The five great lights are as follows (for each one of these LIGHTS, we will include a hyperlink to the corresponding teaching that pastor Sonny gave at SHINE BRIGHT Church):
1.THE LIGHT OF CREATION.
2. THE LIGHT OF CONSCIENCE.
3.THE LIGHT OF CONDEMNATION.
We will conclude with the Fourth and Fifth GREAT LIGHT OF GOD
4. THE LIGHT OF COMMANDMENTS.
5. THE LIGHT OF CHRIST.
God in His kindness has chosen to reveal Himself to mankind. The Creator has made Himself known to His beloved creatures - leaving everyone “without excuse” at the final Judgment. In ancient times, it was said that “all roads lead to Rome.” In time past and today all roads lead to the final judgment.
Jesus and divine truth rejecters will meet with God at the Great White Throne Judgement (REV 20) while genuine Jesus and divine truth lovers will meet with God at the Judgment (Bema) Seat of Christ also known as the judgment of rewards (1 COR 3).
ROMANS 1:20 says,
“For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes [or invisible powers] are clearly seen [here is the use of sight], being understood [here is the use of the mind and reason] by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, SO THAT THEY ARE WITHOUT EXCUSE”
In other words, He is the invisible God who makes visible things – so that we can “clearly see,” “understand” and logically conclude that there must be an all-powerful, all-wise, all-benevolent, eternal divine Being. God gave us eyes to see Him who is invisible by seeing His visible creation.
God didn’t give you those brown, blue or green eyes for the mere sake of being attractive, but for you to see Him who is invisible by looking at His handiwork – His awesome creation. In other words, God have you eyes and a brain, so that you have no excuse on Judgement day.
We can then say that God has given us our five senses (sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell) not only to enjoy and experience the good things in life but most importantly so that we're able to acknowledge the truth: we have a Maker!
Again, these FIVE GREAT LIGHTS are Five Ways in which God has made Himself known and knowable.
God didn’t give you those brown, blue or green eyes for the mere sake of being attractive, but for you to see Him who is invisible by looking at His handiwork – His awesome creation. In other words, God have you eyes and a brain, so that you have no excuse on Judgement day.
We can then say that God has given us our five senses (sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell) not only to enjoy and experience the good things in life but most importantly so that we're able to acknowledge the truth: we have a Maker!
Again, these FIVE GREAT LIGHTS are Five Ways in which God has made Himself known and knowable.
So far, we looked at these Three Great Lights:
#1 The Light of Creation (I just now pointed to the light of creation for my introduction).
#2 The Light of Conscience
#3 The Light of Condemnation (God’s justice or fearful judgements).
Today we will conclude with #4 The Light of Commandments and #5 The Light of Christ.
4. The Light of Commandments
When I say the light of commandments what I’m referring to is - The Moral Law aka The Ten Commandments (The Decalogue).
God has graciously revealed Himself by revealing His moral standard to us all. Again, leaving us “without excuse.” And this moral standard is internal (it’s inside of us). The Ten Commandments to some degree have been written in the heart of every human being.
ROMANS 2:14-16
14 for when Gentiles [non-Jews], who do not have the law [on stone tablets and scrolls], by nature do the things in the law [the Ten Commandments], these, although not having the law [the written Ten Commandments], are a law to themselves, 15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience [our personal judge] also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them) 16 in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.
In other words God has written His moral law in the sinners heart and has given sinners a conscience (a personal judge) in order to either help them see their need for God and His forgiveness or to condemn them by using The Law and their own conscience on judgment day.
Again, God has written His moral law in our hearts and our conscience is proof of this internal reality because when we are not acting in loving ways (when we are not obeying the Ten Commandments) we feel a sense of conviction, guilt and shame. Where does that come from? God’s law written on the inside.
God’s internal law is universal, for example, no matter where you go in the world murder is considered wrong. And murderers are punished. Why? Because God’s Laws (in this case, the 6th commandment “do not murder,”) are innate (are in us).
But when a society embraces murder like that of aborting innocent babies and creates laws to protect baby murderers (in the name of women’s rights), it’s because either the conscience is out of service, reason has checked out OR even worse, they know exactly what they are doing and are deliberately in total rebellion against God.
For the sake of refreshing our memories, here are the Ten Commandments in short form:
4. The Light of Commandments
When I say the light of commandments what I’m referring to is - The Moral Law aka The Ten Commandments (The Decalogue).
