14-16. Jesus said:
14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Wow, Jesus Christ said we are: "THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD"
During my 60-plus years in Christian circles, rarely if ever have I heard anyone, call themselves, “The Light of the World." How about you? Most, if not all Christians, have reserved this claim exclusively to Jesus Christ, and would not dare make such a claim themselves; considering it boasting and blasphemy.
Yet, this is exactly what Jesus Christ told His disciples privately on a mountain top, with enormous crowds below who were gathered to see and hear Him speak. (Matt.5:1) Truly, if you are a born-again Christian, you are the “Light of the World.”
Now, I know many Christians have strongholds in their human-brains of traditional religious teachings received since childhood; that have worked to reinforce the notion that the lights they have are “little lights.” Indeed, most of us grew up in Sunday Schools and Churches, and in homes, in which we learned and sung the song, "This Little Light of Mine." The song lyrics were well intended, however, they also sorely diminish the intent of Jesus's proclamation that we are the “Light of the World.” There is nothing little about the Light of Christ in you!
Saints of God, let's speak the truth in love, and always say exactly what the Bible says! We are the children of light and the day, and have no association with the night nor darkness! (I Thess. 5:5) We are “Light in the Lord” and have been commanded to walk as sons of the Light, as Jesus Christ is seated at the right hand throne of God the Father. (Eph. 5:8 & I John 4:17)
As such, with all sincerity of heart, we must acknowledge this good and perfect gift from God established in our hearts, so that the “Light” may become effectual (powerful) to bring people who do not know the Lord, to the place of glorifying God, our Heavenly Father. (Ph.1:6)
So, say out-loud: “I am the Light of the World!"
Now, say collectively: "We are the Light of the World!"
For some of you, your brains maybe producing thoughts counter to these affirmations. But, right now be transformed by the renewing of your mind with the Word of God, without fear, doubt, and trembling! (Rom.12:2) The Bible is right, and every one and everything, that opposes or compromises the Word of God—is wrong and a liar. (Rom. 3:4)
At Matthew 24:35, Jesus said, "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away." Praise God, Jesus said you are the “Light of World,” so settle it for yourself that the Light of Christ is in you, and God has given you permission to turn on the Light and let it shine to its fullest potential to Light up the World. This greatly pleases God our Father!
The Apostle Paul said, we are “Light in the Lord.” Thus, the source of the Light abiding in our hearts is none other than Jesus Christ. Further, at John 8:12, Jesus was recorded as saying:
…I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
In the Gospel of John, seven times Jesus proclaimed, “I AM,” which as the only begotten Son of God, Jesus was pointing to His unique divine identity and purpose. In declaring, “I AM the Light of the World,” Jesus was asserting that He is the exclusive source of “spiritual light,” and that “No other source of spiritual truth” is available to mankind! (John 14:6) A man may choose to worship Buddha in Temples, and Mohammed at Mosques, but he will never find spiritual life/truth, nor his way to God there—as these are false gods.
There is no other way to spiritual truth than Jesus Christ. God is “Light” and He is “Spirit,” and in Him there is no darkness at all. Therefore, the only way a man can approach, worship, and have fellowship with God, is through His Son Jesus Christ. (I John 1:5 & John 4:24)
Yes, Jesus is the True Light. (John 1:9) His teaching, His presence, and His authority illuminates—pushes back—and chases away the darkness of religiosity, demonic oppression and possession, self-motivated interest, and invites/influences all people to believe in Him so that they may be set free and experience the very “life of God” in abundance. (John 10:10)
Followers of Jesus Christ Have a Two-Fold Promise in the Light of Christ
In John 8:12, notice that Jesus made a two-fold promise to His disciples. 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.
My, My, My, what exceedingly great and precious promises we have from the Lord! Anyone who follows after Jesus Christ: (1) shall never walk in darkness and (2) possesses the "Light of Life."
If Jesus Christ is your Lord and Savior, you need to shout for joy, saying: “I will never walk in darkness—never walk in evil, never walk in sin!” This is an assurance that we have and enjoy eternal forgiveness of sin, and salvation through the name of Jesus Christ.
