How can we "bring good news" in our community today, as Isaiah 40:9 suggests? Standing on the Mountain with Isaiah 40:9 “Get yourself up on a high mountain, O Zion, bearer of good news… Lift it up, do not be afraid! Say to the cities of Judah, ‘Here is your God!’ ” (Isaiah 40:9) What the Verse Calls Us to Do Today • Speak from a visible, public place (“high mountain”) • Announce clearly and courageously (“lift up your voice with strength”) • Present God Himself, not merely ideas (“Here is your God!”) The Heart of the Good News • God has come near in Jesus Christ—Immanuel (Matthew 1:23) • Christ died for our sins and rose again (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) • All who repent and believe receive forgiveness and new life (Acts 3:19; John 3:16) Why We Speak Boldly • The gospel “is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16) • Faith comes by hearing the word about Christ (Romans 10:17) • We are Christ’s ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20) Practical Ways to “Lift Up Your Voice” in the Community Personal Conversations • Share your testimony in everyday settings—work break rooms, school events, neighborhood gatherings • Use Scripture naturally: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23) Visible Acts of Love • Meet tangible needs—meals for the sick, rides for seniors, tutoring for students • Combine action with explanation so people see the gospel lived and hear it explained (James 2:15-17) Hospitality as a Platform • Open your home for Bible reading or a simple meal; strangers often become seekers around a table (Hebrews 13:2) • Share printed Bibles or gospel booklets as guests leave Community Presence • Volunteer where decisions are made—school boards, city councils—bringing biblical wisdom (Proverbs 11:11) • Support crisis-pregnancy centers, food banks, and foster-care ministries that embody “pure and undefiled religion” (James 1:27) Digital “High Mountains” • Post short gospel truths and Scripture verses on social media • Host livestream Bible studies or podcasts; listeners can join from anywhere (Acts 19:10 shows broad reach is biblical) Courage for Public Moments • Offer to pray for someone on the spot in a store or park • When public tragedies occur, be first to say, “Here is our God—He heals the brokenhearted” (Psalm 147:3) Encouraging Fellow Believers • Gather weekly with other Christians for prayer and training (Hebrews 10:24-25) • Celebrate testimonies of salvation to spur one another on Removing Fear, Embracing Joy • Remember Jesus’ promise: “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20) • Rely on the Spirit, who gives words at the right moment (Luke 12:12) • Rejoice that even small seeds of truth can bear eternal fruit (Mark 4:30-32) Ending on Isaiah’s Note “Lift it up, do not be afraid!”—our confidence rests in the unchanging God we proclaim. Let every word and deed in the community echo the ancient cry: “Here is your God!” |
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