Walking in the Light

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Short Summary
The discourse emphasizes the transformative journey from spiritual darkness—symbolizing ignorance, sin, and separation from God—to the light of truth, righteousness, and fellowship with Christ. It explores biblical examples and teachings on walking as children of light, urging believers to actively pursue holiness, love, and truth, relying on God’s guidance and presence to shine brightly in a world still veiled in darkness. Ultimately, it encourages steadfast faith and joyful service, anticipating the full realization of God’s kingdom when all darkness will be dispelled.

Long Summary
Detailed Summary of the Discourse on “Walking as Children of the Light”

Theme Text and Central Message:
– The service is centered on the transforming power of God’s light based on Ephesians 5:8:
*“For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light.”*
– This verse highlights the Christian journey from spiritual darkness to light, emphasizing past condition, present calling, and future hope.
– The transformation involves moving from ignorance and bondage to understanding and freedom, walking in God’s service, accompanied by Christ and fellow believers, aligned with God’s divine plan.

Understanding Darkness:
– Darkness is more than absence of physical light; it symbolizes absence of truth, righteousness, and knowledge of God.
– Spiritual darkness blinds hearts and minds to divine truth.
– Biblical references:
– *God is light, and in him is no darkness at all* (1 John 1:5 implied).
– *John 3:19*: “Men love darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil.”
– *Isaiah 45:7*: God reigns over both light and darkness; evil is absence of God’s presence.
– *Romans 8:22*: Creation groans and suffers, yearning for God’s healing light.
– *John 9:4*: Jesus warned “the night cometh when no man can work,” referencing dark ages where truth was obscured.
– *Isaiah 62*: Darkness covering the earth, but God’s light remains with a faithful remnant.
– Historical spiritual darkness includes the Dark Ages with error and oppressive doctrines overshadowing truth.
– Modern era is called the “time of the end” (Daniel 12:4) with increasing knowledge and spiritual enlightenment.

Personal Illustration of Darkness:
– The speaker shared a personal story of being in a literal cave plunged into complete darkness, unable to see anything, illustrating the discomfort and craving for light, paralleling spiritual experience.

Nature and Symbolism of Light:
– Light symbolizes truth, righteousness, God’s presence, and divine revelation.
– Biblical references:
– *Genesis 1:3*: “Let there be light” — God’s first creative command initiating order and life.
– *2 Corinthians 4:6*: God shines light in hearts through Jesus Christ’s glory.
– *Psalm 119:105*: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
– *James 1:17*: God is the Father of lights, unchanging and constant.
– God often manifests as fire or radiant light (e.g., burning bush Exodus 3:2, Mount Sinai Exodus 19:18, pillar of fire Exodus 13:21).
– The Shekinah glory symbolized God’s dwelling presence (1 Kings 8:10-11).
– Jesus declared, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12), promising those who follow Him will not walk in darkness but have the light of life.
– Nicodemus’ story (John 3 and John 7:50; 19:39) illustrates coming from dim spiritual understanding to enlightenment through Jesus.
– Daniel’s faithfulness in Babylonic darkness exemplifies shining light in a dark environment (Daniel 1:8; 6:10).

Practical Aspects of Light:
– Natural light travels in a straight line and dispels darkness even in small amounts, symbolic of God’s truth removing ignorance and sin.
– Light reveals what is hidden (Ephesians 5:13).
– Christians are called to reflect Christ’s character like mirrors reflecting light.
– Light also brings healing and restoration (Malachi 4:2), energizing believers physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
– God’s light gives spiritual sight: *“In thy light shall we see light”* (Psalm 36:9).
– Spiritual light grows progressively as believers draw closer to God (Proverbs 4:18).
– The Bible and Holy Spirit guide believers into truth (2 Peter 1:19).

