Transformative Love: A Call to Action and Dignity
Summary
It's a joy to gather together and break away from the routine of a typical Sunday. Today, I want to share a bit about my journey and the work we do through Streetlight, an award-winning charity that supports women involved in prostitution and those who have been sex trafficked in the UK. Our mission is to bring worth, value, and dignity to every woman we encounter, inspired by the parable of the shepherd who left the 99 to find the one lost sheep. This work is deeply personal, and it's about more than just statistics; it's about individual lives transformed by love and hope.
Our charity was one of 34 to receive a special award from the Queen for our response during the pandemic, which was nothing short of miraculous. We tripled our services and volunteers, demonstrating that a simple "yes" to Jesus can lead to extraordinary outcomes. We believe that prostitution is a form of violence against women, and we are committed to changing the narrative and the laws surrounding it. Our work is not just about rescuing women but also about addressing the root causes, including the demand side of the industry.
As we delve into Matthew 5, we are reminded that we are the light of the world. Our good deeds should shine brightly, not to earn salvation, but as a reflection of the transformation we've experienced through Christ. Love, at its core, is sacrificial. It calls us to lay down our lives, our comforts, and our priorities for the sake of others. This is not a call to an easy life but to a life of purpose and impact.
In our home, love has looked like opening our doors to those in need—an alcoholic, a single mother, an anorexic girl, and a refugee. Each story is a testament to the power of love and the presence of God in our everyday lives. Love is not just a feeling; it is an action, a commitment to see others through the eyes of Jesus. As we love the least of these, we love Christ himself.
Key Takeaways:
- The Power of a Simple Yes: Saying yes to Jesus can lead to extraordinary outcomes beyond our imagination. Our charity's growth during the pandemic is a testament to how God can multiply our efforts when we step out in faith. [41:40]
- Prostitution as Violence: Prostitution is not empowerment; it is a form of violence against women. Our mission is to change this narrative and bring justice into our legal system, aligning with the UN's declaration on this issue. [43:42]
- Being the Light of the World: As followers of Christ, we are called to let our light shine through our good deeds, reflecting the transformation we've experienced. This is not about earning salvation but living out our faith authentically. [54:13]
- Sacrificial Love: True love is sacrificial, requiring us to lay down our lives and priorities for others. This is not a burden but a privilege, as we serve the King of Kings and reflect His love to the world. [59:14]
- Love in Action: Love must be tangible and real, demonstrated through our actions and commitments. Whether it's opening our home or providing a bunk bed for a child, love looks like something specific and meaningful. [01:34:32]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[40:02] - Introduction to Streetlight
[41:40] - The Power of a Simple Yes
[43:42] - Prostitution as Violence
[44:47] - Success and Transformation
[45:34] - What Does Love Look Like?
[46:32] - Training and Equipping
[47:31] - Stories of Transformation
[49:18] - The Reality of the Sex Industry
[50:33] - Unconditional Love
[51:59] - Turning to Scripture
[54:13] - Being the Light of the World
[58:07] - The Fruit of Love is Sacrifice
[59:14] - Sacrificial Love
[01:01:18] - Privilege of Serving the King
[01:03:56] - Love One Another as I Have Loved You
[01:05:29] - Sacrifice and Cost
[01:07:39] - The Narrow Way
[01:09:36] - Laying Down What We Love
[01:11:27] - The Alabaster Jar
[01:12:48] - Real Love in Action
[01:14:40] - The Presence of God
[01:17:19] - Collective Will for Change
[01:18:52] - Love in the Home
[01:21:09] - The Fear of the Lord
[01:22:22] - Radical Transformation
[01:24:58] - Long-term Commitment
[01:27:42] - A Mighty Warrior in Prayer
[01:29:33] - Love the One in Front of You
[01:30:48] - Jesus Takes It Personally
[01:32:58] - Cry Out for Revival
[01:34:32] - Love Looks Like a Bunk Bed
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Matthew 5:14-16
- Matthew 25:40
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Observation Questions:
1. What is the significance of being the "light of the world" as described in Matthew 5:14-16? How does this relate to the work of Streetlight? [54:13]
2. How did the speaker describe the impact of saying a simple "yes" to Jesus, and what were the outcomes during the pandemic for the charity? [41:40]
