Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Illustrate the meaning of “All that Glitters is Not Gold” (without using the actual phrase or literal example). (01/24/08)
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TITLE: The light that shines | Previous Challenge Entry
By Thomas Van Ness
01/31/08 -
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This to him was the time that was most important. It was now that the word of God, which he had thoroughly expounded upon, would be brought home to the day to day of the individual life.
Pastor Ephraim said, “we have been studying today Mathew 5:14, you are the light of the world a city on a hill cannot be hidden.” We have come in our study to understand this light. We know that we are talking about Christ who is the light of the world. We know as well that when we are of the body of Christ that his light dwells in us so therefore through us his light shines.”
Ephraim paused for a moment to let some of this sink in, and than continued to speak. “We know also that we who are Christ's representatives on earth are also co-heirs, or kin to Christ. We know from Hebrews for instance, that Christ is not ashamed to call us brothers. So than as co-heirs, brothers and sisters of Christ we have a share in the inheritance of eternal life, which we look forward to, as a people, with great anticipation.
Ephraim paused again and looked out at his congregation, with all of its diverse hardship and trial. He thought of those whom he had known for years struggling to walk the narrow road with their eyed focused on that small gate.
Ephraim wanted to speak to them now, and in this silence, he waited for the spirit to fill and direct him anew.
Ephraim began, “while we wait for the glory of Christ revealed we live in this world, where Christ is denied. We suffer often for his name because we must live in a world that largely wants nothing to do with him.
This is demonstrated to us everyday. We live in a hostile place and as a result, we may often feel forced to hide ourselves, to conceal who we are.
Ephraim paused again, to take a sip of water and survey his congregation. He could see that they were listening and he could tell, because he sensed it within himself, that the spirit of God was moving quickening their minds and perceptions.
Ephraim put the glass of water back down and leaned in closer to the people. He changed the tone of his voice for extra emphasis and said, “Remember, what our scripture says a city on a hill cannot be hidden.
My friends we are that city! Moreover, we stand not only on a hill; we stand on the rock, the solid rock of Christ! Pastor Ephraim stood up straight and opened up his arms before his people as he spoke “If Christ lives in you, than in you the light of Christ shines, so then brothers and sisters let that light shine.
In everything that you do let Christ shine, let the richness of his love and his light shine forth from you characterizing every thought, every word and every deed,
if the world sees Christ in you than you proclaim him. I ask you my friends are there any possessions that can compare with Christ. There are some here who have been walking with Christ for many years; I ask you would you trade anything for him? Would you trade the wealth of the world? Would you bow before the devil himself and worship him for all of the riches you could ever desire?
I know the answer you would give because I know that there is nothing that the world can offer that compares with that inner light that shines forth from the one in whom Christ dwells." with that Ephraim simply said " let us pray."
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I would have liked to perhaps see a bit of reaction from the congregation - putting in a bit of interaction might have made this a bit more lively.
This blessed me today.