People's Church

1. Pray for God to open doors to share Jesus

Colossians 4:3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may

proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. (NIV)

3 Reasons People Miss Open Doors

1. People think open doors are for others but not for them

Matthew 5:14–15   “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15  No

one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives

light to everyone in the house. (NLT)

Mark 16:15 And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. (NLT)

2. People get so consumed with their life

3. People get so focused on earth they lose sight of heaven

Philippians 1:21–24   For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. 22  But if I live, I can

do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better. 23  I’m torn between two desires: I

long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. 24  But for your sakes, it is better that I

continue to live. (NLT)

2. Pray I am clear as I share my faith

Colossians 4:4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. (NIV)

1. Clearly know what lost people are thinking

Colossians 4:5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. (NIV)

Proverbs 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise. (NKJV)

4 Discoveries About Lost People

1. Most people have a wrong picture of God

2. Most people have a wrong picture of Christians

3. Most people want to know God. But they don’t know that they want to know God.

4. Most people will come to church on Easter if they are asked

2. Clearly build relationships and maximize opportunities

Colossians 4:5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity (NIV)

3. Clearly share your story

Colossians 4:6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know

how to answer everyone. (NIV)

Colossians 4:6   Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response

for everyone. (NLT)

Psalm 66:5   Come and see what our God has done, what awesome miracles he performs for

people! (NLT)

John 1:39 “Come and see,” he said. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon when they went

with him to the place where he was staying, and they remained with him the rest of the day.

(NLT)

John 4:29   “Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could he possibly be the

Messiah?” (NLT)

John 4:39–42 Many Samaritans from the village believed in Jesus because the woman had said,

“He told me everything I ever did!” 40  When they came out to see him, they begged him to stay in

their village. So he stayed for two days, 41  long enough for many more to hear his message and

believe. 42  Then they said to the woman, “Now we believe, not just because of what you told us,

but because we have heard him ourselves. Now we know that he is indeed the Savior of the

world.” (NLT)

1. Pray for God to open doors to share Jesus

Colossians 4:3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may

proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. (NIV)

3 Reasons People Miss Open Doors

1. People think open doors are for others but not for them

Matthew 5:14–15   “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15  No

one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives

light to everyone in the house. (NLT)

Mark 16:15 And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. (NLT)

2. People get so consumed with their life

3. People get so focused on earth they lose sight of heaven

Philippians 1:21–24   For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. 22  But if I live, I can

do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better. 23  I’m torn between two desires: I

long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. 24  But for your sakes, it is better that I

continue to live. (NLT)

2. Pray I am clear as I share my faith

Colossians 4:4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. (NIV)

1. Clearly know what lost people are thinking

Colossians 4:5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. (NIV)

Proverbs 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise. (NKJV)

4 Discoveries About Lost People

1. Most people have a wrong picture of God

2. Most people have a wrong picture of Christians

3. Most people want to know God. But they don’t know that they want to know God.

4. Most people will come to church on Easter if they are asked

2. Clearly build relationships and maximize opportunities

Colossians 4:5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity (NIV)

3. Clearly share your story

Colossians 4:6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know

how to answer everyone. (NIV)

Colossians 4:6   Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response

for everyone. (NLT)

Psalm 66:5   Come and see what our God has done, what awesome miracles he performs for

people! (NLT)

John 1:39 “Come and see,” he said. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon when they went

with him to the place where he was staying, and they remained with him the rest of the day.

(NLT)

John 4:29   “Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could he possibly be the

Messiah?” (NLT)

John 4:39–42 Many Samaritans from the village believed in Jesus because the woman had said,

“He told me everything I ever did!” 40  When they came out to see him, they begged him to stay in

their village. So he stayed for two days, 41  long enough for many more to hear his message and

believe. 42  Then they said to the woman, “Now we believe, not just because of what you told us,

but because we have heard him ourselves. Now we know that he is indeed the Savior of the

world.” (NLT)

“NO CROWN”

John 3:22-30 (NIV)

“After this, Jesus and his disciples went out into the Judean countryside, where he spent some time with them, and baptized. Now John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people were coming and being baptized. (This was before John was put in prison.) An argument developed between some of John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the matter of ceremonial washing. They came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified about—look, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him.” To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’ The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. He must become greater; I must become less.””

Revelation 4:9-11 (NIV)

“Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.””

