STORY: Reach | Matthew 5:14-16
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Reach – Sermon Notes
Welcome, Church Family!
Below are my sermon notes from this week’s message, “Reach,” for you to read, reflect, and apply throughout the week. May these words equip and encourage you as you watch or catch up on the service video above.
Opening Prayer
Before diving into God’s Word, let’s open our hearts. Some of us arrived tired or distracted, and others might not even be sure why we’re here today. But I’m grateful we all are. My prayer is that God will meet each of us right where we are and show us what He wants us to see.
The Journey Begins with Relationships
Many years ago, shortly after beginning to truly follow Jesus, I went on a mission trip to New York City. There, I met a woman named Amy Hall. There was something unforgettable about her—her faith was evident, and every story she shared pointed naturally to Jesus.
Even in a room full of passionate believers, Amy stood out. When we returned home, I invited her for coffee. I was nervous, unsure what to say, worried about awkward silence. But I wanted to know how her relationship with Jesus was so vibrant.
Amy wasn’t the only one who made me curious about a deeper walk with Christ. Others have inspired me since then. The way Amy lived—especially how she treated people, even strangers—made her faith so compelling even before she spoke a word.
Our Series: STORY
We’re now in week 4 of our “STORY” series. If you’ve missed a week, here’s a quick recap:
S is for Share:
Question: Do I belong here?
Takeaway: The church is my family.
T is for Trust:
Question: Who is Jesus to me?
Takeaway: Jesus is the hero of my story.
O is for Offer:
Question: How do I expect God to use me inside the church?
Takeaway: I am a ministry doer.
Last week, I shared that the good works God calls you to are not meant to be private. They are visible demonstrations of the God we belong to, for a watching world.
This Week: R is for Reach
Big Question: How is my life compelling to others?
By the end of today, I hope you’ll say, “I pursue relationships for the good of God’s kingdom.”
When we hear the word “evangelism,” some of us feel uneasy. Take a deep breath. Today isn’t just about sharing a script—it’s about sharing your life.
Scripture Focus: Matthew 5:14-16
“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. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
Jesus calls us the light, right now—not someday when we’re “good enough.” Just like a city on a hill can’t be hidden, your faith will be seen whether you plan it or not.
Living a Compelling, Visible Faith
We often worry that we need a perfect plan or special training to talk about Jesus. But being compelling isn’t about perfect words—it’s about the visible shape of your life:
How you treat coworkers or classmates.
How you respond to conflict or hardship.
How you love and show up for those different from you.
A compelling faith isn’t just how you treat those who agree with you. It’s how you interact with those who don’t—the ones who live or believe differently, or are just messy in different ways.
Just as some are drawn to cities like New York because of their brokenness, we are called to move toward the mess, not away from it. The darkness is where the light is needed the most.
Practical Steps: How to Reach Others
Pray:
Ask God to put one person on your heart—a neighbor, coworker, or family member. Pray for them by name all week.
Pursue:
Find a simple, genuine way to serve or bless that person this week. Bring a meal, offer a treat, invite them for coffee, or simply ask about their life. Stay curious about them—try to ask at least four questions before sharing about yourself.
Invite:
Extend an invitation. This could be to church, your small group, lunch, or a coffee date—anything that leaves the door open, with no strings attached.
As you do these things, watch for opportunities God opens for you to gently share how He has made a difference in your life.
Small Moments Matter
Reaching others doesn’t always mean big moments or perfect words. Sometimes it’s as simple as mentioning, “I’ve had peace I can’t explain,” or, “I’ve been turning to Jesus about this.” These lines can spark curiosity about your faith. Ask God for open doors, and be willing to walk through them.
Who Is Your One?
As you watched today’s service or read these notes, perhaps God has placed someone in your life on your heart. Write their name down—pray for them, pursue them, invite them. If you’re unsure who, carry the question with you and keep asking God to show you.
Opportunity: New York City Mission Trip
We’re exploring a mission trip to New York City next summer, partnering with Spread Truth Ministries. This is a unique chance to serve, be trained, and practice sharing your faith in a city with great need. If you sense God nudging you, reach out—details are in the bulletin and on the slide above.