3. What are some of the challenges and realities faced by women involved in prostitution, as shared in the sermon? [49:18]
4. How does the speaker illustrate sacrificial love through personal stories shared in the sermon? [01:18:52]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the concept of being the "light of the world" challenge believers to live out their faith in practical ways? How might this look in everyday life? [54:13]
2. The sermon mentions that love is not just a feeling but an action. How does this align with the biblical understanding of love, particularly in the context of Matthew 25:40? [01:29:33]
3. The speaker discusses the idea of sacrificial love. How does this concept challenge common perceptions of love in today's society? [59:14]
4. How does the speaker's work with Streetlight reflect the biblical call to care for "the least of these," and what implications does this have for the church today? [01:30:48]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you said "yes" to Jesus. What were the outcomes, and how did it impact your faith journey? [41:40]
2. Consider the idea of being the "light of the world." What specific actions can you take this week to let your light shine in your community? [54:13]
3. The sermon highlights the importance of addressing root causes of issues like prostitution. How can you contribute to changing narratives or systems in your community that perpetuate injustice? [43:42]
4. Sacrificial love was a key theme in the sermon. Identify one area in your life where you can practice sacrificial love this week. What might that look like in practical terms? [59:14]
5. The speaker shared personal stories of opening their home to those in need. Is there a way you can extend hospitality or support to someone in your life who might be struggling? [01:18:52]
6. Reflect on the statement that love is an action. What is one tangible way you can demonstrate love to someone who may not expect it from you? [01:34:32]
7. How can the church collectively work towards being a voice for change in societal issues, as suggested in the sermon? What role can you play in this effort? [01:17:19]
Devotional
Day 1: The Transformative Power of Saying Yes to Jesus
When we say "yes" to Jesus, we open ourselves to the possibility of extraordinary outcomes that go beyond our imagination. This is not just about personal transformation but also about the impact we can have on the world around us. The charity Streetlight, which supports women involved in prostitution and those who have been sex trafficked, is a testament to this truth. During the pandemic, their services and volunteers tripled, demonstrating how a simple act of faith can lead to miraculous growth and change. This is a reminder that when we step out in faith, God can multiply our efforts in ways we never thought possible. [41:40]
"Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen." (Ephesians 3:20-21, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you feel God is calling you to say "yes"? How can you take a step of faith today to respond to that call?
Day 2: Prostitution as a Form of Violence
Prostitution is often mischaracterized as empowerment, but it is, in fact, a form of violence against women. This perspective aligns with the UN's declaration on the issue and is central to the mission of Streetlight. The charity is committed to changing the narrative and advocating for justice in the legal system. This involves not only rescuing women but also addressing the root causes, including the demand side of the industry. By understanding prostitution as violence, we can work towards a society that values and protects the dignity of every individual. [43:42]
"Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy." (Proverbs 31:8-9, ESV)
Reflection: How can you use your voice to advocate for those who are marginalized and oppressed in your community? What practical steps can you take to support organizations working towards justice?
Day 3: Shining as the Light of the World
As followers of Christ, we are called to be the light of the world, letting our good deeds shine brightly as a reflection of the transformation we've experienced through Him. This is not about earning salvation but living out our faith authentically. Our actions should be a testament to the love and hope we have found in Christ, inspiring others to seek the same transformation. By being the light, we can bring hope and healing to a world in need. [54:13]
"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." (Matthew 5:14-15, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you let your light shine in your daily interactions? How can your actions reflect the love and hope of Christ to those around you?
