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This Little Light of Mine

CGG Weekly by Gary Montgomery

How far the little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a naughty world! Jesus commands us to let our light shine before men, that they may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven. Even the feeblest light at midnight is of use, showing that no sincere and humble Christian lives in vain. In the darkness of a great cavern, one small match illuminated the entire space, revealing everyone and the surrounding walls. This world loves darkness, where many believe they can hide their deeds, but the light of God is brighter and more penetrating than the sun, revealing all secrets. Jesus teaches that He is the true light, the light of the world, and if we follow Him, we will not walk in darkness. Those who practice truth come to the light, that their deeds may be clearly seen as done in God. We are called to walk in the fullness of His light, practicing what pleases Him, so our little light will shine brightly in this increasingly darkening world.

The Lord is My Light and Salvation

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Of all the benefits we as inhabitants of the earth have received from God, few are more remarkable than the possession of light and the ability to use it. God is the only trustworthy source of true everlasting light. By light, we possess extraordinary knowledge, many comforts, and necessities, revealing its incredible purity, delicacy, and variety of colors. Light exercises an enormous influence over human imagination, often leading to its worship as humanity tends to honor creation over the Creator. When God places the light of the spirit in the human mind, it enables a person to think beyond the level of an animal and become a reasoning, intelligent being. As a result of this light, this mind power given by God, we can invent and build amazing things, designing vehicles and places to live with all sorts of conveniences. Light represents truth and goodness, standing as the great antithesis and conqueror of darkness, which symbolizes error and evil. Light holds properties of rulership over the universe, evoking awe, as seen in the creation account when God created the two great lights to rule the day and the night. The creation of light was the initial step in the creation of life, with God's first command, "Let there be light," bringing order out of chaos and desolation. Light is not self-generated; its origin lies in the purpose and nature of God, who is defined as light itself. God is light, and this word carries a comprehensive meaning, symbolizing all that is luminous and radiant in the mental, moral, and spiritual life of humans and angels. Due to His holiness and moral perfection, the Eternal God dwells in unapproachable light. Natural light, from the sun, moon, and stars, brings beauty, radiance, and utility, rejoicing the heart and sustaining life, joy, activity, and blessings. Without it, people stumble and are helpless, longing for its return. Light is necessary for good health, prolonging physical and spiritual life by guiding circadian rhythms, influencing productivity, mood, alertness, and sleep. Sunlight boosts vitamin D storage, vital for bone health, immunity, and disease prevention, and supports eye health through dopamine function in the retina. Natural light also cheers the spirit, alleviating seasonal depression and enhancing mood even on gray days. Artificial light serves as a temporary substitute when natural light fails, though often dim and inadequate. From ancient candles and oil lamps to modern fluorescent and LED lights, artificial light illuminates the night, yet studies show it can cause health issues in sensitive individuals, such as headaches, eye strain, and disrupted sleep. Crime and immorality often increase under artificial light at night, reflecting a false illumination that contrasts with the true light God provides. Only God has designed the perfect light for our physical and spiritual well-being, and we must shine as true lights to counter the false light of darkness. Mental, moral, and spiritual light finds its counterpart in our inner life, portraying spiritual realities with beauty and appropriateness in the Scriptures. Light symbolizes knowledge, wisdom, purity, and truth, while darkness represents ignorance, error, sin, and wretchedness. God illuminates our hearts and minds to truth, removing ignorance and pouring a flood of light into our understanding. Light cheers and applies to spiritual joy from the beneficial influences of God's Spirit of peace. God is light, an attribute of holiness and a personal quality, the outshining of deity, covering Himself with light as with a garment. Heaven is represented as a place of the most pure and brilliant light, needing neither sun, moon, nor stars, for God dwells in that light surrounded by unique and inapproachable glory. Jesus Christ, as the light of the world, embodies divine illumination, bringing God's truth to humanity. He declared Himself the light, stating that those who follow Him will not walk in darkness but will have the light o

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.

Armor of Light

Sermonette by Bill Onisick

God commands His people to walk in the light, radiating the unfathomable brilliance of the Father and Son Who are within them.