Christ as the Light:
– Jesus is the perfect reflection of God’s light, the Logos.
– *Matthew 4:16*: Those who sat in darkness saw a great light in Jesus.
– The conversion of Saul (Paul) on the road to Damascus symbolizes transformation from darkness to light (Acts 9:3-5; Acts 26:18).
– Every Christian consecration mirrors this transfer from night to day spiritually.
– The Messianic kingdom is associated with sunrise and increasing light (Daniel 12:9; Revelation 21:23-24).

Being Children of Light:
– Believers are called children of light, characterized by truth and righteousness (1 Thessalonians 5:5; Ephesians 5:8).
– This status carries privilege and responsibility to live as heirs of illumination.
– Christians live as if the Kingdom Day is already here, actively engaged in God’s work while others remain in darkness.
– *Habakkuk 2:14*: The earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord.
– *2 Corinthians 4:6* and *Matthew 13:16* assure believers of insight and blessing from God’s light.
– Light is meant to shine openly, not be hidden (Matthew 5:16; Ephesians 5:11).

Walking in the Light – Practical Steps:
– Walking in light means living continuously in holiness and truth (1 John 1:7).
– It involves:
– Casting off works of darkness (Romans 13:12): abandoning sin, selfishness, dishonesty, lust, greed.
– Putting on the armor of light (Romans 13:14): embracing truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and God’s word.
– Drawing near to God through prayer, praise, study, and reflection.
– Maintaining fellowship with God and the community of believers.
– Practicing love in all things (Matthew 5:16).
– Staying spiritually awake and alert (1 Thessalonians 5:5; Romans 13:12).
– Neglecting spiritual disciplines allows darkness to creep back.
– The Lord is an everlasting light and will guide believers (Isaiah 60:19).

Encouragement and Hope:
– Believers are never alone; they have God’s promise of presence (Matthew 28:20).
– The ultimate destiny is the holy city where God’s glory is the eternal light (Revelation 21:23-24).
– The darkness is fading; the true light now shines (1 John 2:8).
– The path of the just shines brighter toward the perfect day (Proverbs 4:18).
– Joy and peace from God’s unchanging love should be evident in believers.
– The discourse concludes with a call to joyfully walk as children of light, reflecting Jesus’ character until the full day dawns.

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Key Bible Verses Mentioned:

– Ephesians 5:8
– 1 Thessalonians 5:5
– John 3:19
– Isaiah 45:7
– Romans 8:22
– John 9:4
– Isaiah 62
– Proverbs 4:18
– Daniel 12:4, 12:9
– Genesis 1:3
– 2 Corinthians 4:6
– Psalm 119:105, 130
– James 1:17
– Exodus 3:2; 13:21; 19:18
– 1 Kings 8:10-11
– John 7:50; 19:39
– Daniel 1:8; 6:10
– Malachi 4:2
– Psalm 36:9
– 2 Peter 1:19
– John 8:12
– Matthew 4:16; 13:16, 13:43
– Colossians 1:13
– Acts 9:3-5; 26:18
– Habakkuk 2:14
– Matthew 5:16
– Ephesians 5:11
– Romans 13:12-14
– John 15:4-5
– Isaiah 58:11
– Isaiah 60:2, 19
– Matthew 28:20
– Revelation 21:23-24

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This discourse richly weaves personal experience, biblical exposition, historical perspective, and practical Christian living, all centered on the metaphor and reality of moving from darkness into the transformative, illuminating light of God through Jesus Christ and walking faithfully as His children.

Transcript

Our service today centers on the transforming power of God’s light, as expressed in the Apostle Paul’s powerful words. Our theme text over my left shoulder. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord? Walk as children of the light. We’re going to start with darkness.

We’re going to start a little dark this morning, but we’re going to get to that brightness, to that bright and dawning light that we’ve talked about. So this scripture, Ephesians 5:8, not only reminds us of our past condition and darkness, but more importantly, it points to our present calling and future hope in light. From darkness to light, from ignorance and bondage to understanding and freedom, from wandering aimlessly to walking in the service of God. That’s our journey, brethren, our transformation and our sacred consecration, and it’s a journey that we do not walk alone.