As true followers of the Light, we will never follow the ways of sin; never live in a state of continually sinning. (I John 1:5-7) Having already received the forgiveness of sins as an inheritance, if we should sin, we repent, and with the help of the Holy Ghost turn away from sin, and do that which is right and pleasing in God’s sight, to stay close in following after the “True Light.” (Heb.10:16-17 & Eph.1:7)
Yes, and for even those born-again Christians who have lost their way and wondered away from the Great Shepherd Jesus, will never lose their salvation, because Jesus promised to leave the 99 sheep and seek and find the lost sheep and bring them safely back into the fold. (Matt.18:12)
Born-again Christians need to settle this too: “Once in the Light, you stay in the Light.” Just because a Christian may go through a time or seasons when they are not reflecting the Light of Christ, doesn’t prevent the Light of Christ from shining brightly on them! God is everywhere, sees all and knows all—and where ever we decide to lie down, God is there too! (Ps.113:7-10) Jesus guaranteed that He will lose none that the Father has given Him! (John 6:38-39 & Heb. 13:5)
The second part of the promise at John 8:12 is that Jesus’s followers receive the “Light of Life.” This means as New Creatures in Christ, we have the capacity and power to exhibit the character, behavior, and work-ethic of Jesus Christ as He is seated at the right hand of God before all men.
Just as the moon has no light of its own, and reflects the light of the sun, so are believers to reflect the Light of Christ—His Life and Mind as He is seated at the right-hand throne of God—so that all people can see Jesus through us. Glory be to God! People are to see Jesus in our mannerisms, speech, and actions—as I saw Jesus in Larry. The Light of Christ established in us is wired for a life-style of illuminance, and not a flicker of a flame ever so often. Jesus said, “Be thou faithful until death and I will give you the crown of life.” (Rev.2:10)
Defining the Light of Jesus Christ
Now, specifically, lets define the “Light of Jesus Christ”—what is it? The Light of Christ is a divine infusion of "influence" from God that prepares a person to hear and receive the Holy Ghost, the third person of the God-head. My God, in our hearts, we have been infused with God-given influence!
God wants everyone to receive His Spirit. Only by the Spirit of God (The Holy Ghost) can we enter into worship, fellowship, and Oneness with God. (John 3:5 & 4:24) Only by the Holy Ghost can we enter into and receive the things that pertain unto the kingdom of God. (Rom.14:17) Only by the Holy Ghost can we do the works of Christ and greater works. Only by the Holy Ghost will our bodies be raised up from the dead at the return of Jesus Christ to rapture the Church. (John 14:12, 26, Acts 1:8, 10:38 & Rom. 8:11)
When I say the Light of Christ is “influence” from God, I mean that God alone impacts how a person develops, behaves, and thinks! Oh yes, God uses the Holy Ghost to influence us to get to know Him and come into communion with Him through Jesus Christ.
The Holy Ghost opens our ears and hearts to receive the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ to receive salvation. (II Cor. 4:4) It is God alone who “draws” us to receive salvation through the preaching of the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third-day, and His ascension to right hand of God the Father; and not we ourselves. This is a special grace and mercy from God. Yes, it was at the cross where God influenced our hearts and minds and we first saw the Light, and the burdens of our hearts were rolled away.
Some Christians might struggle somewhat to receive this truth that “God alone draws us to Himself.” Um, actually it would be better stated if I said it this way: “God alone drags us to Himself!” Check out what Jesus was recorded as saying at John 6:44.
No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
The Greek word translated “draw” is helkuo, which means “to drag” (literally or figuratively). Yes, we need to understand that God drags us to Himself! This drawing to salvation is a one-sided “Love affair.” We only love God because He first loved us. (I John 4:19) We play a passive role in the process, as we respond to His drawing us, but the drawing itself is all on God’s part. Check out Colossians 1:12-13 please. It reads:
Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
Do you see now that God alone is the one who influenced you to receive salvation? God made us partakers of our inheritance, God delivered us from the power of darkness, and God translated us into Jesus’s kingdom—God did, God did, God did—got it? Some of us in the body of Christ come to the Lord and receive salvation willingly, and some are dragged unwillingly, but all who the Lord calls eventually come, although we have no part in the drawing! Those who are called were predestined to receive God and the Light of Christ. (Rom. 8:29-30)
Metaphorically speaking, we can understand this drawing (dragging) by God this way. We were all sinners sinking deep in the waterways of sin, and had no hope of eternal survival. But it was God’s great love for us that, like as a great fisherman, God casted a “wide net” of His mercy and grace that extended deep down to the floors of oceans, seas, bays, lakes, ponds, swamps, and all other waterways and caught us all in the nets.
The bait God used to attract us is His loving kindness and goodness. (Rom. 2:4) With God’s strong right arm and hand He lifted us all up out of the depths of despair and depravity into new life eternal in Himself. Yes, as the song says, “when nothing else could help love lifted me.” It was God’s Love that lifted us out of the muck and mire and placed us upon a rock to stay!
