May I Ask a Leading Question?

JESUS TEACHES US TO BE WHO WE ARE:
5th Sunday after the Epiphany, February 9, 2020

Perhaps you’ve shared the general lament of many Christians in America, “no one seems to stand up for their faith anymore.” In a world two-thirds populated by those living in the darkness of unbelief, it seems as though Christians have hidden their light under a bushel. Christians need to see other Christians behaving like their holy Savior, Jesus. It's encouraging! Even moreso, unbelievers need to see Christians behaving like their Savior, Jesus.

A series of readings all lead us to that conclusion this week. When Matthew says, “let your light shine before men so that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven,” he describes the life of a Christian as one that leads others to God. Similarly, Peter says, "Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us."

Godliness and obedience are attractive. Jesus encouraged, “A city on a hill cannot be hidden.” If you are illumined through faith, you are as unmistakable as the Tucson skyline at night. Just as God set the Israelites apart as a holy nation, that same holy nation of Christians is exhorted to declare the praises of God who called us out of darkness into his wonderful light.

These lessons are not empty platitudes. They help us understand how we change the world one soul at a time. Good things happen when we let our Christian light shine. Others see our good deeds, and they in turn are led to praise God, too.

► Readings:
• Exodus 19:2-8a: An Old Testament kingdom of priests.
• 1 Peter 2:9-12: A New Testament kingdom of priests.
• Matthew 5:13-20: Christians are salt and light.
• Psalm: 112

► Sermon theme on 1 Peter 2:9-12: "May I Ask a Leading Question?" (Sermon Video) (Sermon transcript)

Sunday Service Times: 8:00 & 10:45am.
Coffee Hour: 9:00-9:30am.
Bible Classes, Nursery & Sunday School: 9:30-10:30am.