2 Corinthians 5:17-21

Big Idea: We are chosen to carry the message of God’s hope and love to our world.

1. Be Light

Matthew 5:15-16

• Let your message matter more than your opinion

• Let your message matter more than your image

• Let your message match your actions

• Be a light IN the world 

1 Peter 2:12 (The Message)

“Sometimes we make too much of our work, thinking we have to control the outcome. We simply have the opportunity to love a human God created.” - MaryKate Morse.   

2. Be a Bridge

Acts 17: 24-28

“The church is not a place into which people escape from the world, but it is God's bridgehead into the world. Christians are called to live as signposts to the new creation, as the bridge of the Messiah.” - Tom Wright

3. Speak the message

2 Corinthians 4: 5-6

1 Timothy 4:10

2 Cor 5:14-15

“The world needs some good sermon illustrations. That is, we need more people whose lives prove the reality of the Risen Christ. Before people look at Jesus, they look at His followers.” - Mike Glen

Response:

1. Be reconciled to God. 

2. Don’t try to control the outcome. 

3. This week: Be light, build a bridge, and speak when you can.

DISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY

► Connection questions:

1. What are you thankful for?

2. What is a challenge you are facing?

3. How did you do with last week’s “I will” statement?

► Have at least one member of the group restate the passage in their own words

► Individual answers to five questions:

1. What stands out to you?

2. What does this passage tell us about people?

3. What does this passage tell us about God?

4. Based on the passage, what is one thing I could do differently starting now and what would happen if I did? (each person commits to their action for one week using an “I will…” statement)

5. Who are you going to tell about what you discovered? (each person commits to having that conversation before the next meeting)