Light of the World
Summary of a Sermon by Gary Haugen and Tim Keller
Our Heavenly Father invites us to work. Why? He could do everything without us, yet He chooses to involve us. Perhaps He wants the work to give us dignity, responsibility, or a sense of significance as we strive to make a little difference, however little, on earth.
We’ve seen people do good work throughout history. Examples include the disciples forming the first century church; the founding fathers of democracy in the eighteenth century; the generation who fought Nazi-led genocide; the civil rights leaders who fought racism; parents in every generation building up stable families; and creators of technologies that liberated many.
According to some studies, we still have more than 40 million people held illegally in slavery. Kids are forced to roll cigarettes fourteen hours a day, and kids younger than ten are sold to pedophiles. We need people to raise their voices to identify the culprits. We need people to stand up, using law enforcement and survivor services, to stop such practices.
If Christians do good work, the work will serve as light to the world, shining before others, who may see these good deeds and glorify our Father in heaven (Matthew 5:14-16).
Having said that, we must be careful to recognize the right types of work. For example, during the twelfth Century, fighting in the Crusades probably was considered the work God wanted the people during that time to do.
In the story about Martha and Mary, Martha thought she did a lot of work for Christ. But Christ reminded her it was more important to quietly listen to Him (Luke 10:38-42).
Having a good relationship with God and developing one’s character take precedence over work, as they both inform our decision on what work we should do. By doing such work, we are following God. This gives us a glimpse of His Kingdom on earth.
May our work be good deeds, shining before others, so they may glorify our Heavenly Father.
Summary of a sermon by Gary Haugen at:
https://www.crosspreach.com/sermons/listall/25/page:9
With excerpts from a Tim Keller sermon
http://www.gospelinlife.com/free-sermon-resource
http://www.gospelinlife.com/discovering-your-spiritual-gifts-29
We’ve seen people do good work throughout history. Examples include the disciples forming the first century church; the founding fathers of democracy in the eighteenth century; the generation who fought Nazi-led genocide; the civil rights leaders who fought racism; parents in every generation building up stable families; and creators of technologies that liberated many.
According to some studies, we still have more than 40 million people held illegally in slavery. Kids are forced to roll cigarettes fourteen hours a day, and kids younger than ten are sold to pedophiles. We need people to raise their voices to identify the culprits. We need people to stand up, using law enforcement and survivor services, to stop such practices.
If Christians do good work, the work will serve as light to the world, shining before others, who may see these good deeds and glorify our Father in heaven (Matthew 5:14-16).
Having said that, we must be careful to recognize the right types of work. For example, during the twelfth Century, fighting in the Crusades probably was considered the work God wanted the people during that time to do.
In the story about Martha and Mary, Martha thought she did a lot of work for Christ. But Christ reminded her it was more important to quietly listen to Him (Luke 10:38-42).
Having a good relationship with God and developing one’s character take precedence over work, as they both inform our decision on what work we should do. By doing such work, we are following God. This gives us a glimpse of His Kingdom on earth.
May our work be good deeds, shining before others, so they may glorify our Heavenly Father.
Summary of a sermon by Gary Haugen at:
https://www.crosspreach.com/sermons/listall/25/page:9
With excerpts from a Tim Keller sermon
http://www.gospelinlife.com/free-sermon-resource
http://www.gospelinlife.com/discovering-your-spiritual-gifts-29