Love your Community with The Gospel

To the Lost:

Leviticus 19:18 (NIV): "Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD."

Luke 10:27 (NIV): "He answered, 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"

James 2:8 (NIV): "If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, 'Love your neighbor as yourself,' you are doing right."

Mark 12:31 (NIV): "The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."

Title: Being a Gospel Light in Your Community

Introduction:

This evening I want us to consider what it means for us to be a gospel witness in our community?

I have 4 Questions I want us to answer before we begin.....

Question 1: Do you think it is important for you to be a gospel light in our community?

Question 2: How well are you doing at being a gospel light in your community?

Question 3: What are you doing to be a gospel light in your community

Question 4: If I asked your neighbors to describe you what would they say, and would the gospel be part of that description?

Transition:

As followers of Christ, God has given us the privilege of carrying the good news into our community.

#1 Cultivate a Christ-like Character:

Matthew 5:16 (NIV) "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

To be a Gospel light, we must first cultivate a Christ-like character. Our actions, attitudes, and choices should reflect the love, grace, and truth of Jesus. By living in a manner that aligns with the teachings of Christ, we become visible representations of God's light to those around us.

#2 Share the Good News:

Romans 10:14 (NIV) "How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?"

Being a Gospel light means actively sharing the good news of Jesus with others. We are called to proclaim the truth, demonstrating God's love and forgiveness to those who have yet to encounter Him. Through our words and testimonies, we have the opportunity to ignite hope and point others towards salvation.

#3 Demonstrate Genuine Love for them:

Scripture: 1 John 3:18 (NIV) "Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth."

Luke 10:27 (NIV): "He answered, 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"

James 2:8 (NIV): "If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, 'Love your neighbor as yourself,' you are doing right."

Our Gospel light shines brightest when we demonstrate genuine love in action.

It is not enough to speak of love; we must actively show it through acts of kindness, compassion, and service.

When we extend selfless love to those in need, we become living examples of the love of Christ, drawing others closer to Him.

How Can we show Love that points people to Jesus in our Community?

#4 Love the Church Loudly:

Scripture: John 13:35 (NIV) "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another."

As Gospel lights, we are called to foster unity in our lives with other Believers.. The world is watching how you respond when things dont go your way. By embracing love, forgiveness, and humbleness and genuine care for other Christians, we reflect the transformative power of the Gospel to the lost.

Galatians 5:13 (NIV): "You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love."

1 Peter 4:8-10 (NIV): "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms."

Romans 12:9-10 (NIV): "Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves."

1 John 3:16 (NIV): "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters."

Our willingness to bridge divides and heal brokenness testifies to the reconciling work of Christ in our lives.

How Can we be light of Christ in Our Community by the way that we love each other in the church?

#5 Pray for The Community

1 Timothy 2:4 ESV

4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

This verse reminds us of God's heart for all people to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth. It emphasizes the importance of interceding in prayer for those who have not yet encountered the saving grace of Jesus Christ. By lifting up the lost in prayer, we align our hearts with God's desire for their salvation and join Him in His |redemptive work.

To be a Gospel light, we must be fervent in prayer for our community . Praying for the well-being, transformation, and salvation of our community and that God aligns our hearts with His purposes.

How should we pray for out Community?

Gospel Boldness (Rom.1:16)

Softened Hearts (Eph. 2)

Open Doors (Col4:3

Colossians 4:3 ESV

3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—

#6 Serve Your Community:

Mark 10:45 "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

`This verse captures the essence of Jesus' mission on earth. He came not to be served but to serve, and His ultimate act of service was giving His life as a ransom for humanity.

as followers of Christ, we are called to imitate His selfless and sacrificial love by serving others all so that they will see the gospel of Christ through US.

To be a Gospel light, actively serve its needs. Engaging in acts of service and meeting tangible needs demonstrates God's love in practical ways.

How Can we Serve our Community as Image Bearers of Christ?

How Can we serve our community in a way that will point them to Jesus?

Conclusion: As Gospel lights in our community, we are called to

reflect Christ's character,

share the good news,

Show them Christlike love,

Demonstrate Unity in the Body of Christ, and pray for them

and serve our community.

Through our actions and attitudes, we have the opportunity to illuminate the darkness, bring hope, and guide others to the transformative power of the Gospel. Let us embrace this calling with joy and commitment, knowing that as we shine brightly, we bring glory to our Heavenly Father.