In his sermon, Larry explores the central idea that God communicates His most important truths not primarily through words, but through pictures, signs, and especially people. Beginning with the saying “a picture is worth a thousand words,” Larry explains that some realities are simply too deep to express with language alone. This is why God filled Scripture with vivid symbols—trees, rainbows, the Passover, the Red Sea, the tabernacle, baptism, bread, and wine—because these images convey what words often cannot.

He then shows that God’s favorite picture—His clearest sign—has always been people themselves. The lives of biblical figures communicated divine messages more powerfully than their speeches. Prophets such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Hosea lived out symbolic actions that illustrated God’s heart: Isaiah naming his sons “Destruction is coming” and “The remnant will return”; Jeremiah burying and retrieving a ruined loincloth; Hosea marrying an unfaithful woman to embody God’s relentless love; Ezekiel being commanded not to mourn his wife to display the depth of coming national sorrow.

These people’s lives were the message.

Larry emphasizes that Jesus is the ultimate sign and picture of God. Jesus’ life, not only His teachings, reveals what God is like—His compassion, His priorities, His character. Jesus embodied the fullness of the Old Testament and made the invisible God visible, fulfilling humanity’s original calling to be God’s image-bearers. Our first vocation was not gardening, Larry notes, but image-bearing—making visible the invisible qualities of God in everyday life.

Christians today carry that same calling. People around us cannot see God’s patience, forgiveness, mercy, or truthfulness—but they can see those qualities expressed through the lives of God’s people. December, Larry points out, is a uniquely open-hearted season. In conversations, stores, gatherings, and family events, believers have an opportunity not to push opinions on politics or morality but to embody God’s goodness, becoming His “light and salt” in the world.

Larry applies this especially to parenting and grandparenting. The most powerful influence we have on the next generation isn’t nagging, lecturing, or pushing principles—it’s showing a superior, joyful life, one that demonstrates God’s character rather than merely describing it. Children and grandchildren learn less from what we say and more from what we consistently live. To illustrate this, Larry recalls his father’s transformation and the unforgettable picture of obedience he displayed when God called him to reconcile with someone he deeply disliked.

That image shaped Larry more than any speech his father ever gave.

Ultimately, Larry calls believers to embrace their identity as God’s image-bearers, empowered by grace to make the invisible God visible wherever they go.

1. Visibility of God: What invisible qualities of God (grace, truth, patience, forgiveness, courage, generosity) do you feel called to “make visible” this month?

2. December Opportunities: Where is God sending you this month—stores, workplaces, gatherings—where you could intentionally embody His character?

3. Influence Through Example: Think of someone in your life who watched your actions more than your words (a child, coworker, friend). What picture are you currently painting for them?

4. Obedience Promptings: When was the last time God nudged you to do something uncomfortable? What might obedience look like now, even if you don’t want to do it?

5. Life as a Symbol: If someone could only see your life—not hear your beliefs—what would they conclude about what God is like?