Shining Light of the Gospel: Church Mission and Good Deeds

1. Being the Light of the World: Promoting the Gospel through the Works of the ChurchMatthew 5:14-16Message 5 in our 8-part series called The Best Kept Secret of Christian Mission: Promoting the Gospel with More than Our Lips. Sunday, May 19, 2013 Speaker: Paul Margerrison

2. Being the light of the world “14bA city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” Matthew 5:14b “15Neither 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” Matthew 5:15 “16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

3. Being the light of the world • It is a command: We are to shine • Our light is to shine “before men” • The world will notice our good deeds and praise God.

4. Being the light of the world • We must be connected to the source of the light

5. Being the light of the world “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” John 8:12b

6. Being the light of the world • We must be connected to the source of the light • We must understand that letting our light shine is a part of our spiritual growth; an intentional choice

7. Being the light of the world “7I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things” Isaiah 45:7 “8Yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter, we are all the work of your hand” Isaiah 64:8

8. Being the light of the world • We must be connected to the source of the light • We must understand that letting our light shine is a part of our spiritual growth; an intentional choice • We must understand that our life is on display

9. Being the light of the world “14Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe 16as you hold out the word of life…” Philippians 2:14-16

10. Being the light of the world • We must be connected to the source of the light • We must understand that letting our light shine is a part of our spiritual growth; an intentional choice • We must understand that our life is on display • We must understand that our light is to be seen through our deeds

11. Being the light of the world “10For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” Ephesians 2:10

12. Being the light of the world • We must be connected to the source of the light • We must understand that letting our light shine is a part of our spiritual growth; an intentional choice • We must understand that our life is on display • we must understand that our light is to be seen through our deeds • We must understand that our deeds are to bring praise or glory to God

13. Being the light of the world “1Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven” Matthew 6:1

14. Being the light of the world 42They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone who had need. 46Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and since hearts, 47praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved Acts 2:42-47

15. Being the light of the world “36Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 37Jesus replied: “’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second is like it. ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ 40All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments” Matthew 22:36-40

16. Being the light of the world • The Apostles’ teaching • To fellowship • To the Breaking of Bread (the Lord’s Supper) • To prayer

17. Being the light of the world • They were together and had everything in common • They sold their possessions and goods and gave to anyone who was in need • They met every day; they broke bread and ate together • They had glad and sincere hearts

18. Being the light of the world • They praised God and enjoyed the favour of all the people • People were being saved daily

19. Being the light of the world • Are we really connected to the source of the light? • Is letting our light shine an intentional part of our spiritual growth? • Do we display to those around us a devotion and commitment to our Saviour? • Are our good deeds illuminated by the light we reflect? • Are they reflected in such a way that people see them and want to praise our Father in Heaven?