Matthew 5:14-16; Acts 2:46-47; 5:13

Introduction:

1. The next few discussions will focus on several key elements in the congregational plan to maximize our opportunities to take the gospel to our community.

2. We will work from the broader to the more specific in these steps, with these first two being two sides of the same coin.

Discussion:

I. Putting The Lamp on the Stand

A. You would be amazed how many people in various towns and cities where the Lord’s church meets have no idea about the church, often not even its existence.

B. The presence of a building in a town with so many others does little to draw attention.

C. To fulfill the commission, we must increase the church’s visibility; put another way, we must remove the basket and put our lamp on the lampstand (Matthew 5:14-16).

II. Shining the Pure Light

A. Greater visibility brings about greater scrutiny, so the greater our success in getting the church’s name into the community, the more critical guarding our character is.

B. Notice a sample of what the New Covenant has to say in this vein.

1. The light Jesus prompted us to shine is the good deeds God created us in Him to live out (Matthew 5:16; cf. Ephesians 2:10; Philippians 2:15-16).

2. Peter enjoined good conduct to prompt outsiders to glorify God (1 Peter 2:11-12).

3. Paul warned that failure to live Christ-likeness sullies God’s name (Romans 2:23-24).

III. Opening Doors

A. If we aggressively pursue opportunities to put the church’s name before the public, and if we display genuine Christ-centered lives, the doors will be opened.

B. The early church repeatedly proved this and grew greatly (Acts 2:47; 4:21; 5:13).

Conclusion:

1. If we are to take seriously the great commission, we must broaden our footprint.

2. When we do, we must meticulously guard our character to bring glory to His name.

3. If we do, doors will open, and God will supply all that we need to thrive in the work.

Further Food for Thought

1. What are some ways you can think that we can increase our exposure in the community?

2. How can we better prepare to handle the increased activity such exposure will bring?

3. Are you praying consistently about these matters? If not, will you start now?