We walk with Christ. We walk with one another, and we walk in harmony with the great divine plan of the ages. Our theme text reminds us that as Christians, we have and are undergoing a transformation from darkness to light. In a world still shrouded in moral and spiritual darkness.

God has graciously, graciously called us out of darkness into his marvelous light.

It is a great honor and a responsibility to be counted among children of light. Thessalonians 5:5 1 Thessalonians 5:5 in our time together this morning, we will explore what the scriptures say about darkness and about light and how we can faithfully walk in light today. Specifically, we’ll consider four key questions that structure our study. What is darkness? What is light?

Why are we called children of light? And how can we walk better in light today? By examining these points, we hope to encourage one another, each other, to remain steadfast, to shine brightly each and every day. Let us begin by understanding the nature of darkness versus light. Over 30 years ago, when I was trying to woo Sister Sarah, for those of you younger ones who don’t know what the term woo means, it means I was attracted to her, but she was not attracted to me.

So I had a habit of following her. Okay, so one of these journeys took us down to San Antonio, Texas. We met with her aunt Jan Fetro, Sister Jan Fetro, and with her uncle, Brother Doug Fetro, and we were down in San Antonio. I think all of you or some of you have been to San Antonio.

Lots of things to do. We had a wonderful time together.

On the last day, we took a tour of a cave. I think some of you have been in these giant caves, these caverns. We’ve kind of walked back. I’m a little bit claustrophobic, so I was a little eerie. But Sarah was going, so that meant I was going, right?

We had a wonderful time through the caves. They were well lit, they were bright, they were airy, they were clear. Circled back maybe after an hour, hour and 15 minutes in the cave, we came back and the tour guide said, would you mind if we turned off the lights and closed the gate? She says, I want you to experience darkness in the cave. You know, I made it this far.

Sarah’s there, so I’m not going to back out and, you know. No, no, no. I said, sure, go ahead. She closed the gate, she turned off the light, and we were plunged into utter darkness. Complete and utter darkness.

I could not see anything in front of my face. Nothing. No cell phones, no lighted watches, things like that. It was nothing, and I can tell you my body was shaking, I was uncomfortable, and I was craving the light.

That’s what we’re talking about today.

And Sarah and I have been married 30 years, so happy ending. Darkness in scripture goes beyond the mere absence of physical light. It symbolizes the absence of truth, the absence of righteousness, and the absence of the knowledge of God. That’s the most important thing. Just as physical darkness prevents us from seeing clearly, spiritual darkness blinds us.

It blinds mankind’s hearts and minds to divine truth. The Bible declares, God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

So anything opposed to God’s character, sin, error, ignorance, dwells in darkness. Jesus said men love darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil. John 3:19, John 3:19. In other words, those who do wrong stay in the shadows to avoid exposure by God’s truth. Darkness is often paired with sin and separation from God.

Isaiah 45:7 underscores that God reigns over both light and darkness. Yet evil exists only as the absence of God’s presence and goodness. Just as darkness is not an independent entity, but a void where light is missing, evil is the void where God’s righteousness and love are not embraced. The New Testament portrays our world as the present evil age, still shrouded in spiritual darkness. Paul warns that many have their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them.

Still today, the adversary continues to actively blind men’s minds to the gospel, preventing the light of Christ’s salvation from shining into their hearts.

Historically, this long night of sorrow has affected all of humanity. Brother Russell describes our era as a dark night, night filled with weeping, sighing, pain, sickness and death. A period God permits. God permits this. Why he permits it for wise and loving reasons, but one that will not last forever.

Even creation itself groaneth and travaileth pain.

Romans 8:22 Yearning for God’s healing light to break forth. There have been especially dark seasons when truth was clearly obscured. After the early apostolic era, error crept in and traditions overshadowed the pure gospel, a period often called the Dark Ages. Jesus had warned the night cometh when no man can work. John 9:4.

In those centuries, doctrines like eternal torment and oppressive religious systems and hid God’s loving character, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy that darkness shall cover the earth and gross darkness the people.

