Going Viral: Engage
Sermon Notes
As we wrap up our On Brand series, we delve into the value of engaging with those who are far from God. The problem is the disconnect between Jesus' perspective on the lost and our own, which results in various societal issues such as anxiety, depression, addiction, marriage concerns, identity issues, and prodigal children.
Our passion for those who are far from God needs reigniting, and as followers of Christ, we possess the answer to their struggles. Here you'll find practical steps to develop a heart for the lost, engage with them, and ultimately celebrate when they are found.
A church is living On Brand when it…
Develops a Heart for the Lost
In Luke 15, tax collectors and sinners were drawn to Jesus, which led the Pharisees and scribes to criticize him for associating with them. This situation is reminiscent of a similar encounter in Luke 5:30-32, where Jesus explained that he came to call sinners to repentance, highlighting his focus on those far from God.
To align our hearts with Jesus' compassion for the lost, we can follow these three steps:
Continuously pursue God and understand His love and our own brokenness.
Invest time in getting to know the needs of our lost friends.
Embrace an eternal perspective, recognizing that everyone lives forever somewhere.
The key question is whether we are actively spending time with those who are far from God, reflecting Jesus' love for those outside of religious circles.
Engages the Lost
Jesus tells a parable about a lost sheep, teaching us the value of pursuing those who are lost and showing love and care.
Practical applications include initiating action fueled by love, persistent efforts to find the lost, genuinely caring for their needs, and celebrating their return.
Use an "Engage Card" (below) to pray for the lost, initiate conversations, learn their stories, and share your faith in a relaxed manner.
Celebrates When the Lost Are Found
The parable concludes with the shepherd celebrating the return of the lost sheep, highlighting the immense joy in heaven when one sinner repents.
God is continuing to initiate with you, and it is important to yield to His grace. His grace extends to both your own salvation and that of your loved ones who have found salvation.
The message concludes by underlining the significance of the Gospel: for the lost, it's an invitation to recognize God's pursuit of them in both good and bad times, while for those found, it's a call to share love with neighbors.
Discussion Questions
Why is the parable of the lost sheep in Luke 15 significant in understanding the importance of engaging with those who are far from God? What does it teach us about God's perspective on the lost?
Christians need to engage actively with those who are far from God. What practical steps or strategies can individuals or the church as a whole take to engage with the lost effectively?
How can we celebrate and share in the joy of someone turning towards God? What role does our own salvation play in this celebration?
Why is it important to celebrate what we value, and how does this concept connect with the parable of the lost sheep in Luke 15?
What are some common challenges and struggles that people face today, and how can the church and individuals address them?