Um, it is also interesting to note that when Jesus Christ called Simon Peter and Andrew to follow Him, Jesus said "come and I will make you fishers of men." (Matt. 4:19) Jesus offered to make the disciples influencers—co-laborers with Himself in drawing and dragging men to salvation.
Why God Must Draw Us to Salvation
Now, you may ask, why does God need to draw us to salvation? The answer is: Because if God didn’t, we would never come to Him! Jesus exclaimed that no man "can" come unless the Father draws him. In other words, the natural man has no ability to come to God, nor does he even have the desire to come. The reason is his heart is hardened and mind is darkened. The unregenerate person in this untoward world does not desire God, and is actually an enemy of God. (I Cor. 2:14)
When Jesus exclaimed that no man can come without God drawing him, He was making a statement about mankind’s total sinful depravity and the universality of that condition. So darkened is the unsaved person’s heart and mind that they don’t even realize it: “The heart of the unsaved is deceitful, and above all things, beyond cure without Christ’s influence. Of the human heart, the Prophet Jeremiah wrote, “who can know it?” (Jer.17:9)
As such, only by the merciful and gracious drawing of God are we saved. (Eph. 2:8-9) In the conversion of the sinner man, God alone is the one who enlightens the mind (Eph.1:18), inclines the human will toward Himself, and influences the soul, without such influence the soul remains darkened and rebellious against God. All of this is involved in the “drawing process.”
There are tangible ways in which those who are being drawn to salvation experience that drawing through the Holy Ghost; and those of us who are born-again bear witness to it.
When the Light of Christ has come: First, the Holy Ghost convicts us of our sinful state and our need for a Savior. (John 16:8) Second, the Holy Ghost awakens in us a previously unknown interest in spiritual things and creates a desire for them that was never there before. Suddenly, our ears are open, our hearts are inclined toward God, and the Bible begins to hold a new and exciting fascination for us.
Our born-again hearts begin to discern spiritual truth that never made sense to us before. Third, we begin to have new desires. The Holy Ghost places within us a new heart that inclines toward God, a heart that desires to know God, obey Him, and walk in the “newness of life” that He has promised. (Rom. 6:4 & Heb.10:16) All this and much more is in testimony of the Light of Christ, by the work of the Holy Ghost that is in us.
We should also note that as the Light of the World, Christ’s Light has influence on every human being born into this world. Scripture tells us for example that:
Christ is the "True Light that Lights every person born into the world." (John 1:9)
This is Christ Light’s influence upon the human conscious of mankind. It is an “influence” for good in the lives of all people. (John 1:9) For example, one manifestation of the Light of Christ on the human conscience is mans’ ability to choose between right and wrong. There is also what is known as the “general call,” and is distinguished from the “effectual call” of God’s elect as I just described earlier. Passages such as Psalm 19:1-4 and Romans 1:20 attest to the fact that God’s eternal power and divine nature are “clearly seen” and “understood” from creation (the lower heavens and the earth), “so that mankind is without excuse in knowing that God is.” But, even with the evidence from nature, men still do deny God’s existence, and those who acknowledge His existence still do not come to a saving knowledge of Him, without God drawing them. Only those who have been drawn through special revelation—by the power of the Holy Ghost and the grace of God— can and will come to Christ. Praise God though, God is long suffering and desires that all men would repent and receive salvation before the world is dissolved with fervent heat. (II Pet. 3:9)
Bring the Influence of Christ to Those Trapped in Darkness
So this is where we are today Saints. We live in a world filled with billions of people who are trapped in darkness—sin-sick, spiritually dead, and morally deprived of God’s way of living and doing things. These unsaved people are perhaps among those in your family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, enemies, and strangers. And, without our example of Christ, may die and spend eternity in hell. Our lives are a living epistle read of men. (II Cor.3: 2-3) Every day that we live, the unsaved people of the world are watching how we live out this Christian journey.
Praise God, we are co-laborers with Christ. (I Cor. 3:9) And, we walk in the Light to work with the Lord in drawing all men to God. Jesus Christ said He was the “Light” while in the world. (John 9:5) Now, we are His Light reflected in earth. So it’s up to every born-again Christian, and the body of Christ collectively, to purposefully turn on our “high-beams” of Light so every person can see Christ in us and be persuaded to receive the Holy Ghost and free gift of salvation through Jesus’s name. (Acts 4:12)
To let our Lights “so shine” before men to see our good works, requires that we yield our whole-selves (heart, soul, and body) unto the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost then will release the expression of the Spirit of the Life and Mind of Jesus Christ in our every-day walk of life. The fruit of the Spirit and Gifts of the Spirit will flow through us to provide examples of Christ life to all persons. Casting a wide-net of God’s love to catch therein the souls of men.
