You Are the Light of the World Authority and Responsibility Pastor Bryan Hudson, D.Min. Matthew 5:13, You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Main Themes: 1. Identity & Purpose Jesus said, “You are the light of the world” and “salt of the earth.” The church must understand its purpose not just as a community, but as a force for good in the world. We're not called to shine in the church only, but in the world—where light is needed most. The Lighthouse Analogy: A lighthouse doesn’t remove the rocks or calm the sea, but it shines light to guide ships away from danger. Similarly, believers are called to shine in dark places, helping others avoid destruction. Challenges to Shining: We cannot shine effectively if we are living in darkness ourselves. God wants to make us blameless and harmless, as Philippians 2:15 says, so that we can shine in a crooked generation. Real-Life Application: Light = Good Works + Godly Living + Justice Shining includes helping the weak, standing for justice, and living righteously, not just evangelizing. Examples from scripture (Micah 6:8, Isaiah 1:17, Acts 20:35) support this. Biblical Justice & DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion): These values are biblical, not just political: Diversity: Revelation 7:9 Equity: Proverbs 2:9, 2 Samuel 8:15 Inclusion: Nehemiah 8:10, Jeremiah 22:3 Believers must not remain silent when injustice occurs but shine the light of truth and compassion. Authority of the Church: Jesus gave spiritual authority to His church (Matthew 16:19). We are to bind and loose in alignment with heaven, standing against darkness wherever God assigns us. Who is the Church? The church is not a building but people called by God (Ecclesia). We are the church wherever we go and must reflect Christ in action and truth. Conclusion: Your light must shine where it is needed—in society, politics, schools, neighborhoods. Don’t hide your light. Let others see your good works and glorify God. “We all shine differently, but we are all called to shine.”