During times of crisis, there is something that those who follow Jesus should be doing above anything else – letting their light shine. Doing this in times of trouble and uncertainty may not answer why bad things are happening, but it will demonstrate where our hope lies. How do we let our light shine in the darkness of uncertainties that we are facing? The answer is not new or uncharted territory for those who follow Jesus. It’s not a new answer to a new question, but an old answer to an old question that Jesus’ first century followers all faced.
”You are the light of the world. … let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” -Matthew 5:13 &16 NIV
(1) THE BETTER QUESTION: Sunday, November 1st
The pandemic, political and racial tensions, and social unrest that we have faced over the last nine months in this nation could leave us all asking the question “Why?” But the right question to ask when facing troubles and uncertainty is not “Why is this happening?” or “Whose fault is it?” We usually know the answers to those questions. The better question to ask is “How can we help?”
“The disciples, as each one was able decided to provide help …This they did sending their gift …” -Acts 11:29-30a NIV
The Better Question Message Notes
(2) Hope’s Anchor: Sunday, November 8th
During times of crisis, there is something we as Jesus followers should be doing above anything else. Doing this won’t answer why bad things happen to good people, but it will demonstrate where our hope lies.
“Praise be to God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade.” -1 Peter 1:3-4a NIV
(3) When, not if: Sunday, November 15th
In the English language, there is a difference between the word when and the word if. Jesus, the Apostle Paul and the other disciples were clear that their expectations were set by using the word when, and not if. Had they said, “If you give…,” “If you pray…,” “If you fast…” “If you praise…,” “If you study God’s Word…,” or “If you gather…” then they would have left it open as to whether they expected us to follow Jesus by doing these practices or not. But by using the word when, the question is settled.
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples …” –John 13:35a NIV
(4) In this way: Sunday, november 22nd
Sometimes our plans get thwarted and even thrown overboard. The Apostle Paul experienced that on his journey to stand before Caesar in Rome. He instructs us to “take heart” and “have faith in God” when we experience life’s storms and our plans are “run aground.” We must not forget that the storms do not change the promise or the purposes that God has given us. We need to be willing to abandon our plans and our ways and follow his.
“In this way everyone reached land safely… And so we came to Rome.” –Acts 27:44b NIV
(5) Thanks be to god: Sunday, november 29th
When we are faced with trials and uncertainty we are to be the light of the world. Light brings love and healing. Light loves their enemies and prays for those who persecute them. Light turns times of crisis and chaos into opportunities to do good deeds of kindness to all people so they will glorify their Father in heaven. Light always shines brightest in the darkness. When we turn to God in thanksgiving is when we open our hearts to the light of the world that shines into the darkness.
”And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” –Colossians 3:17 NIV
