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Chuck Smith

Chuck Smith (1927 - 2013). American pastor and founder of the Calvary Chapel movement, born in Ventura, California. After graduating from LIFE Bible College, he was ordained by the Foursquare Church and pastored several small congregations. In 1965, he took over a struggling church in Costa Mesa, California, renaming it Calvary Chapel, which grew from 25 members to a network of over 1,700 churches worldwide. Known for his accessible, verse-by-verse Bible teaching, Smith embraced the Jesus Movement in the late 1960s, ministering to hippies and fostering contemporary Christian music and informal worship. He authored numerous books, hosted the radio program "The Word for Today," and influenced modern evangelicalism with his emphasis on grace and simplicity. Married to Kay since 1947, they had four children. Smith died of lung cancer, leaving a lasting legacy through Calvary Chapel’s global reach and emphasis on biblical teaching
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Sermon Summary
Chuck Smith emphasizes that Christians are the light of the world, a profound statement given the darkness that pervades society. He argues that while the world seeks enlightenment through knowledge and education, it ultimately fails to address the real issues of human relationships and moral decay. The true light comes from Christ, who not only illuminates our lives but also shines through us, enabling us to reflect His light in a dark world. Smith challenges believers to consider whether their lives demonstrate a distinct difference that points others to Christ. The sermon calls for Christians to embrace their role as the sole source of light in a world desperately in need of hope and truth.
Matthew 5:14
"YE ARE THE LlGHT OF THE WORLD" Intro: Strange statement in view of men to whom spoken. "Ye" refers to Christians. I. NEGATIVE INFERENCE, "YE AND YE ALONE." A. The world is in a state of darkness. 1. This is always basic Christian premise. a. World always speaking of enlightenment. b. Key word of Timothy Leary and Hippie social order. c. The period of the renaissance "new light." 1. Water shed of history. 2. Rebirth of knowledge and learning. d. Society founded in 18th century "enlightenment." 1. Knowledge is light. 2. Tragedy emphasis on one aspect of knowledge, things - materialistic - biological. 3. Don't know what to do with knowledge. e. Knowledge of human relationships never worse. 1. Marriage guidance classes. B. The Christian has the only answer to the darkness. 1. Philosophers and educators and statesmen have failed. a. Could gather a few quotes to prove. b. They do not know real problem nor how to solve it. 1. Used to feel it was lack of education. c. Great at analysis - no solution. C. Christ spoke this after Plato, Socrates, and Aristotle. 1. You and you alone are the light. II. "YE." A. Ordinary Christian knows more about life than. B. How is this to be true of us? 1. Jesus also said, "I am the light of the world." 2. The outshining of Christ through us. a. He not only gives us light, He allows His light to shine forth through us. b. Our intimate relation to Christ. C. This is the second result of being a Christian. 1. First salt - purifying agent. 2. Not always aware of darkness until light appears. a. Light provides contrast. 3. "This is the condemnation." a. Men try to put out the light. 4. What is wrong with the world. a. Man made by God and for God. b. When man not living for God wrong. We are living in world of darkness, only light is Christian. Does world see anything different with you?
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Chuck Smith (1927 - 2013). American pastor and founder of the Calvary Chapel movement, born in Ventura, California. After graduating from LIFE Bible College, he was ordained by the Foursquare Church and pastored several small congregations. In 1965, he took over a struggling church in Costa Mesa, California, renaming it Calvary Chapel, which grew from 25 members to a network of over 1,700 churches worldwide. Known for his accessible, verse-by-verse Bible teaching, Smith embraced the Jesus Movement in the late 1960s, ministering to hippies and fostering contemporary Christian music and informal worship. He authored numerous books, hosted the radio program "The Word for Today," and influenced modern evangelicalism with his emphasis on grace and simplicity. Married to Kay since 1947, they had four children. Smith died of lung cancer, leaving a lasting legacy through Calvary Chapel’s global reach and emphasis on biblical teaching