Guiding Light

Intro

Hook Lighthouse in Ireland

Centennial Light in Livermore, CA

Guiding Lights must always remain lit

Biblical Text

Romans 10:9–15 NLT

9 If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved. 11 As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.” 12 Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him. 13 For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” 14 But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? 15 And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!”

The Problem

Believe “pisteuo” (pees-teh-vo) means to trust or put your faith in

This is beyond believing that something exists

Many people believe in Jesus, (even Satan) but few put their trust in faith in him

Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord and puts their trust and faith in Him, will be saved

There is no disclaimer

They can’t call on him unless they believe…they can’t believe unless they have heard…they can’t hear unless someone tells them

The Solution

1) We must equip people with knowledge and strategies to share the good news with others

Ephesians 4:11–12 NLT

11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12 Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.

The purpose of biblical teaching is not merely for your benefit…it is meant to equip you to build the body of Christ

When we realize this, we will no longer be content with sitting in classes getting spiritually fat and being spiritual consumers

Mindset change

What type of classes would best help me share the good news of Jesus Christ?

What kind of classes do people in my circle of influence need and desire?

Sink or swim story

We can’t expect people that have limited or no exposure to the Bible to dive into the deep end

2) We must be empowered by the Holy Spirit

Acts 1:8 NLT

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Jesus tells his disciples that they will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them

They will be his witnesses everywhere they go

The greek word for power used is dynamis and it is where we get our word dynamite

When you are filled with the Holy Spirit, you have a multitude of power

You have a multitude of power…not excuses

Ephesians 1:19–20 NLT

19 I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power 20 that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.

3) We must engage with those that need rescue and guide them to the light of Jesus Christ

1 Corinthians 9:19–23 NLT

19 Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ. 20 When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law. 21 When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ. 22 When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. 23 I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.

Paul is saying, I am willing to do anything, except sin, to rescue people

Paul engaged in the world with people that he didn’t like, didn’t agree with, and didn’t share the same values

You can’t expect to rescue people by merely standing on the shore

The Challenge

How lit is your light?

Is it bright and blazing? A mere flicker?

If your light is brightly shining, are you guiding people to Jesus Christ? (Call up Worship Team)

Matthew 5:15–16 NLT

15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

Guiding Lights must always remain lit