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Everlasting Light
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsLight serves as a profound symbol of truth in the spiritual realm, illuminating the path to understanding and knowledge. It represents the divine essence of God, who is the ultimate source of everlasting truth and purity. When God places the light of the spirit in a human mind, it elevates thought beyond mere instinct, enabling reasoning and intelligence. This illumination contrasts sharply with darkness, which symbolizes error and ignorance, often associated with the deceptive influences of satan. Throughout biblical imagery, light stands as the great antithesis and conqueror of darkness, embodying rulership and awe, much like a benevolent king over the universe. The creation of light marked the initial step in forming life, with God's command, "Let there be light," setting the foundation for all organic existence. This light, originating from the purpose and nature of God, is not only physical but also mental, moral, and spiritual, flooding the faculties of intellect, conscience, reason, and will with truth. Light, as a symbol of truth, is inseparable from holiness and purity, reflecting God's essential nature. He is light, just as truly as He is love, and imparts this nature to His children, creating a sphere of truth in which they dwell. In stark contrast, darkness represents the condition of sin and death, while light expresses holiness and the transformative presence of God. The ultimate vision of light as truth culminates in the promise of an everlasting reality where God's glory will be the eternal illumination, obliterating all traces of darkness and revealing His truth to all.
This Little Light of Mine
CGG Weekly by Gary MontgomeryHow far the little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a naughty world! The light of truth illuminates and exposes the sinful deeds of men, revealing secrets so that nothing is hidden. This world loves darkness, where many believe they can hide their wrongdoings, but the light of God penetrates deeper than any earthly illumination. We have been given this truth to light up our lives, ensuring we do not dwell in darkness. Jesus teaches that He is the true light, and by following Him, we escape the dark. Those who practice truth come to the light, so their deeds may be clearly seen as done in God. We are commanded to let our light shine before men, that they may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven. Where this light reveals our shortcomings, we must examine ourselves, repent, and make changes. By walking in the fullness of His light and practicing deeds of love and kindness, our little light will shine brightly in this increasingly darkening world.
Truth-Based Worship Vs Spiritual Confusion
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsLight serves as a profound symbol of truth in the spiritual journey of believers. God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all, representing the pure, unadulterated truth that must be the starting point for all understanding and worship. This divine light, as revealed through the inspired written Word, contrasts sharply with the darkness of human reasoning and deception that pervades the world. The apostle John emphasizes that true joy and fellowship with the Father and His Son come from aligning with this light, which exposes lies and guides believers away from falsehoods. The natural tendency of humanity is to start with self, leading to distorted views of truth and the acceptance of pagan celebrations that mix lies with worship. However, the call is to begin with God, to see truth from His perspective, and to reject the darkness of human traditions. This light of truth, embodied in Jesus Christ, is the foundation of genuine worship and the path to overcoming the deceptions that separate us from God. True understanding and spiritual growth come only from embracing this divine light, allowing it to direct thoughts and actions away from the lies of the world.
The Lord is My Light and Salvation
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsLight serves as a profound symbol of truth, embodying the essence of illumination and understanding that originates from God. As the only trustworthy source of true everlasting light, God imparts this radiance to humanity, enabling the mind to transcend mere instinct and embrace reason and intelligence. This light of truth reveals purity and clarity, guiding humanity toward knowledge and wisdom. In stark contrast, darkness symbolizes error and ignorance, representing a world devoid of truth. The absence of light equates to spiritual blindness, where lies and deception prevail, obscuring the path to understanding. Yet, light stands as the great antithesis and conqueror of darkness, holding rulership over the universe with an awe-inspiring presence, much like a benevolent king over His subjects. Throughout the Scriptures, light consistently portrays truth, goodness, and divine revelation. It is through this light that God removes ignorance, flooding the mind with truth and understanding. As a symbol, light cheers the spirit, offering joy and peace through the beneficial influences of divine presence. God, who is light, covers Himself with truth and righteousness as with a garment, dwelling in unapproachable brilliance that signifies His holiness and moral perfection. Jesus Christ, as the embodiment of this light, declares Himself the light of the world, bringing the true knowledge of God to humanity. His presence illuminates great truths of enormous consequence, growing in intensity and spreading far. Those who follow Him are promised not to walk in darkness but to have the light of life, symbolizing salvation and a new existence in truth. Thus, light remains a central emblem of divine truth, guiding and revealing the path to righteousness and understanding in the face of darkness.
The Light of the World
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeChrist's teachings on the Eighth Day revolved around light and darkness, and twice on that Holy Day He proclaimed that He is the Light of the World.
