THERE ARE MANY SYMBOLIC MYSTERIES IN THE SCRIPTURES, ONE OF THE MOST PRECIOUS IS THE DAY STAR!

1. Peter had walked with the Lord throughout his life and shared many great events
2. Peter wanted his flock to take heed that they not miss the glory and beauty of the Day Star
3. The Gospel brings light into dark souls, and we want to be sure that none of you have failed to see the brightness of our wonderful Lord out of the darkness of our world.

I.- LOOK FOR THE DAWN O F THE GOSPEL v.19a & b

Peter had many very personal experiences, heard great philosophies, but found more sure word

A.- PETER WAS FAMILIAR WITH THE GREAT OLD TESTAMENT PROPHECIES OF THE COMING LIGHT

1. Num 24:17 promised a star to come out of Jacob, a scepter from Israel -Baalam said "Not Now"
2. Isa 42:6,7 promised a light for the blinded eyes of the Gentiles in prison in the darkness
3. Isa 9:1,2 promised the people in darkness, & shadow of death- a great light- hope of dawn

B.- THE NEW TESTAMENT PICKS UP THIS BEAUTIFUL PICTURE IN THE WRITINGS OF JOHN AND PAUL

1. Rev. 2:28- To the believing remnant the promise of the gift of the Morning Star
2. Rev. 22:16 the mystery is lifted, Jesus speaks "I am the bright and morning star!"
3. I Thess 4:13-18 For the redeemed the rapture is the dawn of day star - before daylight-Kingdom

C.- THE APOSTLES HAVE RECORDED SOME UNUSUAL EXPERIENCES THAT TESTIFIED OF THE DAY STAR

1. Luke 1:78- Zacharias told the Baby John the Baptist, that the "dayspring" had visited them
2. Matt 4:16 the scriptures plainly tell of Isa. prophecy being fulfilled- Gentiles see light
3. But we must take great care II Cor 4:4 - Satan will try to blind minds lest light shines in.

Today Satan is also appearing as an angel of light- II Cor 11:14 - and we need to be sure!

II. LOOK FOR THE MORE SURE WORD OF PROPHECY 19a

There are some who are trying to get our attention to fleshly signs, we must not be fooled

A.- THE MYSTERY LIGHT OF THE DAY STAR HAD APPEARED TO THE APOSTLES, SHINING IN THEIR HEARTS

1. Paul's experience- Acts 9:3 was very pointed, he saw a great light- "Who art thou Lord"?
2. John invites us all to come to the Light- I John 1:5-7 For Jesus said-I am the Light-Jn 8:12
3. Jesus used constantly the theme- "I am come a light-" John 12:48 -

B.- THERE WERE OTHERS WHO CLAIMED BY HAVE THE TRUTH, AND TO BE ABLE TO LIGHTEN MEN'S HEARTS

1. The Greek Philosophers, -Gnostics, claimed to have new light on every subject -refused Jesus
2. The Pharisees had the Old Testament and boasted of walking in its light- but refused Jesus
3. But the Apostles were given the Revelation of God by Inspiration- it illuminated their hearts

C.- THE MORE SURE WORD OF PROPHECY WAS TIED IN WITH THE SCRIPTURES OF GOD, INSPIRATION OF BIBLE

1. Peter had studied a lot- and had experienced a lot-v. 18, but God's word is not private-20,21
2. He interpreted his experiences in the light of the Bible, not the Bible by his experiences!
3. Signs, wonders, miracles- are not the more sure word! They may get your attention-but-Bible! We must seek the Lord living & written Word! Shade Payen Phanorning, People astrology But retum of Ford letter.

The Greeks-Jews- sought signs & wisdom- We must seek the Lord- Living and written Word!

III.- LOOK FOR THE DAYSTAR YOURSELF - IN YOUR HEART

Satan can confuse you with carnal attraction earthly signs - but seek in God's Word!

A.- DO YOU KNOW THAT YOUR DARKNESS IS THE DARKNESS OF THIS WORLD, AND FLESH CANNOT HELP YOU?

1. It is hard today to get people to look away from their own wisdom, & admit that they are sinners
2. The Bible tells us that we are in total spiritual darkness- and we cannot light our own path
3. But it is Jesus that comes to seek and to save the lost- & His Word -light of Gospel- searches

B.- IT IS THROUGH FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST THAT THE DAY STAR CAN DAWN IN YOUR HEART!

1. Rom 10:9 Asks us to believe that God raised Him from the dead - Resurrection- day star dawns
2. The same passage asks us to confess Him- tell someone else that He is our Savior-
3. Rom 10:13 asks us to call upon Him- Rev 3:20 tells us Christ knocks at the Door-

C.- WILL YOU LET THE DAY STAR SHINE THROUGH YOUR BLINDED EYES INTO YOUR VERY HEART?

1. If you know Him- don't hide his light under a bushel basket-Matt 5:14,15
2. God's way of fulfilling all righteousness is to be Baptized- Matt 3:15- Jesus did! 
3. Then, like one who has seen the Aura Borealis, tell others about it become a soulwinner!

Our world is heading for a dark era,- we need people who have seen the Morning Star!

BELIEVE GOD'S WORD, AND EXPERIENCE THE DAWNING OF THE DAY STAR RIGHT NOW IN YOUR HEARTS!

1. If you are in darkness- put faith in God's son- the Living Word and His Written Word-
2. As we bow and pray and pray- open the eyes of your heart, not of your head-
3. Walk in the Light the Lord gives you- a public decision- Church Membership- service!