Should Women Preach? - Deb Martin

 Should women preach? 

Yes and no. 

Unfortunately, this seemingly simple inquiry is a loaded question. It is often asked in hopes of merely ascertaining one’s ecclesiastical position on women in ministry. Sadly, this question has become a tool with which to draw a line of division separating believers into two groups (complementarians and egalitarians). It is easy to see how one’s answer to this question can provide a catalyst for heated debate. Most assuredly, the question is important; but it is also controversial, and one that deserves serious attention today.

As a Christian woman in ministry, I often observe that when this question is asked, the first inclination is to erroneously equate the action of “preaching” with the position of “pastor,” thereby confusing the proclamation of the gospel with an authoritative role within the church. The question in disguise becomes, “Should women be pastors?”, a question that should be answered quite differently than, “Should women preach?” It is a subtle yet important distinction to make.

 I’d like to offer that simply put, preaching refers to proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ. By that definition, all Christians are called to preach. The act of sharing the good news of Jesus’ death, resurrection and ascension to the Father and the completion of his atoning work on the cross for the forgiveness of sin is the foremost privilege and responsibility of Christians regardless of gender. All believers are to proclaim the good news (1 Pet 2:9); all believers are called to go and make disciples so that others may have eternal life in Christ. All believers are to be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks a reason for the hope that is in them (1 Pet 3:15). The gospel is a Christian issue, not a gender issue.

With that said, preaching the gospel does not qualify someone to be in a position of authority within the context of the local church. Not all Christians, (men or women) should assume they are qualified to serve in an authoritative role as pastor/overseer. That is, just as there are Scriptural commands for believers to share the gospel, there are biblical qualifications for those who hold offices of responsibility within the context of the local church.

Scripture clearly teaches that within the context of the local church (that is, an organized assembly of professing, believing Christians who gather to worship and observe the ordinances), women are not to have an authoritative role over men (1 Tim 2:15). Yes, women should preach; but no, women should not have responsibility for the spiritual growth and guidance of a congregation of male and female believers. This responsibility is reserved for those who hold the authoritative position of elder; a position for which qualifications are clearly described in Scripture (1 Tim 3, Titus 1).

Some claim that an interpretation of Scripture that disallows women to hold authoritative positions over men erroneously (and unbiblically) limits women in their ability to influence others for Christ. But I ask, how can that be? Scripture clearly calls (commands!) all Christians to be influential in sharing the gospel, and all Christians are equipped to do so through the power of the Holy Spirit. In fact, the Bible specifically instructs wives to be influential in their husbands’ lives within the context of submission (1 Pet 3:6-13). Careful consideration of this principle should lead one to reflect on the relationship between the Father and Son, in that Jesus did everything from a posture of submission to His Father and under the Father’s authority (Mt 26:39, Jn 12:49).

Should women preach? YES! Christian men and women must share the hope that is within them with those perishing in this lost world and preach the gospel whenever and wherever they can; it is a command from Scripture that Christians should obey with joyful hearts. Should women strive to be influential in the lives of others, even their husbands? Yes. Again, this is a command that women should obey with joyful hearts, within the God-ordained framework of male headship. Should women hold authoritative positions within the local church through which they are responsible for the spiritual growth of an entire congregation of men and women? No, for the Bible clearly teaches that submission to authority is a command that all should obey with joyful hearts.

How to Read the Book: Ten Rules for Effective Bible Reading - Jason Jackson

Who needs to read the Bible? Kings were commanded to read the Scriptures all the days of their lives (Deuteronomy 17:19). The Scriptures have been read aloud for the benefit of various groups of people (Exodus 24:7; Deuteronomy 31:9-13; Joshua 8:34-35; Nehemiah 8:1-3, 8, 18; Luke 4:16-21; Acts 15:21; Colossians 4:16). God’s word needs to be taught to families (Deuteronomy 6:4-9; 2 Timothy 3:15). It must be read individually as well (Psalms 1:2; 119:11, 105; Acts 8:28-32).

The Bible is not an ordinary book. It is the only revelation of God’s nature and will; it alone is “profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteous” (2 Timothy 3:16). It can make us wise unto salvation, and the word is able to save our souls (2 Timothy 3:15; James 1:21).

