Together # 47
A Together of Evangelism
A Together of Evangelism
Proclaim the Gospel
and Be the Light of the World Together
copyright by Dick Wulf, 2018
Together show your community how you and your friends, relatives and neighbors love one another supernaturally because of Jesus Christ, the true Light of the world. Be able to clearly present from the Bible God's plan for the salvation of men and women.
Matt 5:14-16; John 13:34-35; Acts 1:8; Col 4:5-6;
Philemon 6; Heb 13:15; 1 Peter 3:15-16; 1 John 1:1-4
Philemon 6; Heb 13:15; 1 Peter 3:15-16; 1 John 1:1-4
First of all, God is light.
This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you:
God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.
1 John 1:5
God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.
1 John 1:5
And, Jesus is the light.
“I am the light of the world.
Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness,
but will have the light of life.”
John 8:12
Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness,
but will have the light of life.”
John 8:12
Jesus gets his light from God the Father.
Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you.
John 17:7
John 17:7
Likewise, we get our light from Jesus. This is how Jesus can be the light of the world and we also be the light of the world. Jesus is in us, just as Jesus is in the Father. And so, God’s very nature shines out of us.
“You are the light of the world.
A town built 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 others,
that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Matt 5:14-16
A town built 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 others,
that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Matt 5:14-16
Perhaps we have only considered this from an individual perspective. Jesus is in me. And He is in you and me. There is a sense that we individually are light. But, alone we are most likely not the light of the world as Jesus proclaimed in the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus did not say, “you are the lights of the world”, so there is most likely a more powerful way of being the light of the world together. It is very important that we think of Jesus being present in “together” configurations.
Perhaps an illustration will help. Imagine a person lost in the vast Rocky Mountains. After a while, being lost is life-threatening and frightening. In the daytime, this person wanders around looking for a trail or a stream, finding neither. Then night comes and the darkness is terrifying. The person searches for a light because it would indicate a direction to travel and find safety. Suddenly, the person sees a light and getting to that light becomes the sole pursuit.
If that light is faint because of low wattage or a dirty glass cover, or too far away, the person will have no chance for life and die in the mountains. One light inhibited by only a little grime of sin on the glass casing will shine only a short distance. But two or three lights will be seen at a much greater distance and have a much better chance of saving the lost person. And, as is the case with us, if two or three lights have Jesus with them, not just inside of them, but actually together with them, that beacon of light will reach the lost person like a searchlight making a light trail straight up into the night sky.
Perhaps an illustration will help. Imagine a person lost in the vast Rocky Mountains. After a while, being lost is life-threatening and frightening. In the daytime, this person wanders around looking for a trail or a stream, finding neither. Then night comes and the darkness is terrifying. The person searches for a light because it would indicate a direction to travel and find safety. Suddenly, the person sees a light and getting to that light becomes the sole pursuit.
If that light is faint because of low wattage or a dirty glass cover, or too far away, the person will have no chance for life and die in the mountains. One light inhibited by only a little grime of sin on the glass casing will shine only a short distance. But two or three lights will be seen at a much greater distance and have a much better chance of saving the lost person. And, as is the case with us, if two or three lights have Jesus with them, not just inside of them, but actually together with them, that beacon of light will reach the lost person like a searchlight making a light trail straight up into the night sky.
For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.
Matthew 18:20
Matthew 18:20
Next, what do we know about the light that we are to be?
First of all, since the light is Jesus, we are to be the representation of Jesus to this world. We are to be light that shows life rather than death to the world we live in. We are to keep darkness at bay and true life alive since the light of Jesus is stronger than the most intense darkness.
First of all, since the light is Jesus, we are to be the representation of Jesus to this world. We are to be light that shows life rather than death to the world we live in. We are to keep darkness at bay and true life alive since the light of Jesus is stronger than the most intense darkness.
In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
John 1:4-5
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
John 1:4-5
Furthermore, we are to be light that tells people that The Light is true life and is available through belief.
There was a man sent from God whose name was John.
He came as a witness to testify concerning that light,
so that through him all might believe.
He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.
John 1:4-8
He came as a witness to testify concerning that light,
so that through him all might believe.
He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.
John 1:4-8
And this is the message that our light is to proclaim:
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,
that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world
but to save the world through him.
Whoever believes in him is not condemned,
but whoever does not believe stands condemned already
because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.
This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, . . .
John 3:16-19
that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world
but to save the world through him.
Whoever believes in him is not condemned,
but whoever does not believe stands condemned already
because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.
This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, . . .
John 3:16-19
When Jesus sent people out to tell the good news of salvation and God’s kingdom, he sent them two-by-two. Yet most materials teaching Christians how to present Christ to the lost emphasize individual approaches. What did Jesus know that individualized Christianity has minimized?
Throughout Scripture it is the testimony of at least two that is necessary to establish truth.
Throughout Scripture it is the testimony of at least two that is necessary to establish truth.
The Pharisees challenged him,
“Here you are, appearing as your own witness; your testimony is not valid.”
In your own Law it is written that the testimony of two witnesses is true. I am one who testifies for myself; my other witness is the Father, who sent me.”
John 8:13, 17-18
“Here you are, appearing as your own witness; your testimony is not valid.”
In your own Law it is written that the testimony of two witnesses is true. I am one who testifies for myself; my other witness is the Father, who sent me.”
John 8:13, 17-18
Jesus was answering his enemies, and they did not quarrel further that his testimony was invalid. Those we talk with about salvation through Jesus Christ may still consider our testimony invalid even after hearing it from two of us together. But, it will still be more powerful and less easily dismissed if the witness to Jesus comes from two people rather than one.
Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.
2 Cor 13:1
2 Cor 13:1
Here the apostle Paul was instructing the church to receive only a testimony by two or three as valid. He knew that corroboration was needed because one person can lie so easily. This just points out how more believable something is if more than one person says it is so.
So Jesus sent the disciples out in teams of two. He did not send them out alone.
So Jesus sent the disciples out in teams of two. He did not send them out alone.
After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two
ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go.
He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.
Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.
Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.
Luke 10:1-3
ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go.
He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.
Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.
Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.
Luke 10:1-3
Jesus knew that his disciples would be more powerful together and more believable. They were to proclaim the kingdom of God and each could verify the truth of what the other was saying. It is not only comforting to have another Christian standing right beside us when we tell others about Jesus, it is often necessary.
Most people who truly commit themselves to Jesus Christ do so through a friend or relative. We must not delegate to our churches the bringing to salvation those about whom we care. Strategies of the past 50 years to use church programs, paid church professionals and evangelists, no matter how important they are, have not been enough to increase the number of believers in the United States. It really is up to us, using our Christian Inner Circles to shine the light of the gospel on those unsaved people God brings to us.
