NKJV 14 You are the light of the world A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket but on a lampstand and it gives light to all ID: 465236
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Slide1
Matthew 5:14-16 (NKJV)
14
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.
15
Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all
who are
in the house.
16
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.Slide2
Matthew 5:14-16
When The Light
Becomes BrighterSlide3
When The Light Becomes Brighter
Have you ever gone outside and looked up at the stars?
If you live in the city, it might be a bit more difficult
If you drive out to the country, you can see so many more stars without all the city lights aroundSlide4
When The Light Becomes Brighter
The stars that can be seen, even in the city, are the stars that shine the brightest
The sun, of course, is the brightest of all the stars in the sky
Obviously, the brighter the star, the more that can visibly see itSlide5
The Light of the World
Jesus said in Matthew 5:14 that we are the light of the world
For centuries, those who represent Christ to the world have allowed their lights to shine to those around
Some, like Paul, traveled around and therefore their lights shone brighterSlide6
The Light of the World
Along came inventions such as the automobile that allowed lights to reach more people and to shine brighter
Airplanes did the same for our lights, allowing us greater influence
Radio and television gave the church opportunity that it did not have beforeSlide7
The Light of the World
Along came the internet, which allowed anyone to have their presence and their speech reach all around the globe
Our lights are shining
brighter
today than they ever have before
More and more people can see the lights that are Christians todaySlide8
Our Presence Online
Literally millions, if not billions, of people have some type of online presence today
Whether it is through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, a website or blog, we can be accessed by millions
Some are accessed whether they like it or notSlide9
Our Presence OnlineIt’s been said “With great power comes great responsibility”
Jesus said it like this in Luke 12:48, “For everyone to whom much is
given
, from him much will be
required
”
We have been given a great tool, and we will answer for how we use itSlide10
Our Presence Online
Does our online presence strengthen our reputation as a child of God?
If you took all of your activity online and only judged your life by that, would you stand proud or ashamed before God?
Remember we are Christians
online
as well as when we are
offlineSlide11
Let Your Light Shine Online1. Be on
guard
We have a pretty good understanding of how Satan
works
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (I Pet. 5:8)Slide12
Let Your Light Shine Online
1. Be on guard
Satan operates the same way online
We need to be careful of the
websites
that we visit while online
Certain ads, links or images can cause us to visit other places that we should not be
We are taught to
guard
our hearts and minds (Prov. 4:23)Slide13
Let Your Light Shine Online1. Be on guard
Satan wants our minds because he realizes that this is where the battle can be
won
or
lost
The more garbage that goes into our minds, the easier it is for him to operate
We must “resist the devil” (Js. 4:7)Slide14
Let Your Light Shine Online
2. Be
proactive
One of the best ways to protect ourselves in any situation is to be proactive rather than reactive
What is meant by this is simply letting others know who you are up front
Let others know that you are a
child
of
GodSlide15
Let Your Light Shine Online
2. Be proactive
Prayer
can be proactive; asking God to give us both wisdom and strength
Remember the model prayer? (Matt. 6:13)
We need to have
accountability
online
Parents being friends with children, following them on Twitter, Instagram, etc.Slide16
Let Your Light Shine Online
2. Be proactive
It can be as simple as having a computer in an open area where all can see what is being done
It really boils down to us not putting ourselves in bad spots; not getting into positions where we are
susceptible
to
fallSlide17
Let Your Light Shine Online3. Be a
Christian
It’s not just about declaring that you are a Christian, but acting like one
We need to avoid acting like the
world
when we are online
We represent Christ whether people
know
us or notSlide18
Let Your Light Shine Online3. Be a Christian
Be
kind
– Eph. 4:32
Be
truthful
– Rom. 12:17; Phil. 4:8
Make your message
clear
(tone, etc.)
Avoid
gossip
– Rom. 1:29; Prov. 16:28;
I Tim. 5:13Slide19
Let Your Light Shine Online3. Be a Christian
Avoid
hateful
language – Matt. 12:36-37; Eph. 4:29
Acronyms
are just as bad as saying the actual words
Be careful who your
friends
are –
I Cor. 15:33