Darkness to Light

Darkness to Light

Notes on sermon by Mr.Michael Lee (CDC)

" 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,' the Lord replied. ¹⁶'Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you. ¹⁷I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them ¹⁸to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.' Acts 26:15-18

Today’s sermon looked into an interesting period in Paul’s life where upon his return to Jerusalem, his message had created an uproar in the city among the Jews, who could not accept his proclamation that God had granted salvation to the Gentiles. In the course of his examination by the King Agrippa, Paul shared his opportunity boldly, with the main emphasis on the message being on vs.15-18.

(i)                  Like Paul, each one of us has been appointed as servants of Jesus, and His witnesses, commissioned to spread the good news wherever we go. Paul preached to prisoners and prison guards, kings and governors, sailors and islanders. It did not matter where he went, he preached the gospel passionately to all he met.

(ii)                The purpose of the message is to open the eyes of unbelievers, to turn them from darkness to light, from the power of Satan to God so that they may be forgiven and have a place among God’s people. This is our mission, to lead others to the light of God, wherever we go.  

 I was greatly encouraged by this message, especially as the previous day’s lesson at Youth was on John chapter 1, with emphasis, on our Lord Jesus being the life and light of men which shines brightly in the darkness. Just as John the Baptist was appointed as the witness before Christ, all who believe are appointed likewise, His servants, commissioned to be the salt and light of the earth.

Finally, we see two typical responses in King Agrippa and Festus. King Agrippa became afraid, for he led an immoral lifestyle, and backed away from the gospel. Festus refused to belief and passed off Paul as insane. Some will not be willing to give up a sinful lifestyle, and others will refuse to open their minds and believe. Regardless of the response, our calling is to preach, to shine, and share the good news always.

God bless,

Jason