Beacons of Hope: Sharing the Gospel Together
Summary
### Summary
Today's sermon focused on the greatness of God and our role as His church to be a beacon of hope in a lost and dying world. We began by reflecting on the story of Trudy Ederling, the first woman to swim across the English Channel, who found herself lost in the darkness but was guided to safety by the fires lit by her community. This story serves as a metaphor for our spiritual journey and the church's mission. We are all lost in darkness without hope, but God has called us to be the light that guides others to salvation through Jesus Christ.
We delved into Romans 10, where Paul emphasizes the importance of preaching the gospel so that everyone can hear and believe. The passage underscores the urgency and necessity of sharing the good news with every man, woman, and child. We are all called to be missionaries, lighting the way to Jesus, not through religion or morality, but through the transformative power of the gospel.
The sermon also highlighted the concept of Gospel Partnership, or Koinonia, which is about being in community and working together to impact the world. We discussed the five W's and an H—who, what, when, where, why, and how—of sharing the gospel. Everyone is included in the "who," the "what" is the gospel itself, the "when" is now, the "where" is everywhere, and the "why" is because Jesus is our only hope.
We also touched on practical ways to live out this mission, such as giving generously, serving others, and living in biblical community. The sermon concluded with a call to action, encouraging us to let the gospel transform us first so that we can effectively share it with others. We were reminded that our ultimate goal is to make Jesus known to the 95% of people in our community who do not attend church.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Church as a Beacon of Hope: Just as Trudy Ederling was guided by the fires lit by her community, we are called to be a beacon of light for those lost in spiritual darkness. Our role is to guide others to the salvation that lies in Jesus Christ alone. This mission is not just for the "really bad" people; it is for everyone, as all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. [41:18]
2. Urgency in Sharing the Gospel: Paul’s message in Romans 10 emphasizes the urgency of sharing the gospel. We are all called to preach and proclaim the good news now, not later. The stakes are high, and the consequences of not sharing are eternal. This urgency should drive us to overcome our fears and share the gospel boldly. [58:13]
3. Gospel Partnership and Community: Gospel Partnership, or Koinonia, is about being in community and working together to impact the world. It involves every believer linking arms to share the good news of Jesus. This partnership is not just about missionary work but includes every believer standing firm on the gospel and working together as a family. [45:33]
4. Living Out the Gospel: The gospel is not about religion or morality; it is about falling in love with Jesus. Our actions should stem from our love for Him, not from a desire to earn His love. This means living in biblical community, giving generously, and serving others. These actions help us focus on Jesus and share His love with the world. [50:29]
5. Practical Steps to Impact the World: To be a beacon of hope, we must first let the gospel transform us. We need to share our stories and encourage one another with missional stories. Practical steps include serving in the church, giving generously, and living in community. These actions help us focus on Jesus and share His love with the world. [01:10:55]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[38:59] - Introduction to Romans 10
[39:40] - Story of Trudy Ederling
[40:18] - Community as a Beacon of Hope
[41:18] - The Church's Role
[42:05] - Salvation in Jesus Alone
[42:45] - Reading Romans 10:13-15
[43:21] - Prayer for the Church
[44:00] - Gospel Partnership Series
[45:03] - Impacting the World Together
[46:05] - The Who: Every Man, Woman, and Child
[47:09] - The What: The Gospel
[48:20] - Every Christian is a Missionary
[50:29] - Religion vs. Relationship
[51:57] - The Gospel is Jesus
[53:39] - Importance of Biblical Community
[55:06] - Generosity and Service
[56:33] - The When: Now
[58:13] - Urgency in Sharing the Gospel
[59:47] - Personal Story of Urgency
[01:01:09] - The Where: Everywhere
[01:02:27] - Vision for Community Impact
[01:04:18] - Community Coffee Shop Vision
[01:05:50] - Ministry as Business
[01:06:45] - Biblical Stewardship
[01:07:20] - Youth Ministry Growth
[01:08:24] - Leadership Team's Commitment
[01:09:24] - The Why: Jesus is Our Only Hope
[01:10:55] - How to Impact the World
[01:13:58] - Communion and Reflection
[01:25:41] - Introduction of Gene and Robin
[01:26:56] - Beacon Community Church
[01:30:07] - Baptism Class and Discipleship Nights
[01:30:23] - Benediction and Prayer Team
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Romans 10:13-15 (ESV): "For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!'"
