Look at the lampstand and you'll see a Person who is divinely human--the High Priest who cares for the lampstands, and who wields the two-edged sword of the word (Rev. 1:13, Heb. 4:12). As we keep bringing our friends to the light of the word, we hope it becomes a sword to them (Gk., machaira--a large sacrificial knife that exposes the thoughts and intents of the heart), however, our high priest is the compassionate, caring, sympathizing Son of Man who will then help the exposed person (Heb. 4:15-16).

Keep someone in orbit around the lampstand for a while (the church shining with the oil of the Spirit), and then hopefully they will see Christ. In fact, we hope that the "moth" that has been drawn in by the light of the word will be called by "the voice" and become part of the lampstand (c.f. Ps. 43:3; 119:130, 105; John 10:14-16; Rev. 1:15).

In Acts chapter 8, with the close guidance of the Spirit, Philip finds an individual, an Ethiopian eunuch who was trying to read and understand the Bible. The eunuch was open to help from Philip, and turned to Jesus. Though Philip was short on time, today we might ask, "Can we read together again next week?" and then before long, ask, "Do you know someone who might like to read with us?" This is exactly how we start a group. Find one person, then ask and invite.  

(Phil. 2:15-16) One small light can be easily obscured, whereas an entire community of small lights cannot be hidden; where does this light come from? The word of life - life and light go together (John 1:4) - We are holding fast to what gives us life and lights us up - never forget that what attracts seekers is this, not gimmicks - not things that seekers already have out in the darkness of the world - Be bold to offer the word of life to anyone who may remotely be interested.

(Phil. 2:15-16) Keep holding the word that is starkly different than the crooked and twisted norms of today; it supplies our spiritual contrast - dimming light for the purpose of minimizing offense will dim attraction for people who look for truth; if we compromise this way, we will fit the description of Isaiah 5:20 and Matthew 6:23. Instead, strive to fit the description of John 1:5--shine in the darkness.  

Human beings are like moths flying around at night - They've been told that the light of truth is merely a manipulated illusion, and that there is only your truth or my truth - Under this influence, anything can pass for light - Though this thought seems to offer maximum freedom, flexibility, and creativity, in the grit of life it isn't fun; there's no structure, guarantees, commitment, or certainty.

Many people have discovered the tragedy of the false light of rejecting objective truth and are open to seeking the true light of the biblical Christian faith.

The difference between a hospital and a country club? Mission - The entire body of Christ shares a common mission for witness to Christ found in Acts 1:8, a commitment to be light bearers by holding the word of life (Phil. 2:15-16), and beacons in every city where we draw people to the glorified Christ who dwells among us (Rev. 1:12-16)  

Joshua's farewell address to Israel called for their faithfulness to the Word and love for God (Joshua 23:1-13, 24:14-15), to avoid syncretism and idolatry.

Troubling impulses from within may have nothing to do with surface concerns, but come from the Lord's further, deeper operation among us (Joshua 22:10-34).

2 and 1/2 tribes chose land east of the Jordan, which, on surface level, was a legitimate choice (Joshua 22:1-6), but the deeper view of the cross exposes the choice as problematic.