We should be glad that the weight of testifying to someone about our faith in Jesus and the authenticity of the Bible is not one we have to carry alone. Yet, how often do we try to explain sin and its consequences and redemption in Christ by ourselves? And, how often do such conversations begin to feel like we are on the defensive? It is wise for Christians to present the gospel together. No one individual should be expected to answer all of the objections or satisfy all of the questions of a non-believer. When two people are saying the same thing, it is natural to feel more confident and less threatened by challenge or unbelief.
God expects us to lean on one another all of the time, and especially when we are trying to tell a salvation message to resistant listeners.
Opportunity to Become More and More Like Jesus Christ
Most people who truly commit themselves to Jesus Christ do so through a friend or relative. We must not delegate to our churches the bringing to salvation those about whom we care. Strategies of the past 50 years to use church programs, paid church professionals and evangelists, no matter how important they are, have not been enough to increase the number of believers in the United States. It really is up to us, using our Christian Inner Circles to shine the light of the gospel on those unsaved people God brings to us.
We should be glad that the weight of testifying to someone about our faith in Jesus and the authenticity of the Bible is not one we have to carry alone. Yet, how often do we try to explain sin and its consequences and redemption in Christ by ourselves? And, how often do such conversations begin to feel like we are on the defensive? It is wise for Christians to present the gospel together. No one individual should be expected to answer all of the objections or satisfy all of the questions of a non-believer. When two people are saying the same thing, it is natural to feel more confident and less threatened by challenge or unbelief.
God expects us to lean on one another all of the time, and especially when we are trying to tell a salvation message to resistant listeners.
Opportunity to Become More and More Like Jesus Christ
The Johnson Family sets aside one Saturday a month to “deep clean” the home of a medical shut-in unable to keep up with personal hygiene. They find a non-Christian person through a home health care agency social worker and keep serving the same person month after month. Each family member is given a cleaning chore in which to become proficient.
The Johnson family spends the day with the person, bringing in lunch and exhibiting behavior among themselves that is ruled by God. To prepare to be the light of the world to the sick person, the family spends concentrated time growing in obedience to the scriptures of the Togethers. They know that as a family implementing the “love language of Jesus” with each other through various Togethers, they will shine a very bright light for the person to see while they clean the house. The family is well aware that they are being like Jesus who they know as the Light of the World. |
Jesus was light wherever he went. And, we are to be light wherever we go. Wherever!
But, this is not a passive thing. We cannot just think that wherever we are we automatically shine the light of the gospel.
Jesus did not just sit on a rock and count on his light penetrating. In fact, He did not even reveal his identity as the messiah. Instead, He announced the availability of the kingdom of heaven and acted like the Messiah.
Through belief in Christ’s substitutionary death and resurrection, we became born again as children of light and can act in such similarity to Jesus that the Messiah and his kingdom become visible.
But, this is not a passive thing. We cannot just think that wherever we are we automatically shine the light of the gospel.
Jesus did not just sit on a rock and count on his light penetrating. In fact, He did not even reveal his identity as the messiah. Instead, He announced the availability of the kingdom of heaven and acted like the Messiah.
Through belief in Christ’s substitutionary death and resurrection, we became born again as children of light and can act in such similarity to Jesus that the Messiah and his kingdom become visible.
Believe in the light while you have the light,
so that you may become children of light.”
John 12:36
so that you may become children of light.”
John 12:36
And, we are to live as children of light – not once in a while, but constantly.
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.
Live as children of light
(for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)
and find out what pleases the Lord.
Eph 5:8-10
Live as children of light
(for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)
and find out what pleases the Lord.
Eph 5:8-10
If we, as people of the light (Luke 16:8) are to let our lights shine ultimately for the glory of God, we need to be like Jesus. He did two things simultaneously. He both announced the kingdom of God and He served believers and non-believers alike. For us, this translates into proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ and showing the power of God through goodness, righteousness and truth.
To adequately proclaim that Jesus saved us and admitted us into the family of God with an inheritance in heaven, our behaviors have to match our words. We say that Jesus can save people from the penalty and control of sin, so we must act like we have been freed from guilt and can change into better people out of thankfulness rather than fear of God. We need to look like we believe what we proclaim. Much of this comes naturally as we put more and more belief in the teachings of the Bible.
In the summer of 1966, I was the only Christian at a Jewish day camp. One day while I and the other division directors were having lunch, one of them addressed me and blurted out, “You’re not afraid to die are you?!” We were all between our first and second year of graduate school, and I had no idea what this Jewish friend had seen. What I truly believed from the words of God in the Bible had shown up in my behavior unconsciously. Similarly, I have had people come up over the years and say that I was significant in their becoming a Christian just because they watched me in leadership of secular, government-related committees.
The more we believe that Jesus is in us, the more natural it will be to not just tell but also show Him to the world. Quite often it will not be our words that spotlight Jesus. Others have words and arguments. Our assignment is to be who we are in Christ and be light in the dark corner of the world in which we each live.
We need to help one another confirm the truth of God with our behavior. Each time we do so, we take a little grime off of the glass that surrounds our candle. Since every Together produces more Christlikeness in us, every Together brightens our lights.
Our light that shows forth Jesus really is those things that make up light as listed in Ephesians 5:9. Our light cannot be words only. In fact, it must be a whole lot of goodness (good deeds), righteousness (sinless purity) and truth (behavior based on the Bible) to accompany the spoken proclamation of the gospel.
These writings about close Christian friendships, families and marriages (the crucibles of transformation for exceptional Christlikeness) are illustrating how we can live as God’s bright light together. We must do better at “showing” the gospel more frequently than “telling” it. The words of the gospel are fairly well known in America and the lack of response seems confusing. But, those who watch our friendships, our families, and our marriages will decide if the gospel is real based on what they see. If we pray in a restaurant, we identify that we are Christians. But, more is needed to validate what onlookers might have heard about Christianity. We don’t want to be quaint. We want to be clear.
Jesus did miraculous healings and other-worldly teaching. We can’t match what he did, but we can show the power of God in ways that others can see the miracle of good, righteous, truthful people in a culture that is so tolerant of deceit, selfishness and other evils. Each Together enables more and more Christlikeness in us, and that is miraculous.
To be light best, we must implement the Togethers in the midst of secular culture. While it is easiest to act like Christians in church gatherings, the darkness requiring the Light of Jesus is elsewhere. Can we help one another identify the darkness that surrounds each of those we love and care about who are not in the faith? We need together to take light there.
