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Everlasting Light

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Light, in its profound essence, represents understanding and truth, a divine gift from God that elevates the human mind beyond mere instinct. When God places the light of the spirit within a person, it enables them to reason and create, distinguishing them from animals and allowing the invention of remarkable things. This illumination, a blessing tied to God's promise to Abraham, has historically empowered the descendants of Israel to contribute extraordinary advancements to civilization, reflecting the brilliance of divine understanding. However, as many reject their connection with God, this light of understanding dims, leaving a flicker where once there was brilliance, and plunging society into moral and spiritual darkness. Throughout the Scriptures, light symbolizes knowledge and purity, standing in stark opposition to the darkness of ignorance and error. God's light removes this ignorance, flooding the mind with truth and clarity. This illumination, effected by the indwelling Spirit of God, transforms intellect, conscience, reason, and will, renewing the spirit in the moral realm. Jesus Christ, as the embodiment of this light, brings true understanding of God to humanity, declaring Himself the light of the world and offering wisdom and salvation to those who follow Him. Those who reject this divine light separate themselves from spiritual understanding, dwelling in darkness. The true light from God emanates from within the heart, defining the essence of His children. It is not merely an appearance but a profound reality that reveals His glory through the lives of believers. As members of God's church, they are called to shine as lights in the world, manifesting His way of life and understanding. Ultimately, in the vision of the New Jerusalem, the glory of God will be the everlasting light, illuminating all with perfect knowledge and joy, banishing all traces of intellectual and spiritual darkness forever. God, the source of this eternal understanding, will reign with Christ in everlasting light.

The Lord is My Light and Salvation

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. Collins

God is the only trustworthy source of true everlasting light, which represents understanding and truth in the human mind. When God places the light of the spirit in man, it enables a person to think beyond the level of an animal, becoming a reasoning, intelligent being. This light, as mind power given by God, allows humanity to invent and build remarkable things, designing vehicles and conveniences for life. Light symbolizes knowledge and wisdom, illuminating the intellect, conscience, reason, and will through divine instruction. The enlightenment of these capabilities depends wholly on the renewal of the spirit, as God removes ignorance and pours a flood of light and truth into our minds. In contrast, darkness symbolizes ignorance and error, highlighting the moral confusion that arises from rejecting God's law. God's commandments shed light on errors in our lives, guiding us with both moral and mental enlightenment. Jesus, as the light of the world, brings true understanding of God, offering salvation and a new life to those who follow Him, ensuring they will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life. God's own special people are called out of darkness into His marvelous light, defined by this essence of understanding and truth. Ultimately, the purpose of light is to reveal and glorify God, who is light itself, providing everlasting understanding, truth, and wisdom.

The Light of the World

Sermonette by David C. Grabbe

Christ'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.

Are You Light In The Lord?

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Light manifests itself first in the mind, bringing biblical truth to the intellect and understanding. As Christians, we become 'light in the Lord,' gaining a knowledge that was previously absent, a knowledge of God that goes beyond mere facts and includes a reverence unique to us. Darkness is marked by ignorance, while light is characterized by knowledge and understanding, especially of spiritual truth. Non-Christians lack this spiritual faculty, unable to grasp the truths of the Bible, seeing them as foolishness, whereas we, as light, possess an insight into spiritual realities that others cannot access. This light also reveals an understanding of sin, making us aware of the internal conflict and the principle of evil within, a concept foreign to those in darkness. As 'light in the Lord,' we know the way of salvation through Jesus Christ and can explain it to others, reflecting a new mind and heart that responds to God's truth. Our heart, infused with light, feels the power of this truth, motivating us to obey from the heart and desire holiness, hungering for righteousness and seeking the Kingdom of God. The fruit of light shows itself in goodness, righteousness, and truth, distinguishing us from the works of darkness. This fruit grows naturally from within, an expression of our true nature as Christians, contrasting with the artificiality of false religion. Our liberty, granted through the knowledge of God's truth, delivers us from the darkening of the mind and sinful desires, enabling us to do what is right and true. As 'light in the Lord,' we are called to walk as children of light, producing spiritual fruit that glorifies God and prepares us to shine and rule with light in the future.

Be a Lighthouse

Sermon by Ted E. Bowling

Just as lighthouses pierce through the obscurity of night, God's light shines through the darkness of this world, satan's domain. Jesus Christ came to warn us of danger, to save us, and to offer forgiveness. There is nothing more precious than light in the midst of darkness, and Jesus embodies light Himself, separating light from darkness. To be in darkness is to be without direction or hope, engulfed in confusion and fear. Yet, when we take on Jesus Christ, we abide in the light, finding guidance and comfort. Jesus declared, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life." Through this, He taught that light penetrates the darkness of satan's world, offering hope and life, while darkness represents death. As followers of Christ, we are called to be lights in the world, shining forth through Him, who is our source of light. Though our light may not burn as brightly as His, we are to be beacons, displaying His character in a tired and confused world. Jesus said, "You are the light of the world." As imitators of God, we emit the light of Jesus Christ by producing the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. This light is built on a stable foundation, nurtured by our relationship with Jesus Christ through study, prayer, fellowship, and application of understanding. Those with light can discern truth, recognize darkness, and develop godly wisdom over time through obedience to God and a commitment to living uprightly. We are lighthouses called by God, built on a foundation of His Spirit to serve others with outgoing concern, lovingkindness, and tenderness. Without light, a lighthouse is merely a building with no purpose. God expects each of us to be a beacon in the world, shining through our values and character, providing a good example to all who observe us. Our light shines in both obvious actions and simple gestures, reflecting God's character so that Christ may be seen in us.

Learning to Live in the Light

Sermon by Kim Myers

Through the indwelling of His Spirit, God has enabled us to walk exclusively in the Light. However, three forces work against living this lifestyle.

Amos 5 and the Feast of Tabernacles

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

If we go to the Feast with the goal of physically enjoying, we may lose out on both the spiritual and physical benefits. 'Going through the motions' defiles it.

What is Acceptable to the Lord

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. Collins

While Jesus associated with harlots and publicans, He did not condone their works nor had fellowship with the works of darkness. We must follow His example.

Truth (Part 3)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

With 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.

The Healing of a Man Born Blind (Part Two)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

All of us have been born spiritually blind and have spent a great deal of our early lives in total darkness, oblivious to our need for salvation.

Glorify You Me

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. Reid

The purpose of our calling is not the place of safety, but that we glorify God, following the example of Jesus Christ.

Four Views of Christ (Part 6)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Christ provides a model of how to live a godly life in the flesh, living life the way God lives it. Using His light, we can navigate our way in this world.

Hebrews (Part One): The Stage Is Set

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Early converts from Judaism claimed to accept the Law but had difficulty accepting the Lawgiver. Today, many claim to accept Christ, but will not accept His Law.