CRITICISM

REJECTION

ADVICE

PRAISE

“NO CROWN”

John 3:22-30 (NIV)

“After this, Jesus and his disciples went out into the Judean countryside, where he spent some time with them, and baptized. Now John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people were coming and being baptized. (This was before John was put in prison.) An argument developed between some of John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the matter of ceremonial washing. They came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified about—look, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him.” To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’ The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. He must become greater; I must become less.””

Revelation 4:9-11 (NIV)

“Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.””

CRITICISM

REJECTION

ADVICE

PRAISE

Colossians 2:7 NLT

Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow

strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.

When we are rooted, we don’t just survive, we can thrive.

Colossians 3:1-2 NLT

Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven,

where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 2 Think about the things of heaven,

not the things of earth.

Colossians 3:17 NLT

And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through

him to God the Father.

Represent Jesus in all we do and all that we say!

Who are you wearing?

Colossians 3:5-9 NLT

So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual

immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater,

worshiping the things of this world.  6  Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming.  7  You

used to do these things when your life was still part of this world.  8  But now is the time to get

rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language.  9  Don’t lie to each other, for

you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds.

When you are rooted in Jesus, then the fruit of your life represents Jesus.

How can we represent Jesus?

1. To represent Jesus, we need to put to death the old life.

If we don’t put sin to death, sin will put us to death.

James 1:14-15 NLT

Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. 15 These desires give

birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.

When we are rooted in Jesus we will look more like Jesus.

Colossians 3:10-11 NLT

Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like

him.  11  In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or

uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all

of us.

2. To represent Jesus, we need to put on the new life.

Colossians 3:12-13 NIV

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion,

kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  13  Bear with each other and forgive one another if

any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Colossians 3:14-15 NLT

Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.  15  And let

the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body, you are

called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

John 13:35 NLT

Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

As followers of Jesus, we don’t dress to impress, we dress to make an impact.

Matthew 7:20 NLT

Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions.

Colossians 2:7 NLT

Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow

strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.

When we are rooted, we don’t just survive, we can thrive.

Colossians 3:1-2 NLT

Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven,

where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 2 Think about the things of heaven,

not the things of earth.

Colossians 3:17 NLT

And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through

him to God the Father.

Represent Jesus in all we do and all that we say!

Who are you wearing?

Colossians 3:5-9 NLT

So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual

immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater,

worshiping the things of this world.  6  Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming.  7  You

used to do these things when your life was still part of this world.  8  But now is the time to get

rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language.  9  Don’t lie to each other, for

you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds.

When you are rooted in Jesus, then the fruit of your life represents Jesus.

How can we represent Jesus?

1. To represent Jesus, we need to put to death the old life.

If we don’t put sin to death, sin will put us to death.

James 1:14-15 NLT

Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. 15 These desires give

birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.

When we are rooted in Jesus we will look more like Jesus.

Colossians 3:10-11 NLT

Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like

him.  11  In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or

uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all

of us.

2. To represent Jesus, we need to put on the new life.

Colossians 3:12-13 NIV

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion,

kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  13  Bear with each other and forgive one another if

any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Colossians 3:14-15 NLT

Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.  15  And let

the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body, you are

called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

John 13:35 NLT

Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

As followers of Jesus, we don’t dress to impress, we dress to make an impact.

Matthew 7:20 NLT

Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions.

Colossians 2:8 - See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive

philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces [a]  of this

world rather than on Christ. NIV

Colossians 1:16 - 16  For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and

invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created

through him and for him. NIV

Colossians 1:17 - 17  He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. NIV

Colossians 1:19 - 19  For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, NIV

Colossians 1:20 - 20  and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth

or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. NIV

Colossians 1:28 - 28  He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all

wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. NIV

Four Benefits of Being Rooted IN HIM:

1. In Him we are saved.

Colossians 2:13-14 - 13  When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh,

God made you [d]  alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins,  14  having canceled the charge of our

legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it

to the cross. NIV

1. No other way can save us.

John 14:6 - Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes

to the Father except through me. NIV

Acts 4:12 - Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to

mankind by which we must be saved.” NIV

2. No other work can save us.

Ephesians 2:8-9 - For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from

yourselves, it is the gift of God—  9  not by works, so that no one can boast. NIV