Friends should take time to list on paper each and every non-Christian they care about and talk to the Lord together to make note of the dark places each of those people enter. If a friends’ unsaved uncle hangs out in Joe’s Bar, then he and one or two of his Christian friends should drop in and visit the uncle. Together, with the purpose of shining the light of God, they should be able to resist any temptation, treat each other like they are visitors from another very loving kingdom, and show friendliness to the uncle and his friends at the bar.
Family members need to do the same. Listing each and every unbeliever they care about especially includes each child’s friends in the neighborhood and at school. For example, if a son or daughter has a friend being raised in a home that is neglectful or dangerous, what an opportunity to show what Jesus in a family is like. A number of invites to dinner and sleepovers is, or should be, quite easy. Anything that gets in the way of shining the light in this situation, like wanting the house to be immaculate, the meals fancy, or dad or mom being too tired, needs to go. Who said that putting a light at the top of a mountain would always be easy. For certain, it has to be intentional. And, it will be difficult at times.
Probably every man who works in a larger company knows of another man who has continual trouble with his wife or girlfriend. Most likely he does not know how to be loving in a relationship. Not even to secular standards. The light needs to shine and expose such a man to Jesus and the ways of his kingdom in marriage. Inviting this man over for dinner with his wife or girlfriend might bring more conflict to the relationship as she sees even more loving things he does not do. So in extreme cases it might be best to wait until the wife or girlfriend is out of town and the man has to fend for himself. Inviting him over alone and exhibiting the love and consideration that comes from a personal relationship with Jesus provides a private lesson in how he can go home and act more loving and find appreciation. Done over and over again, this man will not only get quite an education, the light he sees will illuminate Jesus. Then the man will either accept Jesus as his Savior or just glorify God.
Shining light wherever we go is being like Jesus. We need to help one another shine more and more of the time, growing into Christ’s image because His Light shone 24/7.
Opportunity to Worship God
To adequately proclaim that Jesus saved us and admitted us into the family of God with an inheritance in heaven, our behaviors have to match our words. We say that Jesus can save people from the penalty and control of sin, so we must act like we have been freed from guilt and can change into better people out of thankfulness rather than fear of God. We need to look like we believe what we proclaim. Much of this comes naturally as we put more and more belief in the teachings of the Bible.
In the summer of 1966, I was the only Christian at a Jewish day camp. One day while I and the other division directors were having lunch, one of them addressed me and blurted out, “You’re not afraid to die are you?!” We were all between our first and second year of graduate school, and I had no idea what this Jewish friend had seen. What I truly believed from the words of God in the Bible had shown up in my behavior unconsciously. Similarly, I have had people come up over the years and say that I was significant in their becoming a Christian just because they watched me in leadership of secular, government-related committees.
The more we believe that Jesus is in us, the more natural it will be to not just tell but also show Him to the world. Quite often it will not be our words that spotlight Jesus. Others have words and arguments. Our assignment is to be who we are in Christ and be light in the dark corner of the world in which we each live.
We need to help one another confirm the truth of God with our behavior. Each time we do so, we take a little grime off of the glass that surrounds our candle. Since every Together produces more Christlikeness in us, every Together brightens our lights.
Our light that shows forth Jesus really is those things that make up light as listed in Ephesians 5:9. Our light cannot be words only. In fact, it must be a whole lot of goodness (good deeds), righteousness (sinless purity) and truth (behavior based on the Bible) to accompany the spoken proclamation of the gospel.
These writings about close Christian friendships, families and marriages (the crucibles of transformation for exceptional Christlikeness) are illustrating how we can live as God’s bright light together. We must do better at “showing” the gospel more frequently than “telling” it. The words of the gospel are fairly well known in America and the lack of response seems confusing. But, those who watch our friendships, our families, and our marriages will decide if the gospel is real based on what they see. If we pray in a restaurant, we identify that we are Christians. But, more is needed to validate what onlookers might have heard about Christianity. We don’t want to be quaint. We want to be clear.
Jesus did miraculous healings and other-worldly teaching. We can’t match what he did, but we can show the power of God in ways that others can see the miracle of good, righteous, truthful people in a culture that is so tolerant of deceit, selfishness and other evils. Each Together enables more and more Christlikeness in us, and that is miraculous.
To be light best, we must implement the Togethers in the midst of secular culture. While it is easiest to act like Christians in church gatherings, the darkness requiring the Light of Jesus is elsewhere. Can we help one another identify the darkness that surrounds each of those we love and care about who are not in the faith? We need together to take light there.
Friends should take time to list on paper each and every non-Christian they care about and talk to the Lord together to make note of the dark places each of those people enter. If a friends’ unsaved uncle hangs out in Joe’s Bar, then he and one or two of his Christian friends should drop in and visit the uncle. Together, with the purpose of shining the light of God, they should be able to resist any temptation, treat each other like they are visitors from another very loving kingdom, and show friendliness to the uncle and his friends at the bar.
Family members need to do the same. Listing each and every unbeliever they care about especially includes each child’s friends in the neighborhood and at school. For example, if a son or daughter has a friend being raised in a home that is neglectful or dangerous, what an opportunity to show what Jesus in a family is like. A number of invites to dinner and sleepovers is, or should be, quite easy. Anything that gets in the way of shining the light in this situation, like wanting the house to be immaculate, the meals fancy, or dad or mom being too tired, needs to go. Who said that putting a light at the top of a mountain would always be easy. For certain, it has to be intentional. And, it will be difficult at times.
Probably every man who works in a larger company knows of another man who has continual trouble with his wife or girlfriend. Most likely he does not know how to be loving in a relationship. Not even to secular standards. The light needs to shine and expose such a man to Jesus and the ways of his kingdom in marriage. Inviting this man over for dinner with his wife or girlfriend might bring more conflict to the relationship as she sees even more loving things he does not do. So in extreme cases it might be best to wait until the wife or girlfriend is out of town and the man has to fend for himself. Inviting him over alone and exhibiting the love and consideration that comes from a personal relationship with Jesus provides a private lesson in how he can go home and act more loving and find appreciation. Done over and over again, this man will not only get quite an education, the light he sees will illuminate Jesus. Then the man will either accept Jesus as his Savior or just glorify God.
Shining light wherever we go is being like Jesus. We need to help one another shine more and more of the time, growing into Christ’s image because His Light shone 24/7.
Opportunity to Worship God
Bob and Gloria have a lot of unbelieving relatives. They, themselves, were unbelievers until a few years ago. Because they appreciate their salvation so much, they really want to show Christianity to their relatives. Not the “religion” of Christianity, but the life-changing aspects of true faith in Christ’s substitutionary death. Some of their unsaved relatives go to church as an act of religion. They do not look like people who give Jesus much “say” in their lives. Others think Christianity is just silly and a waste of time. They have friends who help out and live good lives just as Christians do.
