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  THE NATION'S LIGHTHOUSE
  by Charles Stanley
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Summary: The church is commissioned to reveal the light of Jesus Christ
as clearly and brightly as possible, serving as a lighthouse to the
nation.

Topics: "Being The Light", "Evangelism"
Scripture References: Psalm 119:105, Matthew 5:14, Matthew 28:19, John 14:6, Philippians 2:15

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DESCRIPTION
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Charles Stanley emphasizes the importance of believers being the 'light
of the world,' reflecting Jesus Christ's truth and love to those around
them. He urges churches to serve as lighthouses, warning of spiritual
danger and providing direction through the Gospel and discipleship.
Stanley challenges believers to shine their light visibly in all areas
of society, even where it may be unwelcome, reminding them that
withholding the light of Christ is an offense to God.

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CONTENT
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Matthew 5:14-16

Jesus Christ is the "light of the world" and God has commissioned His
church to reveal that "light" as clearly and brightly as possible. He
expects our individual churches to serve as lighthouses, beaming the
truth of Jesus Christ throughout our nation. He calls us as believers to
be part of a local community of faith and to help magnify the "light."

In order to be useful, lighthouses must be visible. God tells us to
minister visibly as a church so those who are lost can see the truth -
Jesus is the only way. (John 14:6) Lighthouses are also used to warn of
danger; they are placed in strategic spots where there is real peril. We
must be willing, as a church body, to serve wherever God identifies
spiritual danger. Lighthouses give a sense of direction. Jesus commanded
us to preach the Gospel, giving direction to the lost, and to make
disciples, giving instruction on how to follow Christ. Finally,
lighthouses are to present a clear light that shines steadily in the
darkness. A constant light shines as we who make up the church align our
thinking and our actions with God's Word.

We have been reluctant as churches to shine our light where it is
unwanted - in our governments, in our communities, and even in many
social situations. We do not want to offend. But we have forgotten that
when we refuse to give out "light," we are offending God. Let us be sure
our church's light is in working order and that we are part of its work
as God's lighthouse.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/charles-stanley/the-nations-lighthouse/
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