Wisely Planning for Sharing Our Faith Together
At Calvary Baptist Bedford, we are passionate about connecting families and sharing our faith as a community. This past Sunday, our sermon, "Wisely Planning for Sharing Our Faith Together," challenged us to approach evangelism with intention, action, and collaboration. Drawing from Scripture, the message reminded us that sharing the gospel is not a solo effort but a collective mission that requires careful planning and faithful stewardship. Below, we recap the key points and encourage you to apply them in your daily walk with Christ.
Planning: A Spiritual Discipline
Scripture: Proverbs 21:5 – "The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want."
Scripture: Luke 14:28-30 – "For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish."
The sermon opened with a powerful reminder: planning is not unspiritual—it’s essential. Proverbs 21:5 teaches that diligent planning leads to abundance, while impulsive actions result in lack, both materially and spiritually. Similarly, Jesus’ teaching in Luke 14:28-30 emphasizes the importance of counting the cost before beginning a task. Just as a builder plans to ensure a tower is completed, we must prepare thoughtfully to share our faith. Without a plan, our enthusiasm may fade, leaving us discouraged or ineffective. As believers, we’re called to approach evangelism with foresight, prayer, and strategy, ensuring our efforts honor God and bear fruit.
Reflection: Have you ever started a project with excitement but failed to finish because you didn’t plan? How can you apply this lesson to sharing your faith?
Stewardship: Action, Not Just Intention
Scripture: Matthew 25:14-15, 21 – "For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability… His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord."
The parable of the talents illustrates that God entrusts each of us with gifts—time, talents, and relationships—to use for His glory. The sermon highlighted that stewardship requires action, not just good intentions. The servants who invested their talents were commended, while the one who buried his was rebuked. God doesn’t expect perfection, but He does expect fruitfulness. When we act faithfully with what we’ve been given, we multiply the gospel’s impact. Whether it’s sharing a testimony, inviting someone to church, or serving in ministry, every step counts.
Reflection: What “talents” has God given you? How can you use them this week to share the gospel?
Unity: Our Witness is Strongest Together
Scripture: Colossians 4:5 – "Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time."
Scripture: Acts 6:1-4 – "And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration… Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word."
The sermon emphasized that our witness is most effective when we work together. Colossians 4:5 calls us to redeem every opportunity to reach those outside the faith, living with purpose and readiness. Acts 6:1-4 shows how the early church grew through collaboration, delegating tasks to ensure the gospel spread. At Calvary Baptist Bedford, we see this in action through ministries like our Awana program and upcoming Harvest Trunk or Treat. When we serve together, using our unique gifts, God multiplies our efforts, and more people hear the gospel.
Reflection: How are you contributing to our church’s mission to share the gospel? What’s one way you can get involved in a collective outreach effort?
Moving from Intention to Action
The sermon closed with a challenge to move from intention to action, rooted in Matthew 28:19-20: "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations… and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." Jesus, our foundation, promises to be with us as we share our faith. The gospel advances not through good intentions but through faithful planning and Spirit-filled action. Whether you’re a parent, student, or retiree, God has entrusted you with the gospel. The question is not if you’ve been given something, but what you’re doing with it.
Practical Steps to Apply This Week
- Plan Intentionally: Identify one person to share your faith with this week. Write down a specific plan, such as texting them an invitation to church or sharing a Bible verse.
- Act Faithfully: Overcome fear or hesitation by taking one concrete step to share the gospel, trusting God for the results.
- Serve Together: Join us for the Harvest Trunk or Treat, where you can engage with our community in a fun, meaningful way. Not creative? Check Pinterest for simple trunk ideas!
Final Encouragement
Let’s not be like the servant who buried his talent. Instead, let’s plan wisely, act faithfully, and serve together, trusting God to multiply our efforts. As we prepare for opportunities like the Harvest Trunk or Treat, let’s commit to being good and faithful stewards, hearing one day, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”
Join Us: Missed the sermon? Watch it on our website www.calvarybaptistbedfor.org. Mark your calendars for the Harvest Trunk or Treat and help us reach our community for Christ!
Prayer: Lord, thank You for entrusting us with the gospel. Grant us wisdom to plan, courage to act, and unity to serve together. May our witness bring many to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.