2. In Him we find wisdom and knowledge.

Colossians 2:3 - 3  In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. NLT

John 1:1-4 - In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was

God.  2  He was with God in the beginning.  3  Through him all things were made; without him

nothing was made that has been made.  4  In him was life, and that life was the light of all

mankind. NIV

John 1:14 – The Word became flesh. NIV

3. In Him we are complete.

Colossians 2:9–10 - 9  For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. 10  So you also are

complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority. NLT

4. In Him we have victory.

Colossians 2:15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of

them, triumphing over them by the cross. NIV

1 John 5:4 - For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has

overcome the world, even our faith. NIV

Deuteronomy 20:4  For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you

against your enemies to give you victory.” NIV

1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And

God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are

tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. NIV

1 Corinthians 15:57 - But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus

Christ. NIV

Colossians 2:8 - See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive

philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces [a]  of this

world rather than on Christ. NIV

Colossians 1:16 - 16  For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and

invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created

through him and for him. NIV

Colossians 1:17 - 17  He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. NIV

Colossians 1:19 - 19  For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, NIV

Colossians 1:20 - 20  and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth

or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. NIV

Colossians 1:28 - 28  He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all

wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. NIV

Four Benefits of Being Rooted IN HIM:

1. In Him we are saved.

Colossians 2:13-14 - 13  When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh,

God made you [d]  alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins,  14  having canceled the charge of our

legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it

to the cross. NIV

1. No other way can save us.

John 14:6 - Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes

to the Father except through me. NIV

Acts 4:12 - Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to

mankind by which we must be saved.” NIV

2. No other work can save us.

Ephesians 2:8-9 - For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from

yourselves, it is the gift of God—  9  not by works, so that no one can boast. NIV

2. In Him we find wisdom and knowledge.

Colossians 2:3 - 3  In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. NLT

John 1:1-4 - In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was

God.  2  He was with God in the beginning.  3  Through him all things were made; without him

nothing was made that has been made.  4  In him was life, and that life was the light of all

mankind. NIV

John 1:14 – The Word became flesh. NIV

3. In Him we are complete.

Colossians 2:9–10 - 9  For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. 10  So you also are

complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority. NLT

4. In Him we have victory.

Colossians 2:15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of

them, triumphing over them by the cross. NIV

1 John 5:4 - For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has

overcome the world, even our faith. NIV

Deuteronomy 20:4  For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you

against your enemies to give you victory.” NIV

1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And

God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are

tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. NIV

1 Corinthians 15:57 - But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus

Christ. NIV

Colossians 2:6-7 And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow

him.  7  Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow

strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. (NLT)

3 Outcomes Of A Rooted Life

1. Rooted people see life through eyes of faith 

Colossians 1:3–4 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,

4  because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people (NIV)

Mark 9:21-25 Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he

answered.  22  “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on

us and help us.” 23  “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” 24  Immediately

the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” 25  When Jesus saw that a crowd

was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command

you, come out of him and never enter him again.” (NIV)

2. Rooted people have a heart of love

Colossians 1:4 because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all

God’s people (NIV)

1 John 4:7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has

been born of God and knows God. (NIV)

John 13:34 A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one

another. (NIV)

Matthew 22:37-39 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul

and with all your mind.’ 38  This is the first and greatest commandment.  39  And the second is like it: ‘Love

your neighbor as yourself.’ (NIV)

1 Peter 4:8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. (NIV)

Matthew 5:43-44 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  44  But I tell

you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, (NIV)

1 Corinthians 13:2–3 If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and

possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I

would be nothing. 3  If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast

about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing. (NLT)

3. Rooted people have an attitude of hope

Colossians 1:5 “the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which

you have already heard in the true message of the gospel (NIV)

Colossians 2:6-7 And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow

him.  7  Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow

strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. (NLT)

3 Outcomes Of A Rooted Life

1. Rooted people see life through eyes of faith 

Colossians 1:3–4 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,

4  because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people (NIV)

Mark 9:21-25 Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he

answered.  22  “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on

us and help us.” 23  “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” 24  Immediately

the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” 25  When Jesus saw that a crowd

was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command

you, come out of him and never enter him again.” (NIV)

2. Rooted people have a heart of love

Colossians 1:4 because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all

God’s people (NIV)

1 John 4:7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has

been born of God and knows God. (NIV)

John 13:34 A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one

another. (NIV)

Matthew 22:37-39 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul

and with all your mind.’ 38  This is the first and greatest commandment.  39  And the second is like it: ‘Love

your neighbor as yourself.’ (NIV)

1 Peter 4:8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. (NIV)

Matthew 5:43-44 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  44  But I tell

you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, (NIV)

1 Corinthians 13:2–3 If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and

possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I

would be nothing. 3  If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast

about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing. (NLT)

3. Rooted people have an attitude of hope

Colossians 1:5 “the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which

you have already heard in the true message of the gospel (NIV)