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Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – The Light of the World

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John 1:1-5

The book of Malachi contains the last prophecies of God recorded in the Old Testament. The intertestamental period, as the next four centuries are known, was devoid of messages from God to His people. Zacharias—the father of John the Baptist—broke the 400-year silence when he prophesied that “. . . the Sunrise from on high will visit us, to shine upon those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death” (Luke 1:78-79).

Zacharias was announcing the birth of Jesus into a spiritually dark world. Here is how Paul described the condition of mankind without Christ: “For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened” (Rom. 1:21). The state of unbelievers today is the same as it has always been. Darkness plagues the earth because people live with a sense of frustration and futility as they attempt to please fleshly appetites that are never satisfied.

The light of Jesus Christ lets people see themselves as they really are: sinners in need of a Savior. When His hope is allowed to penetrate the heart, darkness is chased away. Receiving Him as Savior means that sins are forgiven and the death sentence lifted. The Son’s light has a second purpose for the believer. Jesus illuminates the right path for our life so that we need not give in to temptation. Whoever chooses to walk in the light—obeying God’s commands and seeking to live by His principles (Eph. 5:8-10)—cannot walk in darkness.

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Dwelling Place

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Three times a man “whose appearance was like bronze” gave the prophet Ezekiel messages from God to give to Israel. But in Ezekiel 43, the glory of God filled the temple and the Lord Himself spoke to Ezekiel. He told him that if Israel would repent and return to Him, He would dwell in the midst of them forever.

While the man was standing beside me, I heard one speaking to me out of the temple.

Ezekiel 43:6

From the beginning of time and throughout history, God desired a people to dwell among. He patiently raised up Israel, the prophets, and the priesthood to have a family to call His own. But multiple times, man’s sin and disobedience thwarted His plan. Yet this did not catch God by surprise. His ultimate goal was to provide a Savior for sin-filled humans.

Now whoever trusts in Jesus becomes a temple of the Holy Spirit (I Corinthians 6:19), thus fulfilling God’s desire to dwell among His people. As a believer in Christ, the Holy Spirit living within you helps you pray for His will to be done on Earth (Romans 8:26). Pray for yourself and the nation’s leaders to know and worship the personal, loving God who desires humans to be His children.

Recommended Reading: I John 3:1-3, 19-24