Shining Still

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D. Leading the Way

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away,” Christ tells us in Matthew 24:35. With these words, we have the assurance that every promise He has given us in His Word will come to pass. Just as He came for the first time at Christmas, He will come again. And now, as we live between these two comings of our Savior, we are called to be faithful to Him—even as the world sinks deeper into rebellion, sin, and darkness. We are to shine in the world until the Morning Star rises.

Believers are in Christ, united with Him. Therefore, if He is the light of the world, so are we—for we are one with Him (see Matthew 5:14-16; John 8:12). By the power of the Holy Spirit, the influence of Christ is felt in the world through us, His faithful witnesses. We, as the church, are the light for the nations as we carry Christ in our hearts (see Isaiah 42:6; Ephesians 3:17, 5:8; Hebrews 3:6).

The call to be on mission for Christ is not an isolated calling to a select few. It is the calling of every Christian. Not all of us are called to cross cultures or country borders, but everyone is called to cross the street and build relationships with our non-believing neighbors.

How might God be guiding you to be a light in the world this Christmas season, drawing the lost to the Truth of His Son? It is through you that He desires to reach the world—your neighbors, co-workers, and non-believing family members. There is no plan B. God doesn’t need one, for He has promised us: “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27).

Christ is returning soon, and when He does, He will give the morning star to His faithful ones (see Revelation 2:28). There is a reward coming for your faithful service to Him. For when Christ promises to give the "morning star" to the faithful, He is promising to give us Himself. He will make us like Him, and we shall be with Him—sharing in His royal dominion over the remade cosmos. With this hope in our hearts, may we unite together as the church to beckon all to come and receive comfort and joy this Christmas season.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for giving me Your Holy Spirit to guide me to live according to Your will. Help me to be a light in my community this Christmas to share the hope of a life spent with You, the Morning Star. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever” (Daniel 12:3).

Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef’s sermon Only One Star Speaks: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOW

Check out more from Dr. Michael Youssef, here!

About The Author

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

Even before he was born, it is clear that God had a vision for Michael Youssef. His mother was in poor health when she became pregnant with Michael, and because his life was in danger at the time of birth, the doctor recommended terminating the pregnancy. An abortion was scheduled. But God intervened and sent the family pastor to reassure them that God was involved in this pregnancy. He told them not to be afraid and that the child would be "born to serve the Lord." Michael's parents accepted the pastor's message as a message from God and obeyed. His mother gave birth, and lived to see him give his life to the Lord at the age of sixteen.


Believing that God had called him out of Egypt, Michael sought an exit visa in a time in which no university student was allowed to have a passport or leave the country. God intervened again, and miraculously he managed to acquire a visa. He immigrated to Australia, where he studied at Moore Theological College in Sydney, was ordained as a pastor, and met Elizabeth who became his wife.


The Youssefs came to America in 1977, and in 1978 Michael received a master's degree in theology at Fuller Theological Seminary in California. Then he earned a doctorate in social anthropology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Michael served nearly ten years in the Haggai Institute, traveling around the world more than 32 times, teaching courses in evangelism and leadership. He rose to the position of Managing Director at the age of 31 years. The family settled in Atlanta, and in 1984, Michael became a citizen of the United States, making his dream of many years come true.


He founded The Church of The Apostles in 1987 with fewer than 40 adults with the mission of "Equipping the Saints and Searching for the Lost". The church has since grown to be a congregation of over 3,000 people today. This church has driven the international ministry of Leading the Way. While it is heard by millions at home and abroad, behind every message preached through radio waves, is the heart of a pastor, willing to nurture and care for these people. Clearly God has uniquely equipped Dr. Youssef to speak to a global audience. The path he has taken has given him an understanding and firm grasp of the Scriptures that transcend cultures. He preaches, teaches and calls with a sincere, based on the authority of the inerrant, inspired Word of God. With his personal knowledge of the Holy Land, its history and culture, Dr. Michael Youssef transmits life to listeners all over the world.

More Posts by Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.:

  1. Asking for God’s Vision
  2. Praying the Will of God
  3. He Can Open Your Eyes
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