What difference does Jesus make?

Ephesians 5:8

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. 

Genesis 1:2-4

The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters. 3 Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. 4 God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness.

Colossians 1:13

For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves

What difference does Jesus make? 

The difference is night and day.

Ephesians 5:8-20

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.  Live as children of light 

Living in contrast is our calling.  

9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 

10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 

11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 

12 It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 

14 This is why it is said:  “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

The contrast should cause you to be careful.

15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 

17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 

18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. 

The contrast should cause you to be courageous.

Instead, be filled with the Spirit, . . . 

The contrast should cause you to worship with clarity.

19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.