Pastor Daren Mehl: “So church, we have received from Christ, what we have received from Christ is meant to make Him known.”
Bible Verse: John 1:18 — The eternal Son uniquely makes the unseen Father known.
Jesus does not merely give us information about God; He perfectly reveals the Father (John 1:18). When we look at Jesus, we see the humility, holiness, compassion, mercy, righteousness, grace and truth of God displayed in the Son (John 14:9-10; Hebrews 1:1-3). No Christian can take Jesus’ place, and none of us can save another person. But those who have received Christ are called to bear witness to Him. His gospel is meant to travel through our mouths as we speak about sin, judgment, forgiveness, the cross, the resurrection, and the call to trust Christ. His love is also meant to be visible through our hands as we serve, forgive, give, welcome, and care for people. We do not make ourselves known; we point beyond ourselves to Jesus. The church exists as a people who know Him and increasingly make Him known.
For many of us, evangelism becomes difficult because we imagine we must have every answer, create the perfect moment, or convince someone through our own skill. But only God can open a heart. Our calling is faithfulness: pray, love people genuinely, speak the gospel truthfully, and trust the Holy Spirit with the results. Sometimes making Christ known begins with a clear conversation about the gospel. Sometimes it begins by serving someone who is hurting, inviting a friend to read John with you, telling the story of how Christ has shown you grace, or simply asking a thoughtful spiritual question. Truth governs the message, grace shapes the way we carry it, and love moves us toward people. We have been equipped by the Word, encouraged by the grace of Christ, and empowered by the Spirit to be witnesses (Acts 1:8). As we grow together in determined discipleship, we can remind one another that the people around us need more than a better version of us—they need the real Jesus.
Reflection Question: Who has God already placed in your life who needs to hear about the real Jesus, and what fear or distraction has kept you from taking a loving step toward that person?
Practical Challenge: Pray by name for one person who needs Christ. Then take one relational step this week: serve that person, begin a spiritual conversation, share part of your testimony, invite them to church, or ask them to read a chapter of John with you.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for making Yourself known through Your Son. Teach me to treasure the gospel deeply enough that I want others to know Jesus too. Holy Spirit, guide me toward the people You have already placed in my life and give me grace to speak with humility, courage, patience, and love. Remind me that I am a witness, not a savior, and that only You can open a heart and bring new life. Instruct me to speak truth clearly about sin and salvation while showing the kindness and compassion of Christ through my actions. Make our church a family that knows Jesus, loves one another, bears burdens together, and makes Him known in our homes, workplaces, neighborhoods, and friendships. May people see and hear the good news that forgiveness, reconciliation, new life, and lasting hope are found in Jesus Christ. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
Psalm: Psalm 96:2-3 — Consider the call to proclaim God’s salvation and declare His glory among the nations.
Reflection Song
Song: “I Speak Jesus” – Integrity Music
This song shares the spirit of joy and hope that we have in Jesus. For those who know Jesus, they want people to know the Lord. He is healing, He is life. He breaks strongholds and shines through the shadows. He is our grace, He is our truth. We want to speak His name!
✨✝️ Watch the whole sermon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1bBRSMZFFk&t=2208s