In the physical world, light and darkness are opposites, they are easy to distinguish, and they can teach us good lessons. The first chapter of the Bible teaches us about the creation of light and darkness during the first week. In the spiritual world, they are also opposites, they can teach us good lessons. I would like to present five things from the Bible to help us with this pair of opposites.

1 There is the source of light (John 1). The source of spiritual light is God. John teaches that Jesus is deity in the first few verses, and immediately says, "In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it" (John 1:4, 5). There is no spiritual darkness in God; therefore the source of spiritual darkness is the devil (I John 1:5; see John 8:44).

2 There is the motivation behind the ways of light and darkness (John 3:18-21). This text is extremely important for Christians. It helps us to realize that there is indeed an understanding among those in the world that their deeds are evil. Light exposes evil, and evil men hate this exposure. But those who have a humble attitude will gladly come to the light so that their deeds may be tested and approved by the light. We must teach the world to have the right motivation! If they refuse to change their motivation, they will not change their lives.

3 There is the contrast between light and darkness (Ephesians 5:8-14). The words and ideas in this text teach the lesson that it is possible for people to easily know the difference between the things that are "light" and the things that are "darkness". As a matter of fact, Paul even says that we who walk according to the principles of light "are light" (verse 8).

4 There is an illustration about living in the light (or the darkness) in I John. The illustration is "walking in the light". Those who keep the commandments of God are walking in the light - those who do not keep His commandments are not walking in the light. And this is true in spite of any other claims that are made, for commandment keeping is the test (see I John 2:3-6; John 14:15-23).

5 There is the purpose of the subject of light and darkness (Matthew 5:14-16). In these verses, Jesus points out that His people are to be light, and to let the light shine, so that those who are not in the light will come to it and glorify God (see I Peter 2:1-12). And this is the main idea of our lesson on light and darkness: with regard to our role in this "old sinful world", we are supposed to be living in such a way that the world sees the difference between them and us. And this is supposed to lead them to have the desire to learn the way of light. Jesus is the light of the world, and our daily lives are one of our powerful tools for showing the world that His way is both different and right.

"The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy" (Romans 13:12, 13). (NKJV)

TONIGHT! The men will honor the ladies of the congregation by preparing and serving the annual Cupid’s Café spaghetti supper this evening in the annex, after the PM worship. All members and visitors are invited to attend.

Directory Photos
Keep in mind that we are taking photos for a new membership directory. See Carl or Nancy Chambers if you would like to make an appointment to have your picture made after the morning or evening services in the annex.

Bridal Shower . . .
The ladies of the congregation are invited to a Bridal Shower for Heidi Gilbert on Sunday, February 22, 2004 at 3:00 p.m. in the annex. We are asking you to share one of your recipes with Heidi. Please see Kelly or Karen for a recipe card. Heidi and Darin are registered at Target and at Bed, Bath & Beyond.

Home Devotional
The regular monthly Home Bible Study and Devotional is scheduled for this coming Saturday evening (21st) at 6 pm, at the home of Greg and Julie Littleton. There is a sign-up sheet in the foyer for those who plan to attend.

Lectureship Books
Bob Bauer still has a few of the 2004 Florida School of Preaching lectureship books and the book on CD-ROM available for purchase. Audio CD’s of the lectureship are also available and may be previewed online HERE or at www.FSOP.net.

A farmer could not give a "farmer experience" until he had been a farmer. A Christian cannot give a "Christian experience" until he has become a Christian. You cannot become a Christian until you put on Christ.