Parable of the Light
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsIn the Parable of the Light, Jesus Christ employs the imagery of light to convey the profound responsibility of true Christians to influence the world. As a city set on a hill is visible from afar, so too is a disciple's impact far-reaching, exposing their actions to many over a wide area. Similarly, a lamp placed on a lampstand illuminates a home, suggesting a disciple's more intimate influence within their immediate surroundings. By design, a Christian's actions cannot be hidden from either family or the world at large. Light, in this context, symbolizes truth that must not be concealed. When a lamp is lit, it is placed where it can be of use, not hidden under a basket, so that its benefits reach all in the house. Likewise, God's truth, given to believers, is meant to benefit others by showing itself in stark contrast to the wicked world, exposing and instructing it. A Christian's righteous life, pleasant attitude, and good works should shine openly before others, reflecting the enlightenment received from God. The proper motive for letting this light shine is not to gain praise from others, but to bring glory to the Father. True Christians behave to honor God, caring little for human opinion, allowing their good works to stand out against the ways of the world. These good actions, visible in all aspects of life, lead others to recognize the excellence of God's way. Thus, the Father is glorified through the bearing of spiritual fruit and the witness provided by a life lived in obedience and truth.
Are You Light In The Lord?
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsLight serves as a profound symbol of truth, revealing the essence of God and exposing what is wrong. Light uncovers the true character of things, much like an artist needs light to paint a true picture or a surgeon requires it to remove cancer. As Christians, we are 'light in the Lord,' embodying this truth through Christ dwelling in us, which manifests in our minds through knowledge and understanding of God, a reverence unique to believers. This spiritual faculty grants us insight into spiritual truth, distinguishing us from those in darkness who lack this understanding and see biblical truth as foolishness. The fruit of light, characterized by goodness, righteousness, and truth, emerges naturally from within, contrasting with the unfruitful works of darkness. Truth, as a component of this light, opposes deceit and hidden things, making the Christian's life open and transparent. Light exposes everything, rendering all things visible and manifest, just as headlights on a dark road reveal what was hidden. The Christian, governed by this truth, lives without pretense or hypocrisy, reflecting sincerity and integrity. As 'light in the Lord,' we produce spiritual fruit that benefits others, mirroring God's goodness to all. This light within us is not artificial or forced but grows steadily, like fruit on a tree, expressing our true nature through genuine actions. We are called to walk as children of light, shining with truth to the glory of God, with the promise of ruling with this light in the Millennium, helping others emerge from darkness into truth.
Be a Lighthouse
Sermon by Ted E. BowlingThe metaphor of a lighthouse aptly describes the role of the saints in a darkened world, providing hope, guidance, and stability.
Learning to Live in the Light
Sermon by Kim MyersThrough the indwelling of His Spirit, God has enabled us to walk exclusively in the Light. However, three forces work against living this lifestyle.
The Christian Walk (Part Two): In Light
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughTo His disciples, Christ admonishes us to follow the light, imitate (or do) the light, and become sons of the light; to not just reflect light but become it.
Truth (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWith the Spirit of God—the light of God—we see the true shape and form of things, and reality appears as something we can see clearly. We find truth.
A Light To The World
Commentary by Mark SchindlerExposure to more than two hours per day on digital screens lowers scores on thinking and language tests. We must not abandon our children to smartphones.
Truth (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThrough the shaping power of God's Holy Spirit, He starts to fill the chasm that divides us so we can have fellowship with Him.
Ecclesiastes: What is it All About? (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe activities that Solomon put to the test and found wanting are exactly those things the world emphasizes: hedonism, silliness, mirth, and foolishness.
A Subtle Yet Devastating Curse
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeAmos 8:11 speaks of 'a famine...of hearing the words of the LORD.' Such a famine is occurring today: The words of God are available, but few can hear.
The Radiance of God's Glory
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe so-called Age of Enlightenment replaced divine revelation with carnal human reason, replacing God's true light with Satan's counterfeit 'illumination.'
Christian Myopia
Article by StaffMyopia, or nearsightedness, is not just an eye condition. It also describes a worldview that is quite limited and limiting.
Approaching God Through Christ (Part Five)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThough the menorah has been paired with Judaism, it should more properly be associated with Jesus Christ, the Light of the World.
Is America a Christian Nation? (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The Constitution, in some ways, makes a mockery of God's sovereignty, preferring a hodge-podge of syncretism of the world's religions.
Communication and Leaving Babylon (Part Three)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughChristians must continue to fight against self-centered and deception long after their calling to deepen and strengthen their relationships with God.
Preventing Deception
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughReligious hucksters use the bait of self-gratification, selling non-essential or even heretical ideas. The elect resist deception by knowing the real article.
John (Part Two)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJohn emphasizes the reality of Jesus as the Logos (a word revealing hidden thought), the manifestation of God in the flesh, emphasizing His preexistence and divinity.
What's in It for Me?
Sermonette by Mark SchindlerBecause seed-bearing designates fruit that is good for food, it is possible that the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil was not seed-bearing.
Will Deceive Many (Part Two)
'Prophecy Watch' by Pat HigginsThe end time, Jesus warns, will be one of massive deception, enough to make the very elect stumble. We need to be sure of God's Word to spot Satan's lies.
Is Ignorance Truly Bliss?
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe 'people of the lie' do not believe they have any major defects and, consequently, do not have any need to examine themselves, let alone change.