Fire That Ignites the World

Gò0dNews from the Pastor’s Desk

Fire That Ignites the World

by Kenneth E. Ware

Fireworks are one of the most beautiful nighttime open air shows. Have you ever wondered, what causes a rocket to takeoff and explode in mid-air? Inside most fireworks lies a small tube that contains gunpowder, a time delay fuse and other explosive chemicals called stars. When the time-delayed fuse is ignited by fire, the tube produces a lifting charge. Once it is high above the ground, an explosion of colors, patterns, noises and bright shining stars will occur—propelling the

stars in all directions. Jesus is the Light amidst this dark world. His breath-taking death ignited the hearts of men, detonated bright shining stars (Christians) and dispersed them in every direction on Earth. In the gospel of John and Matthew, Jesus stated three declarations that still ignites the hearts of His followers today:

I. Jesus is the Light of the World (John 8:12; 9:5)

Has it ever dawned on you that God is fire? The Bible says, “our God is a consuming fire” (cf. Heb.12:29). When Moses turned aside to see the marvelous sight of the burning bush, it was literally God he met in the form of a theophany (cf. Exod.3:1-5). It was the LORD who led the children of Israel through the wilderness by a pillar of fire (cf. Exod.13:21; Psa.105:39). Jeremiah said God’s word is like a burning fire in his heart, shut up in his bones (cf. Jer.20:9).

Light symbolizes holiness and righteousness, while darkness symbolizes sin and evil. Jesus Christ is the Light of the world (cf. John 8:12). Light is the antithesis of darkness. The two are contrastingly distinct and have nothing in common (cf. 2Cor.6:14). Without the sun, Earth dwells in freezing ice and utter darkness. Without the Son, the world dwells in total chaos and complete confusion. Man would have no fellowship with God. Man would be lost and without hope in the world. King David once said, “The LORD is my light and my salvation” (cf. Psa.27:1). Like a breathtaking fireworks exhibition in the dark sky above, Jesus Christ illumines this dark chaotic confused world of sin.

II. You are the Light of the World (Matt.5:14)

Not only is Jesus the Light of the world, you are, too. The Apostle John declares, “There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man” (cf. John 1:9). He is the fire that ignites the world. Again, King David said, “For You light my lamp. The LORD my God illumines my darkness” (cf. Psa.18:28). The torch of Jesus’ fire has been given to every born again believer. Amidst a crooked and perverse generation, He has made us as lights in the world dispersed in every direction on earth (cf. Phil.2:15). So, because of the light given to you from Jesus Christ, you are the light of the world.

III. You are to Light the World (Matt.5:16)

Put your God-given light on display so others may see Christ in you—the hope of glory. The light that you have, may not shine brighter than someone else’s light, but whatever light you do have, let it shine so that men may see your good works, and glorify your Father in heaven. Thus, you are to light your world by right doing, holy living, loving your neighbor, spreading the gospel, making disciples and by preaching and teaching God’s word. You are to light the world. Therefore, go make a difference in somebody’s life. Christians are His stars, shining bright in a dark world if sin (cf. Dan.12:3).

The Fuse of Christ’s Death Burst Out Bright Shining Stars

S – Salvation (Tit.2:11) T – Transformation (2 Cor.3:18) A – Adoption (Eph.1:5) R – Redemption (Heb.9:11-12) S – Sanctification (2 Thess.2:13)

About The Author Kenneth E. Ware, M.M., M.A.B.S., M. Div. Devoted husband to Tonia - wife of 24 years. Pastor of New Sholar Avenue Baptist Church. Graduate of Temple Baptist Seminary. Christian Writer and Expository Bible Teacher.