Shining Joy: Our Call to Be a Lighthouse
Summary
The calling for this church is to be a lighthouse—a beacon of hope, joy, and light in a region marked by darkness and destitution. The Lord has made it clear that the joy we carry is not just for ourselves, but is meant to shine out and transform our community. This joy is not a shallow happiness, but a deep, abiding blessedness that Jesus describes in the Beatitudes. When Jesus spoke to the crowds on the hillside, He was addressing people in need, people who were hurting, outcast, and desperate for hope. He didn’t give them a list of unattainable virtues, but instead spoke blessing over their current circumstances, declaring that God’s kingdom is for them.
The word “blessed” in the Beatitudes means more than just happy—it’s an announcement of congratulations, a declaration that God’s favor rests on those who are poor in spirit, who mourn, who are meek, who hunger and thirst for righteousness, who are merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers, and even those who are persecuted. Each of these conditions is met with a promise: comfort, inheritance, satisfaction, mercy, vision of God, and the kingdom itself. Jesus’ own journey—His suffering, His separation from the Father—was so that we could be restored to right standing with God, able to approach Him boldly and live in the fullness of His joy.
Being a peacemaker is not passive; it’s an active calling to pursue peace, to edify others, and to refuse to force our convictions on those around us. We are called to kindness, not condemnation, knowing that it is God’s kindness that leads to repentance. Even when we face reviling or persecution, we are to rejoice, knowing that nothing can separate us from the love of God. Our identity is secure as sons and daughters of God, and our future is held in His hands.
As those who are blessed, we are called to be salt and light in the world. Salt preserves and brings out flavor; light dispels darkness. Our joy, our good works, and our hope are meant to be visible, to draw others to the goodness of God. We are not to hide away, but to let our light shine, knowing that God’s grace and mercy are the source of every good thing in our lives. Our calling is to be a lighthouse, not just in word, but in the way we live, love, and serve—bringing heaven to earth, one act of joy and kindness at a time.
Key Takeaways
- True blessedness is found not in ideal circumstances, but in God’s presence and promises. Jesus’ words in the Beatitudes are not a list of requirements, but a declaration that God’s favor rests on those who are hurting, humble, and hungry for Him. Even in mourning, meekness, or persecution, God’s kingdom is near and His comfort is real. [06:41]
- Repentance is more than saying “I’m sorry”—it’s a radical turning toward God and His kingdom. Jesus calls us to turn from our old ways, not just in word but in action, so that we can receive the fullness of what He has for us. This turning opens the door for heaven to invade earth through our lives. [02:46]
- Peacemaking is an active, intentional pursuit. It means refusing to judge others by our own convictions, seeking to edify rather than tear down, and extending kindness even when it’s not returned. Peacemakers are called sons and daughters of God because they reflect His heart for reconciliation and unity. [18:46]
- Nothing—no persecution, no past mistake, no spiritual opposition—can separate us from the love of God in Christ. Our security is not in our circumstances, but in the unbreakable bond of God’s love. Even when we face anxiety or regret, God redeems our past and walks with us into the future. [27:20]
- Our calling is to be salt and light: to preserve, to flavor, and to illuminate the world around us with the joy and goodness of God. This is not about hiding our faith or minimizing our impact, but about living openly and generously so that others see God’s glory through us. Joy is the light that shines from us, drawing others to the hope we have in Christ. [35:06]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[02:00] - Reading the Beatitudes
[02:46] - Context: The Kingdom and Repentance
[03:51] - Jesus Calls the Needy and Outcast
[06:41] - The Meaning of “Blessed”
[09:18] - Righteousness and Right Standing with God
[11:27] - Jesus’ Suffering and Our Restoration
[14:01] - Pure in Heart and God’s Desires
[15:53] - Peacemakers: Active Pursuit of Peace
[18:46] - Judging Others and Personal Convictions
[20:36] - Responding to Persecution
[23:59] - Nothing Can Separate Us from God’s Love
[29:42] - Living Without Fear of the Future
[31:18] - Salt of the Earth: Preserving and Flavoring
[35:06] - Light of the World: Joy as Our Witness
[39:14] - Letting Your Light Shine
[41:44] - The Universal Call to Be a Lighthouse
[43:15] - Inheriting the Earth Through Meekness
[46:24] - Contentment and God’s Provision
[49:25] - Invitation to New Life
[51:36] - Blessing and Benediction
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: "Called to Be a Lighthouse – Living the Beatitudes"
---
### Bible Reading
Matthew 5:1-16 (ESV)
> Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:
>
> “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
> Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
> Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
> Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
> Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
> Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
> Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
> Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
>
> “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
>
> “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.
>
> “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
---
### Observation Questions
1. According to Jesus in Matthew 5, who are the people that He calls "blessed," and what promises does He give to each group?