### Observation Questions
1. What metaphor was used in the sermon to describe the church's mission, and how does it relate to our spiritual journey? ([40:18])
2. According to Romans 10:13-15, what are the steps that lead to someone calling on the name of the Lord for salvation?
3. What does the term "Gospel Partnership" or "Koinonia" mean as described in the sermon? ([45:33])
4. What practical steps were mentioned in the sermon for living out the mission of being a beacon of hope? ([50:29])
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the story of Trudy Ederling swimming across the English Channel serve as a metaphor for our spiritual journey and the church's mission? ([40:18])
2. Why does Paul emphasize the urgency of preaching the gospel in Romans 10:13-15, and how does this urgency apply to us today? ([58:13])
3. What does it mean to be in "Gospel Partnership" or "Koinonia," and how does this concept impact our approach to community and mission? ([45:33])
4. How can living in biblical community, giving generously, and serving others help us focus on Jesus and share His love with the world? ([50:29])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the metaphor of the church as a beacon of hope. How can you personally be a light in your community this week? ([41:18])
2. Paul emphasizes the urgency of sharing the gospel. What fears or obstacles do you face in sharing your faith, and how can you overcome them? ([58:13])
3. Gospel Partnership involves working together as a community. How can you actively participate in your church's mission to impact the world? ([45:33])
4. The sermon mentioned practical steps like giving generously and serving others. What specific actions can you take this week to live out these principles? ([50:29])
5. The sermon highlighted the importance of letting the gospel transform us first. What areas of your life need transformation, and how can you invite Jesus into those areas? ([01:10:55])
6. Think about someone in your life who is lost in spiritual darkness. How can you be a beacon of hope for them, and what steps will you take to share the gospel with them? ([41:18])
7. The sermon mentioned the importance of sharing our stories and encouraging one another with missional stories. Who can you share your story with this week, and how can you encourage others in your small group to do the same? ([01:10:55])
Devotional
Day 1: The Church as a Beacon of Hope
We are called to be a beacon of light for those lost in spiritual darkness, much like Trudy Ederling was guided by the fires lit by her community. Our role is to guide others to the salvation that lies in Jesus Christ alone. This mission is not just for the "really bad" people; it is for everyone, as all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. The church must shine brightly in a world filled with despair, offering hope and direction to those who are spiritually lost. By living out our faith authentically and compassionately, we can draw others to the transformative power of the gospel. [41:18]
Isaiah 60:1-2 (ESV): "Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who is struggling with hopelessness. How can you be a beacon of hope to them today, guiding them towards the light of Christ?
Day 2: Urgency in Sharing the Gospel
Paul’s message in Romans 10 emphasizes the urgency of sharing the gospel. We are all called to preach and proclaim the good news now, not later. The stakes are high, and the consequences of not sharing are eternal. This urgency should drive us to overcome our fears and share the gospel boldly. The time to act is now, as every moment we delay could be a missed opportunity for someone to hear about Jesus and be saved. Our love for others should compel us to share the life-changing message of Christ with a sense of immediacy and passion. [58:13]
2 Timothy 4:2 (ESV): "Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching."
Reflection: Identify one person you can share the gospel with this week. What steps can you take today to prepare yourself for that conversation?
Day 3: Gospel Partnership and Community
Gospel Partnership, or Koinonia, is about being in community and working together to impact the world. It involves every believer linking arms to share the good news of Jesus. This partnership is not just about missionary work but includes every believer standing firm on the gospel and working together as a family. By fostering a sense of unity and purpose within the church, we can collectively make a greater impact on the world around us. Each member of the community has a unique role to play, and together, we can accomplish much more than we could individually. [45:33]
Philippians 1:5-6 (ESV): "Because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."
Reflection: How can you contribute to the sense of community and partnership within your church? What specific actions can you take to support and encourage others in their mission to share the gospel?
Day 4: Living Out the Gospel
The gospel is not about religion or morality; it is about falling in love with Jesus. Our actions should stem from our love for Him, not from a desire to earn His love. This means living in biblical community, giving generously, and serving others. These actions help us focus on Jesus and share His love with the world. When we live out the gospel authentically, our lives become a testimony to the transformative power of Christ. By prioritizing our relationship with Jesus and allowing it to shape our actions, we can effectively demonstrate His love to those around us. [50:29]
1 John 4:19-21 (ESV): "We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, 'I love God,' and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother."
Reflection: In what ways can you show the love of Jesus to someone in your community today? How can your actions reflect the gospel message?