So, Bob and Gloria know that to show their family members the Light of the World, they need to be that kind of light. They know that it is all going to come down to how they interact with each other when around relatives. They determined to show that Jesus is in them and with them. Wondering how they will do that, Gloria and Bob are studying the Togethers. They know the pressure to revert to old, familiar patterns of behavior with their parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, and cousins. They don’t want to do that and they know the answer is in biblical obedience. Since all of the Togethers at some more extreme application will appear unique and strange when visiting relatives, Bob and Gloria have primed themselves to be open about what they are doing, often mentioning what the people of God do because they have been saved by Jesus. Bob and Gloria are worshiping God in two ways. They are being like Him in reflecting as much as they can His holiness and way of living. And since some of their relatives are secretly admiring Bob and Gloria’s “good works” with each other, God is being glorified. |
God is light and proclaims the good news through His Words written in the Bible. He shows grace to all mankind through his creation, weather, and various interventions on believers and unbelievers alike.
Therefore, we act like God and worship Him by proclaiming God’s offer in Jesus and being His light in the world’s dark places.
God makes His existence known even in the stars of heaven. And Jesus tells us to be beacons of light out where people can see. Instead we expose our faith and light more in church buildings and hope that others will see some sort of afterglow during the week. All of this can change and we can set our light where people can see if we will implement being light out in the world within our Christian friendships, families and marriages.
If we smile and compliment someone in line at a store, as we certainly should, is that really letting our light shine? Nonbelievers do that all the time, so it is not “our kind” of light, even though it is good.
However, if two or three friends at a place of work or in their neighborhood exhibit goodness, righteousness, and truth, there will be our kind of noticeable light. Every so often people will notice the extraordinary love Christians show to each other and the sacrificial help they give to anyone. If nonbelievers ask one another why two or three Christian friends or a Christian family or marriage is so different, they will have seen Jesus’ light in us. If they ask, words can then have impact.
Therefore, we act like God and worship Him by proclaiming God’s offer in Jesus and being His light in the world’s dark places.
God makes His existence known even in the stars of heaven. And Jesus tells us to be beacons of light out where people can see. Instead we expose our faith and light more in church buildings and hope that others will see some sort of afterglow during the week. All of this can change and we can set our light where people can see if we will implement being light out in the world within our Christian friendships, families and marriages.
If we smile and compliment someone in line at a store, as we certainly should, is that really letting our light shine? Nonbelievers do that all the time, so it is not “our kind” of light, even though it is good.
However, if two or three friends at a place of work or in their neighborhood exhibit goodness, righteousness, and truth, there will be our kind of noticeable light. Every so often people will notice the extraordinary love Christians show to each other and the sacrificial help they give to anyone. If nonbelievers ask one another why two or three Christian friends or a Christian family or marriage is so different, they will have seen Jesus’ light in us. If they ask, words can then have impact.
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord.
Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone
who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.
But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience,
so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ
may be ashamed of their slander.
1 Peter 3:15-16
Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone
who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.
But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience,
so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ
may be ashamed of their slander.
1 Peter 3:15-16
The darkness in America tends not to be so obvious, except in crime-infested neighborhoods. The darkness in which our lights must shine is subtle and diabolical. Take for instance, family breakdown. All across America marriages fail. Christians have delegated stopping adultery and divorce to paid professionals who can do only a little. Yet, there is much that can be done by Christian friends and marriages. Detectives on television following suspects will report that they have “eyes on them”. Christians need to hate family dysfunction that hurts so many people, especially children. They need to “have eyes on” others. They can watch for the hints of problems in their Christian circles and can, through their hatred of family disharmony, sense darkness surrounding the marriages of the nonbelievers with whom they rub shoulders.
Jesus really is the answer to all problems. Christlikeness assures good relationships. With Christians we can offer help in becoming more like Jesus through the Togethers and their many relevant scriptures. With those who do not believe, Christian friendships, families and couples can offer Jesus (the gospel) as the changing force that can create new creatures out of dysfunctional ones and make relationships and life-as-a-whole right.
When, like Jesus, we help others and include in some way an announcement of the kingdom of God, we worship powerfully.
Let’s elevate God with actions always consistent with our gospel.
How Used in Battle to Defeat Evil and Satan
Jesus really is the answer to all problems. Christlikeness assures good relationships. With Christians we can offer help in becoming more like Jesus through the Togethers and their many relevant scriptures. With those who do not believe, Christian friendships, families and couples can offer Jesus (the gospel) as the changing force that can create new creatures out of dysfunctional ones and make relationships and life-as-a-whole right.
When, like Jesus, we help others and include in some way an announcement of the kingdom of God, we worship powerfully.
Let’s elevate God with actions always consistent with our gospel.
How Used in Battle to Defeat Evil and Satan
Bill's small group has a preponderance of outgoing people. That might be why God seems to have led them to do openly courageous things in the community as their witness. Every Christmas they set up a booth in a shopping mall to counsel people how not to overspend, how to most enjoy the holidays, what to do about conflicting situations, and how to accept God's love through Jesus Christ. They make clear that they extend their help because Jesus made the kingdom of heaven available. They are shining their light to make it possible for people to see God’s salvation.
|
The devil is desperate to extinguish the light of Jesus. He does not want anyone coming to Christ. Our light of goodness, righteousness, and truth is a beacon to the good news of salvation in Christ. So the evil one has many ways to dim our brightness.
An effective strategy of Satan is to get us to think that spreading the gospel is just being able to explain the plan of salvation from the Bible. If he can get us to not understand that gospel words have to be validated by lives that say the same thing, the devil can neutralize our proclamation, or at least greatly dim it.
The gospel says that Jesus Christ paid the penalty for our sins. If we live unsure of our salvation and doubt our eventual residency in heaven, what we say can be ignored. If we do good in order to get into heaven, we contradict the gospel and others will not understand that salvation is free. If we are not grateful enough that God sacrificed his only Son for our glorious future and do not strive to do good and love others spectacularly to thank God and bring Him glory, we cancel out the extraordinary generosity of God. If we go about our lives in such similar ways to the secular culture, and others see us just doing what they do, we make a mockery of the gospel which is capable of transforming us into the image of Christ.
The evil one knows that without behavior that matches the message of the good news, we will extinguish our own light. In short, Christianity will look like an unnecessary religion full of empty promises and full of superstitious ritual.