Isaiah 62 yet even then, even then God’s light remained. Though hidden from most, in every age God preserved a faithful remnant who kept his light burning. The light shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehended it not.

With the Reformation, Scripture began to shine through once more, and in the 19th century, the Bible student movement under Brother Russell rekindled spiritual understanding. As Proverbs 4:18 says Proverbs 4:18, the path of the just shineth more and more unto that perfect day. Today we live in what Daniel calls the time of the end Daniel 12:4, when knowledge, both spiritual and practical, increases. Many see turmoil and confusion around them.

But believers recognize these signs of a dawn, the storm that will scatter the powers of darkness and let in the healing rays of the sun of righteousness. God often uses apparent disorder to prepare the way for restoration and for order. In essence, spiritual darkness represents life without God’s presence, that is confusion, fear and sorrow. All of us, all of us have had some level of this darkness, some level at some time in our lives before we saw the light. Thank God.

But we rejoice that the night is far spent and the day is at hand.

Romans 13:12. As children of light, we know God is already dispelling darkness by sending his truth.

Psalm 43:3. We can and we do walk confidently, trusting that a new day in Christ is dawning. So what is light? The theme of light versus darkness runs throughout the entire Bible. As Brother Russell reminds us in reprint 5718, light consistently represents truth and righteousness, while darkness signifies error, ignorance and sin.

Our Lord Jesus himself declared, I am the light of the world. He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

This light, God’s light, first appeared in Genesis 1:3, and God said, let there be light, and there was light. This is the very first recorded command from God in Scripture, marking the beginning of creation. The light Here represents physical illumination, the dispelling of darkness in the natural world.

It’s also symbolic, symbolic of divine truth and revelation. God is initiating order, he’s initiating understanding, and he’s starting life itself with this light. 2 Corinthians 4:6. 2 Corinthians 4:6. For God, who said, let light shine out of darkness, has shone in our hearts to give the light of knowledge, of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

It also represents the start of God’s plan for the world, separating light from dark.

And God saw the light, that it was good, and God divided the light from the darkness, and finally, for all of us. This verse in Genesis 1:3 shows how God’s word brings light both literally and scripturally. It marks the beginning of his redemptive plan and invites us to see the light as a symbol of truth, goodness, and God’s presence. Psalms 119, 105 Psalm 119, 105.

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Light is used repeatedly to signify God’s presence in divine revelation. The apostle James speaks of God as the Father of lights, with whom there is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. James 1:17. Unlike the sun, whose brightness varies from dawn to sunset, God is eternally consistent and constant throughout the day.

We were at the park yesterday. That sunset was glorious. The way it hit the clouds, it hit the greenery, it hit the water. But that light, that light that we saw, was different than the morning sunlight that I saw at brother Daniel and Sister Esther’s backyard when that light was just hitting the top of the trees, and as that sun came up, as it got higher, that light filled those trees throughout the day.

That’s what we’re talking about here. Light changes, but God’s light is consistent and stays the same. When God manifests himself to humanity, he frequently does so through the imagery of fire or of radiant light. When Moses, we all know the story of Moses, encountered the presence of God in a burning bush, Exodus 3:2 Exodus 3:2. The Lord descended upon Mount Sinai in fire.

Exodus 19:18 Exodus 19:18. A pillar of fire guided the Israelites through the wilderness onto the promised land. Exodus 13:21 Exodus 13:21. The Shekinah light in the most holy symbolized God’s dwelling presence. We read in 1st Kings, 1st Kings 8, 10, 11.

And when the priest came out of the holy place, the cloud filled the house of the Lord so that the priest could not stand to minister because of the cloud for the glory of The Lord, the glory of the Lord had filled the house of the Lord. I appreciate some fellowship we had at the Nemcheck’s house yesterday, Brother David. Sister Kathy were there. We had a blessed time together. I didn’t.