Day 5: Practical Steps to Impact the World
To be a beacon of hope, we must first let the gospel transform us. We need to share our stories and encourage one another with missional stories. Practical steps include serving in the church, giving generously, and living in community. These actions help us focus on Jesus and share His love with the world. By actively engaging in these practices, we can create a ripple effect that extends far beyond our immediate circles, impacting the broader community and beyond. Our ultimate goal is to make Jesus known to the 95% of people in our community who do not attend church. [01:10:55]
Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV): "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to let your light shine in your community? How can you involve others in this mission to make a greater impact?
Quotes
1. "When we start talking about the church, when we start talking about who God has made us and what he's called us to do as his church, we see that every human finds themselves in some sort of figurative way in the same situation, lost in darkness, exhausted with no hope. And there's no exceptions to this. This isn't just for people that are really, really bad. The Bible says all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. All are without hope. All are drowning. All have no idea how to find their way to salvation. And God has set up the church to be a beacon of light and hope to a lost and dying world." [41:18] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "He has called us to light fires on the cliffs so that people may know where salvation lies. And where does salvation lie? In Jesus and Jesus alone. And so that's what we're seeing as we jump into Romans chapter 10. The author, Paul, is writing to the church and he's encouraging them to be a beacon of hope for a lost and dying world." [42:05] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Who should hear the gospel? Everyone. Who should hear it? Everyone. Who should we go share the gospel with? Everyone. Who is sent to go share the gospel with everyone? Every person that has professed faith in Jesus as their Lord and Savior. I love it. I love it. I love it. Charles Spurgeon writes, he says, every Christian is a missionary or an imposter. When I read that, I was like, ooh. Every Christian is a missionary or an imposter." [48:20] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Everyone is lost and drowning. We are called to light the way. God's the one who completes the work. God's the one who transforms lives. God's the one who brings people from death to life. We are called to be a beacon of hope, to light the way, to Jesus. That's what we're called to do. We're called to do it with every man, woman, and child." [48:49] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We cannot do enough to earn his love. He loves us, so therefore we do. We don't do so that he loves us. It's flipped. And so we don't want to get this mixed up because the what is the gospel? Religion does not lead to eternity. Jesus does. He is the way, the truth, and the life. So please do not sell people, religion, and morality. Do not go out and try to tell people that there are these do's and don'ts." [50:29] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "What will save them for all of eternity is the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. We can't get this wrong. Paul addresses this in Romans 1 through 6. Look at verse 4. It says, for Christ is the end of the law for righteousness. What does he mean by that? He says, there's no law-keeping that you can do, no amount of law-keeping that you can accomplish that will save you. You're not going to become righteous by keeping the law." [51:57] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "So what does he say in verse 4? For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. Believes. To everyone who believes in what? In the gospel. In the gospel. In the gospel. In the gospel. In the gospel. What is the gospel? The who? Jesus. Jesus is who they believe in. So no longer do we have to sacrifice animals to God or go to a temple to worship, but we get to profess faith in Jesus because what he did for us, he took on death. He died for us so that we may have life." [52:29] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "If you believe in Jesus as your Lord and Savior guess what you are called when now to share the gospel to herald and proclaim listen nobody is promised tomorrow no one and you want to know something hell is far worse than someone being mad at you and I think often we're so fearful of sharing the gospel with people especially when we're not sharing the gospel with people we're so fearful of sharing the gospel with people especially in the political climate that we're in because we're afraid they're going to get upset with us or be aggressive with us but eternal damnation separated from their creator is far worse than them being a little frustrated with you." [58:13] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Everywhere you live, work, and play with every man, woman, and child without them having to go or come anywhere. But you being a beacon of hope and light in your community, in your world. And I think this comes with the vision and the mission of our church. I mean, what church who's nine years old gets handed 10 acres and two buildings debt-free? I mean, God just gave it to us. And so us, as a leadership team, are spending our time and our efforts and our energies and our mindsets and our minds meeting very, very regularly talking about how we can use this place to impact our community." [01:04:18] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "So what is our next step? Well, this community is my Jerusalem. That's why our family started FMCC. That's why I got a secular job. That's why our family, our kids, and our kids, and gives above, and the team does that continually. And we do this all because of the why. Because Jesus is our only hope. That is the why. If you want to know what the end goal is, the end game, if you want to know what the finish line is, is that Jesus is our only hope. And we want that 95% that won't step foot inside of this church to know the gospel." [01:09:24] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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