Standing alone amidst the world’s literature, the Bible especially ought to be read. The skills for Bible reading are identical, mechanically, for reading a secular document. But a keener appreciation applies to the divine revelation, and additional considerations for the heavenly message are required. Our devotion to the sacred word must be as special as the book itself.

Rule One

We ought to read the Bible regularly. John Stott was right when he wrote to preachers, “Sporadic and haphazard dipping into the Scriptures is not enough” (1982, 182). Neither is it enough for any Christian. Any child of God who needs convinced that he ought to read the Bible regularly is in spiritual peril already.

Rule Two

We need to read the Bible analytically. God intends for us to understand the Bible, and we ought to analyze the word’s component parts to better understand it as a whole. For example, the Bible student needs to understand the two major parts of the Bible—the Old and New Testaments. The differences between the Old and New Testaments are critical to “rightly handling the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).

A good Bible dictionary will facilitate this rule. For instance, if we plan to read the book of Genesis, we ought to consult a Bible dictionary article on “Genesis.” An introduction to the content increases our ability to understand and retain the material. Give the mind an advantage by knowing as much as you can about your reading before you read. This is true with respect to the Bible as a whole, and in connection with chapters and verses. Halley’s Bible Handbook is a useful tool for this; its chapter summaries are a helpful reader’s guide.

Rule Three

We would profit more, I believe, if we read the Bible systematically. A well-organized plan facilitates any objective—even Bible reading. Reading calenders, study aids, and valuable suggestions are numerous (see Robert Murray M’Cheyne’s [1813-1843] calendar for daily Bible readings, which averages four chapters a day from four different parts of Scripture. Download it in PDF format at http://web.ukonline.co.uk/d.haslam/mccheyne/FAQ4rmm.htm#Q1).

Take advantage of a method and use it. Devise your own and tenaciously work through it. The most prolific Bible readers with whom I am familiar are people who are systematic in method and time. A designated pattern and time of day, interrupted only because of absolute necessity, establishes a way of life; there is no need to “fit it in” to one’s schedule. Other things may be postponed. We have our Bibles to read!

Rule Four

We must read the Bible persistently. Bible reading can be discouraging for some, especially the new Christian. He may be distracted by what is not readily understood, rather than absorbing what could have been easily grasped. I recommend that you keep a notebook nearby while reading the Bible. Write down the reference of a verse that perplexes you, and keep on reading. Schedule another time for a more exhaustive study to research the difficult text. Avoid interrupting your plan, as a general rule, to ponder about an obscure thought to the neglect of much that could have been understood. Don’t allow discouragement to set in. Keep reading, and press on.

I do not imply that the Bible should be read sloppily. We ought to devote separate time and proven methods for deeper study (see Effective Bible Study—An Urgent Need For Everyone). This is indispensable to our growth as well. Such projects, however, usually cannot be accomplished in short periods of time. We need an entire morning, evening, or Saturday afternoon, to devote uninterrupted hours for these special studies. With perseverance and planning, we can devote ourselves to persistent Bible reading with thirty minutes to an hour per day.

Rule Five

The previous guidelines help us accomplish this one: read the Bible completely. A plan best accomplishes this, and it certainly ought to be our resolve. Some books of the Bible captivate our attention more than others. Some are more immediately relevant to our spiritual needs. Yet neglect none of them. Read it; read it all—1,189 chapters. And read it over and over again, for “man does not live by bread alone” (Matthew 4:4).

The next several suggestions involve a mind set more than methodology. They are vital for effective Bible reading.

Rule Six

We must read the Bible reverently. Bible reading is not a matter of Pharisaic self-congratulation. It should not degrade into a mere routine. For reverent readers, Bible reading and prayer are inseparable (see Acts 6:4). The regularity of our reading should not diminish our respect for the words breathed out by God. To the contrary, I believe that the persistent reader will become more reverent through the passing of time.

Rule Seven

Because this book is from God for our utmost good, we ought to read the Bible expectantly. We must realize that the Bible will do for us what it can do for any person (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

It is useful for teaching—what we need to know. It is profitable for reproof—what we must reject and refute. It is beneficial for correction—what we must turn away from and avoid. It is good for instruction in righteousness—what we must consider about our lives and duties with respect to God and man.

