Loved by Christ to Love Our Community

We’re called to be a beacon for Christ in all we do, spreading His love and light throughout our communities. This means going beyond simply attending church and engaging in spiritual activities. Instead, it’s about actively becoming the light Jesus has called us to be.

The Foundation of Being a Beacon for Christ in the Community

Almost every church has a history of people who faithfully served and sacrificed to share the Gospel. Initially, that’s why they were planted. Today, we’re responsible for continuing that legacy by being that beacon for Christ in our neighbourhoods.

The early church didn’t focus on buildings or programs but on living out Christ’s teachings each day. I’m not saying that buildings or programs are a bad thing, as long as we aim to continue sharing His love in our everyday lives.

Being a Beacon for Christ A Mission for Everyone

We always need to be reminding ourselves that Jesus created His Church to be about people, not structures.

From Matthew 16:16-18, “On this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

Note that the word “church” refers to a gathering of people with a purpose, not a physical place. Our mission is to reflect Christ’s love through our actions and bring His light into our communities.

Every Person Matters to God in Our Beacon for Christ Mission

Jesus teaches us in Matthew 22:37-39 to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbours as ourselves. Every person matters to God.

In Galatians 3:27-28, the Apostle Paul reminds us that in Christ, we are all one—without division. Therefore, each individual in our community matters to us as well.

Being Outward-Focused as a Beacon for Christ Sharing His Love with Others

To be outward-focused means caring for those who are lost, hurting, or in need of hope. Jesus called us to be the light of the world, a city on a hill that cannot be hidden (Matthew 5:14-16). Our light should shine brightly, reaching out to those who need it most.

Paul taught this in 1 Corinthians 9:22-23: “To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the Gospel.”

Like Paul, we are called to meet people where they are and share the love of Christ with them.

The Church: A Beacon for Christ Not a Bunker

Are we going to be a bunker or a beacon? Are we here to protect ourselves from the world or to shine Christ’s light into it? Jesus didn’t call us to comfort but to mission. So, we must consider how we can reflect His love more openly.

The early Christians understood that the mission was more important than comfort. They gave generously and worked tirelessly to spread the Gospel.

Continuing the Legacy of Being a Beacon for Christ

As we look to the future of our church, whether it’s about growing our community or expanding our reach, our focus should always remain on the mission, not on buildings or programs. Our legacy shouldn’t be defined by structures but by lives transformed through the Gospel.

Let’s continue to be a beacon for Christ, serving and reaching our community with His love.

Join the Conversation Share Your Thoughts

• How can you be a beacon for Christ in your daily life?
• What can we, as a church, do to be more outward-focused?
• What steps will you take to reflect Christ’s love in your community?