*STEP INTO THE SPOTLIGHT - LEADERSHIP

Jesus Raises Lazarus from the Dead

John 11 (vodcast)

 

*Sermon reprinted from M. H. Lewis - COS series Sermon outlines

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sermon Outline

1. Follow the Leader – Micah 6:8

2. God Chooses His Leader – 1 Timothy 3

3. Usurping Authority Numbers 12; Deuteronomy 28

4. Case Study

 

 

THE SPOTLIGHT  

Anyone who has seen a concert an award ceremony or a theatre production has experienced the illuminating effects of spotlights. Spotlights are light sources that send out a cone of light. Torches, lamps and theatre lights are all examples of spotlights but mostly spotlights are used in stage performances. Rock concerts use them to illuminate through the fog and other special effects. Follow spots are operated by a single individual. They have arrived but must continue to produce!
 

• A stage is shared with no one; stands alone.  Is well known (famous/infamous) almost by first name.

• Every flaw is captured; no errors are allowed

• Beam is hot

• All the credit and all the blame

• Second Chances are most rare if at all

• Cannot be replaced (split outs, clandestine, solo careers)

 

LIMELIGHT  

The term “limelight” is used to describe an oxycalcium light. It is also used refer to someone who is in the public eye, as a result of the widespread use in theaters when they were first introduced. Actors and public officials are often said to be in the limelight, especially if they are facing heavy public criticism. Theater spotlights are called “limes,” a nod to the important role of oxycalcium lights in theater history. The concept of heating a material until it emits light, otherwise known as incandescence, is the same principle behind the operation of most modern lightbulbs. They are on deck or next in line for the spotlight.

• The stage is shared with a few (duo, trio, quartet). Is fairly known – needs a point of reference for ID

• Most flaws are captured; can cover in the group

• Beam is warm

• Shared credit and  blame

• Second Chances are excusable if plausible

• Difficult to replace…but are replaceable

 

 

STEP INTO THE SPOTLIGHT

Case Study

Jesus Raises Lazarus

John 11

SHADOWS  

Each light source creates one shadow per object. A myth about lighting and shadows is that you can make them go away using more light sources – this isn’t true. More light sources = more shadows.   They are in training. 

• The stage is shared with a many (groups, choirs, etc.). Is not known…at all.

• Flaws are overlooked (anonymity)

• A beam is stage temperature (cool)

• Chances are excusable if plausible

• Easily replaced

 

The Bible is a Blue Print for Every Success – Use it

 

 

Why Stay in the Shadows?

1 Samuel 10:21 Saul the son of Kish (was chosen to be King), but he could not be found. 22 Therefore they inquired of the LORD further, if the man should yet come thither. And the LORD answered, Behold, he hath hid himself among the stuff... Matthew 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen.

 

Selection Process

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus 2 Chronicles 7:14 "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."

 

Standing in the Spotlight is not Free

Romans 8:36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

God is your Protector

1 Chronicles 16 When ye were but few, even a few, and strangers in it. And when they went from nation to nation, and from one kingdom to another people; He suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he reproved kings for their sakes, Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.

 

Revelations 2:10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. 11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.