Put
Your Lights On
When we see the light rising on a bright sunny day, we feel the warmth of the sun beaming down on mother nature and all life below. A warmth that makes us feel so good as the rays penetrate deep into our bodies. But what about the light of life that lives deep within our soul and spirit. We all have this light deep within if we are true believers and followers of Jesus Christ. However, we are all sinners and fall short at times. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. (1 John 1:8). If we say we will never sin, we are only fooling ourselves and refusing to accept the truth. Many believe that once you are saved you cannot sin. Not so! We are all sinners as long as we are in this flesh body. The idea is to learn from our mistakes and move on in the right direction. You cannot be a sinner and walk in the light of Christ.
Sounds like there is no chance for the sinner, or anyone at all. Not exactly. As sinners, we need to come out of the darkness and into the light in order to fellowship with Jesus Christ. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: (1 John 1:6). If we walk in spiritual darkness, we do not know the Word or Christ. "Follow the darkness, and you will not find eternal life." If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. (1 John 1:10). If we say we have not sinned, we are lying to ourselves and we are calling God a liar, because He said we have all sinned. (Romans 3:23). You can't fool God, He knows all your faults.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9). We can count on God to wash away all our sins. Why? Because Christ became that one time sacrifice for our sins as well as the sins of the world. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. (1 John 1:7). If we walk in the light and fellowship with Christ, He cleanses us from all sin. We will then live a more righteous and fulfilling life.
The less we sin and come to the truth in the word, the light grows stronger within us. We become a light to the world. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. (Matthew 5:14). You are to be that shining light (example for truth), so just keep planting seeds. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16). Let others see your good works (what the Lord has given you), and be the "example and light" to draw them towards God. Your good works are the only things you can take with you. They are your rewards in heaven. (Revelation 14:13).
Jesus tells us that He is the light of the world and light of life. Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. (John 8:12). We know that Christ is that "Light" just as He said, and we are to be a "light" to the world for others to see. Examples of true Christianity. (Isaiah 60:1-3, Acts 13:47). Notice that Jesus uses the Greek equivalent of God's name, "I AM." (Yahveh). This is what God told Moses at the burning bush when Moses asked God's name. (Exodus 3:13-14). "I AM WHO I AM."
The Apostles relay their message from Christ. This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. (1 John 1:5). God is that eternal light that will make all things clear. There is no darkness in Him; all the darkness belongs to Satan. "Always turn to the light."
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. (James 1:17). All good and perfect things come from God. "The Father of light." Christians are people of light, not darkness. "Don't follow the dark side." And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. (Revelation 21:23). "The Shekinah Glory." Jesus would say; "I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD." (John 12:46).
Keep The Faith,Barton