The Bona Fide Life Part 1  

Ephesians 5:8 (NLT) 8 For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! 

Warren Wiersbe- Yes, let God be the Judge. Your job today is to be a witness. 

Matthew 5:14 (AMP) 14 “You are the light of [Christ to] the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; 15 nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good deeds and moral excellence, and [recognize and honor and] glorify your Father who is in heaven. 

Penned Truth: Graphic (Called Bear Witness).  

2 Corinthians 5:20 (ESV) 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 

Ambassador | Baker encyclopedia of the Bible: Messenger or envoy officially representing a higher authority. 

Billy Sunday- Conversion is a complete surrender to Jesus. It’s a willingness to do what He wants you to do. 

1 Peter 2:9-10 (AMPCE) 9 …. [God’s] own purchased, special people, that you may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. 

1 Peter 2:9–10 (MSG) 9…. God’s instruments to do his work and speak out for him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference he made for you—10 from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted.  

  1. Remember Who You Are 

Ephesians 4:30 (NLT) 30 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.  

Ephesians 4:30 (MSG) 30 Don’t grieve God. Don’t break his heart. His Holy Spirit, moving and breathing in you, is the most intimate part of your life, making you fit for himself. Don’t take such a gift for granted.  Live a God Consciousness Life! 

Consciousness | Dictionary of Bible Themes: The state of being aware, especially of one’s actions and motivations. 

  1. Keep Your Priorities Straight 

Penned Truth: Our hearts should be in the strong pursuit of God in an intimate way.  

Matthew 6:33 (NLT) 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.  

Matthew 6:33–34 (GNB) 33 Instead, be concerned above everything else with the Kingdom of God and with what he requires of you, and he will provide you with all these other things. 34 So do not worry about tomorrow; it will have enough worries of its own. There is no need to add to the troubles each day brings.  

Matthew 6:33–34 (MSG) 33 Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. 34 “Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.  

3. It’s all about God, Not me 

Colossians 1:16-17 (AMP) 16 For [a]by Him all things were created in heaven and on earth, [things] visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities; all things were created and exist through Him [that is, by His activity] and for Him.17 And He Himself existed and is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. [His is the controlling, cohesive force of the universe.] 

Final Statement:  A life-bearing witness to the light, no mask, no excuses, full-on bona fide commitment. Where is our responsibility to bear witness to the light of the world? What decision, what action must you step into to become a witness to the light? Or will we continue to wear a mask?