Expect to grow stronger; be encouraged and more fruitful through regular contact with God’s word. Conversely, spiritual atrophy is the expectation for those who do not open the Good Book. Confident that it is true, but void of its power, defines the complacent attitude toward the Bible in which the Devil, no doubt, rejoices.

Rule Eight

Read the Bible fervently. Mortimer J. Adler in his work, How to Read A Book, begins his chapter on “How to be a Demanding Reader” with a yawning observation. By the way, get comfortable, and enjoy this quotation.

The rules for reading yourself to sleep are easier to follow than are the rules for staying awake while reading. Get into bed in a comfortable position, make sure the light is inadequate enough to cause slight eyestrain, choose a book that is either terribly difficult or terribly boring—in any event, one that you do not really care whether you read or not—and you will be asleep in a few minutes. Those who are experts in relaxing with a book do not have to wait for nightfall. A comfortable chair in the library will do any time (1972, 45).

We must stay awake to effectively read the Bible. But more than that, we must read it with focus and fervency. It doesn’t matter if the brain wanders while reading the latest editorial in the paper. The Bible matters. The kind of effort we expend in reading, comprehending, retaining, and applying God’s word matters eternally. Choose a time of day when you are alert. Select a place where you will not become easily fatigued. Provide yourself with adequate lighting. And focus. It is work; it is soul-saving work—your own!

Rule Nine

We need to read the Bible collectively. As friends, dating couples, married couples, entire families, small groups, congregations, we can read the Bible together and all be better for it. On October 4, 1982, Ronald Reagan signed a joint resolution passed by the United States Congress. While it is worthy of being quoted in its entirety, I cite only the final paragraph:

Resolved the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the President is authorized and requested to designate 1983 as a national “Year of the Bible” in recognition of both the formative influence the Bible has been for our Nation, and our national need to study and apply the teachings of the Holy Scriptures (in Federer 1996, 709-10).

We desire and pray that our nation’s leaders would resolve to do what this august body resolved. We, however, who are not wavered by infidelity nor distracted by the entanglements of the world, what have we resolved? The Bible demands more than lip service from members of the Lord’s church. It requires our attention in addition to our affection (Psalm 1:2). Become, or continue to be, an effective Bible reader. That is exactly what God wants you to be.

Rule Ten

 We ought to read the Bible Prayerfully. First Corinthians chapter two, verse fourteen states, "But people who aren’t spiritual can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can’t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means" (NLT).  As we read Scripture, Ask God to open our Eyes (2 Kings 6:17).

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10 Things Everyone Should Know About a Christian View of Homosexuality - Glenn Stanton

I've worked up a good lather in the so-called "culture war" around homosexuality and same-sex marriage for about two decades now. And I'm just as committed to the Christian view on sexuality as I am to engaging the issue in spirited and civil debate. However, to debate the issue seriously and truthfully, we must seek an honest picture of what our opponents actually believe — working from what we think they believe is neither helpful nor respectful.  While there are people of many diverse beliefs and convictions — including gay and lesbian people — who oppose same-sex marriage, here are 10 foundational truths that inform the traditional, orthodox Christian belief.

1. All humans are simultaneously sinful and loved.
All people, regardless of their story, are deeply and unconditionally loved by God, each created with profound dignity and worth, not one more than another. This is more than mere religious happy talk — it's truth whether one is gay, straight, or otherwise. But, all people are also stricken with a terminal illness: sin. Everyone. No exceptions and to the same degree. Our sin demands our repentance and needs forgiveness, and God's love and grace are where we find both. This is basic Christianity and the great equalizer of all people.

2. Jesus wasn't silent on homosexuality.
Some claim Jesus never said anything about homosexuality and therefore is neutral on the topic. Not true. Jesus was unequivocal in saying that to understand marriage and the sexual union, we must go back to the beginning and see how God created humanity and to what end. (See Matthew 19 and Mark 10.) Jesus holds up the creation story in Genesis not as a quaint Sunday school lesson, but as authoritative — reminding us that God created each of us male and female, each for the other. And the sexual union that God created and ordains is for husband and wife to come together in physical union, one flesh.

