Christianity Oasis Forum

[cimi]

October 24
Wednesday


TURN ON
THE LIGHTS

READ:
Matthew 5:13-20
____________________________

You are the light of
the world. A city that
is set on a hill cannot
be hidden.
__ Matthew 5:14
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People often ask me what I miss most about serving as president of Moody Bible Institute. Without question it's the students. I love their passion for Jesus and the way they demonstrate it to the world around them. Non-Christian employers often told me of the students' exemplary work ethic. Chicago's police superintendent once said, "When the Moody students return to campus, it's like somebody turned on the lights on the Near North side."

This is exactly what Jesus had in mind when He said, "You are the light of the world" (Matt. 5:14). It's a pwoerful word picture of the impact of contrast. There should be a recognizable difference between the integrity of Christians and the prevailing darkness of our world.

It's not about making speeches for Jesus; it's about people observing us. Even though they may not want to hear about Jesus, you can be sure they're watching to see if He makes a difference in our lives. When Jesus said, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works" (v.16), He was saying that before we can speak up we have to show up. Our capacity to shine for Jesus is measured by our good works, which reveal His compelling reality in our lives.

Let's turn on the lights. __ Joe Stowell
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~~~~~~~~~~~~You are called with a holy calling~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The light of the world to be,~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~To lift up the lamp of the Savior~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~That others His light may see. __ Anon.~~~~~~~~~~~
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To lead others out of the darkness of sin,
let them see the light of Christ in your life.

************Today's Bible Reading __ Matthew 5:13-20*************

13 [Jesus said], "You are
the salt of the earth; but if
the salt loses its flavor, how
shall it be seasoned? It is
then good for nothing but to
be thrown out and trampled
underfoot by men.

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.

17 "Do not think that I
came to destroy the Law or
the Prophets. I did not come
to destroy but to fulfill.

18 For assuredly, I say to
you, till heaven and earth
pass away, one jot or one
tittle will by no means
pass from the law till all
is fulfilled. 19 Whoever
therefore breaks one of
the least of these
commandments, and
teaches men so, shall be
called least in the kingdom
of heaven; but whoever
does and teaches them, he
shall be called great in the
kingdom of heaven. 20 For I
say to you, that unless your
righteousness exceeds the
righteousness of the scribes
and Pharisees, you will by
no means enter the kingdom
of heaven."

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>INSIGHT<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

In this passage, Jesus used two common objects__salt and light__to
show the impact a Christian ought to have on the society he lives
in. Salt has been used as a preservative, a flavor enhancer, and a
thirst stimulant. A lamp is intended to shine and give direction; to
illuminate and give light to others. The light also serves as a sign.
The light must necessarily be placed in a conspicous position to
attract and to be effective. __SKT