Another thing that will make Satan glad is if Christians are so enamored with their light and enjoy it so much in their own assemblies that they don’t take it out to the streets. If Christians have the light and do not march out into the world with it, darkness will spread. If our brightness does not increase where darkness grows, Satan takes dominion.
Christians too often delegate to their church what can best, and often only, be done by Christians through friendships, families and marriages with Jesus. Organizations can surely communicate the gospel in words, but that usually requires people to come into a church, something most won’t do. Even if churches draw crowds of unbelievers to Christmas and Easter services where they will surely hear the spoken explanation of the gospel, how will the organized church validate the message?
Validation of the gospel thus falls to those contacts with Christians out in the world where friendships, families and marriages, not institutional churches, are visible. That is where lost souls will see the reality of the gospel. They will see changed lives dedicated to Jesus Christ up close and personal in neighborhood relationships, the work environment, and in ministries dealing with human need. Of course, the best validation comes from continual and consistent exposure of good, righteous, and truthful behavior in the same persons over time.
Jesus pointed out that the main validation of our words about the gospel and dedication as disciples of Himself would be our love for one another seen by those outside of the faith.
An effective strategy of Satan is to get us to think that spreading the gospel is just being able to explain the plan of salvation from the Bible. If he can get us to not understand that gospel words have to be validated by lives that say the same thing, the devil can neutralize our proclamation, or at least greatly dim it.
The gospel says that Jesus Christ paid the penalty for our sins. If we live unsure of our salvation and doubt our eventual residency in heaven, what we say can be ignored. If we do good in order to get into heaven, we contradict the gospel and others will not understand that salvation is free. If we are not grateful enough that God sacrificed his only Son for our glorious future and do not strive to do good and love others spectacularly to thank God and bring Him glory, we cancel out the extraordinary generosity of God. If we go about our lives in such similar ways to the secular culture, and others see us just doing what they do, we make a mockery of the gospel which is capable of transforming us into the image of Christ.
The evil one knows that without behavior that matches the message of the good news, we will extinguish our own light. In short, Christianity will look like an unnecessary religion full of empty promises and full of superstitious ritual.
Another thing that will make Satan glad is if Christians are so enamored with their light and enjoy it so much in their own assemblies that they don’t take it out to the streets. If Christians have the light and do not march out into the world with it, darkness will spread. If our brightness does not increase where darkness grows, Satan takes dominion.
Christians too often delegate to their church what can best, and often only, be done by Christians through friendships, families and marriages with Jesus. Organizations can surely communicate the gospel in words, but that usually requires people to come into a church, something most won’t do. Even if churches draw crowds of unbelievers to Christmas and Easter services where they will surely hear the spoken explanation of the gospel, how will the organized church validate the message?
Validation of the gospel thus falls to those contacts with Christians out in the world where friendships, families and marriages, not institutional churches, are visible. That is where lost souls will see the reality of the gospel. They will see changed lives dedicated to Jesus Christ up close and personal in neighborhood relationships, the work environment, and in ministries dealing with human need. Of course, the best validation comes from continual and consistent exposure of good, righteous, and truthful behavior in the same persons over time.
Jesus pointed out that the main validation of our words about the gospel and dedication as disciples of Himself would be our love for one another seen by those outside of the faith.
“A new command I give you: Love one another.
As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
By this all men will know that you are my disciples,
if you love one another.”
John 13:34,35
As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
By this all men will know that you are my disciples,
if you love one another.”
John 13:34,35
Thus all of the Togethers, which are the specific ways Jesus loved his disciples, are ways to validate the gospel. They identify us with Jesus if we take them beyond the level of secular practicality into Christian self-denial for the good of others, especially Christians.
Those who are blinded by darkness may be able to see the danger they are in by witnessing the love between believers who are friends or family members or marriage partners. If we show the light of Jesus and his love, we can reveal hidden darkness.
Those who are blinded by darkness may be able to see the danger they are in by witnessing the love between believers who are friends or family members or marriage partners. If we show the light of Jesus and his love, we can reveal hidden darkness.
No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed.
Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light.
For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed,
and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open.
Luke 8:16-17
Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light.
For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed,
and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open.
Luke 8:16-17
Therefore, to defeat Satan, we need strong light, not too weak as in only one Christian, but just right as when a few shine in Christian friendships, Christian families, and Christian marriages. Only these groups can shine along the paths others walk and in the corners where others hide.
All statistics show that the church in America has lost the culture. Are we humble enough to look and see what we did wrong regarding being the light of the world? We are not making enough converts or convincing our young people to stay in the faith.
All statistics show that the church in America has lost the culture. Are we humble enough to look and see what we did wrong regarding being the light of the world? We are not making enough converts or convincing our young people to stay in the faith.
In the same way, let your light shine before others,
that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Matt 5:16
that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Matt 5:16
We don’t have to open our eyes very wide to see that those outside of the faith are not glorifying our Father in heaven, the evidence Scripture says comes from our light shining.
Relationships that frequently act openly with Jesus are the best to have unbelievers observe. This does not happen in church services. But, it can happen in Christian friendships, families and marriages.
It will be much more natural to openly show Jesus and our faith in Christian friendships, families and marriages if we recognize the presence of Jesus within those relationship. In these friendships, families and marriages of faith we can become so used to speaking with one another about Jesus that we develop a comfortable pattern of behavior we carry everywhere when we are together. We will automatically exhibit Jesus in our lives as well as our higher level of love for one another as defined by the Togethers of Scripture. When those outside of the faith, see this, our light for the world will shine and highlight God.
Such Christians friendships, families and marriages we will not water down faith for the sake of congeniality when unbelievers are in our midst. In our one-on-one relationships interactions with those unbelievers, we might not be so completely verbal out of respect for their way of life. But, when they are with us, our interaction with each other will be more open because that is the way we normally act when we are together and they are just observers.
For example, when with only our Christian friends, family members and spouses, we would ask, “What does the Lord want you to do this weekend?” (That brings Jesus rightfully into the relationship.) But, three Christians and two non-Christians eating lunch at work present the unique opportunity to show the light of Jesus. The Christians would still ask one another the same question involving Jesus, but ask the nonbelievers, “What do you plan to do this weekend?” The role of onlooker allows those outside of the faith to see the contrast and recognize Jesus with us, his disciples.
Showing our faith in other ways may not have the same contrast and impact. Church services and sermons cannot so clearly or personally display the difference of life with God and life without Him. But the distinctly Christian way of life will be more obvious when exhibited by Christian friendships, families, and marriages interacting with Jesus and with one another in selfless love.