3. There is only one option.
Both Jesus and all of scripture approve of no other sexual union than that between a husband and wife. This is the uncontested historical teaching of Judaism and Christianity, and it is not something that true Christianity is free to adjust with the times. Yes, concubines and multiple wives are found in the Bible, but doesn't make them "biblical." In fact, they violate the Genesis narrative Christ points us to.

4. Male and female complete God's image on earth.
It is not just mere "traditionalism" that makes sex-distinct marriage the norm for Christians. It is a common grace God has given to all peoples at all times that is rooted in deeper theological reasons. The first chapter of the Jewish and Christian scriptures tells us that humanity is uniquely created to show forth the image of God in the world — to make visible the invisible. God does this not just in generic, androgynous humanity, but through two very similar but distinct types of humans: male and female. They are human universals, not cultural constructs.  When God said that it "is not good that the man be alone" (Genesis 2:18) he wasn't lamenting that Adam didn't have a buddy or was just lonely. He was saying that the male could not really know himself as male without a human "other" who equally shared his humanity but was meaningfully distinct right down to every bit of her DNA. The same is true for her in Adam. Taoists understand this in that the Yin cannot be Yin without its corresponding and contrasting Yang. In both Jewish and Christian belief, both male and female become fully human in their correspondence and contrast with one another. This does not happen solely in marriage, but it does happen most profoundly and mysteriously in marriage.

5. Sex is indeed about babies.
It is a new and culturally peculiar idea that human sexuality is all about intimacy and pleasure, but not necessarily babies. Babies and reproduction matter. And sure, while not every male/female sexual engagement is toward the end of procreation — intimacy and pleasure matter as well — it has been the overwhelming norm and desire in nearly all marital relationships throughout time. That some couples are infertile either by age or incapability does not diminish or challenge this reality. Infertility is the vast exception for male/female couples. It is the fact of same-sex unions, a human cul-de-sac. Heterosexual union reaches into and creates the next generation. To establish a sexual relationship without any interest in or openness to babies is contrary to God's intention for such relationships.

6. Children have a right to a mother and father.
Every person ever born can track his origin to a mother and a father. There are no exceptions, including those artificially produced. This was the first command God gave to the first two humans: to come together and bring forth the coming generations of new divine image-bearers. Nearly all cultures in all places in the world at all historical times hold as fundamental that every child should be loved and raised by a mother and father. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child recognizes a mother and father as a basic right of every child.

7. Same-sex attraction is not a sin.
To be human is to have a disordered sexuality. You do. I do. Everyone does. We all have some manner of sexual drive that compels us to disobey God's design for sexuality. But, while temptation is universal, it's different from sin. Scripture tells us that Jesus was tempted in all ways as we are, but did not sin (see Hebrews 4:15). Sexual sin is giving in to that desire in either mind or body. Faithful Christian discipleship cannot avoid temptation, but it strives to resist and master it with God's help. Doing so is not sin, but obedience and dependence upon Christ.  Many are indeed same-sex attracted, but live obediently within a Christian sexual ethic. It can be difficult, as it is for heterosexuals who are required to live in celibacy. Christianity requires that we each subjugate our sexual (and many other) desires to our faith commitment — and countless same-sex attracted believers do so willingly and joyfully.

8. Sexual intimacy is not a right.
Every Christian has limitations placed on his sexuality. For married Christians, it is exclusive to one's spouse. For single, engaged, and divorced Christians, it is abstinence, no exceptions. Is it unfair for so many to be forced into a life that cannot know the wonder and beauty of physical intimacy just because marriage is not an option for them? Is it fair for a Christian to be stuck in a loveless marriage? Christians have long understood that fairness is not really the question. Sex is not a right, but a gift — and the giver knows what is best for us.

9. Rewriting God's rules is never an option.
One of the marks of a Christian is his or her desire to be obedient to Christ's teaching. Certainly most of us would like to rewrite the scriptures to make life easier. I would change where Christ says that lust is the same as doing the deed. Christianity is a demanding faith. The scriptures define and change us, not the other way around. A biblical sexual ethic does not, indeed cannot, change with the times.

10. People are more than their sexuality.
To identify people by their sexuality is to reduce people to their sexuality. Every individual is so much more. A person's inherent and undeniable value is rooted in his membership in humanity, not his particularity, sexual or otherwise. To advocate for extending rights to someone based in particular and occasionally mutable desires, relationships, and behaviors — as important as they might be to the individual — is actually a violation of the principle of universal human rights.

