03/16/2008

GOD IS LIGHT

God calls each of us to do his bidding and this can take many shapes. At Higher Grounds Ministry Gary Stembal has been called to be our main teacher. Dave Kuhlber and Debby Dennison take their time to prepare our beverages. Different callings-but both an intricate part of our Sunday experience. Ed and Leann Smith provide the backbone of our church and Beth Mattocks has been called to be our conscience. Just as Ed and Leann offers strength to our ship( to mix metaphors) Beth is the rudder to guide us and keep us on course. And what a job she does!!!

Beth spoke from 1st John 5:-10.
God is light and there is NO darkness in Him at all!!
If we live in darkness we are NOT living the Word of God( and thus not living His Truth)
If we ARE living in the light we are removed from sin and all its manifestations.
We MUST admit that we are not perfect and when we do sin we must admit and confess and God will forgive us.

As Christians we are held to a VERY high standard!! These standards are what separate us from others. We will look different. If we are not pure then others will correctly perceive that we are not walking in the Light. Its the so called small sins that make the difference. Walking away from a bigotry joke, never cursing, never listening to gossip never criticising- these are what make us stand out as Christians and spare us from being called hypocrites.

We have been implanted with a seed at the time of our being saved. We have all of God`s attributes within us. While God IS these things Light,Love ,Life and the Word we can only imbue them. If we do not nourish and protect the seed it will not grow. If we live the proper life then the seed does grow and only then can we radiate Christian love and joy. Others will be drawn to this. Light and darkness are opposites. If we allow the smallest shadow then the light dims; it looses its purity and dear brethern it DOES make a difference!! Matthew chapter 7 tells us of the trees that bear either good or bad fruits. We will be judged by those fruits both by others and by God. Its clear-we either walk in Gods Light or we are in darkness. There is no middle ground.

Jesus was given to us by God to brighten the Light; to give it glow. Jesus used this radiance to attract others and paved the way for all to follow his beacon. The Truth, the Way and the Life- all through Jesus. This is the time of the year that we both clebrate His death and His reserection. Jesus is the ultimate light( a reflection of God Himself) and we bask in His Glory. Please mirror that glow so that others might see in you the love and greatness that is our God. Amen.

Y`all have a great week as we wend our way towards Easter and the celebratrion of the greatest event of all time!!!