The Art of Neighbouring Building genuine relationships

Art of Neighbouring Who is our neighbour? Overcoming barriers: time The Art of Neighbouring Who is our neighbour? Overcoming barriers: time Checking our motives Overcoming barriers: fear Looking for open doors Building genuine relationships

How to please God… “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind”; and, “Love your neighbour as yourself.” Luke 10

From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. Acts 17: 26

Could it be this simple? Checking our motives. This is not an evangelism strategy. But if we do it well, people will come to know Jesus.

Ever had anyone try and sell you something you didn’t want?

Ulterior motive: hidden agenda Ultimate motive: the farthest point of the journey

Ulterior motive: never just to share the gospel. Ultimate motive: to share the impact Jesus has had in our lives. We don’t love people to convert them – but because we are converted.

Jesus

Jesus

The truth: Jesus: I am the way and the truth and the life The truth: Jesus: I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6 But no hooks. So – how do we best share our faith?

Matthew 5: 14 - 16 14 ‘You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 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. 

16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

You are the light of the world Our lives are meant to have meaning and purpose in the world. What is in us will shine out. Our lives give light to everyone in the house v15

We naturally share what we love.

This will be contested: Keep relationships with people shallow. Keep relationship with Jesus shallow. Being afraid of how we will be perceived. Commit to practicing…

You are the light of the world Being light means living visible, open, transparent lives. Not hidden v14 Not faking it – we’re not perfect!

Our lives are part of HIS-story Our lives are part of HIS-story. What is Jesus’ part of your bigger story? The good, the bad and the ugly…

Light is revealing What is Jesus doing in your life right now Light is revealing What is Jesus doing in your life right now? Not a canned sales pitch. An honest, powerful demonstration of God’s activity in our lives. Light is invitational Inviting others to share life with us is powerful.

What about the great commission What about the great commission? Go make disciples… Matt 28 How does that bit happen? By taking the great commandment as a way of life – loving God and loving our neighbours.

Like Mark’s veg – they need the right conditions. Simply - TRUST Most people have had a negative experience of church or Christians. The great command lived as a way of life becomes credible.

We will need to learn to go fast and go slow We will need to learn to go fast and go slow. I can only do what I see the father doing. Jn 3:19 This guards us from frustration! And force-feeding…

You are the light of the world Jesus says that living life this way reveals God. That they may see… your Father in heaven. v16 Actions speak louder than words …your good deeds v16

Being light is redemptive Bringing Jesus’ light is redemptive. Jesus came to obliterate social, racial, cultural distinctions. We bring truth, power and love that sets people free. A new humanity. Gal 3:28; Col 3:10 - 11

Every person we meet has a story…

You are the light of the world This is a powerful spiritual truth. God is our power source. We reflect him. I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. Jn 8:12

Be expectant As we love God and others deep spiritual things transpire Be expectant As we love God and others deep spiritual things transpire. Lots of people love their neighbours. It’s different when done in the name of Jesus.

Art of Neighbouring Who is our neighbour? Overcoming barriers: time The Art of Neighbouring Who is our neighbour? Overcoming barriers: time Checking our motives Overcoming barriers: fear Looking for open doors Building genuine relationships