Embracing Our Call as Friends of Sinners
Summary
In my recent sermon, I focused on the theme of being a "Friend of Sinners," a title that was originally meant to insult Jesus but one that He embraced as a reflection of His mission. I emphasized that Jesus prioritized the lost, leaving the ninety-nine to seek out the one who had strayed. This is a profound demonstration of God's love for each individual, no matter how far they have wandered.
I shared that our calling as followers of Christ is to emulate His love for the lost. We are to go to great lengths to share the transformative love of Jesus with others. I encouraged the congregation to consider how they might share their faith with those around them, reminding them that we are all here because someone shared the love of Jesus with us.
Drawing from Mark 6:34-44, I recounted the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000, highlighting His compassion for the crowd and His directive to the disciples to feed them. This story serves as a model for us to start with the needs we see around us and to use what we have to meet those needs. In doing so, we trust that Jesus will multiply our efforts and work miracles through our obedience.
I urged the congregation to prepare their personal testimonies, consisting of who they were before Christ, how Christ found them, and the change that has occurred since. This testimony is a powerful tool for sharing the gospel. I also encouraged the congregation to make a list of people they could share their story with or invite to church, emphasizing the importance of planning and being intentional in our outreach efforts.
I shared a personal story of a time when our church faced financial hardship, and through prayer and faith, God provided miraculously, affirming our mission to reach the lost. This testimony served as a reminder that God blesses our efforts to share the gospel and meet the needs of others.
In conclusion, I called the congregation to action, to be aware of the needs around them, and to share their story of transformation with others, trusting that God will be with them every step of the way.
Key Takeaways:
- Jesus's embrace of the title "Friend of Sinners" reveals His heart for the lost and His willingness to go to great lengths to reach them. We are called to reflect this same love and dedication in our own lives, seeking out those who are far from God and sharing the hope we have in Christ. [00:30]
- Our personal testimony is a powerful evangelistic tool. It is a narrative of transformation that can resonate with others. By preparing and memorizing our testimony, we are ready to share the hope of Christ at any moment, with anyone we encounter. [19:39]
- Evangelism requires intentionality and planning. Just as Jesus instructed His disciples to organize the crowd into groups before feeding them, we too must be strategic in how we share the gospel and meet the needs of those around us. [17:11]
- Meeting physical needs can open doors for spiritual conversations. When we serve others and address their tangible needs, we demonstrate the love of Christ in a practical way, which can lead to opportunities to share the gospel. [08:40]
- Rejection is not the end of our evangelistic efforts. When we face rejection, we are in good company with Jesus, who was also rejected. We must continue to pray for those who reject the message and trust that the seeds we plant may grow in God's timing. [24:13]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Mark 6:34-44 - The story of Jesus feeding the 5,000, highlighting His compassion and the miracle of multiplication.
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Jesus' reaction when He saw the large crowd in Mark 6:34? How did He respond to their needs?
2. In the story of feeding the 5,000, what did Jesus instruct the disciples to do before distributing the food? ([03:34])
3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of Jesus being called a "Friend of Sinners"? ([00:30])
4. How did the pastor describe the process of meeting needs in the community of Donaldsonville? ([05:56])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus chose to feed the crowd Himself rather than sending them away to find food? What does this tell us about His character and priorities? ([02:59])
2. How can personal testimonies serve as powerful tools for evangelism, according to the sermon? ([19:39])
3. What does the pastor mean when he says, "Meeting physical needs can open doors for spiritual conversations"? How does this principle apply to our daily lives? ([08:40])
4. The pastor mentioned that rejection is not the end of our evangelistic efforts. How should we respond to rejection when sharing our faith? ([24:13])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt lost or far from God. How did someone’s outreach or testimony impact your journey back to faith? ([01:45])
2. The pastor encouraged preparing and memorizing our personal testimonies. Have you written down your testimony? If not, what steps can you take this week to do so? ([19:39])
3. Think about the needs you see around you daily. What is one practical way you can start meeting those needs this week, trusting that Jesus will multiply your efforts? ([04:12])
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of intentionality and planning in evangelism. What is one specific plan you can make to share your faith with someone this month? ([17:11])
5. The pastor shared a story about facing financial hardship and seeing God provide miraculously. How can this story encourage you to trust God in your current challenges? ([27:25])
6. Identify one person in your life who is far from God. How can you intentionally reach out to them this week, either by sharing your testimony or inviting them to church? ([19:39])
7. The pastor mentioned creating homeless care packs as a way to meet needs. What is one tangible way you can prepare to serve others in your community this month? ([08:40])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing the Heart for the Lost
Jesus's example shows a deep compassion for those who are far from God, a compassion that is not deterred by societal norms or the judgments of others. He sought out the marginalized and the sinners, not to condone their actions, but to offer them a path to redemption and a place in His kingdom. This same compassion is what should drive believers to look beyond the surface and see the potential for transformation in every individual. It's a call to action, to step out of comfort zones and reach out to those who are often overlooked or shunned, offering them the hope and love that can only be found in Christ. [00:30]
"But when he heard it, he said, 'Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.'" - Matthew 9:12-13 ESV
Reflection: Who in your life might be feeling overlooked or marginalized that you can reach out to with the love and compassion of Jesus this week?
