This podcast covers Lesson 2 of Perspective Bible Study by Melanie Newton.
Spread the Light of the Gospel-S13Ep3
God calls us out of darkness into His wonderful light. And, He uses us as light-bearers to declare His faithfulness and lead other people to Him. We are God’s dearly loved children who can be light-bearers to anyone still living in darkness.
Unbelievers live in the kingdom of darkness.
Every human being born on this planet is born into bondage to the kingdom of darkness, regardless of where you live or how much money and status you have.
We have an enemy who likes to keep us in that bondage.
“the god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” (2 Corinthians 4:4).
But, our God has done something to rescue us from that darkness. He sent Jesus. Jesus is the light to overcome the darkness. John 8:12
Our God wanted to open our eyes and turn us from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God. Light reaching into the kingdom of darkness. Acts 26:17-18; 2 Corinthians 4:6
You and I are chosen to be God’s mouthpiece to the world around us.
“you [Christians] are … a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9)
We are to share with the world that the light has come to rescue people from the one who wants everyone to stay blind, living in the kingdom of darkness. The Thessalonians spread the message of God’s wonderful light.
The Lord’s message rings out.
“The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere.” (1 Thessalonians 1:8)
“The word of the Lord” refers to the gospel. It comes to us from the Lord, not from any human religious philosopher or theologian. It centers on the Lord Jesus, who gave Himself on the cross for our sins. So, we can ring it out securely to others.
The word picture used in 1 Thessalonians 1:8 is like a relay station that not only received the gospel message but sent it farther on its way with increased power and scope. Or, it’s like relay runners who took the gospel they had heard and passed it on to farther places.
Declare what He has done.
As people walk around in their blindness-darkness, they are groping along the walls to find their way to a door that will free them from their fear and give them purpose in life. God’s plan to meet that need for every woman and every man is a relationship with Himself through faith in His Son Jesus Christ.
Our God sent His Son Jesus into the world to lead the way out of the darkness. But, He chooses to use us—messy people—to be his light-bearers to the blind and to ring out His message of love to fearful people on this earth.
We are the light-bearers. We communicate to those around us who are enshrouded in darkness that God is real and available to anyone who wants Him. That’s the good news. That is “The Gospel.”
The Gospel is the good news about Jesus Christ.
The Gospel is the good news about Jesus Christ coming to earth to save us from our sins. Christianity is Christ! It’s all about a relationship with Him.
“Jesus Christ laid down His life for you so that He could give His life to you so that He could live His life through you.” (Major Ian Thomas, The Saving Life of Christ)
If you have opportunity to tell someone one thing, tell her about Jesus.
- Tell her that God loves her and wants a relationship with her. But, sin separates her from having a relationship with God.
- Tell her that Jesus is God, who came to earth as a man, and died for her sins.
- Tell her that she can be completely forgiven of her sins and receive eternal life with God simply by believing in Jesus as her Savior.
Let the music of the gospel sound forth from you. Spread its light.
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:5)
Let Jesus satisfy your heart with His perspective on life in the present and in the future. Then, live securely in Him during this time of waiting.
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