THE CHURCH OF GOD OF PROPHECY

47 Pine Hill

Centreville, AL 35042

(205) 926-7706

(205) 717-1960

www.thegreatspeckledbird.org

CHILDREN OF LIGHT

GOLDEN TEXT:

2 Corinthians 4:6 – For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

“God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.” Men are divided into two groups; one light, the other darkness: that which belongs to God and that which belongs to Satan. The Just belong to God; while the rest are under the power of Satan; doing his work, supporting his cause regardless of what they profess. The devil’s plan is to keep men in ignorance; and when he can’t keep the light of the Gospel out of the world, he spares no pains to set men against it. The rejection of the Gospel can be traced to the willful blindness and wickedness of the human heart. It is pleasant to behold the sun; but it is more pleasant and profitable for the Gospel to shine in men’s heart.

Ephesians 5:8 – For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light.

Those who indulge in the lusts of the flesh or the love of the world, are in the dark, going they know not where, doing they know not what. When they are born again they become children of obedience, from whom God’s wrath is turned away. The Grace of God produces a mighty change in the Soul. They now walk as children of light, having knowledge and Holiness. Works of darkness are unfruitful, whatever profit they may boast. Children of light must reprove the sins of others and have no fellowship with them lest they share in their sins.

1 Thessalonians 5:5 – Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.

Those who have the light of the Gospel shining in their face must be mindful that there is another world to prepare for. We must therefore be watchful and sober and take heed of anything that would shake our Faith. Ye are no longer in darkness. Ye are children of the light, but there are many Spiritually asleep. They consider not the everlasting home of their Soul.

John 12:36 -- While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.

Let us examine whether we belong to this little flock, where Christ is the Master and we His servants. Once being in a state of darkness, we are now called out of darkness into the marvelous light; that we should show forth God’s Praises. Let all who obtain God’s Mercy, walk as His people. Being warned of God to flee from the wrath to come, let us be moved with fear to take refuge in Christ, and become heirs of His Righteousness. To this living and True God, be Glory and dominion for ever and ever.

1 Peter 2:9 – But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.

Elected, or chosen, precious beyond compare: a chosen generation distinct from the world: of another spirit; which they could never be otherwise. Called out of darkness that they should show forth the Praises of the Lord. How vast are their obligations to Him who made them His people. They must be burning shining lights, must have evidence, that they are indeed God’s people. Christ called Himself the Light of the world. Upon His ascension into Heaven, His followers assumed that role.

Matthew 5:15 – Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

The light of the first day was illuminating when it shone out of darkness; as is the Gospel and those that share it. As lights of the world, God’s chosen people are as illustrious and conspicuous as a city on a hill that can’t be hid. Some admire them, commend them, rejoice in them and study to imitate them; while others envy them, hate them, criticize them and study to discredit them. They are as spectacles to the world and must take heed of all they say and do lest any should find fault. As lights of the world, they are intended to give light to others. They must not hide their light under a bushel. They must shine for all to see. The Gospel is such a strong light and carries so much of its own evidence, that, like a city on a hill, it can’t be hid, it can’t but appear to be from God. It will give light to all that draw near. Christianity is much more than a name. We don’t merely profess it, but abide under its Power.

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