✨ Glowing in the Dark: How Love Becomes Light in Frederick, MD
Have you ever walked into a dark room and watched the darkness instantly disappear the moment you flipped the light switch? Darkness never argues with light; it simply bows down and vanishes. This powerful image was the foundation of Pastor Daniel's message this past Saturday, November 22, at Revelation Community Church: You are the light of the world.
Drawing from Matthew 5:14-16, Pastor Daniel challenged the congregation and the wider Frederick community: what good is accepting Christ if it doesn't change you? If the world looked at you, would you be any different? Our purpose is clear: to shine.
“You are the light of the world, like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden... Let your good deeds shine out for all to see so that everyone will praise your heavenly father.” – Matthew 5:14, 16 (NLT)
Here’s a deeper look into how love is converted into light, and why this is your season to shine.
1. Love is Who You Are, Not What You Do
The journey of shining starts with a shift in perspective. According to 1 John 4:8, “God is love.” Therefore, if you are a child of God, you are fundamentally created to be love.
The challenge is often that we refuse to love based on how others treat us. We wait for people to deserve it. But Jesus loved us on the cross not because we treated Him right, but because love is His very nature.
The key takeaway is this: When love becomes your nature, shining becomes your lifestyle. It’s easy to love those inside the church; the true test is loving the person who slanders your name, knowing that you are called to shine in that situation, letting God be the ultimate judge.
2. Darkness Is Your Backdrop, Not Your Obstacle
In a world filled with negative news, division, and political polarization, it's easy to feel pressure and confusion. But Philippians 2:14-16 gives us a different command: “Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.”
Paul doesn't tell us to wait for the world to organize itself. He tells us to shine in the middle of it.
Darkness is not a problem for light; it’s the perfect backdrop for your light to be seen. The problem is not the darkness around you, but the failure to shine because we sometimes let fear or comfort cover our light.
3. Stay Plugged In: Connecting to the Source
How do we ensure our light doesn't dim or go out? The answer is simple: Stay connected to the source of light.
Just as a lamp relies on an electrical source for power, we rely on Jesus. As John 15:4-5 says, “Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine. For apart from me, you can do nothing.”
When you are connected, you have assurance that your light will be bright. When we are disconnected, we may want to shine, but we lack the necessary power. Stay bright.
4. Uncovering the Light: It's Time to Be Seen
Jesus said no one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Yet, life often tries to cover our light. Fear, rejection, insecurities, comfort, and pain are the baskets designed by the enemy to silence your shine.
But Pastor Daniel declared: The basket is coming off your light!
You weren't just born, you were sent. You weren't just created, you were commissioned. Your family needs your light. Your workplace needs your light. Your Frederick, MD community needs your light. And yes—even your enemies need your light. When you shine, you glorify the Father, and you illuminate a path for others to see hope.
This is your glowing season. It is time to shine where you used to hide, where doubt tried to bury you, and where fear tried to cripple you. Walk in confidence, knowing that the same power that broke the tomb open now lives inside of you.
Join Us and Shine with Revelation Community Church
If you are looking for an uplifting message and a community church in Frederick, MD that believes in living out love and purpose, we invite you to join us this weekend.
We are committed to helping you find your purpose and connect with Jesus, the ultimate source of light. Come experience a service where God’s Word will empower you to shine brightly!
Location: 7040 Bowers Road, Frederick, MD 21703
Service Times: Saturdays at 10:45 AM
Connect: Click here to learn more about our mission and ministries, including REVIVE Kids Club and upcoming Frederick MD Bible study opportunities.
We can’t wait to see you!