Topic outline
Join this Month's Current Event Discussion
There has been a movement of Christian TV and movies recently. One of the most recently released movies is After Death. Join this month's discussion about what you think of this topic or the movie if you have watched it. Do you have a near death experience?
Another Bible Plan Released on YouVerison this month! Woohoo!
We are thrilled to be releasing another Bible Plan this one called Beyond Sunday: 4 Daily Disciplines for a Vibrant Faith.
This is taken from the content of our spiritual disciplines mini-course and adopted as a Bible plan.
You can subscribe by clicking here and taking the plan now.
Give it Forward Movement - November
Keep up to date with our goal progress for this month! Will you consider helping us reach our goal?
Hear from our current Multipliers on why they give it forward! If you already support Christian Leaders, we want to hear from you this month! Why have you chosen to support CLI? Send your video to connect@christianleaders.net. Enroll in the New Mini-Courses
The Shadow Side of Life and Leadership
The Shadow Side of Life and Leadership is a mini-course that explores how our past affects our lives and behaviors and how to address it. Dr. Mark defines all five of the shadow sides, explains their danger zones, and how God's word and Spirit help us to overcome.
The Shadow Side of Relationships mini-course will help you navigate the shadow sides of your life and how it will impact your romantic relationships. Dr. Mark will explore how our shadow side issues will shape our moods, attitudes, choices and expectations. Watch, reflect, and explore how God will give you victory over your issues and bring wellness to your relationships and marriage.
Prayer Requests
Please continue to pray for Christian Leaders Institute's accreditation journey as we prepare our response to the evaluation visit report by an accreditation team. Pray for God's wisdom and guidance as we work on this critical reply in the coming month.
Joke of the Month
Monthly Encouragement
Matthew 5:14-16 NIV
14 You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Here are several insights from this passage:
Identity and Purpose of Believers: Jesus is speaking to His disciples, identifying them as "the light of the world." This metaphor suggests that followers of Jesus have a distinct identity and a purposeful existence. Just as light drives out darkness, disciples are to have a transformative impact on the world through their words, actions, and presence.
Inevitability of Influence: A city on a hill is naturally conspicuous; it cannot be hidden due to its prominent position. Likewise, the influence of a Christian is not to be hidden but is meant to be visible and evident to those around them. This implies that a Christian's faith is not just a private matter but one that should have public expression and consequence.
The Function of Light: Light is meant to illuminate and make things visible. The followers of Jesus are called to bring clarity and truth, revealing things as they truly are. This also carries the notion of guidance and direction, as light helps to guide those who are in darkness.
Good Works as Testimony: Jesus encourages His followers to let their light shine before others through "good works." This suggests that the lives of Christians should be characterized by tangible acts of love, mercy, justice, and compassion. Such deeds are not for self-glorification but for pointing others to God.
The Role of Good Works: The good works mentioned are not a means of earning salvation or favor with God (as made clear by the broader teachings of the New Testament), but rather a response to God's grace and a reflection of His character. They serve as a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel in a believer's life.
Glorifying God: The ultimate goal of letting one's light shine is so that people may "give glory to your Father who is in heaven." This means that the life of a disciple is to direct attention and praise to God, not to oneself. The good works are a means by which others can recognize the goodness of God and be drawn to Him.
Community Impact: The imagery of the lamp giving light "to all in the house" indicates the community aspect of the Christian faith. Believers are not only responsible for their own conduct but also for the welfare and enlightenment of the community. Their faith should have a positive and edifying effect on society.
Practical Outworking: This passage calls for a practical outworking of faith. It’s not enough for followers of Christ to possess faith internally; it must be expressed externally in a way that benefits others and honors God.
These verses challenge Christians to evaluate the visibility and impact of their faith in the world. They encourage a faith that is lived out openly and authentically, impacting others positively and directing praise and honor to God.