I wasn’t able to attend the whole study, but I spent some time with Brother David afterwards, and he talked about that Shekinah light, that presence of God, the wisdom of God that was there, that light on the mercy seat between the two cherubims. Moses and the high priest could see it, others couldn’t. But if you were in the holy right, if you’re in the holy, that light was shining through underneath that veil and you could see that glow, and you had hope.

You’re in the Holy, but you had hope up to what was on that other side. We can’t see beyond the veil, but we have a hope and a promise of what’s there. So if that intrigues you and if you have interest in that, talk to Brother David. He’ll share a little bit more for you. I’m giving you a plug here, Brother David.

We also recall Nicodemus, and I can relate to Nicodemus very, very well. Nicodemus came to Jesus by night, both literally and symbolically in darkness. He was a teacher of Israel, but his understanding was dim. He was in dim light. Yet as he listened and learned from Jesus, the light began to dawn in him.

We later see him defending Jesus in John 7:50 and assisting in his burial in John 19:39. John 19:39, a testimony to the gradual enlightenment that comes through seeking truth and seeking light. A practical lesson here for myself and for others. We begin our walk in dim light, hesitant or uncertain. But God meets us where we are.

The important thing is to seek the light, even if it means coming with questions like Nicodemus, the path becomes clearer with each faithful step. Nicodemus is a wonderful example for myself and for all of us regarding how we are drawn to the light. We accept it, and it grows in us. Daniel 2 Another wonderful story. Daniel 2 Remained faithful in Babylon, the land of idolatry and darkness.

He what? He refused the King’s food. Daniel 1:8. Daniel 1:8. He prayed openly despite threats.

Daniel 6:10. Daniel 6:10, and he, Daniel, became a bright light in a dark court. Our walk is not judged only by what we avoid, but by what we pursue. Walking in light is not just about turning from sin.

It is about actively pursuing truth and love and righteousness. A young brother once told me, we don’t need to out shout the Darkness. We just need to outshine it in this world of confusion, and there’s a lot of it, brethren. Clarity and truth is compelling.

Let us continue our journey and step further into the light and consider a few practical applications of natural light before we take a closer look at spiritual light photons. Light travels in a straight line. Line. Unless it’s reflected or reflected, refracted or stopped. Just as light travels directly, unless bent.

God’s truth is unwavering. The entrance of thy words giveth light. Psalm 119, 130. Psalm 119, 130. A cave.

We talked about the cave story. Darkness is vanished by light. In physics, even a small beam of light removes darkness. Likewise, God’s truth dispels ignorance, fear and sin, transforming hearts with even a spark, a spark of his word. When we were in that cave and that door was shut and the lights were off, if there was even the smallest bit of light, that would have been a blessing for me.

A flashlight revealing power of light. Last night, Brother Daniel and I were working on something and it was. It was getting dark, it was past sunset, and Brother Daniel had a flashlight. Put it right on. We were working it clear as day.

We got it done. Light makes hidden things visible. God’s light makes manifest all that was concealed. Ephesians 5:13 Ephesians 5:13. Bringing clarity and understanding to our lives.

A mirror reflecting light. Just as the smooth surfaces reflect bright images. We are called to mirror, to mirror Christ’s character. Let your light so shine before men.

Growing what? Growing evermore like him and directing his light. The healing energy of light. Certain wavelengths bring physical healing. Similarly, the light of righteousness rises with healing in his wings.

Malachi 4 2. Restoring and energizing us toward righteousness and peace. I think all of us know that feeling on a cold winter day when our face turns into the sun and we feel that that sunlight, that warmth, that glow, and how that energizes us both physically and emotionally and spiritually. If darkness is the absence of truth and goodness, then light is their presence and fullness. Just as physical light enables clear vision, God’s light gives us spiritual sight.

In thy light shall we see light. Psalm 36:9 Psalm 36:9. All true enlightenment flows from him and grows in us as we earnestly seek it. Light builds upon light, growing ever so brighter as we draw closer to Him. As we were enjoying the fellowship last night at the park, I was talking with Brother Brett, and Brother Brett said to me, I really look forward to the convention in seeing brethren so I can learn More so I can have more light.

