What a New Family! – Luke 8:19-21

A Christian is a man of integrity. In all circumstances, he is like a lamp that is a light to the world.

What can hinder a Christian’s integrity?

Hypocrisy

Hypocrisy is a fake light. It makes us what we are not. It is a dangerous heart attitude that Jesus condemned. We avoid hypocrisy by living before God, being content and honest with our weaknesses because we have the grace of God.

Cowardice

We live in a world that is hostile against Christianity, but Christians are to be brave. Despite all risks, we are to evangelize and care for our fellow brethren. 

Doctrinal Deception

Tragically, the top 10 popular churches in the United States are not doctrinally sound. They promote a distorted gospel that promises the American Dream of health, wealth, and prosperity while leaving out any mention of sin, repentance, or the need for a Savior.

Jesus warns those who try to privatize their Christianity- nothing stays hidden. God will expose all things in judgment. We may deceive others when it comes to religion, but God knows all things. Christians are to be lamps that emit light into the world.

How can Christians live boldly and faithfully?

Jesus says that we must take care how we listen. Everything depends on how you listen. Do you want to be a more effective Christian? Listen carefully and remember God’s Word. We must be diligent to hear- it must be our daily habit to get close to the Bible every day. How you live today is a product of how you hear God’s Word. 

How must we hear God’s Word?

Listen with faith. Even if you meditate on God’s Word day and night, without faith, it will profit you nothing. (Heb 4:2) By faith, your knowledge becomes experiential. 

Listen with reverence. You must consider that the Bible is the Word of God and listen with reverence.

Listen with prayer. Praying for your preacher and for those who will hear before and after worship will bring God’s blessing. Successful worship depends on prayer. 

Listening carefully to God’s Word can determine your destiny. If you fail to listen biblically, self will continue to drive you. The Bible is the only source that can mortify self. In the Bible, we encounter Jesus, who is the source of light for Christians. We reflect Him by hearing biblically.