My 10 worst ministry mistakes - Greg Stier

We all make mistakes. And God can use all of our mistakes, missteps and mess ups as essential ingredients in transforming us into his masterpieces!

Over the last 27 years of full-time professional ministry here are my ten worst ministry mistakes:

1. Not prioritizing prayer

Up until 2008 prayer was the caboose, not the engine, of my ministry efforts. Sadly, it took The Great Recession to see a true progression in my prayer life. Now prayer, specifically intercessory prayer, is driving my ministry efforts forward in ways I never could have imagined. Learn from my mistake in this area and let prayer propel your life and ministry efforts forward (1 Timothy 2:1-8.) You will not regret it because God will do "exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or imagine...." 

2. Putting ministry before marriage

Twenty years ago my wife and I had a blow up during a Bible study where I eventually came clean about my "mistress" called ministry. It was embarrassing (since I was the pastor of the church) but liberating at the same time. The cat was finally out of the bag because everyone in our church soon discovered (thanks prayer chain!) that there was a giant pain point in our marriage.

This phenomenal church rallied behind us and helped us make strides in our marriage. Since then we have experienced steady progress toward victory. I thank God for a loving, strong and committed wife who has been willing to journey with me through a quarter of a century of failing forward toward a healthy marriage.

3. Separating evangelism and discipleship

For years I viewed evangelism and discipleship as distinct Christian priorities. There was growing deep in discipleship and then there was going wide with evangelism. But over the years God has made it clear to me from his Word that both are so intertwined that separating them risks breaking something precious.

When Jesus said to his disciples in Matthew 4:19, "Follow me and I will teach you to fish for people" he forever linked evangelism and discipleship. As my friend Doug Holliday says, "Any discipleship that doesn't begin with evangelism and end with evangelism is not Biblical discipleship." 

As a result of this realization, we have identified seven values that can help any youth leader build a youth ministry that is effective when it comes to winning teenagers to Christ, equipping them to grow in their faith and unleashing them to reach others. Apply these seven values in your youth ministry context and you will discover the power of keeping evangelism and discipleship side-by-side, not separate.

4. Ready! Fire! Aim!

Last year I had the privilege of going to a shooting range with a ministry partner and he let me shoot his sniper rifle. He coached me through the process and really helped me learn how to aim. He explained to me that an inch off the bull's eye at 100 yards means completely missing the target at 1,000 yards. 

What's true in shooting rifles is true in leading ministries. If we are one inch off the bull's eye God has for us in ministry, we may completely miss the mark a decade from now.

Working with great "sharpshooters" like our President, Debbie Bresina, and our Vice President of Ministry Advancement, Phil Hildebrand, has helped me slow down, take a deep breath and take true aim before I squeeze the trigger. This ready/steady process has moved us from a "Ready! Fire! Aim!" ministry to a "Ready! Aim! Fire!" one.

5. Reacting vs. Responding

My family is a group of reactors. When I was a kid, I witnessed my family "react" to situations with fists and fury. My very urban, very violent family members were ready to throw down in an instant. I thank God that over the years they all have been redeemed by Christ and transformed by the power of the Gospel!

But I did get a strong dose of their reaction first, think later DNA. This sort of zero-pause reaction time has gotten me into trouble over the years in ministry. While I don't usually throw someone in a headlock I can quickly attack someone verbally if I feel cornered or being condescended to.

I'll never forget getting a confrontational e-mail from a national ministry leader who didn't like one of my sermons that he hadn't even heard. He had heard about it and didn't like what he thought I had said. His arrogant e-mail made me so mad I was ready to get on a plane, fly to his house and confront him to his face. 

One of my co-workers at Dare 2 Share simply said, "Respond, don't react." So, instead of boarding a plane, I stopped and prayed. After calming down I wrote a direct but gently worded e-mail with my manuscripted sermon attached. Within hours, he e-mailed me and apologized. After reading my sermon he admitted that he had jumped to the wrong conclusions about what he thought I was implying. He asked for forgiveness which I gladly granted.

"Respond, don't react" was some of the best ministry advice I have ever received. 

