FacebookTwitterGoogle BookmarksPinterest

Details

God is a God of light. In the beginning the first thing God created was light (Genesis 1:3). God created light but men loved the darkness of sin more than light (John 3:19). We walk in the darkness of sin when we break the commands of God. We have not always loved the Lord God with all our heart, soul, and mind. We have not always loved one another as we love ourselves. We walk in the darkness of sin by our own judgmental attitudes toward one another. We have sinned against our fellow believers, family members, co-workers, friends, and strangers by our words and deeds. We have let the darkness of sin cloud our thoughts, our words, our actions and our lives.

However, Jesus has entered into this world as The Light of the world (Matthew 4:12-17). In fact, Jesus is The Light of the world (John 8:12). He is a light that no darkness can overcome. This past Christmas we have celebrated His arrival into this world. Now throughout the season of Epiphany we will further consider how Jesus brings to us the light of hope, forgiveness and salvation. Epiphany is a season of light.

The season of Epiphany communicates to us the truth of what God does in our lives. He brings light and salvation. The truth of this season is also reflected in creation. On December 21st we marked the shortest day of the year. It was then that we had the least amount of sunlight in the year. From that point forward, we have a little bit more sunlight every day until June 21st. As creation marks this season, so our church calendar marks an even greater reality. Jesus has entered this dark world filled with sin and has brought to us the light of salvation. Consider the words God reveals to us in 2 Corinthians 4:6: "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 the glory of God in the face of Christ." Although the darkness of sin often fills our lives, God has worked a mighty miracle in your life. Just as God first created light on day one of creation, so the Lord has made the light of Christ burn brightly in your heart. He has granted to you faith in Jesus Christ. He has brought the light of salvation into your life. God has been gracious to you.

Now, in this season of Epiphany, just as the sun burns brighter each day, let the light of Christ burn brighter each day in your life. Consider how Jesus says it in Matthew 5:14-16: "You are the light of the world. A city 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 men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."

God has caused the light of Christ to burn in your hearts. Do not hide the light of Jesus. Let your faith be evident to all by the joy and confidence you have in your future. Let your faith burn brightly even as we face the troubles of the world. Let your faith shine as you treat others as Jesus has first treated you. Daily look for opportunities to reflect the light of Christ to others by your attitude, your faith, your words, and your conduct. Ask yourself each day, "How can I reflect the light of Christ to others today?”

We live in a season of light. As we journey through this season of light together, I pray that the Lord would enable each one of us to let the light of Jesus shine brighter every day so that others may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. May the light of Christ in your life grant to you hope, joy, and confidence in your daily life and future.

Pastor Schoenfeld

 

“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”  Romans 3:23

Ever since Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit (Genesis 3) every human being has come into this world as a sinful being.  Our sin separates us from God.  Left to ourselves we would perish for eternity in hell (John 3:36 & Hebrews 10:26-27).

“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.”  John 3:16

God loves you so much that He came into this world as a human being (Luke 2:1-20).   Jesus, the Son of God, lived a perfect life for you (Hebrews 4:14-16), suffered and died upon a cross for you (John 19), and rose from the dead for you (Luke 24).   Now our risen Lord will forgive your sin (1 John 1:8-9) and grant eternal salvation to you if you believe in Him.  

“Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved…”  Acts 16:31

When God blesses you with a living faith in Jesus you will have a place in heaven.  Such salvation comes not by our works but by grace through faith in Jesus (Romans 3:28; Ephesians 2:8-10).  

“And He died for all, that those who live, should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again.”  2 Corinthians 5:15

Now as those who have been given the gift of heaven we live no longer just for ourselves but to serve God and our fellow human beings.  (Ephesians 2:10)