That’s why we’re here, brethren, to gain more light in our lives. God’s Word is a primary source of light, guiding us through the shadows of this world. 2nd Peter 1:19 2nd Peter 1:19 when we read and internalize Scripture with receptive hearts, divine truth dispels confusion and error so that we might walk in the light of its counsel. Above all, Jesus Christ is the light personified. I am the light of the world.

He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. John 8:12 John 8:12 Jesus is the Logos, the perfect reflection of the Father’s brilliance. When he came. Think about that. When he came, those who sat in darkness saw what they saw, a great light in him.

Matthew 4:16 Matthew 4:16 by following Jesus, by listening to his voice, and by walking in his footsteps, we escape spiritual darkness and enjoy the enlightenment and vitality that comes from fellowship with God. When a person turns to God in love and faith, a light is kindled in the heart. He delivers us from the power of darkness and translates us into the kingdom of his dear son. Colossians 1:13. Colossians 1:13 on the road to Damascus, we all know the story well.

Saul was blinded. Saul was blinded by a literal light from heaven. Acts 9:3 5 Acts 9:3 5, symbolizing the truth that would transform him. As the apostle Paul. He later described his mission as bringing people from what?

From darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God. Acts 26:18. Every Christian consecration, though less dramatic, transfers us from night to day within our hearts. Enlightenment replaces ignorance. Joy and hope replace sorrow and despair.

In the broader scope of God’s plan, light has been increasingly progressive. Scriptures associate Messiah’s kingdom with sunrise. The bright and morning star will herald Christ’s reign.

In previous ages, much of God’s plan was hidden. But now the seals are being loosened. Daniel 12:9 and the scroll of truth is unfurled. The Holy Spirit guides the humble into all truth, revealing doctrines such as the ransom for all, the times of restitution, the true condition of the dead, and the purpose of Christ’s return. None of which was totally clear until this age.

As Proverbs 4:18 declares, the path of the just is as the shining light that shineth more and more unto that perfect day. To illustrate the differences that living in God’s like makes, consider my earthly father. Some of you know him, Brother Tony Malinowski. He loved gardens. He loved fruit.

He loved vegetables, and so every late winter he would plant seeds, and basically he would nurture those seeds and they would sprout and he’d put them in the. We had a window that faced the south in those cold winter days. He’d put that, that tray of plants in that window and that sunlight.

They would grow, they would sprout, they would even blossom at times. Well, I was just a kid. A couple times I left some of them downstairs in the basement. No light, and what happened to those plants?

They withered, they got colorless, they looked not good. I got concerned. I killed them. You know, they’re dead. My dad took me and said, no, try this.

Let’s take it out of the cellar. Let’s put it upstairs into the light, and you know what happened? Those plants came back bright green and flowering. Likewise, we cannot thrive if we live away from Jesus, the Son of Righteousness.

When we neglect prayer, fellowship or study, we begin to droop spiritually. But if we come into the sunlight of his presence, we are renewed and blossom with Christian graces. As Jesus said, abide in me, for apart from me ye can do nothing. John 15:4 5. John 15:4 5.

Light for the Christian is not merely doctrine or knowledge. It’s the life giving presence of Christ in our lives, continually illuminating our path and revealing reality as God allows. Light is the fear of God’s truth. Light is the sphere of God’s truth, purity, love and life. Light originates in the Father, radiates through the Son, and is conveyed to us by the Holy Spirit and the Scriptures.

A smooth and even flow, light dispels darkness of sin and error, bringing hope of a new day. No wonder Jesus told his followers, ye are the light of the world.

As children of light, we embody God’s radiance to the world, still walking in the shadows of darkness. Children of Light is a biblical designation for believers. Why are we called Children of Light? Ye are all the children of light, all of us and the children of the day, which we are not of the night nor of darkness.