Day 2: The Power of a Personal Testimony
A personal testimony is not just a story; it's a witness to the life-changing power of Christ. It's a narrative that speaks to the heart of the listener, offering a glimpse into the transformative work of God in a person's life. This testimony can bridge gaps, connect on a personal level, and provide a relatable example of God's love in action. By preparing and knowing one's testimony, believers are equipped to share the gospel in a way that is both authentic and impactful. It's a reminder that everyone has a story worth sharing, and that story could be the key that unlocks faith in someone else's heart. [19:39]
"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death." - Revelation 12:11 ESV
Reflection: Can you identify the key moments in your spiritual journey that you can share as part of your testimony to encourage someone who might be struggling with faith?
Day 3: Intentionality in Evangelism
Strategic planning in evangelism is not about manipulating outcomes but about being thoughtful and purposeful in how one shares the gospel. It's about seeing the opportunities that God places in one's path and being prepared to act on them. Just as Jesus organized the crowd to ensure that everyone was fed, believers are called to organize their efforts to ensure that the message of Christ is heard. This requires prayer, reflection, and a willingness to step out in faith, trusting that God will guide each step and multiply the efforts put forth. [17:11]
"For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?" - Luke 14:28 ESV
Reflection: What is one step you can take this week to be more intentional about sharing your faith with others?
Day 4: Serving Others Opens Doors
Meeting the physical needs of others is not just an act of kindness; it's a ministry that paves the way for deeper connections and spiritual conversations. When believers serve, they emulate the love and compassion of Christ, showing others that they are valued and cared for. This service can break down barriers and open hearts to the message of the gospel. It's a reminder that the love of Christ is not just something to be talked about but something to be lived out in practical, tangible ways. [08:40]
"But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him?" - 1 John 3:17 ESV
Reflection: What is one practical way you can meet a need in your community this week as a demonstration of Christ's love?
Day 5: Perseverance in the Face of Rejection
Rejection is an inevitable part of sharing the gospel, but it is not a sign to give up. Instead, it is an opportunity to trust in God's timing and to continue to pray for those who have not yet accepted the message. Jesus Himself faced rejection, yet He continued His ministry with unwavering dedication. Believers are called to do the same, planting seeds of faith that may one day take root and grow, even if they do not see the immediate results. It's a call to faithfulness and perseverance, knowing that the outcome is in God's hands. [24:13]
"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." - Galatians 6:9 ESV
Reflection: How can you continue to show love and pray for someone who has rejected the gospel message, trusting that God will work in their heart in His perfect timing?
Quotes
1) "God loves the one who is lost that's his priority... he's looking for the one that is lost. God loves the lost and... he will go to extravagant lengths to woo him back to you. So how do we share Jesus... with others? We're all here today because someone told you about the love of Jesus Christ... so today it's your turn to go for the one that is lost." [01:45]
2) "Your story is enough and it's worth sharing. Everyone in here has a story about how Jesus came into their life... But what we have to do is we have to make a plan. Make a plan to share our story... Jesus knew that food would never get distributed to all without a plan. We need to make a plan, we need to prioritize sharing Jesus as people of God." [17:11]
3) "When they started passing it out they just trusted that it would be enough and that God would do a miracle. We must be active in sharing in Christ, not passive... Trust what you have and that God is enough. We can't save anyone, all we can do is pray and trust that God can use what we say and do to touch someone's heart." [24:13]
4) "Meeting the need and Jesus will meet you. Whenever you give a little something to a homeless person or you do something on behalf of the church... you are meeting the felt need of that person at that time and that is so important. In fact, it's so important when you meet the need, you will meet Jesus because Jesus is there where the need is." [04:43]
5) "We have to reach the lost for Jesus Christ, that's our mandate, that's our order that Jesus gave us... He says go and make disciples of all Nations baptize them in the name of the father Son and Holy Spirit and I will be with you to the end of the age. That wasn't a suggestion or a recommendation when your calendar clears up, that was a mandate, an order." [11:35]
6) "It's amazing what you can do when you're called by God's grace. I was working all day and pretty much working full-time at the church as well but God's grace empowered us to do what needed to be done and for two years we were there consistently day in and day out meeting the needs of the community." [08:09]
7) "If you have your testimony memorized, you can share it at any moment with anyone. Make a list of people to talk to or invite to church... if you have your testimony memorized, it doesn't have to be perfect, just needs to be your story. Remember, your story is worth sharing, people need to hear it, people need to hear the saving transformation of Jesus Christ." [19:39]
8) "By the end of that week, we got a letter from that man addressed to the church and I opened it up and it was $5,000. Within a week of that, we got another check for $50,000 and we're here today because God moves. God cares for the lost and as people of God... we have to become a people that are willing to step out in faith, that are willing to share our story." [29:23]
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