Let Your Light so Shine

Yesterday
Bro. Alvin Yankana

Scripture Reference

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a 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.

Introduction

Title: “Let Your Light so Shine” — preached by Bro. Alvin Yankana.

Jesus’ command in Matthew 5:14–16 is as urgent today as it was when He first spoke it. In a world growing ever darker spiritually — where confusion, compromise, and coldness creep into hearts and churches — the Lord calls His people to shine. Bro. Alvin uses personal stories from life, law enforcement, and missions deputation to show why Christian witness matters, what dims our light, and how to let it burn brightly again.

Quote from Preacher

Ye are the light of the world. Jesus says, ye are the light of the world. In John eight twelve, he says, then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world. And he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

Outline

Light’s Identity: You Are the Light
1. Christ Declares the Source
  Jesus declares Himself the Light (John 8:12). When you are born again, that same light is given to you by union with Christ. Your identity is not in job, past, or possessions — it is in Jesus Christ. If Christ lives in you, you bear His light.
2. Visible, Not Hidden
  Jesus used tangible images — a city on a hill and a candle on a candlestick — to stress that light is meant to be seen. Believers are not called to hide their faith but to live it publicly so others can see and glorify the Father.
Light’s Importance: Light Matters in the Dark
1. Practical Illustration from Patrol
  Bro. Alvin’s flashlight story is instructive: in real darkness, light makes the difference between safety and danger. Spiritually, the world is dark. Without Christ’s light, people wander into destruction. The believer’s light can expose sin, comfort the wounded, and guide the lost.
2. The Stakes Are Eternal
  Hell is real; the darkness is not merely cultural or emotional but eternally dangerous. Our mission is urgent because people’s souls are at stake.
Light’s Hindrances: Bushels That Dim the Flame
1. Bushel of Lust
  Secret sins — pornography, sexual immorality, lustful hearts — cover the light. Matthew 5:28 warns that lust is already adultery in the heart. Ephesians 5 calls Christians to avoid fornication and uncleanness. When believers entertain or hide sexual sin, their witness is compromised and the light is dimmed.
2. Bushel of Idolatry
  An idol is anything placed before Christ: career, entertainment, comfort, hobbies, or possessions. When those things take priority over God, the light is covered. Bro. Alvin’s example of relinquishing possessions for missionary service shows the hard choices needed to remove idols and let light shine.
3. Bushel of Spiritual Coldness
  Coldness and complacency drain spiritual power just as cold drains a lithium battery. Jeremiah 2:5 speaks of going far from God, and Psalm 119:105 reminds us God’s Word is our lamp. If our walk grows routine and our devotion wanes, our light will falter.
Light’s Responsibility: Shine Before Men
1. Command, Not Suggestion
  Let your light so shine — this is a clear command. Christians are called to be visible witnesses whose lives point others to God’s glory (Philippians 2:15; 2 Corinthians 3:2).
2. Love Underpins Witness
  Missionary work and evangelism grow from love. Loving others — even when they are hard to love — reflects Christ’s love that led Him to the cross. Without love, tracts and programs are hollow; people first read our lives (our epistles) and then listen to our words.
Light’s Recovery: Rekindle, Remove, Reflect
1. Reignite Your Flame
  When coldness creeps in, repent and return to the Word and prayer. Fuel comes from Scripture, fellowship, and worship. Psalm 119:105 — the Word is a lamp unto our feet.
2. Remove the Bushels
  Confess and cast off secret sin and idols. Practical steps may include accountability, changing routines, and making sacrificial choices to prioritize Christ above comforts and hobbies.
3. Reflect Christ Publicly
  Live a consistent testimony in speech, work, relationships, and recreation. People first read your life; let it show Christ. Your good works should point others to glorify the Father.

Summary

Jesus calls believers to be the light of the world. That identity comes from union with Christ and demands visible, holy living. Light makes real differences in dark places — it exposes danger, points the lost to safety, and honors God. Yet lust, idolatry, and spiritual coldness act like bushels that cover our lamps. The remedy is repentance, removal of idols, and a renewed zeal for the Word and for loving others. This is not optional; Jesus commanded us to shine so that men may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven.

Quote to Ponder

That night taught me a few things. Reminded me of a few very crucial facts. Light matters in the dark, in the dangers. So someone else’s light can make all the difference.

Application for the Week

Practical steps to let your light shine this week. These are designed for ordinary believers to engage, grow, and be a visible testimony for Christ.

Examine and Confess
Begin each day with a brief time of honest self-examination. Use Psalm 139 or 1 John 1:9 as a guide. Confess any secret sin (lust, bitterness, idolatry) and ask God for cleansing and power to change.
Remove a Bushel
Identify one “bushel” (an idol, secret sin, or comfort) that has covered your light. Take one concrete step to remove it this week — delete compromising content, set accountability with a trusted Christian friend, or sell/skip an indulgence that distracts you from service.
Reignite with Scripture
Read Psalm 119:105 and Matthew 5:14–16 each morning. Memorize at least one verse (for example, Matthew 5:16) and meditate on it. Let God’s Word be your “lamp” for decision-making and courage.
Practice Visible Love
Do one tangible act of sacrificial love: visit, call, or serve someone who needs encouragement. Let your life be the first tract people read. Small, sincere acts often open doors to gospel conversations.
Share Your Testimony
Prepare a two-minute testimony of what Christ has done in your life. Practice with a friend or family member. Use it when opportunities arise — at work, school, or in the neighborhood.
Pray for Boldness and Opportunities
Each evening, pray for two non-Christians by name. Ask God to open doors for you and to give you words to speak. Pray for missionaries and first responders, remembering Bro. Alvin’s illustration that someone’s light can make all the difference.

May the Lord rekindle our hearts and remove any bushel that hides His glory. Let your light so shine — not for your praise, but to lead others to glorify our Father in heaven.