As a Hebrew idiom, to be a child of something means to be characterized by it. Just as children of this world habitually disobey, children of the light belong to the realm of truth and of righteousness. By believing and obeying the Gospel’s light, we become heirs of that illumination, true light bearers in a world still veiled in darkness. Though full daylight has yet to dawn. We live as if the Kingdom Day is already here.

We are awake before sunrise, busily engaged in our Father’s work, while others still slumber in darkness. Brother Russell described us as citizens of a new order, a future dispensation of light who must put off all that belongs to the present age of shadows. Our values, our hopes and our conduct should reflect the coming kingdom. We have two boys. They’re growing up.

I love hearing little ones, so that’s wonderful.

No grandchildren yet, but that’s okay too. God intends them to be when the earth I’ll back up Our values, our hopes and our conduct should reflect the coming kingdom standards. Not yet, but the coming kingdom standards People seeing seeing people in creation as God intends as God intends them to be when the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord. Habakkuk 2:14 Habakkuk 2:14 to be a child of light is a tremendous privilege. God has shined in our hearts to give light of knowledge of his glory in the face of Jesus Christ.

2nd Corinthians 4:6 2 Corinthians 4:6 in that dawn glow we gather insight into current world events and more importantly, into God’s loving and eternal purpose for all of mankind. Jesus assured his followers, blessed are your eyes for they see, and blessed are your ears for they hear.

Matthew 13:16 we live today in light and hope, confident that one day we will shine as the sun with Christ in His kingdom.

Matthew 13:43 privilege carries responsibility Light is meant to shine, not to be hidden under a basket.

Ephesians 5:8 declares, now are ye light in the Lord, and immediately exhorts us, walk, walk as children of light. Take action, move forward, do something in the name of our Heavenly Father. We have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead reprove them.

Ephesians 5:11 in other words, a child of light naturally gravitates towards what is pure, true, and honorable, just as a healthy person avoids a damp, cold cellar.

How can we walk better in the light today? To walk in the light means to conduct ourselves according to the enlightenment and holiness that we have received. It implies continuous action, continuous improvement in our lives, a way of life. The Apostle John writes, if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin.

Walking in the light keeps us in close fellowship with God and Christ, and in true harmony with our brethren, all of us together who are also in the light. It also keeps us under the cleansing merit of Jesus sacrifice, because we’re staying where he can correct us and he can forgive us of our missteps. In contrast, if we stray back into darkness we break fellowship with God. Thus we have every motivation to stay in the light and to walk worthy of our calling as children of the light. But how do we do this consistently?

How do we do it day in and day out? The Scriptures and our faithful brethren outline several practical steps. We can summarize a few key points for Walking in the Light Cast off every work of darkness. As children of the light, we cannot claim in God’s truth while secretly clinging to past sins or selfish habits. Paul urges us to cast off the works of darkness and let us put on the whole armor of light.

Romans 13:12 in practice, this means asking, what would I do if Christ were right beside me? Anything would hide from his pure gaze. Selfishness, dishonesty, lust, greed must be laid aside. Though we won’t be perfect on this side of the veil, a sincere heart striving for honesty and integrity keeps our conscience clear before God and others.

Put on the armor of light. Once we’ve removed darkness, we need to clothe ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 13:14 Paul calls this armor of light encompassing truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and God’s word. In simple terms, if we practice honesty, if we live by Christ’s righteousness, stand on the Gospel’s peace, trust God’s promises to deflect doubt, hold fast to the hope of salvation, and wield Scripture to guide our choices. By daily relying on Christ’s character rather than our own strength, we can stand firm against temptation and error. Especially now. Today, as challenges grow fiercer, seek a closer walk with God each and every day.

Walking in the light means walking with the one who is light. We draw near to him through prayer, through praise, through study and quiet reflection. As Moses face shone Moses’s face shone after meeting God. Exodus 34:29 so our character radiates when we spend time in his presence and with each other. If we neglect prayer, if we neglect fellowship, if we neglect study, and so forth, whether through grudging attitudes or distractions, we let that darkness we let those shadows begin to creep in again.