God has graciously revealed Himself by revealing His moral standard to us all. Again, leaving us “without excuse.” And this moral standard is internal (it’s inside of us). The Ten Commandments to some degree have been written in the heart of every human being.
ROMANS 2:14-16
14 for when Gentiles [non-Jews], who do not have the law [on stone tablets and scrolls], by nature do the things in the law [the Ten Commandments], these, although not having the law [the written Ten Commandments], are a law to themselves, 15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience [our personal judge] also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them) 16 in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.
In other words God has written His moral law in the sinners heart and has given sinners a conscience (a personal judge) in order to either help them see their need for God and His forgiveness or to condemn them by using The Law and their own conscience on judgment day.
Again, God has written His moral law in our hearts and our conscience is proof of this internal reality because when we are not acting in loving ways (when we are not obeying the Ten Commandments) we feel a sense of conviction, guilt and shame. Where does that come from? God’s law written on the inside.
God’s internal law is universal, for example, no matter where you go in the world murder is considered wrong. And murderers are punished. Why? Because God’s Laws (in this case, the 6th commandment “do not murder,”) are innate (are in us).
But when a society embraces murder like that of aborting innocent babies and creates laws to protect baby murderers (in the name of women’s rights), it’s because either the conscience is out of service, reason has checked out OR even worse, they know exactly what they are doing and are deliberately in total rebellion against God.
For the sake of refreshing our memories, here are the Ten Commandments in short form:
1. You shall have no other gods before Me.
2. You shall not make idols.
3. You shall not take the Name of the LORD your God in vain.
4. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
5. Honor your father and your mother.
6. You shall not murder.
7. You shall not commit adultery.
8. You shall not steal.
9. You shall not bear false witness (lie) against your neighbor.
10. You shall not covet. – These are the laws of God that to some degrees have been written on humanity’s rotten and godless hearts. (EXOD 20 for homework)
We can see the law written in our hearts when Governments make laws that agree with the Ten Commandments.
For example, here in the U.S.A. murder (the 6th commandment) is against the law. Adultery (the 7th commandment) is against the law but rarely punished. It was a much more serious crime in times past. Stealing or theft is against the law (this is the 8th commandment). Perjury (which is lying under oath or in court) is against the law (this is the 9th commandment).
As we can see, even though The United States was not founded on the Ten Commandments, the Ten Commandments have undoubtedly influenced American law and culture. This is one of the main reasons why America has been so blessed – they're good and God honoring laws. But this too seems to be rapidly changing.
Let’s also take the U.S. Capital in Washington D.C. for example. In the House Chamber there is a sculpture of Moses’ face (who is the Law giver – the giver of the Ten Commandments) placed directly in front of the podium and the two chairs where the speaker of the house and the vice president sit when the president addresses congress. So every time a U.S. President gives a State of the Union address, he is in one sense face to face with Moses - the Lawgiver.
All of this points to the fact that God has written His Laws in our hearts. The evidence is clear, it’s undeniable.
Lastly, on the light of commandments: There is an internal law (the Ten Commandments written in the heart) and an external law (written on stone first, then on scrolls made of animal skin, then papyrus/paper). The external Law is the written Ten Commandments and the written Word of God (The entire Bible). These more defined commandments are called special revelation, and they exist to help us see our need for Jesus and His forgiveness because we have broken God’s good ten laws of love.
When it comes to evangelism, the Ten Commandments and the conscience are your best friends. PSALM 19:7a says, “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul;”
When we use the Ten Commandments like Jesus did (with the young rich ruler) or like the Apostle Paul did in his New Testament letters, the law awakens the conscience and causes some listeners to become humble and to feel a sense of godly fear, guilt and shame – at this point they are possibly ripe for the gospel message because they may be seeing their need for forgiveness of sin and eternal life.
5. The Light of Christ
We can see the law written in our hearts when Governments make laws that agree with the Ten Commandments.
For example, here in the U.S.A. murder (the 6th commandment) is against the law. Adultery (the 7th commandment) is against the law but rarely punished. It was a much more serious crime in times past. Stealing or theft is against the law (this is the 8th commandment). Perjury (which is lying under oath or in court) is against the law (this is the 9th commandment).
As we can see, even though The United States was not founded on the Ten Commandments, the Ten Commandments have undoubtedly influenced American law and culture. This is one of the main reasons why America has been so blessed – they're good and God honoring laws. But this too seems to be rapidly changing.
