Have you ever wondered if your life has any lasting effect beyond your family? I guarantee that at some point, we’ve all asked ourselves, “Does what I do even matter?” I want to share with you a powerful truth that will not only answer that question but also equip you to make a real difference in the world around you.
The Power of the Gospel
Let’s start with a fundamental truth: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (CSB).” (Hebrews 13:8). This isn’t just a catchy Christian phrase; it’s a profound reality that should shape how we view our mission in this world.
In Luke 10, we see Jesus sending out 72 ordinary people – not the twelve disciples, but regular people like you and me. He gave them extraordinary instructions:
“He told them, “The harvest is abundant, but the workers are few. Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest. Now go; I’m sending you out like lambs among wolves (CSB).” (Luke 10:2-3)
Now, you might be thinking, “That’s great, but that was then. This is now.” Let me stop you right there. If we use that logic, we can’t apply any of the Bible to our lives. The same Jesus who sent out those 72 is sending us out today. Nothing has changed in God’s economy.
The Gospel as a Multi-Tool
To illustrate this point, let’s introduce you to an unlikely object lesson: the zip tie. This simple tool is incredibly versatile. You can bind things together, reinforce weak structures, clear space, and even restrain power. In the same way, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the ultimate multi-tool for our lives and the lives of those around us.
1. Binding People Together
The Gospel has the power to mend relationships, unite divided communities, and bring reconciliation. “For he is our peace, who made both groups one and tore down the dividing wall of hostility (CSB).” (Ephesians 2:14)
2. Reinforcing Weakness
The Gospel strengthens us where we are weak. Paul understood this when he wrote, “For when I am weak, then I am strong (CSB).” (2 Corinthians 12:10) The power of Christ can reinforce areas of our lives that feel fragile or broken.
3. Clearing Space
The Gospel helps us clear out the clutter in our lives. It gives us clarity and purpose. “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you (CSB).” (Matthew 6:33)
4. Restraining Power
The Gospel gives us authority over evil. Remember, ” Look, I have given you the authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy; nothing at all will harm you (CSB).” (Luke 10:19)
Engaging Your Neighbor
Now, you might be wondering, “Who exactly is my neighbor?” Jesus answered this question with the parable of the Good Samaritan. The simple answer is this: your neighbor is whoever crosses your path. It’s the person you encounter in your daily life.
We are called to be carriers of God’s presence, just like those 72 disciples Jesus sent out. We are to take the face of God, His countenance, into the households and lives we touch. This isn’t about grand gestures or becoming famous. It’s about bringing the power of the Gospel into the everyday, messy realities of people’s lives.
Putting It Into Practice
1. Identify Your Neighbors: Make a list of the people you regularly encounter in your daily life.
2. Use Your Authority: Start each day by acknowledging the authority Christ has given you, and look for opportunities to exercise it in love.
3. Enter Their World: Don’t wait for people to come to church. As Jesus instructed, enter homes (lives) and engage with people where they are.
4. Expect Results: Remember, the same power that raised Christ from the dead lives in you. Expect to see lives changed as you share the Gospel.
Remember, friends, we possess inside of us the greatest “vaccine” that will ever exist – one that cures not just temporal ailments, but eternal ones. You carry with you the healing agent for your classroom, your workplace, and your home. But none of it works unless you use it.
So go forth, carrying the power of the Gospel, and engage your neighbor. You are sent, and you carry real tools inside of you. Let’s apply the Gospel to this place and watch as our church, our jobs, our lives, and our community change in ways we couldn’t imagine.
This blog post was adapted by Molly Atkins from ClearView Baptist Church’s sermon by Jason Cruise on September 15. To watch the full sermon, click HERE.