The Prophesied Creation of Light

'Prophecy Watch' by Charles Whitaker

God's ancient command, "Let there be light," uttered on the first day of the creation of the physical world, carries a profound significance that extends to His ongoing spiritual work with humanity. Under the inspiration of God's Spirit, this command is translated into Greek with a future tense verb, rendered as "Light will shine out of darkness" or "Light shall shine out of darkness" in various translations. This same God, who created the heavens and the earth and commanded illumination of the vast deep, now commands light to shine in our minds, revealing the deep things of God. Without this divine light, our knowledge of Him would be limited to His nature and power as seen in the physical creation. Paul's use of the Greek preposition "ek," meaning "out of" or "out from," emphasizes that this light does not merely illuminate the surface but emanates from within the darkness itself. This God-created light is distinct from its Creator, shining forth from the hub of darkness, a discrete and darkness-destroying light burning in a place contrary to Him. It bespeaks the boundless transformative power of God's Spirit as it works to accomplish the Creator's purposes. Christ reminds His disciples that people do not hide a lamp but place it on a stand for maximum illumination, commanding them to let their light shine before men so that their good works may glorify their Father in heaven. Though this light is engendered by Him, sent out by Him, and sustained by Him, it is separate from Him, burning in independent beings who were once as helplessly darkened as the chaos of Genesis. Spiritually energized by Christ dwelling in us, we remain separate entities, transformed by His light, shining as God's light within freestanding organisms. The darkness could not overcome the light sent out from Jesus Christ, who anciently confronted the chaos of darkness, transforming it into an organized and fruitful creation capable of facilitating His plans. The prophesied creation of light will continue until there are billions of points of light, each distinguished from the Father of lights as separate beings, yet each indistinguishable from Him in character and purpose.

Everlasting Light

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. Collins

God is the only true source of everlasting light, providing both physical and spiritual illumination to humanity. Through light, extraordinary knowledge, comforts, and the beauty of colors are revealed, bringing great pleasure and influencing human imagination. When God places the light of the spirit in a human mind, it elevates thought beyond animal instinct, enabling invention and remarkable achievements. Light represents truth and goodness, standing as the great antithesis and conqueror of darkness, which symbolizes evil and error. On the fourth day of creation, God made the two great lights to rule the day and night, establishing light's rulership over the universe with a sense of awe. The creation of light was the initial step in forming life, with God's first command, "Let there be light," marking the beginning of creation. Light's origin lies in the purpose and nature of God, who is defined as light itself, embodying all that is luminous and radiant in mental, moral, and spiritual life. God dwells in unapproachable light, a symbol of His holiness and moral perfection. Light is necessary for good health and prolongs life, both physically and spiritually, as seen in studies showing enhanced learning and health under full spectrum light akin to natural daylight. Throughout Scripture, light symbolizes knowledge, purity, and truth, while darkness represents ignorance and sin. God removes ignorance by pouring light and truth into minds, cheering and rendering life prosperous through spiritual joy and the influence of His Holy Spirit. Without this Spirit, there is no light, as it comes unrequested from above, transforming the earthly sphere with transcendent splendor. Light pictures God's simultaneous transcendence and imminence, permeating everyday life as a symbol of holiness and purity, an attribute of His divine nature. Jesus Christ is the personification of light, bringing spiritual illumination as the Messiah. He declared Himself the light of the world, manifesting God in the flesh as the Teacher, Enlightener, Guide, and Savior of humanity. Christ gives understanding, truth, and wisdom, and as the Word, He is the radiant splendor of God's glory. His light, though small at first, grew in intensity, illuminating great things of enormous consequence. When Christ took the sins of the world upon Himself, darkness fell at midday, highlighting the deep need for the everlasting light that the Eternal Father radiates. In the ultimate vision of the New Jerusalem, the glory of God provides light, eliminating the need for sun or moon, as the Lamb is its lamp. The divine King's presence bathes the city in overflowing radiance, where the redeemed dwell in eternal glory and everlasting life. At the end of the age, God's light will obliterate all traces of darkness, renewing the earth and heavens with light, truth, beauty, holiness, and joy. There will be no physical or spiritual night, only perfect knowledge and joy in walking continually in the light of the Lord. The whole purpose of light is to reveal and glorify God, who is light, and His servants will reign with Christ forever in everlasting light.

How Bright is Your Light?

Sermonette by Ryan McClure

Do we let our lights shine through our lives by godly conduct, or are we trying to blend in with the world, compromising so as not to stand apart?

