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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, embodying the essence of illumination in all its forms. As light, He represents truth, goodness, and His redemptive work, standing as the great antithesis and conqueror of darkness. The origin of light finds its explanation in the purpose and nature of God, who is defined not only as the Author of light but, in an all-inclusive sense, as light itself. His holiness and moral perfection portray Him as dwelling in unapproachable light, a symbol of His divine glory. Light, in its material splendor, serves as a symbol and synonym of all that is luminous and radiant in the mental, moral, and spiritual life of humans and angels. God is light just as truly as He is love, truth, and spirit, with light being an attribute of His holiness and a personal quality that outshines His deity. He covers Himself with light as with a garment, inhabiting a heaven bathed in brilliance so dazzling that human eyes cannot survive its intensity. 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. The glory of His holiness and presence is the everlasting light of the redeemed, as seen in visions of the final triumph of goodness where the Lord will be their everlasting light. In the New Jerusalem, the divine King's presence and the glory of God provide light for the city, with no need for physical illumination, for the glory of God is its light and its lamp is the Lamb. At the end of the age, the light of God will obliterate all traces of darkness, establishing permanent realities of light, truth, beauty, holiness, joy, and the presence of God. God remains the only true source of everlasting light, embodying everlasting truth, goodness, purity, righteousness, holiness, understanding, and justice, ensuring that His servants will reign with Christ forever in everlasting light.

Approaching God Through Christ (Part Five)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

From the very beginning of creation, God commanded light to shine forth, banishing the darkness that hung over the earth. Light stands for God Himself, representing good and truth, always in opposition to darkness, which embodies evil and lies. Throughout the scriptures, light prevails in this constant struggle, marking the commencement of God's plan to bring illumination to all. In the ultimate vision of the new heavens and new earth, God's glory lights the entire world. There is no need for any lamp or menorah, for the Lamb of God serves as the true light source. The Lamb is the lamp, central to all, embodying the temple itself and illuminating everything with His presence. Jesus Christ stands as the lampstand, positioned among the seven candlesticks, which represent the churches of God. He is the central figure, shining His countenance upon them, supplying their spiritual needs, guiding them toward the Kingdom of God. Jesus Christ is called the Light of Men, the True Light, and the Light, radiating divine glory full of grace and truth. He is the revelator of truth and the guide to eternal life, distinguishing Himself from all other lights. His light is pure and undefiled, sinless and holy, perfectly righteous and constant. As the Light of the World, He manifests God's goodness and truth in every word, action, and expression, serving as the perfect example for all to follow. God's commandments and truth provide light, leading the way to His tabernacle and dwelling in His Kingdom. When His words enter into us, they enlighten our path, preventing us from stumbling in darkness. The grace of God, manifested in Jesus Christ, encapsulates His absolute goodness and holy righteous character, shining through His perfect life as a witness of how God acts. Just as the Israelites supplied oil for the menorah to shine in the tabernacle, we are called to reflect this light. We are to be lights in the world, manifesting the grace of God through acts of service and goodness, following the example of Jesus Christ. The same God who commanded light to be at creation also sent light through the person and example of Jesus Christ, giving us knowledge and the pattern to become His children, radiating with the same light He possesses. Through Him, the true Light of the World, we can approach the Father in grace and truth, laying hold of the promise of eternal life in His Kingdom.

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 is Light, a profound truth woven into the very fabric of creation. From the beginning, when God commanded, "Let there be light," His words carried a prophetic weight, pointing to His ongoing spiritual work with humanity. This ancient command, translated into the future tense by the apostle Paul as "Light will shine out of darkness," reveals that the same God who illuminated the vast deep continues to shine light into our minds, unveiling the deep things of Himself. Without this divine revelation, our understanding of His purposes and plans for us would remain obscured, limited to the mere observation of His power in the physical creation. This light, distinct yet originating from God, emanates from within the darkness, not merely illuminating the surface but transforming chaos into order. It is a darkness-destroying light, burning in places estranged from Him, contrary to His nature, yet created by Him to fulfill His boundless transformative purposes. Though it is God's light, it remains separate from Him, shining forth as a discrete force in the midst of tohu and bohu. Christ Himself instructs us to let our light shine before men, that they may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven. This light, though engendered and sustained by Him, is called "your light," for it burns within independent beings, each once helplessly darkened. We are not mere reflections of God's light but are His light, shining within freestanding organisms, spiritually energized by Christ dwelling in us. Though empowered by the same inexhaustible source, we remain separate entities, transformed by His light. As recipients of this divine light, we walk in the same light in which Christ walks, becoming like Him in character and purpose, yet distinct from Him. The darkness could not overcome the light sent out from Jesus Christ, who anciently confronted the chaos of tohu and bohu, transforming it into an organized and fruitful creation. This prophesied creation of light continues, promising billions of points of light, each distinguished from the Father of lights as separate beings, yet each indistinguishable from Him in character and purpose.

