Matthew 5:14-16 , 10:32-33

The Bible says that the Son of Man will return in Glory. He rode into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey to demonstrate his humility. The Bible declares that when He returns, it will be majestically, with angels. Although a person cannot be saved based on his/her works, at Jesus' return, we will be rewarded for our good works for the Kingdom.

Pastor George Dix Jr. encouraged us to "let our light shine", so that God's Word, which is alive in us, can be seen by others. Like a city on a hill which cannot be hidden, or a candle on a candlestick, our life should be an example to others. A life which exemplifies our creator and shows sincerity toward the things of God. When it's dark all around, others should see the light of God eminating from us. People should be able to look at us and see that we are moved by something bigger than ourselves. For at the judgement seat of Christ, everything done in Jesus' name is counted. We need to weigh our work for the Kingdom.

Pastor told us a poignant story about how when he was a young man, he worked on a farm gathering peanuts and placing them in a basket. He had to collect a predetermined amount, and at the end of the day, the amount he collected would be weighed. The work was long and hard, so in an attempt to abbreviate his 'suffering', he hid rocks in the basket, so that it would weigh more and he could go home early. Needless to say, his trick was discovered immediately. Pastor's point was this;

We're here for a purpose. We need to be 'about our Father's business', doing good works in the name of Jesus. We need to put ourselves in check and consider how much we have in our 'basket'. Would your basket be full if God were to check your days work? Do our lives confess our love and devotion to God? If God weighed the work we've done for Him vs. the work we've done for ourselves on a scale, which would weigh more?

Pastor then had us ask ourselves this question: Does the way we live reflect God's call on our lives? We should always ask God, "Lord, I want to know what you're calling me to do."

When we obey God in what we do, it shows that we honor and revere Him. If someone observed the efforts you've made, the places you've gone and the things you've done, would they see work done mostly for God, or work mostly for yourself? Remember, only the things for Christ will last. When the lights in the sanctuary are off and the church doors are locked, our daily actions need to reflect our conviction to God.

We need to let our light shine, so much so that when we enter a room, we make a difference. The light of God within you is dazzling and it can make you stand out in the middle of a crowd.

So confess the Lord, don't deny Him. In closing Pastor George reminded us of what Jesus told the Church of Laodicea:

"I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth." - Revelation 3:15-16

We can't come to church and confess God on Sunday, but deny Him all the other days of the week. It's time we confess him with our very life! To deny God is to disown Him, to reject Him, to refuse and give up on Him. Don't give up on God. He won't give up on you, for He is always at our side, and will never leave us nor forsake us.

Quote of the sermon:

"Let your light shine in the middle of a crowd! Not just in your quiet time, or in the choir stand, or in the church pew!" - Pastor George Dix

Scripture References:

Sunday, March 11th, 2007