Rev. A. J. Ogden

Jesus said in Matthew 5:14-16, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

Some who read these lines have not come to know Jesus as their Savior and your light cannot shine for others who are watching your life. Christ is more than willing to give you that new birth which would enable you to shine for God. When God is in you there is light for you and love for others that can be shared with them.

Others who read this message have been saved and have experienced that wonderful light for the soul that comes when you become a new creature in Christ. Unfortunately however, some Christians have not grown very much in grace and knowledge of God and are living a very poor, weak, powerless life, not setting a very good example for the lost and dying world. That is exactly why Jesus said, “Let your light shine.”

If you had a kerosene oil lamp which had a dirty, dingy globe, it would not throw much light. As the dirty, dingy, smutty, smoked up lamp chimney needs to be washed clean, shining and transparent to furnish any illumination, so do our sins need to be confessed and forgiven to furnish any illumination for lost people.

Of course, there are those reading this who have a lip profession without a heart profession. You can profess all you like, but you need to possess Christ. You could also just be pretending to have salvation when you never have really confessed your sins and been converted. Remember, make believe will never fool God. He knows the difference.