Just yield yourselves to God as instruments of righteousness—even servants of righteousness. (Rom. 6:13) Yes, servants of the Life and Mind of Jesus Christ as He is seated at the right-hand of God—at home, work, school, and wherever you go! The world is ours to influence with the Light of Christ, and not the enemy Satan’s. We rule and reign with Jesus Christ over the earth! (Rom. 5:17) Our mission is to fulfill God’s plan to go forth and reap the people of the earth using the influence of Christ Jesus, (John 4:34-38)
Let us work to compel the people to come to God and receive salvation through the name of Jesus Christ—through your character, integrity, work-ethic, shared faith in God’s Word, and demonstration of the supernatural power of God to make new things appear never seen in the world before. (John 14:12 & I Cor. 2:9-12)
In closing, in a moment I will share with you several ways to practically let your Light shine before the people of the world. But before I do, let me proffer the most direct way I can think of to let your Light so shine before men—to let your influence be known before men that Jesus Christ is in you, and that salvation through Christ is waiting for everyone who would believe in the name of Jesus Christ.
Letting your light shine brightest is best carried out by “seeing and treating every person on earth, with special attention given to any person with a need and enemies, as if they are Jesus Christ Himself.” Listen to the words of Jesus at Matthew 25: 35-40. Jesus said:
35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?
39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
When we do any good thing for our neighbor, (friend or foe) in faith, we have also done it unto Jesus Christ. When we see every person we encounter as Jesus Christ, then we are walking in the Light of God, and reflect the Light of Christ on the person(s) we serve. I guarantee you, if you will treat everyone as if they are Jesus Christ Himself, the person(s) you serve will sense and feel the love, honor, compassion and power of God on them. By the Holy Ghost, they will be drawn to Christ to receive salvation and God will be glorified. Glory be to God!
Now regarding practical actions of letting your Light shine, the following actions are known to you to do. But, I would add to your understanding, that they must all be initiated by the Holy Ghost. For the sons of God are led by the Spirit of God. (Rom. 8:14) In this way, Christ Light will always shine bright in your sayings and dealings with others.
*Live a life of Integrity (Be a person of your Word. Measure the Worth of Your Words by the Actions You Take to Fulfill Them.)
*Preach the gospel of Jesus Christ without compromise to the lost. (The gospel was preached to you, so be sure to share it liberally with the unsaved.)
*Pray earnestly for all people of the world, and for those around you. (Read and learn about the sufferings of people in nations around the world, and be touched with their infirmities, like Christ Jesus, and petition God for their deliverance. Likewise, for those in close physical proximity to you in need of healing and deliverance, listen and have compassion and pour Anointed oil on them and lay hands and command their healing and needs be exceeded in the name of Jesus.)
*Be quick to love and forgive everyone, especially those who have wronged you.
* Suffer persecution graciously, without complaining, malice, and retaliation of heart. (This pleases God greatly when you suffer for righteousness sake.)
*Display gratitude and generosity to your Church and to those in need. (God loves a cheerful giver.)
*Fellowship with other Churches and Christians of like precious faith. (Our Light becomes supercharged when we are yoked together in love and truth in celebration of the Lord.)
*Help those in need with the compassion of Christ Jesus (Be a Good Samaritan, seeking to help others without an expectation of human reward.)
* Read and study the Bible (So that you can be an able and worthy workman rightly dividing and sharing the Word of truth in love with others.)
Lastly, above all these things—pray in the Holy Ghost; daily building yourself up on your most holy faith; until the Love of God, and mercies of God, saturate you! God will give you perfect peace, and the Light of Christ in you will shine bright in every endeavor in life. (Jude 20-23)
Praise God, for every place you go, there will be plenty of Light within you, to draw men to Christ. Then by the Holy Ghost and power you will have the “compassion of Christ” to make a mark on the lives of others that cannot be erased. You will be emboldened to pull people out of the fires of life—from addictions, illness, sickness, and disorders.
Isaiah 61: 1-3 reads:
Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the LORD will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you. The Gentiles shall come to your light, And kings to the brightness of your rising.
Amen for the preaching of the Word of the Living God!
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