What steps can you take to seek and save the lost, like Luke 15:6? The Shepherd’s Joy in Luke 15:6 “ ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ ” (Luke 15:6) Taking the Shepherd’s Example to Heart • Scripture shows the shepherd acting on the certainty that the lost sheep is worth the effort. • Because every word of the Bible is true, we accept that every person matters to God (2 Peter 3:9). • We share His joy when one sinner repents (Luke 15:7). Step 1: Seek Intentionally • Go where the lost actually are—Jesus “came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). • Schedule time in places beyond church walls: workplaces, coffee shops, community events. • Pray for open doors (Colossians 4:3) and for eyes like Christ’s, who “was moved with compassion” (Matthew 9:36). Step 2: Initiate Personal Connection • Start genuine conversations; listen before speaking (James 1:19). • Share everyday life—meals, hobbies, service projects—as a bridge for the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:22). • Use your testimony: “Come and see what God has done for me” (Psalm 66:16). Step 3: Carry the Burden with Compassion • The shepherd “lays it on his shoulders” (Luke 15:5); likewise, bear others’ loads (Galatians 6:2). • Offer practical help: rides, meals, childcare, mentorship—love in action validates the message (1 John 3:18). • Speak truth gently, remembering we were once lost (Ephesians 2:12–13). Step 4: Present the Gospel Clearly • Explain sin, the cross, and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). • Invite a response—repentance and faith (Acts 3:19). • Trust the Holy Spirit to convict and convert (John 16:8). Step 5: Celebrate and Involve Community • The shepherd calls “friends and neighbors” (Luke 15:6). Do the same: share testimonies, baptisms, and fellowship meals. • Rejoicing reinforces the value of each soul and rallies others to the mission (Philippians 4:4). Step 6: Disciple the New Believer • Teach obedience to all Jesus commanded (Matthew 28:19-20). • Pair them with mature believers for ongoing support (2 Timothy 2:2). • Encourage immediate participation in worship, service, and witness (Hebrews 10:24-25). Living as Christ’s Ambassadors • We are “ambassadors for Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:20), speaking and acting on His behalf. • Every step above flows from the literal truth that God seeks sinners and rejoices to save them. Summary Checklist 1. Seek intentionally. 2. Connect personally. 3. Carry burdens compassionately. 4. Present the gospel clearly. 5. Celebrate in community. 6. Disciple faithfully. Following these steps lets us echo the shepherd’s cry, “Rejoice with me,” each time another lost soul is found. |
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