1. Increasing Our Influence in a World of Darkness “ You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” {Matthew 5:14-16}

2. Influence “Power (intangible means) that affects or sways a person without any direct effort; a determining factor that brings about change in another.” How can God’s child INCREASE his influence in a world that is spiritually dark?

3. The World Must See Christ Living in Us Galatians 2:20— living our lives for Christ. Philippians 2:2-5— having the mind of Christ. John 11:35—being touched (as Jesus was) by the pain of others. 1 Peter 2:21-24—not seeking to “get even” but suffering without complaining.

4. Christ Living in Us Romans 12:17-21—seek to overcome evil with good. Matthew 22:37,38—show people how much you care; don’t just talk about it. Let those who see you also see Christ in you.

5. Putting the Eternal Ahead of the Temporal 2 Corinthians 4:16-18— what really matters? Colossians 3:1,2— seeking things above. 1 John 2:15-17—understand the end of the ways of the world. 1 Corinthians 15:58— stay in for the “long haul.”

6. Eternal Ahead of Temporal Hebrews 11:16—do you long for a better country? Matthew 6:19-21— where is your treasure? This world is not our home— do others observe this truth in the way we live our lives?

7. Living What We Teach Matthew 6:14,15—am I a forgiving person? Matthew 5:7—am I merciful to others? Galatians 6:9,10—do I always seek good for my fellow man? 1 Timothy 4:12—is my life an example for others?

8. Displaying Light So Others Can See Psalm 119:105,130—must have light to get out of the darkness. 2 Timothy 2:15—must study to be able to point men to the light. 1 Peter 3:15—must be ready to give an answer.

9. Displaying Light Acts 8:31—can you guide a lost soul out of sin? 2 Peter 1:3—the book contains all things that pertain to life and godliness. 2 Timothy 3:16,17—we are equipped for every good work. We must be knowledgeable about the light in order to lead others to it.

10. Showing Sin’s Destructive Power Romans 6:23—sin’s wages are spiritual death. 1 John 3:4—sin is transgression of God’s law. James 4:17—sin is failure to act when you know what is right.

11. Sin’s Destructive Power Romans 5:12—sin brought great pain to the world. 1 John 5:17—all unrighteousness is sin. Hebrews 9:28—sin made Christ’s death necessary. 2 Corinthians 5:21—Christ paid the price for our sins.

12. Help Others to See the Value of Being Christians Ephesians 1:3—all spiritual blessings are in Christ. Matthew 6:9—God is the Father in His family. Romans 8:17—Christians are joint heirs with Christ.

13. Value of Being a Christian Romans 8:31 — God is on your side. 1 Peter 5:7—God really cares for you because you’re His child. Hebrews 13:5,6—He’ll never leave or forsake you. Christianity makes one a better person in EVERY way—it’s the best life.

14. Demonstrate Heaven’s Beauty and Worth Philippians 3:20 —our citizenship is in heaven. Revelation 21:3,4 —heaven has none of this life’s heartaches. Revelation 22:3-5 —in heaven, we’ll reign with God forever. Nothing in this world compares to heaven’s beauty and splendor.

15. Demonstrate Heaven’s Beauty 1 Peter 1:4,5—an undefiled and incorruptible crown awaits. 2 Timothy 4:8—a crown of life for all who truly love Him. Nothing compares to its beauty, peace, security, and eternal bliss. NOTHING !!!

16. Concluding Thoughts… God’s people MUST make a difference in this world. We are truly a blessed people. Can show why Christianity is the better path to choose. Cannot influence men to leave “darkness” if we are still in that darkness!