Matthew 5:16

Let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works and glorify God. In this message from Matthew 5:16, Pastor Scott Connell reveals that light's nature is to illuminate darkness—and as followers of Jesus, you are the light of the world. Your light shines through three dimensions: character transformation grounded in the fruits of the Spirit, words of truth spoken in love, and acts of compassion and generosity. This calling belongs to the church collectively—you are "a thousand points of light" in Jacksonville. But light only fulfills its purpose when it shines; hidden under a basket, it's useless. Whether through sin, compromise, laziness, fear, or helplessness, many conceal their light. Jesus calls you to engage your dark world beneficially through good works performed from a pure heart that wants God glorified, not yourself.