We are told to let our light shine, and if it does, we won't need to tell anybody it does. Lighthouses don't fire cannons to call attention to their shining- they just shine.
The resurrection is the keystone of the arch on which our faith is supported. If Christ has not risen, we must impeach all those witnesses for lying. If Christ has not risen, we have no proof that the crucifixion of Jesus differed from that of the two thieves who suffered with him. If Christ has not risen, it is impossible to believe his atoning death was accepted.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The resurrection of Christ is fundamental to the Christian faith; without it, the basis of belief falters.
This quote by Dwight L. Moody emphasizes the centrality of the resurrection in Christianity, arguing that if Jesus did not rise from the dead, then the entire foundation of Christian faith collapses. Moody asserts that the resurrection provides validation to the crucifixion and signifies the acceptance of Jesus's sacrifice, making it essential for believers to defend the truth of this event, as it bears the weight of their faith and understanding of salvation.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a sermon discussing the importance of faith, one might quote Moody to underline the significance of the resurrection.
More from Dwight L. Moody
All quotes βThere is the joy of one's own salvation. I thought, when I first tasted that, it was the most delicious joy I had ever known, and that I could never get beyond it. But I found, afterward, there was something more joyful that, namely, the joy of the salvation of others.
'Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God' (Rom. 10:17). That is whence faith comes. It is not for me to sit down and wait for faith to come stealing over me with a strong sensation, but is for me to take God at His Word.
There is no greater honour than to be the instrument in God's hands of leading one person out of the kingdom of Satan into the glorious light of Heaven.
Many a professing Christian is a stumbling-block because his worship is divided. On Sunday he worships God; on weekdays God has little or no place in his thoughts.
Let us expect that God is going to use us. Let us have courage and go forward, looking to God to do great things.
Similar quotes
We should come home from adventures, and perils, and discoveries every day with new experience and character.
People live in sleep, do everything in sleep, and do not know they are asleep.
Whenever I happen to be in a city of any size, I marvel that riots do not break out everyday: Massacres, unspeakable carnage, a doomsday chaos. How can so many human beings coexist in a space so confined without hating each other to death?
The unexpectedness of life, waiting round every corner, catches even wise women unawares (...) To avoid corners altogether is, after all, to refuse to live.
He who gives only what he would as readily throw away, gives without generosity; for the essence of generosity is in self-sacrifice.
It's a controlling thing on stage - you're directing the action, getting people to play their role. In real life, I take being kind and nice seriously, so the last thing I'd ever want to be is that weird, controlling, manipulative character.