Personal Lighthouse

Every human will have a time in their life when personal darkness is overwhelming. A few pitiful souls will continue in this condition until death comes for them. However, most people want to be delivered into the light. The best way out of the darkness is to search the horizon for a lighthouse. These tall towers have a powerful light on the top that continually sends its beams of light into the distance. The smallest of distant lights can eventually deliver someone out of a terrible darkness. The local church is the greatest personal lighthouse that was ever created. For example, a few years ago there was a 30 year old woman who had been raised in the home of devil worshipers. She lived a cold hard life, getting by the best she could. But one Sunday morning she and her 3 year old son walked two blocks to a small church on the corner. This local Lighthouse led her to the Lord that day and she spent her life directing others to that Light. Many people point out that the corner church is a place for gossipers. Thank the Lord, there are other people in churches who care for the light of the Gospel and have helped many people out of their darkness or distress.

The powerful light that shines out from the local church is the Spirit of God. If the light on top of the tower is not shining then the lighthouse is useless. Likewise, if the Spirit is not dwelling in the church then the church is spiritually worthless. Of course, the church building may contain other good activities but they are of no use to God’s Kingdom without the Spirit. The Bible says: “the body without the spirit is dead” James 2:26 (KJV) The Church must contain the Spirit just as our body must have a spirit in order to exist. For 2000 years the light of the Church has continued to shine out because of the powerful Spirit. Anyone may enter a godly local church and find the help of the Spirit. This sounds simple enough but the Devil always tries to ruin every good thing. Somehow he has convinced many believers that the Spirit of God is strange and frightening. What a lie! The Spirit is gentle and loving. To be frightened of the Spirit is to be afraid of Jesus or God. Because the Spirit is the central power of a real church the Devil tries in every way possible to keep people out of spiritual churches.

The Church was addressed by Jesus several times during His ministry. And just before He left earth we were given our work. The Church is responsible to carry-out this command: Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. Matt 28:19-20 (NLT) As long as there is one sinner needing salvation or one new convert needing to know how to follow Jesus, the Church still has work to do. This is a big job and many hands are needed to do all the work of God. As with any work, the job is much more pleasant when people work together.  Of course, our work is only possible with the power of the Spirit. The Bible also says we have that power: Again he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. John 20:21-22 (NLT) We must live and breathe the Holy Spirit in order to be part of the lighthouse.

In addition to working with other people to accomplish the work of God, there is another unseen factor. Jesus tells us another mystery in this verse: “I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.” Matt 18:19-20 (NLT) There is a special visitation from the Spirit of Christ when Christians get together in the name of Jesus. Because the Spirit is invisible to humans we sometimes doubt His presence. But real people of faith know that Jesus is with the group and some Christians can even feel His extra presence. This is beyond the presence of the Holy Spirit that lives in every Christian. This is the Spirit of unity that links believers together in the great family of God. It is clear that our humility is very important. It is very difficult to have unity between individuals when they refuse to become humble before their brothers and sisters. The Lord says: Younger men must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, serve each other in humility, for “God opposes the proud but favors the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5 (NLT)

The Church is much better than a lighthouse. It can save us from disaster but it also has a plan for a wonderful life. God’s plan for us includes the enthusiasm provided by the Spirit of our new life. This allows us to enjoy our work for God and there is no shortage of power for those who have faith. God is always among Christians when we gather in His name. Paul even added another benefit in this passage: And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth. Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan. Eph 1:10-11 (NLT) Maybe we could say that God’s plan includes a good retirement after we leave this earth. Notice that it says “because we are united”. This gives all the things that God has for us, available to others. Our personal lighthouse is the local Church that contains the Holy Spirit. Lord, help us to make it a place that brings meaning to many other lives!