“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.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. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matt. 5:14-16).
The greatest threat to Christianity is not communism, it’s not atheism, it’s not materialism, it’s not humanism. The greatest threat to Christianity is Christians living a life without ever becoming involved in the most significant work God is doing. Without ever living out the Christian life, as the old song goes: “Must I go, and empty-handed, thus my dear Redeemer meet? Not one day of service give Him, lay no trophy at His feet?”
Think about the crowd to whom Jesus was speaking. It was a crowd on a hillside. It was a group of common people living common ordinary lives, yet Jesus said to them, “You are the salt of the earth; you are the light of the world.” You may not think you or your church is significant in the big picture, but I can tell you that if you are a born-again believer, you and your church can make an incredible difference in this world.
Jesus said, “You are the light.” Now, what is the difference between salt and light? Salt relates to our character; light relates to our conduct. Salt deals with what we are; light deals with what we do. We need to realize we are responsible for shining. We know what light does — it dispels darkness, and it attracts. Several times in the Bible, we are commanded to shine as light in a dark world:
• “For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (II Cor. 4:6 NKJV).
• “that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world” (Phil. 2:15).
• “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light” (Eph. 5:8).
A boy looking out his home window as a man lit the oil-fueled streetlight and said, “Mom, come look, he is burning holes in the darkness.”
How are we to be lights? We are to reflect the Son as the moon reflects the sun. Notice Jesus did not say you should be light.” He said, “You are.”Jesus concludes by saying this: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matt 5:16).
From Our Missionaries
Ebenezer, West Little Rock: Ruben Isturiz writes, “Dear brothers and sisters, we thank God that our Discovery Bible Studies (DBS) continue to thrive. Each open home represents a valuable opportunity to share God’s Word and enjoy fellowship. Currently, we have studies scheduled on Monday near Cantrell, on Tuesday at The Cafe Cove, and the remaining two are held on Thursday and Friday.
“We want to give you an update on the situation of Camilo, the young man from Colombia for whom we have been praying, who was scheduled to appear in immigration court in Los Angeles, Calif. God has answered our prayers! He has been allowed to return to Arkansas, and his case will be transferred and followed up on in Memphis, Tenn. As a congregation, our next step is to continue discipling Camilo, and I pray that he will become a vital leader within Ebenezer.
“In addition, on Saturdays, along with our ESL classes, we have started singing classes. Sister Joseline Rico is training us to improve our vocal skills. We recognize that we still have much work ahead of us, and we continue to train our people, pray for new leaders and seek new ways to share the gospel.
“We sincerely appreciate your prayers and support. To God be the glory!”
Faith Chapel, Flippin: Johnny Shew writes, “We had a great week at Faith Chapel! We even got some more, much-needed rain. I had another 2 1/2″ in the gauge on Tuesday. Thank You Lord!
“We had a great time of worship on Sunday. It was great to be back after missing last week for Highland Hills Homecoming. We had visitors from West Park in Ozark. Jim and Alice Hill were up here on vacation. I love it when members from our association churches come to visit us. Thanks, Bro. Russell, for telling them about us!
“One of our members invited a man that he met at a tomato stand to church, and he told him that he just got saved. He has visited us for the past two weeks and has had numerous questions about churches and denominations that he did not understand. He had never been to church. I answered the best I could, and I gave him a copy of our BMA Doctrinal Statement so he could better understand what we believe and why, and I discussed the scriptural references to explain the reasoning behind our beliefs. This is a wonderful tool for new Christians! Thank you, Baptist Publishing House! I also gave him a Bible. As I preached, I noticed him listening intently throughout the sermon on Ephesians 6, which focused on the armor of God. He is hungry for the truth. Please pray for this new brother in Christ that he will continue in true discipleship and bring the rest of his family and others to know Jesus.
“We thank you for your prayers and support. This is a wonderful association to be a part of and to be a missionary in.”