Let’s also take the U.S. Capital in Washington D.C. for example. In the House Chamber there is a sculpture of Moses’ face (who is the Law giver – the giver of the Ten Commandments) placed directly in front of the podium and the two chairs where the speaker of the house and the vice president sit when the president addresses congress. So every time a U.S. President gives a State of the Union address, he is in one sense face to face with Moses - the Lawgiver.
All of this points to the fact that God has written His Laws in our hearts. The evidence is clear, it’s undeniable.
Lastly, on the light of commandments: There is an internal law (the Ten Commandments written in the heart) and an external law (written on stone first, then on scrolls made of animal skin, then papyrus/paper). The external Law is the written Ten Commandments and the written Word of God (The entire Bible). These more defined commandments are called special revelation, and they exist to help us see our need for Jesus and His forgiveness because we have broken God’s good ten laws of love.
When it comes to evangelism, the Ten Commandments and the conscience are your best friends. PSALM 19:7a says, “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul;”
When we use the Ten Commandments like Jesus did (with the young rich ruler) or like the Apostle Paul did in his New Testament letters, the law awakens the conscience and causes some listeners to become humble and to feel a sense of godly fear, guilt and shame – at this point they are possibly ripe for the gospel message because they may be seeing their need for forgiveness of sin and eternal life.
5. The Light of Christ
-This is Jesus Himself and the soul saving heavenly truth He taught-
God the Father has revealed Himself/His perfect nature through God the Son – Jesus. The light of Christ is the gospel message.
The period or time between the last book in the Old Testament which is Malachi and the first book in the New Testament which is Matthew consists of 400 years. During this time God was silent. There were no prophets warning or preaching God’s Word. There were no new letters written and circulating. It was a time of silence and spiritual darkness.
At this time (at the end of 400 years) God raises up John the Baptist to pave the way for Jesus – “The Light of the World.” This is when the God who dwells in unapproachable light puts on human flesh for the first time and shines brighter than a thousand suns with His holy life, His matchless love and His heavenly words and teaching.
Listen to the way the book of Matthew describes Jesus’ arrival.
MATTHEW 4:12-17
12 ¶ Now when Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, He departed to Galilee. 13 And leaving Nazareth, He came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the regions of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: 15 "The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, By the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles: 16 The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, And upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned." 17 From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
In JOHN 8:12 Jesus says,
“…I Am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness but have the light of life.”
JOHN 1:1-13
1 ¶ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 ¶ And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
9 That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. 11 He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
In JOHN 14:16 Jesus declares what no other man or religious leader has ever declared then raises his own body from the dead to prove it “I Am the way, the truth and the life (He’s exclusively speaking). No one comes to the Father except through Me.’’
JOHN 3:16-21
16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 "For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. 18 "He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 "And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 "For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. 21 "But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God."
God has made Himself known to humanity in one way or another, leaving us all without excuse. Come to Jesus for a new heart, cleansing, forgiveness and eternal life today!
The period or time between the last book in the Old Testament which is Malachi and the first book in the New Testament which is Matthew consists of 400 years. During this time God was silent. There were no prophets warning or preaching God’s Word. There were no new letters written and circulating. It was a time of silence and spiritual darkness.
At this time (at the end of 400 years) God raises up John the Baptist to pave the way for Jesus – “The Light of the World.” This is when the God who dwells in unapproachable light puts on human flesh for the first time and shines brighter than a thousand suns with His holy life, His matchless love and His heavenly words and teaching.
Listen to the way the book of Matthew describes Jesus’ arrival.
MATTHEW 4:12-17
12 ¶ Now when Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, He departed to Galilee. 13 And leaving Nazareth, He came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the regions of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: 15 "The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, By the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles: 16 The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, And upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned." 17 From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
In JOHN 8:12 Jesus says,
“…I Am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness but have the light of life.”
JOHN 1:1-13
1 ¶ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 ¶ And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
9 That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. 11 He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
In JOHN 14:16 Jesus declares what no other man or religious leader has ever declared then raises his own body from the dead to prove it “I Am the way, the truth and the life (He’s exclusively speaking). No one comes to the Father except through Me.’’
JOHN 3:16-21
16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 "For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. 18 "He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 "And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 "For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. 21 "But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God."
God has made Himself known to humanity in one way or another, leaving us all without excuse. Come to Jesus for a new heart, cleansing, forgiveness and eternal life today!
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