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 reveals the nature of God and produces fruit, while also exposing what is wrong. God's light uncovers the true character of things, showing the contrast between those who walk in darkness and those who are 'light in the Lord.' As Christians, we are 'light in the Lord' because Christ dwells in us, and we live God's way of life. If we do not live according to His way, the light is not in us, and the consequences are eternal. This light manifests first in the mind, bringing biblical truth to the intellect and understanding. It is characterized by a knowledge of God, a reverence, and an insight into spiritual truth that is unique to the Christian. Non-Christians lack this spiritual faculty, remaining in darkness, unable to grasp the truth of the Bible, which appears as foolishness to them. Their minds are blinded by ignorance, unable to resolve issues with integrity and truth. As 'light in the Lord,' we possess a spiritual power that distinguishes us, giving us an awareness of sin and the internal conflict it causes. We reflect this light as a witness to others, knowing the way of salvation through Jesus Christ and being able to explain it. Our hearts respond to the power of God's Word, moving us to obey from the heart, desiring holiness and thirsting for righteousness. Though not perfect, our hearts become 'light in the Lord,' seeking to know God the Father and His Son, and to live as They do. The fruit of this light is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth. Goodness reflects God's benevolence, a concern for others' happiness, contrasting with the selfish works of darkness. Righteousness signifies conformity to God's law, being just and fair in our actions and treatment of others. Truth embodies transparency and sincerity, with nothing hidden or deceitful, unlike the life of sin characterized by concealment and dishonesty. These qualities stem from God, the source and essence of light, and govern the Christian's life. We are called to be 'light in the Lord,' producing spiritual fruit as branches of the true Vine. By walking as children of light, we manifest this fruit to the glory of God. In the Millennium, we will have the opportunity to rule with light, shining alongside Jesus Christ and God the Father, helping others come out of darkness by shedding light on the truth.

Everlasting Light

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. Collins

God is the only true source of everlasting light, embodying truth, goodness, purity, righteousness, and holiness. The origin of light finds its explanation in the purpose and nature of God, as He is defined not only as the Author of light but, in an all-inclusive sense, as light itself. The Eternal God, due to His holiness and moral perfection, is pictured as dwelling in unapproachable light, a brilliance so dazzling that no mortal eye could survive beholding it. Every phase of light, from the natural world to the spiritual glory of God, reveals His essential nature, as spirit and light are expressions of His being. Light, as a symbol, pictures the simultaneous transcendence and imminence of God, far above yet permeating everyday life on earth. It represents holiness and purity, an attribute and personal quality of God, outshining as the very essence of the Deity. God does not merely possess light; He is light, just as He is love, truth, and spirit, imparting this nature to be the sphere in which His children dwell. His presence and grace manifest as a marvelous light to His holy nation, and the glory of His holiness becomes the everlasting light of the redeemed. In the ultimate vision of divine glory, God inhabits a heaven bathed in light, and His presence will be the everlasting light of the New Jerusalem, needing no sun or moon, for the glory of God and the Lamb will illuminate it. At the end of the age, the light of God will obliterate all traces of darkness, renewing the earth and heavens with light, truth, beauty, holiness, and joy. The whole purpose of light is to reveal and glorify God, and His servants will reign with Christ forever in everlasting light.

The Radiance of God's Glory

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. Collins

In the realm of spiritual truth, God is light, embodying the essence of illumination, holiness, and moral perfection. He dwells in unapproachable light, a brilliance so intense that mortal eyes cannot endure it, symbolizing His divine glory and righteousness. As light, He represents truth, goodness, purity, and salvation, standing in stark contrast to the darkness of error, deception, and sin that overshadows the world. His presence transforms, flooding minds with understanding and removing ignorance, guiding His people out of darkness into His marvelous light. God's nature as light permeates all creation and spiritual life, from the initial command, "Let there be light," which began the process of life, to the final revelation of the New Jerusalem, where His glory will be the everlasting light, eliminating all need for sun or moon. His light is not self-generated but comes from above, transcending human realm yet permeating everyday existence with divine radiance. Through His Spirit, He illuminates hearts and minds, enabling humanity to reason and create beyond mere instinct, reflecting His gift of intellectual and moral enlightenment. Jesus Christ, the true Light of the world, manifests God's light in human form, bringing spiritual illumination and the knowledge of God's glory. As the Light, He offers understanding, wisdom, and salvation, declaring that those who follow Him will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life. His presence as light exposes truth and conquers darkness, fulfilling prophecies of a great light shining upon those in the shadow of death. In the ultimate vision of God's Kingdom, His light will banish all remnants of darkness, establishing eternal truth, holiness, and joy. The redeemed will dwell in His presence, walking continually in the light of the Lord, where night will be no more. God, as the source of eternal light, will reign forever with Christ, surrounded by righteousness, justice, mercy, and truth, revealing His glory through the faithful who reflect His radiance in a world longing for true illumination.

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.

'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.

Christians in the Spotlight

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

We must let our lights shine by our moderation, self-control, attitude, and behavior, realizing that we are reflecting the characteristics of God Almighty.

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.

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.

Our Walk Out of Darkness Into the Light

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

After we accept Christ's sacrifice, we desperately need to come out of sin, walking in light rather than darkness, having continuous fellowship with God.

Seeking God's Will (Part One): Holiness

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Determining the will of God is difficult to do unless we know the character of God. Holiness is the foundation for all of the other traits of God.

Holiness of God (Part 4)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

To be like God, we need to work on purifying ourselves, purging out sin and uncleanness, reflecting our relationship with God in every aspect our behavior.