Closing Thoughts
My friend Amy’s faith was compelling because she lived it authentically. Someone is watching your life, perhaps feeling what I felt seeing Amy—they want what you have, even if they can’t articulate why.
Let’s be people who reach out. Pray for your “one” this week. Look for a chance to bless them, pursue a genuine relationship, and invite them in.
Our key sentence:
I pursue relationships for the good of God’s kingdom.
Let’s pray together for courage and opportunity to let our lights shine.
Blessings
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Overview
This discussion guide is designed to help your group reflect on how to live a compelling Christian life that reaches others for the sake of God's kingdom, as outlined in the sermon. The focus aligns with the Evangelical Covenant Order of Presbyterians’ emphasis on Scripture, Christ-centered living, relational evangelism, and participating in God’s mission.
Opening Prayer
Begin your time together in prayer, asking God to open your hearts and minds to His Word and to the needs of those around you.
Icebreaker
Share about someone in your life whose faith was so compelling that it made you curious to know more about Jesus.
Scripture Reading
Read aloud Matthew 5:14-16 and Colossians 4:2-6.
Matthew 5:14-16:
"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. In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."
Colossians 4:2-6 (summarized):
Devote yourselves to prayer, be watchful and thankful, and pray for God to open a door for the message. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders, make the most of every opportunity, and let your conversation always be full of grace.
Discussion Questions
1. Understanding Compelling Faith
The sermon described a Christian whose faith was naturally woven into everything she did and said: “Everything she said, every story somehow pointed back to Jesus Christ, and she never once seemed to be trying to make that happen. It just naturally happened.”
Question:
What do you think makes a Christian life “compelling” to others?
Can a life that points to Jesus be quietly influential, or does it always require direct conversation?
2. Being the Light
“God isn't waiting on you to become the light. He already calls you the light.”
How do you respond to the idea that being a light is about who you are in Christ, not something you manufacture or earn?
What holds you back from letting your light shine? Is it fear, insecurity, or something else?
3. Sharing Your Life vs. Sharing a Script
The sermon said, “Compelling was never about the speech. It was about the hill. It was about people seeing the lives you're living whether you want them to or not.”
How does the idea of evangelism as sharing your life (not just sharing information) change the way you think about reaching others?
4. Serving and Blessing Others
“The measure this week, how will we know our lives are compelling? When you can say, I serve and bless at least one person a day.”
What are some ordinary ways you can serve or bless someone this week?
How does this reflect the teaching and life of Jesus?
5. Practical Application: Prayer, Pursuit, and Invitation
The sermon challenged listeners to: Pray for one person, pursue one person, and invite them into your life or faith community.
Is there someone God is putting on your heart right now?
What would it look like to intentionally pray for, bless, and invite them this week?
What obstacles do you anticipate, and how can your group encourage each other?
6. Grace-Filled Conversation
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt.”
Why is grace important when we interact with people who believe or live differently than we do?
How can you “season” your conversations with the gospel without forcing it?
7. Going Towards the Mess
“It's going towards the mess. It's going towards the darkness. Because darkness is what needs the light.”
What does it mean in your context to move toward people and places that need the hope of Jesus?
Are there specific places or communities God might be calling you to engage?
8. Missional Living and Next Steps
“You don't need a title for that. You don't need to work at the church. You don't even need training for that… You just need to have the willingness to notice the person in front of you long enough to do something for them.”
Discuss practical next steps.
Who are you praying for?
What will you do this week to serve or bless someone?
How can your group hold each other accountable?
Closing
Reflect together: “I pursue relationships for the good of God's kingdom.”
Pray that God would give each person one to reach, and the courage to shine Christ’s light in their sphere of influence.
End with the prayer from the sermon:
“Lord, we ask that you give us one person to bless this week, one person to pray for, and give us the courage to let them see you in us. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.”
Optional: Further Action
Consider joining or supporting a local or international outreach or mission team.
Encourage participants to share stories next week of how God opened doors with their “one.”