By recommitting to heartfelt devotion, self examination and prompt service, we keep our lamps trimmed and burning. Remember, I need thee every hour, for he alone supplies the enduring light. Isaiah 58:11 Isaiah 58:11 also practice love in all things. The boys and I were talking a little bit and there’s an ad and we kind of changed it a little bit. What makes a Christian a Christian or what makes a Bible student a Bible student?

Love. Practice love in all things. Shine outwardly. Be A witness. Our light isn’t meant to hide.

Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16 Matthew 5:16 Stay awake and be watchful. Are we still passionate about the truth and our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ? Are we children of the light, rising early to serve? Or have we hit the snooze button?

Let us not sleep as other dues, as others do, because we are children of the day.

As we strive to walk in God’s light, we need never, never ever feel alone. The Lord shall be with thee an everlasting light. Isaiah 60, verse 19 Isaiah 60, verse 19 he himself guides each step. We also share fellowship with children of the light around the globe. From Canada, from the U.S.

from Poland, Ukraine, Japan, India, Kenya and the Philippines and beyond.

Above all, we follow Jesus, who already conquered every shadow. When our path seems steep or lonely, remember his promise. I am with you always, even until the end of the age. Matthew 28:20 by faith his radiant presence is ours today. Soon, soon it will become a glorious light, a glorious sight for us.

John’s vision of the holy city reminds us of our destiny. The city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon. For the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof, and the nation shall walk in the light of it. Revelation 21:23 and 24:1 day, 1 day soon we will stand bathed in that perpetual light channels of God’s glory to all nations. Holding that vision close transforms our daily walk from obligation, from work, from obligation unto what, unto sheer joy.

We began by contrasting darkness, ignorance, sin, despair that’s the darkness with light, truth, holiness, love and life with God. Life from God Excuse me. We rejoice that he calls us children of light, enlightened now by His Word and by His Spirit, destined for the full day of Christ’s kingdom. We also explored practical steps to shine more brightly. From Brother Russell onward, Bible students have delighted in walking in increasing, increasing light of truth.

Proverbs 4:18 we all of us stand on the shoulders of those who left darkness behind and followed the Lamb into even brighter truth. Now it is our turn. Let us echo Isaiah’s call. O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the Lord. Isaiah 2:5 Though the world around us can be very dark at times, the darkness is fading and the true light now shineth first John 2:8 Therefore we walk boldly and joyfully, knowing that the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee as well.

Isaiah 60, verse 2 Isaiah 60, verse 2 because we live in unchanging love from the Father of Lights, our joy should be evident. We should be the happiest people in the room. Not a superficial cheer, but a deep gladness grounded in God’s promises. Even a simple song entitled Shiny Happy People can remind us of that. Joy is contagious.

When our faces reflect calmness in adversity and kindness among amidst chaos we testify, we show that we walk in the light of life. Matthew 5:16 in conclusion beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, let us joyfully, joyfully walk as children of light, keeping our lamps trimmed and our hearts encouraged. Though the darkness around us may seem to gather, we need not fear, for the night is nearly over and and only a little while. Then comes the perfect day. As we walk in God’s presence, may our lives radiate the deep joy and steadfast peace that comes from his unbroken light.

Remember that the God of light is with us now and will always be with us. Though we once walked in darkness, his mercy has made us light in the Lord. May we resolve to remain faithful children of the light, boldly, humbly, and joyfully, until that morning dawns and every shadow flees away. The path of the just is as a shining light that shineth more and more into that perfect day. Proverbs 4:18 Let us then shine even brighter as we draw nearer to that promised day, when the knowledge of the Lord shall fill the earth as waters cover the sea.

In love in love, let us serve one another, speak truth with courage, and reflect the character of our Lord Jesus, who truly is the light of the world. Ephesians 5:8 for ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord walk as children of the light. Amen.

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