Day 4: The Privilege of Sacrificial Love
True love is sacrificial, requiring us to lay down our lives and priorities for the sake of others. This is not a burden but a privilege, as we serve the King of Kings and reflect His love to the world. Sacrificial love is about putting others before ourselves and being willing to give up our comforts for their well-being. It is a call to live a life of purpose and impact, following the example of Christ who laid down His life for us. [59:14]
"By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers." (1 John 3:16, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life is God calling you to love sacrificially? What specific actions can you take to demonstrate this love today?
Day 5: Love in Action
Love must be tangible and real, demonstrated through our actions and commitments. It is not just a feeling but a commitment to see others through the eyes of Jesus. Whether it's opening our home to those in need or providing a bunk bed for a child, love looks like something specific and meaningful. By putting love into action, we can make a significant impact in the lives of those around us and reflect the heart of Christ to the world. [01:34:32]
"Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth." (1 John 3:18, ESV)
Reflection: What is one practical way you can show love to someone in need today? How can you make love a tangible and real part of your daily life?
Quotes
Your simple yes to Jesus can produce far more than you realize. It really can. So we are one of 34 charities that got a special award from the Queen. Out of all the tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands of charities, we're one of 34 that got a special award from the Queen. Because of the response to the pandemic. And I have to say, where did that response come from? Straight from heaven. Because I was on my knees. God, what do I do? [00:42:01] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
We believe that prostitution. Same as the UN declaration, actually, that it's a form of violence against women. It's not sexual entrepreneurs. It's not empowerment. It's not legitimate work. It's not any of those things that you'll hear. It is a form of violence against women at its core. Some would call it rape every time money is handed over. Because it's not consensual. If there's a transaction and wherever there's money handed over, there is an empower. There's a power imbalance. [00:44:16] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
You are the light of the world a town built on a hill cannot be hidden neither do people light a lamp and put a light on it put it under a bowl instead they put it on its stand and it gives light to everyone in the house in the same way let your light shine before others that they may see your good deeds and glorify your father in heaven the world needs to see our good deeds and Jesus said that this is not good deeds that earn salvation these are good deeds that spring out of salvation amen [00:54:13] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
The fruit of love is sacrifice. Wild horses won't keep you young men from the love of your life. Ain't no mountain high enough, ain't no valley low enough to keep me from you. What we love, we love, we sacrifice for. We sacrifice. We give our time, we give our money, we give our energy, our thoughts, our effort towards what we love in this life. [00:57:47] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Jesus said, if anyone is to be my disciple, he must do what? Deny himself, follow him, lay down his life. This was not a call to an easy life. It was a narrow, narrow way. Jesus says, weigh up the cost. Work it out. Can we afford that bathroom? You work it out. Can we afford to do the garden? Jesus said, work it out. Weigh up the cost. Are you willing to give what it's going to cost to be my disciple? [00:59:46] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
God offers us a place to be. He often asks us for the thing we love the most to lay it down. You look at Abraham with Isaac. Lay it down. Lay it down, Isaac. I need to know you love me more. Hannah, give me a son, Lord, and I'll give him to you. So she sacrifices Samuel, the son. Why? Because it wasn't so much about her son. It was about the honor and the shame of barrenness that she was experiencing. [01:09:51] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
When Jesus walks in the room and we're the carriers of his presence, the more we surrender and yield to him, the more of his presence flows out of our lives and things just happen. The men on our perpetrator course, they just break down and cry. Under the anointing of God, you're doing the stuff, but there's always a but, isn't there? There's more. [01:15:21] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
During COVID lockdown, isn't it interesting? Within three weeks, we eradicated homelessness in this country. Why? Because the government deemed there was a collective will that it's morally wrong in a global pandemic to have anybody exposed to this on the street. So they housed them. They put them in Butlin's holiday camps. They put them in travel lodges. They put them in premier lodges, in hotels. They got them off the street. They eradicated it overnight. [01:17:37] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Whatever you did to one of the least of these brothers and sisters, Jesus takes it personally. He takes it as family. The people he died for, the world, they're not yet true children of God, but he considers them. He died for them, as much as for you and I. Amen. He said, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, here it is, you did it to me. [01:31:00] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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