In a compelling sermon, Pastor Joel Tassiello explored the concept of being a beacon of light in the world as followers of Jesus Christ. He debunked the belief that one could harbor Jesus in their hearts while still existing in spiritual darkness, insisting that believers need to brightly shine in the face of a distorted and depraved generation. Taking reference from Matthew 5:14, Pastor Tassiello implored the congregation to have the courage to express their faith fearlessly, even in the face of potential adversity or discomfort; for believers are the "light of the world". The directive was to let their light shine through good works, leading people to see and glorify God.Addressing the practical implications of faithfulness and letting go of spiritual burdens to prepare for the imminent return of Jesus Christ, Pastor Tassiello compared it to anticipating an eclipse. This metaphor stressed the need to place spiritual growth and faithfulness above fleeting worldly events. Pastor Tassiello advised the congregation to give their complete selves - heart, spirit and soul - to Jesus Christ. He spotlighted the importance of developing character and pursuing mission, emphasizing that character should be refined until it aligns with God's will, after which the individual's focus should pivot to accomplishing God's specific mission for them. Using construction as a metaphor, he warned against erecting a structure without a firm foundation, likening character to a base that needed to be established before focusing on the mission. Pastor Tassiello highlighted the intrinsic link between light and divine precepts seen in scriptures. Drawing on references that illustrate Jesus as the global luminary and the significant role light plays in creating life, he stressed that God is the original and ultimate source of light. Any concealment of this light, he cautioned, was a betrayal of faith - a sentiment echoed in the book of 1 John. Re-emphasizing the vital responsibility of believers as torchbearers in these dark times, he referenced Philippians 2:15, affectionately referencing believers as 'lights' in the world. To elucidate the gravity and impact of this responsibility, he shared the story of Edward Kimball, a Sunday school teacher who profoundly impacted the life of D.L. Moody through his faith. Concluding his sermon, Pastor Tassiello called upon the congregation to shine their light unequivocally and undeterred by fear, reminding them of their calling and responsibility as light-bearers. He encouraged believers to live their lives as bright testimonies of their faith and embrace their divine missions, influencing the world positively for Christ.