6. Failure to multiply leaders

For years I was the only one who preached at Dare 2 Share. I did the inspirational talks, trained the students and equipped the youth leaders. After an early disastrous experiment in letting other speakers do the training, I got nervous about giving up the microphone. So, for almost a decade, another communicator could only get the mic if they pried it from my cold, dead fingers.

Over the last several years that has changed dramatically. We have intentionally begun to equip other leaders to inspire, equip and lead. Although it takes longer (and can still result in some micro-disasters) the benefits have been amazing. More teenagers can be trained in more places by more people.

I don't want to die, but I want to be able to die and have this ministry vision still move ahead powerfully. By multiplying leaders, this can actually happen.

7. Counting the wrong numbers

In the church and Christian conference worlds attendance numbers reign as king. But they shouldn't. It took years for me to realize this important truth. As a matter of fact, it took a research project that we funded for me to finally accept that one thing mattered more than attendance.

That one thing is impact.

This reality is pushing Dare 2 Share's entire ministry model upside down so that we can have as deep as an impact as possible with as many teenagers as possible (in that order!) We are excited to see what the results will be!

We must be concerned about the right numbers: the number of disciples being made and multiplied, the number of our teenagers growing deep in their faith and the percentage of our teenagers actively sharing their faith.

Big attendance numbers are fine but big impact numbers are even better!

8. Not taking care of myself

Having been out of shape in my late twenties (I weighed a junk-food-induced 225-ish pounds for awhile) I know the kind of impact that a blubbery, buttery body can have on the rest of one's ministry. My energy levels were low, my production levels were medium and my temptation levels were high. 

It took some close friends speaking hard truth into my life to help me begin to break these chains. When I finally did it really helped me minister more effectively on every level.

9. Comparing and competitiveness

"We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise."  2 Corinthians 10:12

I've never been good at sports so preaching and ministry growth has always been my court, field, and octagon. And I want to dominate my sport.

There have been far too many times than I'd like to admit that I've been driven by competitiveness rather than Christ. To be honest, I have to consistently monitor my ever-straying heart to keep it riveted to Christ and working for his glory not my own.

10. Self-reliance vs. Spirit-dependence

Early on in my ministry, I tended to be a "jumper cable Christian." I'd get a spiritual surge of energy from the latest/greatest preacher, podcast or praise song and get the Jesus jolt I needed to make it through the day. The problem is that, with this sort of hook-your-jumper-cables-up-to-the-anything-other-than-Jesus, you inevitably run out of juice.

Over the years I've been learning more and more what it means to plug into the steady current of the Holy Spirit who dwells in me. Regardless of mood or proximity to charged up events or preachers or music, He is the "ever ready" power source to give me the strength I need to walk victoriously over sin and advance His cause in my sphere of influence. Now I seek to live in a daily declaration of dependence on the Holy Spirit. This practice has allowed me to do ministry with fewer highs and lows and keep in step with the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:25.)

These are my ten worst ministry mistakes. If you feel so led, share one or two of yours. And let's fail forward together until we finally fall into the arms of the Lord Jesus who is cheering us on from the finish line!

Jesus is the Light of the World - Todd McCauley

I was struck as I read John Chapter eight, verse 12 in particular.  It reads, “Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world, he who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life” (NKJV).  What struck me is the simplicity yet profundity of this verse. Jesus who happens (no accident) to be in Jerusalem at the Festival of Tabernacles (cf., John 7:10) declares to a crowd of people gathered at the Temple, “I am the Light of the world”.  Why was this so significant? Pastor Brian Bill sheds light on this festival of Tabernacles, “In order to fully grasp the impact of Jesus’ statement, we need to understand the Feast of Tabernacles.  God inaugurated this annual feast to help the Israelites remember that for 4 decades they wandered in the wilderness before they were finally brought into the Promised Land (see Leviticus 23:40-43). There were two distinctives about this celebration that made it different from all their other annual feasts. 

1. For 7 days the entire nation camped out in booths or tents made of branches and foliage to remind them of the hardships their ancestors had endured in the wilderness. 

2. On the opening night of the celebration, four gigantic candelabras standing 75 feet high were lit, gloriously illuminating the entire Temple and much of Jerusalem (this is not to be confused with the ever-burning lampstand or menorah that was in the tabernacle according to Exodus 25). Each candelabra for the Feast of Tabernacles had four branches supplied by golden bowls filled with 10 gallons of oil. These flames leapt toward the sky. 