We sometimes act with unbelievers as if they are one of us when they are not. They can be comfortable as onlookers, but not if they feel pressured to act like us. So often we communicate in one way or another that they can act Christian instead of helping them see that they can act morally like us but not faithfully like us. We need not water down our behavior for their comfort. We just need to allow them to be nonbelievers until they see the light of the world in us, which is Jesus. Including non-Christians in Christian behaviors rather than as observers can communicate that Christianity can be “acted out” and is not reserved for those who walk with God. That is like hiding our light under a basket.
Let’s get our Christian friendships geared up to mix with unbelievers often and present the gospel clearly in words with remarkable love for one another that validates the message. Let’s take our Christian families and marriages into the secular world and do the same.
Relationships that frequently act openly with Jesus are the best to have unbelievers observe. This does not happen in church services. But, it can happen in Christian friendships, families and marriages.
It will be much more natural to openly show Jesus and our faith in Christian friendships, families and marriages if we recognize the presence of Jesus within those relationship. In these friendships, families and marriages of faith we can become so used to speaking with one another about Jesus that we develop a comfortable pattern of behavior we carry everywhere when we are together. We will automatically exhibit Jesus in our lives as well as our higher level of love for one another as defined by the Togethers of Scripture. When those outside of the faith, see this, our light for the world will shine and highlight God.
Such Christians friendships, families and marriages we will not water down faith for the sake of congeniality when unbelievers are in our midst. In our one-on-one relationships interactions with those unbelievers, we might not be so completely verbal out of respect for their way of life. But, when they are with us, our interaction with each other will be more open because that is the way we normally act when we are together and they are just observers.
For example, when with only our Christian friends, family members and spouses, we would ask, “What does the Lord want you to do this weekend?” (That brings Jesus rightfully into the relationship.) But, three Christians and two non-Christians eating lunch at work present the unique opportunity to show the light of Jesus. The Christians would still ask one another the same question involving Jesus, but ask the nonbelievers, “What do you plan to do this weekend?” The role of onlooker allows those outside of the faith to see the contrast and recognize Jesus with us, his disciples.
Showing our faith in other ways may not have the same contrast and impact. Church services and sermons cannot so clearly or personally display the difference of life with God and life without Him. But the distinctly Christian way of life will be more obvious when exhibited by Christian friendships, families, and marriages interacting with Jesus and with one another in selfless love.
We sometimes act with unbelievers as if they are one of us when they are not. They can be comfortable as onlookers, but not if they feel pressured to act like us. So often we communicate in one way or another that they can act Christian instead of helping them see that they can act morally like us but not faithfully like us. We need not water down our behavior for their comfort. We just need to allow them to be nonbelievers until they see the light of the world in us, which is Jesus. Including non-Christians in Christian behaviors rather than as observers can communicate that Christianity can be “acted out” and is not reserved for those who walk with God. That is like hiding our light under a basket.
Let’s get our Christian friendships geared up to mix with unbelievers often and present the gospel clearly in words with remarkable love for one another that validates the message. Let’s take our Christian families and marriages into the secular world and do the same.
For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,”
made his light shine in our hearts
to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory
displayed in the face of Christ.
2 Cor 4:6
made his light shine in our hearts
to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory
displayed in the face of Christ.
2 Cor 4:6
We are designed to shine the gospel’s light.
How in the Sinful Environment this Together Prepares Us for Heaven
How in the Sinful Environment this Together Prepares Us for Heaven
Jackie and Robin went window shopping a month before Christmas and each invited an unsaved girlfriend. This would be a chance to show their two friends the love between two redeemed believers and be light to them that reveals the kingdom of heaven.
In one gift shop Robin asked Jackie if she thought her mother would appreciate a certain household item. Jackie responded, openly in front of the friends, “Let’s look around for a little while and let me talk to Jesus about it.” Jackie was careful not to say that she would pray about it, because it seemed to her that nonbelievers hear that all the time and it is too familiar to have much impact. Even most of her Christian friends consider thinking something over and praying to be the same thing. Of course, Jackie did pray while they strolled through the gift shop. Then, in front of their friends she gave this testimony: “I seem to be hearing from God that your mother has something she needs more. Jesus did not tell me what that was. I think He wants you to think more carefully about your mother and her needs before you buy her a Christmas present.” Robin replied, “Thanks. I don’t do that enough, and I know God wants me to.” The puzzled looks on their friends’ faces told Robin and Jackie that their light was seen. Concern as Jackie had for Robin’s mother could be seen among non-Christians, but consulting with God revealed the faith. On the other hand, the two Christian friends were growing in their desire for their friends’ salvations. That awareness of eternal life and eternal death now will in heaven power their appreciation for every soul saved. |
We can prepare for heaven by increasing the wattage and consistency of our light now where there is much darkness to conquer. In heaven there will be no darkness and no need for us to let our light shine to expose sin or offer salvation. Spiritual growth in being light and proclaiming the gospel to lost, helpless people will not be needed.
Any spiritual blessing to take to heaven that must be gained by being light in a dark world will be lost if not acquired now.
To grow in our ability to shine our light more and more into darkness requires us to understand the danger that unbelievers are in and care deeply about their plight. This growing concern will translate into greater joy each time we meet one of the trillion citizens of heaven over the time span of forever.
Any spiritual blessing to take to heaven that must be gained by being light in a dark world will be lost if not acquired now.
To grow in our ability to shine our light more and more into darkness requires us to understand the danger that unbelievers are in and care deeply about their plight. This growing concern will translate into greater joy each time we meet one of the trillion citizens of heaven over the time span of forever.
. . . and giving joyful thanks to the Father,
who has qualified you to share in the inheritance
of his holy people in the kingdom of light.
Col 1:12
who has qualified you to share in the inheritance
of his holy people in the kingdom of light.
Col 1:12
We are in the kingdom of light now, but we are surrounded by the kingdom of darkness which keeps people trapped in its grasp. Do we care? Of course we do. But we wonder what more we can do than explain biblical truth and live it out so that loved ones without Christ will consider the gospel. Too many of us feel powerless in the face of unbelief in those we love so much.
One thing we can do to intensify the witness of the gospel is to bring more people together to shine stronger light in the direction of those we most want to accept Jesus as their Savior and Lord. We cannot bring them to salvation because that is the work of God, but our part is to shine with the gospel as brightly as possible. By bringing others in our Christian inner circle together to shine and be seen by unsaved children, parents, siblings, friends and others, we can shine more light on Jesus and his salvation.
