You are the Light of the World Podcast

By Tom Shanklin Did you ever think about it? Jesus said, “You are THE light of the world.” If it were not for you, the world would be in complete and utter darkness. But because of you, the world has light. As followers of Christ, we can let our light shine brightly so that the world may clearly see and comprehend Jesus Christ. “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:” Ephesians 5:8, KJV. In this podcast you will learn: * That the words “light” and “glory” are not just metaphors, but spiritual realities. * How your life can matter wherever you go every day. * That you are truly the hope for this dark world. * How you can turn up the dimmer switch in your life * Plus 10 tips for reaching others for Jesus   Listen and enjoy this inspiring and encouraging message. Use the notes and let it sink in through meditation. Truly, you are the light of the world! Notes: YOU ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 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. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:13-16, KJV. Joh 8:12* 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. Joh 9:5* As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. “That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;” Philippians 2:15, KJV. “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:” Ephesians 5:8, KJV. MAIN THOUGHT: By walking in the light of God’s glory, and letting it shine, you provide illumination for the people around you to find their way to Jesus. Light: illuminates so you don’t stumble, gives warmth, makes things grow. Everything is a product of light. Coal, oil, plants, animals, all life is based on the light (energy) of the sun. City on a hill—not normal to be a closet Christian. ONLY 3 percent of the churches are growing by evangelism. Why? Most Christians don’t evangelize. Only 1/3 have ever done anything about the Great Commission. Lifestyle evangelism is what you do every day where you live, where you work, where you shop to reach others for Jesus. But 80 to 90 percent of people who come to the Lord come as the result of the witness or invitation of a friend or relative. TURN YOUR EYES UPON JESUS See 2 Cor. 3:7-18 “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” 2 Corinthians 4:3-7, KJV. Glory—not a metaphor, manifested presence of God; tabernacle in the wilderness, Solomon’s temple. Ezekiel, Stephen saw the glory of God, my friend Doug when he died. Light, splendor, majesty. Jesus says, “Look at me…” If you ever see Jesus,