What is the world hearing from you?

Pastor Troy Murphy posed that question during his message on Sunday, March 31, part of the ‘Can You Hear Me Now?' sermon series.

In John 17 Jesus said that he was leaving his followers in the world for a purpose to share the good news. Here are key points from Troy’s message:

*There are people who are dedicated to religion rather than a relationship with Christ. They can go through spiritual motions and adorn themselves to look spiritual.

But if Jesus is truly in their heart there will be evidence of fruit in their life -- Galatians 5 fruit includes love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

*Adversity reveals the nature of who we are. When the world falls apart around us, it starts to reveal either Christ in us or fear and apathy.

*How does the world find out about Jesus? It boils down to Jesus in you. What does the world see in you?

*There is a transformational process that happens when someone gives their life to Christ. You don’t have to walk around in guilt and shame based on what you are or aren’t doing. We often feel like we are failures or don't get it right. But the beauty is Jesus has made us right.

*If you’ve given your life to Christ you are salt and light (Matthew 5: 13-16). God is in us so that we might be salt and light to a world that needs it, that’s thirsty for it.

*Salt comes out of a life that is in relationship with Jesus. Salt preserves food and adds flavor. It creates a thirst. Salt is not piled together on your plate but spread out to be most effective. In the same way Christians shouldn’t huddle together but spread out into the world sharing the good news.

*Light comes out of a life that is in relationship with Jesus. Light illuminates and allows us to see what’s ahead. Light should not be for our glory but should shine on Jesus. Our light should be seen like a city set on a hill.

*You should not hide your faith. People don’t light a lamp and put it under a bowl. You don’t cover a light. There should be no such thing as an undercover Christian. Faith was meant to be shared, not kept to yourself.

*If we want to be part of God’s work, does the world hear you, see you and taste the flavor of Jesus in your life?

*God is changing us and strategically placing us. As you see adversity in your life, sometimes God is placing you there for a purpose.

*Jesus crossed over to other side of the Sea of Galilee, even though that was known for its pagan worship practices. In the same way we need to model what Jesus did and  cross over and enter into a world that can be anti-Christian. You were created to cross over into the world and spread the good news.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

*How can you be salt and light in your daily life?

*What would crossing over to the other side of Sea of Galilee practically look like in your life?

*What are some obstacles to sharing your faith with others?

*What is the world hearing from you?