Christian friendships, families and marriages need to be aware of every friend and relative that needs to see the light of the gospel. Then, those smaller portions of the church need to show cherished unsaved friends and relatives a Christlike love, not for them so much as for each other. This will require activities where Christian friendships, families and marriages invite these other important unsaved people to see the kind of love that exists among the citizens of the kingdom of heaven.
Good deeds are done by atheists, agnostics and all religions. Those watching people do good and fight evil do not consider such an exclusive Christian activity. Therefore, Christians just doing good is not enough, not the light of the world. Light has to be added so that people will see the one and only true God in everything we do.
One thing we can do to intensify the witness of the gospel is to bring more people together to shine stronger light in the direction of those we most want to accept Jesus as their Savior and Lord. We cannot bring them to salvation because that is the work of God, but our part is to shine with the gospel as brightly as possible. By bringing others in our Christian inner circle together to shine and be seen by unsaved children, parents, siblings, friends and others, we can shine more light on Jesus and his salvation.
Christian friendships, families and marriages need to be aware of every friend and relative that needs to see the light of the gospel. Then, those smaller portions of the church need to show cherished unsaved friends and relatives a Christlike love, not for them so much as for each other. This will require activities where Christian friendships, families and marriages invite these other important unsaved people to see the kind of love that exists among the citizens of the kingdom of heaven.
Good deeds are done by atheists, agnostics and all religions. Those watching people do good and fight evil do not consider such an exclusive Christian activity. Therefore, Christians just doing good is not enough, not the light of the world. Light has to be added so that people will see the one and only true God in everything we do.
. . . let your light shine before others,
that they may see your good deeds
and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Matt 5:16
that they may see your good deeds
and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Matt 5:16
What unsaved people must see is light that illuminates God, his salvation, and his kingdom. While we do good, we must make God visible. Our light, Matthew 5:16 tells us, must shine on our good deeds in such a way that God gets the credit and is glorified. Telling others we are working for God is good but every other religion will say the same. Our good works must be illuminated by something distinctly Christian. Jesus identified what that distinction is.
“A new command I give you: Love one another.
As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
By this all men will know that you are my disciples,
if you love one another.”
John 13:34,35
As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
By this all men will know that you are my disciples,
if you love one another.”
John 13:34,35
Therefore, a significant part of the light we are to shine in being the light of the world is how selflessly loving we treat each other while doing good and attacking evil. The specifics of that love we are to have for one another is explained and commanded by the scriptures that define these Togethers. They reveal how Jesus loved his disciples.
When we get to heaven and find someone there who we feared was going to hell, imagine how exuberant we will be if we let our light join with others in our friendships, families and marriages. And, if we took only a little effort to shine for Jesus, how much less joy will we experience in heaven? We will value the salvation of others proportionately to how serious we took being the light of the world.
Let’s recognize how much people need to know about salvation from eternal death through belief in Christ. Let’s shine the light and grow in our potential for joy in heaven.
How this Together Can Make it Really Good in Heaven
When we get to heaven and find someone there who we feared was going to hell, imagine how exuberant we will be if we let our light join with others in our friendships, families and marriages. And, if we took only a little effort to shine for Jesus, how much less joy will we experience in heaven? We will value the salvation of others proportionately to how serious we took being the light of the world.
Let’s recognize how much people need to know about salvation from eternal death through belief in Christ. Let’s shine the light and grow in our potential for joy in heaven.
How this Together Can Make it Really Good in Heaven
These church leaders have eyesight beyond this world. Grace Church is small and most members are over the age of 50. As they die and go off to heaven, those left behind yearn to be in heaven and shine their light with those who have passed on. To prepare for that, these senior citizens of Grace Church want to shine now as they continue to cling to faith together.
Therefore, the pastor and leaders of Grace Church have identified dark places where two or three older church members can go and shine their light now in preparation for the special privilege of shining in heaven. For members whose health is still strong enough, they have asked home health agencies to let them know when someone recovering from a medical emergency needs some time-limited help. Teams of two or three have been cooking and delivering food, helping people downsize so they can move in with children, repairing dangerous areas of homes, and a lot more. Those members who are home-bound take referrals from the other teams to call and visit with lonely people and find out what needs prayer. Then, two homebound members get on the phone with each other and pray. |
The nature of light in heaven is so different from light as we know it that it is hard to guess how being light here and now will affect our experience in heaven. We are told that the new Jerusalem, the Holy City of heaven, will not need present sources of illumination.
The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it,
for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.
Rev 21:23
There will be no more night.
They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun,
for the Lord God will give them light.
Rev 22:5
for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.
Rev 21:23
There will be no more night.
They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun,
for the Lord God will give them light.
Rev 22:5
If we now shine God’s light outward from inside of us, a spiritual concept beyond our clearest understanding, is it possible that everyone in heaven will also emit God’s light? If now the Light of Jesus shines out of us, why would that stop in heaven? Perhaps we will get the joy of being a factor in the lighting of heaven. That would be cool!
Taking this one step further, what if the brightness of each of our lights and the resulting joy varies in heaven proportionately to how bright it shone before we left the dark earth? Haven’t we seen the personal satisfaction of bringing a larger flashlight to a dark campfire or nighttime hide-and-go-seek game?
Now might just be the time that we determine the brightness of our personal illumination for life in eternity. Let’s get together and consciously do good works while loving each other extravagantly, and, thus, build the wattage of our light.
Opportunity for a Closer Relationship with God through Empathy
Taking this one step further, what if the brightness of each of our lights and the resulting joy varies in heaven proportionately to how bright it shone before we left the dark earth? Haven’t we seen the personal satisfaction of bringing a larger flashlight to a dark campfire or nighttime hide-and-go-seek game?
Now might just be the time that we determine the brightness of our personal illumination for life in eternity. Let’s get together and consciously do good works while loving each other extravagantly, and, thus, build the wattage of our light.
Opportunity for a Closer Relationship with God through Empathy
In heaven Jesus comes across a group of the redeemed. At this moment He desires fellowship with someone most like Him as Light. It is simple, he will visit where the light is brightest. Viewing a small group, He might rub shoulders with the person with the brightest luminance. In a large assembly, He might chose a group that shines brightest instead, because no individual light can match “together light”.
|
In heaven Jesus comes across a group of the redeemed. At this moment He desires fellowship with someone most like Him as Light. It is simple, he will visit where the light is brightest. Viewing a small group, He might rub shoulders with the person with the brightest luminance. In a large assembly, He might chose a group that shines brightest instead, because no individual light can match “together light”.
There are so many mysteries that await explanation when we get to heaven. These ideas may be way off course, or they can help us to imagine possibilities.
