trampled under-foot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."

  • 2. 1 Pet 2:9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; (NKJ)

  • B. We need to accept the challenge of making a difference in our world
  • 1. That difference must come as we live rooted in and founded on the word of God
  • 2. Christians have been silenced and made to feel unwelcome and unwanted by the world
  • 3. I've got news for you -- you are unwelcome and unwanted by the world, and it probably won't get any better
  • 4. But we cannot let them shut us up, shut us own, shut us out or shut us in

  • C. We must not resort to ungodly actions, but we must continue to show the world that we have answers to the problems plaguing mankind
  • 1. Prime example -- we need to oppose the abortion of unborn children, not because it is politically unacceptable, but because it is morally wrong
  • 2. However, those who advocate killing abortionists are just as wrong as the abortionist are.
  • 3. How can a someone miss this point so drastically?

  • D. We can change the world the same way God's people have always changed the world -- by teaching and preaching the gospel of Jesus and changing the hearts and minds of those who live around us.


II. ACCEPTING THE CHALLENGE OF EVANGELIZING OUR OWN COMMUNITY
  • A. Everywhere I have ever been, most people thought their community was not open to the gospel of Jesus
  • 1. Was that based on the failure of well planned and well financed efforts evangelize the local community? -- No
  • 2. Was it because there was so much opposition or animosity to the church that no one would listen? -- No
  • 3. Not because the people so hated God or his people that they refused to yield to his will?
  • 4. Mostly, it was because the local church simply did not make the effort

  • B. Mark 16:15-16 And He said to them, Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not be
    •