Faith Journey, Benton: Bryan Clay writes, “This week was a special one for Faith Journey as we were able to take part in See You at the Pole — a global movement where students gather around their school flagpoles to pray for their schools, classmates, communities and nation. At our local middle school, around 100 students and parents gathered early Wednesday morning at 7:15. I was honored to share a short message about revival and the power of surrendering our lives to Christ. The response from the community was positive, and it was clear that God was stirring hearts.
“Back at the mission, we were blessed to see one of our young adults step up and lead children’s church this week. She did a fantastic job with both the morning and evening classes, teaching an average of six to seven children, ages 3–11. The lesson was on Balaam and the donkey, a story that captured the kids’ attention and gave them a fun and memorable way to learn about listening to God’s voice. They even made their own talking donkey craft to take home.
“That evening, the children displayed a beautiful spirit of compassion by making homemade get-well cards for my wife, who was under the weather. Their thoughtfulness and love brightened her day and served as a sweet reminder that even the youngest among us can reflect the heart of Christ.”
Misión Gracia Soberana (Sovereign Grace), NWA:Roberto Marcelletti writes, “Greetings, sisters and brothers in Christ. This week, we presented the first certificates to students who have completed the first level of the English classes. Sister Iris, the ministry’s coordinator, decorated and arranged the companionship room to welcome the students and their families. Most of the students are not believers, so we are praying for them to give their lives to Christ.
“On Sunday, we celebrated Bible Day. During the service, Sister Mayerlin read a poem, we sang Psalm 19, and at the end of the service, we were able to eat together as each brother brought a plate of food. We finished with a Bible competition on the book of John, and the brothers who won received a study Bible.”
Epic Life, Pea Ridge: Jake McCandless writes, “This week, our Woodbridge Connection Group met as usual, while our Garfield Group took the week off as their host family celebrated an anniversary. Happy anniversary to them!
“We closed the weekend with our Student Gathering at the Garage Community Center, where seven students came together. What made this night special is that it was completely youth-led. The students planned the evening, shopped for snacks, arrived early to set up and led the Bible study themselves. They even organized everything through a group chat — just like our adult leaders — coordinating throughout the week and showing up ready to serve together. The students led a Discovery Bible Study on Matthew 6:25-34, and it was beautiful to watch them own the moment and lead with maturity and unity.
“We tested a new meeting time for this gathering, but it didn’t work as well for guests, so we’ll adjust it going forward. We’re always trying, learning and refining. It’s also good to see how all the parents stayed for the over two-hour event to fellowship.
“Looking ahead to October, we’re preparing for a full schedule with our regular connection groups, two large worship gatherings, another student gathering, and —hopefully — the launch of the campaign we’ve been developing. Both groups will begin new studies over the next couple of weeks, and we’re excited to keep moving forward.”
El Faro #2 Hispanic Mission, Cabot/Jacksonville: Michael Hight writes, “The last few months have been challenging on several fronts, but we still have reasons to celebrate. In mission work, we learn to celebrate the little things! We continue to meet every other Sunday for corporate worship. I will be honest with you, the tougher enforcement of immigration law has had a crippling effect on the Hispanic community, and this has been a challenge not only to our group, but also to all the Spanish-speaking missions and churches. Fear among the community has greatly limited outward mobility. Next time you are at Walmart or Sam’s, notice the reduction in Hispanic shoppers. There is currently a genuine distrust between them and the community at large.
“On the other hand, we have started a Friday night community group that is going well. We are ministering to young adults, and with current events the way they are, there is never a shortage of good discussion. Please pray for this mission work, especially for the immigrant community. They are facing changes and challenges that are stressing every relationship they have. Whether documented or undocumented, each person is made in the “likeness and image of God” and is precious in His sight. Their families are precious, and the strain on these families is enormous.
“As an update, the last few weekends, God opened several opportunities to preach. I spoke at a men’s gathering in Mississippi, an adult Bible school in Hope and Hombre a Hombre in North Little Rock, with the highlight being the last weekend of September. I had the privilege of interpreting at South City for a young man I led to the Lord and baptized a few years ago. He is one of my Timothy’s in the faith, and I can say with John, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in faith.”
