I am Who He Says I Am. Light

In the Dark World

Welcome, today. We have been talking about who we are. Not necessarily how we or the world sees us, but the fact that we ARE who HE, God, says we are. So far we talked about who we are pre-Jesus. Who we become and are now, as Adopted Children of God.

Last time we talked about God calling us Strangers in a Strange Land. The Fact that we are still in the World but no longer of it. We are Citizens of Heaven and Ambassadors of Christ. We are "little Jesus's" and Representatives of God.

In our new role, Jesus calls us, The Light of the World. Matthew 5:14-16

"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

So let's look at this in more depth. What or who, is The Light? God. {Genesis 1, 1 John 1:5,etc}If you read Genesis carefully, you will see that before the Stars, Moon or Sun was even Created, there was Light, God IS Light.

The Word. {Psalms Psalm 119:130, 119:105}The Word has been around since the beginning. It is the Word that became Flesh and dwelt among us {John 1} who is? Jesus. {John 8:12, John 9:5, John 12:35}

Then Jesus tells us WE are the Light. Really briefly put, Jesus said this in John 9:5

"As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

He then left us to go to the Father. Yet, He sent us another in His place, The Holy Spirit, which through Him we are Adopted into the Family of God, becoming equal to Christ Himself. Hense, the Light of the God. Now we are filled with His Spirit and become new Creatures. Children of God. Children of Light.

Before this took place, we were the same as the rest of the World. Now all has changed. We need to act like it. Ephesians 5:8

"For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light."

Paul tells us in Philippians 2:14-15

"Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,"

We are no longer of the World. 1 Thessalonians 5:5 declares this.

"For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness."

This is why Jesus was telling us this. Again, Jesus Himself said this.

"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden."

What does this convey to you? How do you see this in your Mind's Eye? A bright beautiful City sitting up high on a hill. Surrounding that City is nothing but Darkness. Think of a Sailor in a Storm or even just at Night. He sees what? A Lighthouse, or many bright lights coming from a city on Land. He then knows the way to go.

We should not TRY to be a Shining Beacon of Hope. That City is not TRYING to be a Shining City on the Hill. It just IS. People wandering around in the darkness, see it and are drawn to it. Are you, as a Child of God, being that City? That Beacon?

"Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house."

You were once the same as everyone else. Then God, picked you out, filled you with His Spirit, {Fuel} and Lit you, not to hide who and what you are, but for to what? Fill the World with Light. To give guidance to those that may be stumbling around, bumping into things, in the darkness that surrounds them. Are you being that Lamp? That Beacon?

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

Did He say so that you receive Praise and Glory? No. Did He say you are the Light solely for the sake of the Lost? No. What did He say you are the Light for? He said for the"glory to your Father who is in heaven."

Do not misunderstand. You ARE What He says you are. The Light of the World. Are you being that? Think about it this way. You heard God Call you. You accepted the Gift that is Jesus's Sacrifice and was Adopted into the Family of God whereby you can cry Abba Father. What does the World see when it looks at you? A New Creature, or a mirror image of the World itself. Do you say Jesus freed you from all Sin and Disease, yet they see you Smoking, Drinking, and doing Drugs? Do you say that God so loved the World that He gave his only begotten Son, and yet you Gossip, putting others down and insulting people that you may not like? Are you being a Child of God, or are you merely being "Religious?" Are you bring Glory to God, simply by being you?

Are you being the Light? You must first be the Light, and let it Shine before you can be a Sower of the Seed. More on that next time. Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray.

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice for me. I repent of my sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It really is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." {Romans 10:9} You need to find a Church that God leads you to, and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A new Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him." {Colossians 3:10}

If you want to tell me, or comment, question, give testimonials, or just say "Hi," the Email is opntalk@gmail.com

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all. Amen. {2 Corinthians 13}

Until next time, be Blessed, be a Blessing, and Jesus IS Lord.