Summary
In this final sermon of the Awakening series, Pastor Chris discusses Presence Church's fourth value: "We are determined to make a difference in our city." He emphasizes the tension between being dedicated to one another within the church community while also maintaining an outward focus to reach the 95% of San Jose residents who don't have a relationship with Jesus. Pastor Chris explains that churches often decline when they become inwardly focused "holy huddles" rather than maintaining open doors and actively engaging with their communities.
Using examples from Jesus's ministry and Martin Luther King Jr.'s life, Pastor Chris illustrates how extending a hand to meet practical needs opens hearts to receive the gospel. He encourages the congregation to discover their unique calling by identifying their passions, recognizing problems that keep them awake at night, and looking for opportunities to make a difference. The sermon concludes with an invitation to serve within the church or in the broader community, emphasizing that every contribution matters in shaping the city for Christ.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather today to discuss how we can make a difference in our city, we invite Your wisdom and guidance. Open our hearts to hear what You want to say to each of us personally. Help us to see beyond our comfort zones and recognize the unique ways You've equipped us to serve. May this discussion not just be informative but transformative, leading us to action that reflects Your love for our community. Give us courage to extend our hands as Jesus did, that we might touch hearts with Your gospel. In Jesus' name, amen.
Ice Breaker
If you could solve one problem in our city overnight, what would it be and why?
Key Verses
Luke 15:4-7
Acts 2:42-47
James 1:27
Psalm 68:5-6
Questions
Pastor Chris talked about the tension between being dedicated to one another and determined to make a difference in our city. How have you experienced this tension in your own spiritual journey?
The sermon mentioned that Jesus "extended a hand to touch a heart." Can you share a time when someone extended practical help to you that opened your heart in a meaningful way?
95% of San Jose residents don't have a relationship with Jesus. How does that statistic make you feel, and how might it influence your actions?
Pastor Chris said, "We are not called to be attorneys for Jesus, but witnesses." What's the difference, and how might this change your approach to sharing your faith?
What are you most passionate about? If money were no object, what would you give your life to?
What problem in our world keeps you up at night? What bothers you the most about our community or society?
What opportunities are in front of you right now to help solve or improve these problems you care about?
How might your workplace or neighborhood be a mission field where you can make a difference, even without explicitly talking about Jesus at first?
Life Application
This week, identify one specific way you can extend a hand to touch a heart in your sphere of influence. It could be at work, in your neighborhood, or with someone you encounter regularly. Choose something practical and doable - buying coffee for a coworker, helping a neighbor with yard work, or volunteering for a community need. As you do this, pray for the person or people you're serving, asking God to open doors for deeper connection. Keep a journal of what happens and be prepared to share with the group next time how this small act of service impacted both you and the recipient.
Key Takeaways
Churches decline when they become inwardly focused "holy huddles" rather than maintaining an outward focus on those who don't yet know Jesus.
Jesus always extended a hand (met practical needs) to touch a heart (create openness to the gospel) - we should follow this model.
We are called to be witnesses for Jesus, not attorneys - sharing our experience of Him rather than arguing for Him.
Making a difference in your workplace or community is a spiritual activity, not separate from your faith.
Everyone has a unique contribution to make in shaping our city - no act of service is too small to matter.
Ending Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for the privilege of being Your hands and feet in our city. We confess that sometimes we get comfortable in our church community and forget about the 950,000 people in San Jose who don't know You. Forgive us for our inward focus and renew in us a passion for those outside our walls. Help us to discover and use our unique gifts to make a difference. Give us courage to extend our hands in practical service so that hearts might be opened to Your gospel. May we be known not for what we're against, but for how we love our city well. As we go from this place, empower us by Your Spirit to be city shapers who bring Your light into dark places. In Your name we pray, amen.