Throughout the week the light burned brightly as the religious leaders praised the Lord and sang songs of joy while the people watched and waited. Musicians played harps, lyres, cymbals and trumpets. This festival was to remind the Israelites of the glory of God, dwelling among them and how God’s Shekinah brightness had once filled the Temple. This celebration also focused on the promise of God to send a light, the Anointed One, the Messiah, who would deliver them from darkness and despair. Sacrifices were offered and Scriptures like Isaiah 9:2 were read: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.”  The exquisite imagery of this celebration culminates on the final day of the feast as Jesus declares: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” We know that Jesus makes this statement on the last day from John 7:37. ”1  
When Jesus declares that He is the “Light” He is boldly declaring that He is the promised Anointed one, the Messiah. I’ve heard people argue that Jesus never claimed to be the Messiah, nothing could be further from the truth.  In fact, if you study all seven of the Major Feasts of Israel, you will discover that all of them point to and find their fulfillment in the person of Christ. 

Let me address the subject of Light for a moment.  Light is VERY important for several reasons: 

 1.  Light reveals that which is hidden.  It uncovers that which we can’t see.  2.  Light gives life. It supplies the energy for life to thrive.  3.  Light scatters darkness.  Light and darkness can’t co-exist.  4.  Light gives warmth.  5.  Light provides guidance

So, what did Jesus mean when he declared that He was the Light not just of Israel, or Judea or Palestine BUT of the World? He meant that He and He ALONE was mankind’s ONLY source of true Spiritual illumination and guidance. Jesus states three truths related to His being the Light.  First, He says, “...WHOEVER follows Me will NEVER walk in Darkness”.  When one is a follower/Disciple of Christ the Messiah, he or she will NEVER (Double negative in Greek) walk (I.e., live their lives, to walk around) in spiritual and moral ignorance, blindness and deadness. The key here is being a FOLLOWER of Christ, not just merely a "believer". There are many who "believe" in Jesus BUT don't follow Jesus. The Bible teaches in James that Satan "believes" in Jesus BUT is certainly not a Follower of Jesus (James 2:19). In a nutshell a follower of Christ is someone who ongoingly reflects the character and priorities of Christ in his or her daily life. The moment you stop following Jesus is the moment you get into trouble. The writer to the Hebrews gives followers of Christ this very good advice, “...... And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, FIXING OUR EYES on Jesus, the pioneer, and perfecter of faith (NIV). This passage from Hebrews chapter 12 verses 1 & 2 teaches us that if we’re to be successful followers of Christ we MUST keep our undivided attention on Christ.  


The Second truth related to Christ being the Light is that Everyone who is NOT a follower of Christ is RIGHT NOW in Darkness. It matters not what a person’s financial, educational or social standing may be. If said person is NOT a follower of Jesus the Messiah, he or she is spiritually dead (Cf., Eph 2:1). This means that when it comes to the things of God they are incapable of responding because they are spiritually deaf, dumb and blind. They can’t hear God, they can’t speak the things of God, they can’t see God. Now here is the REALLY tragic news.  If a person dies in their state of moral/spiritual darkness, they will spend the rest of ETERNITY in that state.  The Bible calls this state HELL (cf., Matt 8:12).   

 
The Third truth related to Christ being the Light is that the follower of Christ will have the “Light of life”.  The “Light of life” refers to a supernatural relationship with the Messiah.  John 1:4 reads, “In Him was life, and that life was the Light of men”. John chapter 10 verse 10 reads, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have LIFE, and have it abundantly”. John 14:6 reads, “I am the way, the truth, and the LIFE......”.  Now here is some wonderful news, this RELATIONSHIP that Messiah gives to His followers is not just for the here and now, BUT for all ETERNITY. John 3:16 that most familiar of verses states, “For God so loved the World that He gave his only begotten Son that whoever believes (I.e., follows) Him will NOT perish BUT have ETERNAL LIFE”. Those of us who follow Christ will have a FOREVER, supernatural RELATIONSHIP with the Messiah. 

 

Soli Deo Gloria 


1.  Taken from a sermon by Brian Bill, Feb 13, 2016