We say we want to go to heaven to be with Jesus. If we arrive in heaven and are surrounded by ten people, how will we be with Jesus? How will they? Will we see ten people and ten images of Jesus standing with each of them? I doubt it. But another possibility is this sense of our light being the Light of Jesus.
In heaven we will always be with Jesus and experience His presence continually. Will being with Jesus constantly while everyone else is being with Him constantly be possible because His Light will be fused with each of our individual lights? That is certainly one possible way we can be in heaven with Jesus continually.
If that is hard to understand, maybe this will help. Imagine an art gallery aglow with bright overhead fluorescent lighting. Yet, here and there are lamps, each beautiful in their own way and shining a less intense but still very wonderful light. Now think of the Holy City in heaven illuminated like that. We are the lamps and we are shining light powered from elsewhere. Jesus is the fluorescent lighting. Therefore, we are all with Jesus in this way, all the lamps are with the fluorescent lighting.
Parenthetically, there are probably other ways we are continually with Jesus, such as His thoughts may always be in our minds. (There is even a representation of this in the television program “Person of Interest” where one character hears inside her head instructions from a computer, an artificial intelligence.)
So does this mean that the brighter our individual light shines, especially together with others, the more we are with Jesus right now? When we say we want to go to heaven to be with Jesus, we surely do not mean that we haven’t been with Him here. But, unless we enter darkness in this life, we may not recognize His presence and Light. Is this why so many people experience Jesus more when they are facing dark times?
In any case, let’s get together and shine in darkness together, as it comes to us in the way of tremendous trials as well as when we march out into the realms of evil to help others being harmed by the darkness of the devil.
Praise & Prayer Regarding this Together
O God who is Light and in Whom there is absolutely no darkness, and Lord Jesus who is the Light of the World, I and those in my Christian Inner Circle will need Your help to grow our spirits to be brilliant with Your Light. Help us to yield to the work of the Holy Spirit for all of us to give You more glory in the way we take our light from You into the dark places of our culture and society.
Please help us all to become more like Jesus and not be afraid of Satan and the darkness he brings, seek out people and places that need the light of the gospel, and proclaim the good news of salvation and deliverance in Jesus. Use us to bring in the harvest of those who will believe and find salvation in Jesus.
May our lives worship You more because we let the light of Your love shine as we often and significantly interact with those who do not believe in Christ. Have the Holy Spirit guide us to unbelievers that we can reflect on them Your divine light, love and goodness.
Make us strong in Your power to defeat the devil by resisting his many efforts to dim our light. Help us to increase our light and march into areas where Satan has established a foothold. Let our light which comes from Your Light be not just the words of the gospel but actions that illustrate and prove the good news of Jesus Christ. As the devil draws people away from You, may our light draw them toward You.
Help us all to prepare for heaven by growing more completely able to proclaim the gospel and be light to the world. Help us to become so comfortable telling our salvation story, our testimony, that we are very ready for heaven where we will meet with the other citizens of heaven and exchange our stories of salvation to the praise of God’s glory for all eternity.
There are so many mysteries that await explanation when we get to heaven. These ideas may be way off course, or they can help us to imagine possibilities.
We say we want to go to heaven to be with Jesus. If we arrive in heaven and are surrounded by ten people, how will we be with Jesus? How will they? Will we see ten people and ten images of Jesus standing with each of them? I doubt it. But another possibility is this sense of our light being the Light of Jesus.
In heaven we will always be with Jesus and experience His presence continually. Will being with Jesus constantly while everyone else is being with Him constantly be possible because His Light will be fused with each of our individual lights? That is certainly one possible way we can be in heaven with Jesus continually.
If that is hard to understand, maybe this will help. Imagine an art gallery aglow with bright overhead fluorescent lighting. Yet, here and there are lamps, each beautiful in their own way and shining a less intense but still very wonderful light. Now think of the Holy City in heaven illuminated like that. We are the lamps and we are shining light powered from elsewhere. Jesus is the fluorescent lighting. Therefore, we are all with Jesus in this way, all the lamps are with the fluorescent lighting.
Parenthetically, there are probably other ways we are continually with Jesus, such as His thoughts may always be in our minds. (There is even a representation of this in the television program “Person of Interest” where one character hears inside her head instructions from a computer, an artificial intelligence.)
So does this mean that the brighter our individual light shines, especially together with others, the more we are with Jesus right now? When we say we want to go to heaven to be with Jesus, we surely do not mean that we haven’t been with Him here. But, unless we enter darkness in this life, we may not recognize His presence and Light. Is this why so many people experience Jesus more when they are facing dark times?
In any case, let’s get together and shine in darkness together, as it comes to us in the way of tremendous trials as well as when we march out into the realms of evil to help others being harmed by the darkness of the devil.
Praise & Prayer Regarding this Together
O God who is Light and in Whom there is absolutely no darkness, and Lord Jesus who is the Light of the World, I and those in my Christian Inner Circle will need Your help to grow our spirits to be brilliant with Your Light. Help us to yield to the work of the Holy Spirit for all of us to give You more glory in the way we take our light from You into the dark places of our culture and society.
Please help us all to become more like Jesus and not be afraid of Satan and the darkness he brings, seek out people and places that need the light of the gospel, and proclaim the good news of salvation and deliverance in Jesus. Use us to bring in the harvest of those who will believe and find salvation in Jesus.
May our lives worship You more because we let the light of Your love shine as we often and significantly interact with those who do not believe in Christ. Have the Holy Spirit guide us to unbelievers that we can reflect on them Your divine light, love and goodness.
Make us strong in Your power to defeat the devil by resisting his many efforts to dim our light. Help us to increase our light and march into areas where Satan has established a foothold. Let our light which comes from Your Light be not just the words of the gospel but actions that illustrate and prove the good news of Jesus Christ. As the devil draws people away from You, may our light draw them toward You.
Help us all to prepare for heaven by growing more completely able to proclaim the gospel and be light to the world. Help us to become so comfortable telling our salvation story, our testimony, that we are very ready for heaven where we will meet with the other citizens of heaven and exchange our stories of salvation to the praise of God’s glory for all eternity.
Ever increasing practice of the Togethers of Scripture will (1) create in you the loving essence of Jesus, (2) give Jesus the kind of love He requested, (3) provide you with the most significant spiritual lifestyle which is attainable only through Christian community, (4) offer significant worship to God by reflecting his own character back to him through your behavior, and (5) bring God’s kingdom to earth as asked for in the Lord’s Prayer. And for heaven, such growing obedience to Scripture now will later (6) qualify you for a more responsible place of service as reward in heaven, and, (7) most important of all, give you greater empathy with God for a closer relationship with Him for all of eternity.