Matthew 4:17

Jesus Began to Preach

The Gospel is not hidden away to be found only by pilgrims and initiates.

Jesus went into the wilderness but came back to live among people.

God is not hidden, but very present to all men.

Psalm 19; Romans 1; John 3:2

The Gospel was planned for public proclamation centuries before Jesus Christ came.

He came "in order to fulfill..."

Christ explained that all of his ministry was ordained by God for the salvation of the world.

Matthew 5:17; Matthew 26:54

Matthew 4:16 The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, And upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned."

John 12:46 "I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness."

Colossians 1:13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love,

The message of light shining in the darkness continues to illumine the world.

It's the same world: ignorant of God, caught up in superstition and idolatry, darkened hearts doing deeds of darkness.

Titus 3:3 For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another.

Your part in the ongoing ministry of Christ in the world is to live in the light, and to be light.

2 Corinthians 4:6 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.

John 13:35 "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."

The calling of the Church is to say to all who are in the darkness to turn to the light.

1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

Thank God that the darkness will be removed from the earth.

Revelation 22:5 There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever.

Ephesians 5:14 Therefore He says: "Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light."