How can we "spread out to the right and left" in our community? \The Promise in Plain Sight\ Isaiah 54:3: “For you will spread out to the right and to the left; your descendants will dispossess the nations and inhabit the desolate cities.” God pledges literal expansion to His covenant people; through Christ, believers share in that forward-moving momentum (Galatians 3:29). \What “Spread Out” Looks Like Today\ • Physical presence in new neighborhoods and arenas of influence • Spiritual reach that pushes light into every dark corner (Matthew 5:14-16) • Generational multiplication of faith (Psalm 78:5-7) • Restoration of broken places and people (Isaiah 61:4) \Heart Posture for Kingdom Expansion\ • Unshakable confidence in God’s promises (Isaiah 54:10) • Willingness to “enlarge the tent” before growth arrives (Isaiah 54:2) • Holiness that maintains credibility (1 Peter 1:15-16) • Compassion that mirrors Christ’s own (Matthew 9:36) \Practical Ways to Spread Out Locally\ Right side—discipling the next generation - Mentor teens and young adults - Launch Bible clubs in schools (Deuteronomy 6:6-9) Left side—serving the hurting - Food distribution, addiction recovery, prison visitation (Isaiah 58:7-8) Forward—public proclamation - Street evangelism, community events, social-media testimonies (Romans 1:16) Behind—strengthening the saints - Home groups, doctrinal classes, accountability pairs (Colossians 1:28-29) \Scriptures That Fuel Confidence\ • Genesis 28:14—spreading out “west and east, north and south” • Acts 1:8—witnesses “to the ends of the earth” • 2 Corinthians 2:14—spreading “the aroma of the knowledge of Him everywhere” • John 15:5—abiding that guarantees lasting fruit \Guardrails for Faithful Growth\ • Test every opportunity by Scripture (Acts 17:11) • Protect unity (Ephesians 4:3) • Value people over programs (Luke 15:10) • Trust God for the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6-7) \Living the Promise\ Prepare—stretch, lengthen, strengthen. Move—right, left, wherever doors open. Occupy—fill once-desolate streets with the presence of Christ. Keep expanding until every corner of the community echoes with His glory. |
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