Parable of the Light

Bible Study by Martin G. Collins

In the Parable of the Light, Jesus Christ portrays true Christians as a city set on a hill, visible from afar to many eyes over a wide area, symbolizing their far-ranging influence on others. Similarly, He likens them to a shining lamp on a lampstand, illuminating the home and suggesting a more intimate impact within families and close circles. By design, a Christian's actions cannot be hidden from either family or the world at large, compelling them to live a righteous, holy, humble, and pure life. A lamp, once lit, is not to be concealed under a basket but placed where its light can benefit all in the house. So too, God's truth given to Christians is meant to be visible, standing in stark contrast to the wicked world, exposing and instructing it. If hidden, the light serves no purpose, but when displayed, it reaches and aids others. The righteous life, pleasant attitude, and good works of a Christian, including pure conversation and faithful obedience, should shine before others. This light must be evident in all communities, in business, at home, and abroad, in prosperity and adversity, showing adherence to God's way of life while resisting worldly influences. The proper motive for letting this light shine is not to gain praise from others but to bring glory to the Father. Christians should live so that their good works, standing in contrast to the ways of the wicked world, lead others to honor God through their conduct, not through show or pomp. The Father is glorified when Christians bear the fruit of the Spirit, perform good works, and offer correct praise and honor to Him. By living in obedience and reflecting the excellence of God's way, they provide a witness to the world, demonstrating the power and purity of the truth. Good actions, inevitably seen, lead others to honor God, and even the feeblest light proves useful in the darkest times.

The Light of Day and the Dark of Night

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mike Ford

From the beginning, God gave us light. At some time in the far distant past, He created the universe, the heavens, and the earth. In the midst of a formless, empty planet covered in darkness, God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. This light, in every sense, encompasses the sun, the moon, the stars, the morning, daybreak, daylight, prosperity, and God as our light. By making the sun, the moon, the stars, the rotating of the earth, and its tilt, He also gave us the dark of night. God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. If we walk in the light, striving to follow the truth and come out of sin, Christ will be our advocate. The theme of darkness and light runs throughout the scriptures, portraying light as truth and darkness as sin. Satan, the adversary, transforms himself into an angel of light, dressing up sin with deceptive brightness to present it as good. Yet, when the lights are off, the true nature of darkness is revealed as the opposite of God. We are to reflect God's light within us. If we clearly see His laws, obey them quietly, and avoid evil, we walk in the light. In the prophecy of the New Jerusalem, the glory of God illuminates it, and the Lamb is its light. The nations of those who are saved shall walk in its light, and the earth will shine with His glory. Even a small portion of light, as seen when just 2.5% of the sun still lit the earth during an eclipse, demonstrates the immense power of light to overcome darkness.

Are You Light In The Lord?

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Light is a revealer of truth and a means to expose error. When we receive God's Holy Spirit with Christ dwelling in us, we become a light to the world.

Be a Lighthouse

Sermon by Ted E. Bowling

The metaphor of a lighthouse aptly describes the role of the saints in a darkened world, providing hope, guidance, and stability.

Let There Be Light

Commentary by Martin G. Collins

Genesis 1 reveals an incredible, grand design. God has ordered and structured all things according to logical principles.

The Christian Walk (Part Two): In Light

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

To 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.

Light of the Body

Sermonette by Ronny H. Graham

If we take their focus off the genuine Light of the World (John 8:12), we run the risk of being blinded by the lusts of the world and the pulls of the flesh.

The Radiance of God's Glory

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The so-called Age of Enlightenment replaced divine revelation with carnal human reason, replacing God's true light with Satan's counterfeit 'illumination.'

An Illuminating Prophecy

CGG Weekly by Charles Whitaker

Paul links God's ancient command, uttered on the first day of Creation of the physical world, to His ongoing spiritual work with mankind.

Believing is Seeing

Sermonette by Joseph B. Baity

We must walk in God's truth, seeing the spiritual path a little bit at a time until we arrive in the New Jerusalem, needing no external illumination.

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.

Clouds (Part Three): The Revealing of Christ

'Prophecy Watch' by Charles Whitaker

Clouds are frequently associated with the Day of the Lord. What will those clouds conceal and what will they reveal once drawn back?

'Behold, He is Coming with Clouds'

'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe

The passages that describe Christ's return in power and glory contain the same detail: that He will come in, on, or with clouds. Here is the significance.

The Absence-Presence Dichotomy and God's Spirit

Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)

Paul's use of the presence-absence dichotomy clarified that absence does not materially affect the Work of God because the same Holy Spirit is always present.

John (Part Two)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

John 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.

Matthew (Part Six)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Those who are meek are capable of anger but keep it under control. They are humble, open-minded, willing to listen, don't jump to conclusions, and aren't defensive.

Christ, the Chief Cornerstone

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

If a foundation is flawed, the building cannot stand. God built His spiritual temple on the prophets and the apostles, and Jesus Christ is the chief cornerstone.

Stewardship of God's Temple (Part Six)

Sermon by David F. Maas

There are striking and insightful parallels between the physical benefits of sunshine, fresh air, and cleanliness and the yet unseen spiritual dimensions.

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.