Topical Sermons - Divine Signposts

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                           "DIVINE SIGNPOSTS"


INTRODUCTION

1. In our efforts to lead people to Christ...
   a. We understand the importance of the Word of God - Ro 10:17
   b. The gospel is the power of God to salvation - Ro 1:16

2. Yet it helps to complement the Word with a demonstration of certain
   qualities whereby...
   a. People can see the truth of the gospel in action
   b. People are more likely to believe in Jesus Christ

3. When demonstrated by Christians in a local church, these 'signposts'
   can serve to...
   a. Let the nonbeliever know:
      1) There is a God Who loves him or her
      2) Who has sent Jesus as a manifestation of that love
   b. Let the true searcher know:
      1) Those who are disciples of Christ
      2) Who can thus lead him or her to Christ

[There are at least four such "Divine Signposts", one being...]

I. THE SIGNPOST OF UNITY

   A. THE VALUE OF UNITY OF BELIEVERS...
      1. It shows that God has sent Christ - Jn 17:21,23
      2. It shows that God has loved the world - Jn 17:23

   B. SO UNITY IS A SIGNPOST TO THE WORLD...
      1. That God loves the world - cf. Jn 3:16
      2. That God sent Christ who produces the unity witnessed by the
         world - cf. Ep 2:13-16

   C. THUS THE IMPORTANCE OF UNITY...
      1. Led Paul to condemn division and those who cause it - 1Co 
         1:10; Ro 16:17-18
      2. Led Paul to teach attitudes essential to preserving unity - Ep
         4:1-3; Php 2:2-4

[Let's be sure that we do nothing to destroy the 'signpost' of unity;
rather, let's work toward enhancing its effectiveness.  Another
'signpost' that points one in the right direction is...]

II. THE SIGNPOST OF LOVE

   A. THE VALUE OF LOVE FOR ONE ANOTHER...
      1. It shows that we have been loved by Christ, whose love we seek
         to emulate - Jn 13:34
      2. It shows that we are truly His disciples - Jn 13:35

   B. SO LOVE IS A SIGNPOST TO THE WORLD...
      1. That Christ has loved His disciples - cf. Jn 15:12-13
      2. That those who emulate His love are His true disciples - cf. Ep
         5:1-2

   C. THUS THE IMPORTANCE OF LOVE...
      1. Led Paul to encourage churches to increase in love - 1Th 4:
         9-10
      2. Led Paul to consider love as the "bond of perfection" - Col 3:14
         a. Here we see that love and unity go together
         b. By our love for one another, we are more likely to preserve
            our unity in Christ

[Unity and love also go hand in hand as "Divine Signposts".  The first
lets people know God loves them, and the second shows people who are the
followers of Christ.  Now for a third 'signpost' ...]

III. THE SIGNPOST OF HOPE

   A. THE VALUE OF HOPE...
      1. It can prompt people to ask us questions - 1Pe 3:15
      2. It can provide us opportunity to share the reason for our hope
         - 1Pe 3:15

   B. SO HOPE IS A SIGNPOST TO THE WORLD...
      1. Presuming that our hope is something:
         a. Noticeable, prompting people to ask "Why?"
         b. Based upon reason, i.e., evidences for our faith
      2. Especially when our hope is:
         a. Accompanied by peace and joy - Ro 5:1-2
         b. Steadfast even in tribulation - Ro 5:3-4
         c. Based upon the love of God - Ro 5:5
         d. Made sure by the resurrection of Jesus - 1Pe 1:3-4

   C. THUS THE IMPORTANCE OF HOPE...
      1. Led Peter to command Christians to set their hope fully on the
         grace to come - 1Pe 1:13
      2. Led Peter to command Christians to always be ready to explain
         their hope - 1Pe 3:15

[To unity, love, and hope as "Divine Signposts", let's now consider a
final 'signpost'...]

IV. THE SIGNPOST OF GOOD WORKS

   A. THE VALUE OF GOOD WORKS...
      1. They can lead men to glorify our Father in heaven - Mt 5:16
      2. They can lead men to glorify God in the day of visitation
         - 1Pe 2:12

   B. SO GOOD WORKS IS A SIGNPOST TO THE WORLD...
      1. Directing people to consider the motivation behind such works
      2. Opening people up to the gospel message which inspires such
         works - cf. 1Pe 3:1-2

   C. THUS THE IMPORTANCE OF GOOD WORKS...
      1. Led Paul to command that we be ready for every good work - Ti
         3:1
      2. Led Paul to command that we be careful to maintain good works
         - Tit 3:8,14

CONCLUSION

1. With such "Divine Signposts", we can see how people can be led to
   Christ...
   a. Our unity can convince people of God's love for them in sending
      Christ
   b. Our love can direct them to true disciples of Christ
   c. Our hope can prompt them to ask questions as to the reason for our
      faith
   d. Our good works can encourage them to glory God by their own
      obedience to the gospel

2. This is no way takes away from the power of the gospel to save
   souls...
   a. But the Lord intended for His church to be a city set on a hill
   b. Which by demonstrating certain qualities as a group would draw
      people to Him

Without these "Divine Signposts", we make it a lot harder for souls who
are searching to find their Savior and His gospel!  Are we doing our
part in the local congregation to display unity, love, hope and good
works...?
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