God has called His church to be salt and light in the world. We are not to hide away and keep our beliefs to ourselves. Rather, like Jesus, we are to engage our culture and people with the truth of God's love. In this message, we examine Jesus' teaching on being a courageous influence.
A Church of Courageous Influence
Vision 2012 – Part 5
Life Church St. Louis – February 5, 2012
Pastor Dan Walker
Ephesians 5:8-11 (NIV) For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light … Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.
Romans 1:16 (NIV) I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes ...
1. Stand for _______________
Luke 9:26 (NIV) If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory …
A.Stand for truth __________________
Matthew 5:13a (NIV) You are the salt of the earth.
B. Stand for truth without _________________
Matthew 5:13b (NIV) But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.
2. ____________ for God
Matthew 5:14-15 (NIV) You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
A. Put your love into ______________
Matthew 5:16a (NIV) In the same way, let your light shine before men …
B. Put your ______ into motion
Matthew 5:16 (NIV) … that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
3. ______________ always
2 Timothy 3:12 (NIV) In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,
A. _______________ brings blessing
Matthew 5:11 (NIV) Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
B. Persecution brings ______________
Matthew 5:12 (NIV) Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.