2. In the sermon, what does the word "blessed" (makarios) really mean, and how is it different from just being happy? [[06:41]]
3. What does Jesus say about being "salt" and "light" in the world? What are the purposes of salt and light, according to the passage and the sermon? [[31:18]] [[35:06]]
4. What kind of people was Jesus speaking to when He gave the Beatitudes? How does that context help us understand His message? [[03:51]]
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon says that the Beatitudes are not a list of requirements, but a declaration of blessing over people’s current circumstances. How does this change the way we read and apply the Beatitudes? [[06:41]]
2. The pastor explained that being a peacemaker is not passive, but an active calling. What does it look like to be a peacemaker in real life, especially when people disagree or have different convictions? [[18:46]]
3. The sermon talked about how nothing can separate us from the love of God, even when we face persecution, anxiety, or regret. How does this truth affect the way we handle hard times or our past mistakes? [[27:20]]
4. Jesus calls us to be "salt" and "light" in the world. What are some practical ways that our joy and good works can draw others to God? [[35:06]]
---
### Application Questions
1. The sermon said that true blessedness is found not in perfect circumstances, but in God’s presence and promises. When you look at your own life, are there areas where you are waiting for things to get better before you feel "blessed"? How can you shift your focus to God’s presence right now? [[06:41]]
2. Repentance was described as more than just saying "I’m sorry"—it’s a radical turning toward God. Is there an area in your life where you need to make a real change, not just feel regret? What would it look like to take a step in that direction this week? [[02:46]]
3. The pastor said peacemaking means refusing to judge others by our own convictions and extending kindness, even when it’s not returned. Is there someone in your life you tend to judge or have a hard time being kind to? What is one thing you could do to pursue peace with them? [[18:46]]
4. When you face criticism, rejection, or even just feel left out because of your faith, how do you usually respond? How can you remind yourself that nothing can separate you from God’s love in those moments? [[27:20]]
5. The sermon challenged us not to hide our faith, but to let our light shine through joy and good works. What is one specific way you can let your light shine in your workplace, school, or neighborhood this week? [[35:06]]
6. The pastor shared about being content and at peace with where God has placed him, even while still having dreams and ambitions. Are you content with where God has you right now? If not, what is one thing you can do to practice contentment and trust God with your future? [[46:24]]
7. The church’s calling is to be a lighthouse—a beacon of hope and joy in the community. What is one act of kindness or service you can do this week to bring hope or joy to someone around you? [[41:44]]
---
Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God to help you see yourself as blessed, to give you courage to be salt and light, and to show you specific ways to bring His joy and hope to others this week.
Devotional
Day 1: The Beatitudes: True Happiness in God’s Kingdom
Jesus’ words in the Beatitudes reveal that God’s blessing and happiness are not reserved for those who have it all together, but for those who are poor in spirit, mourning, meek, hungry for righteousness, merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers, and even persecuted. These are not just ideals to strive for, but real-life circumstances where God meets us with His favor and joy. When you find yourself in a place of need, grief, or feeling unimportant, God says, “Congratulations—you are blessed, and you don’t have to stay where you are.” His presence brings fullness of joy, and His kingdom is for those who turn to Him in their need. [02:00]
Matthew 5:2-12 (ESV)
And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Reflection: Which Beatitude most closely matches your current season of life, and how can you invite God’s blessing and joy into that area today?
Day 2: Peacemaking: Actively Bringing God’s Peace
Being a peacemaker is not about passively avoiding conflict or simply keeping the peace; it’s about actively pursuing reconciliation, understanding, and harmony with others. Jesus calls us to make peace, not just keep it, by refusing to judge others for their personal convictions and by seeking to edify and build up those around us. This means letting go of the need to force our beliefs on others and instead showing kindness, understanding, and grace, even when it’s difficult. As we do this, we reflect the heart of God and are recognized as His children, bringing His peace into our relationships and communities. [18:46]
Romans 14:17-19 (ESV)
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.
Reflection: Is there a relationship in your life where you need to take an active step toward making peace? What is one practical thing you can do today to pursue reconciliation or understanding?
Day 3: Nothing Can Separate Us from God’s Love
No matter what trials, persecution, or hardships you face, nothing can separate you from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Even when others revile or misunderstand you, or when you face anxiety about the future or regret about the past, God’s love remains steadfast. He redeems not only your mistakes but can also bring healing to those you may have hurt. You do not need to fear the future or the enemy, because God is already there, working all things for your good and holding you securely in His love. [25:35]
Romans 8:35-39 (ESV)
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Reflection: What is one fear, regret, or area of anxiety you need to surrender to God’s love today, trusting that He is already present and working in your future?
Day 4: You Are the Salt and Light of the World
As followers of Jesus, you are called to be the salt that preserves and flavors the world and the light that shines in the darkness. Your joy, kindness, and good works are meant to be seen, not hidden, so that others may experience the goodness of God through you. Even in difficult times, you can let your light shine by choosing joy, speaking hope, and doing good in your community. God has placed you where you are to be a lighthouse—a beacon of hope, joy, and love—so that others may see and glorify Him. [36:54]
Matthew 5:13-16 (ESV)
“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Reflection: What is one way you can intentionally let your light shine in your workplace, neighborhood, or family this week?
Day 5: Joy as the Light—Living as a Lighthouse
God’s desire is for His people to be a lighthouse of joy and hope to their community, shining His goodness even in the midst of hardship. When you embrace the joy of the Lord, you become a living testimony of His grace, comfort, and provision. This joy is not dependent on circumstances but is rooted in the assurance that God is with you, blessing you, and using you to impact others. As you live out your faith with joy, you fulfill your calling to be a light in the darkness, drawing others to the hope and love found in Christ. [42:31]
Psalm 16:11 (ESV)
You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Reflection: How can you let the joy of the Lord be your strength and your light today, especially in situations that feel dark or discouraging?
Quotes
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