Reaching our neighborhood with the Gospel is something we have all been called to do. It should be a natural overflow of our walk with Christ. It’s not always easy, but it is one of the reasons we are on this earth.

As a church, neighborhood missions have always been at the forefront, through Denton Family Christmas, neighborhood canvassing, movie nights, ministering to Denton schools, and Vacation Bible School. Our Music Ministry has also sung and ministered on our city square, local nursing homes, Cumberland Children’s Home, and participated in the Denton Arts and Jazz Festival.

In Acts 1:8 Jesus says; “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you and you will be my witness in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Judea, as referred to in this passage, is our neighborhood and community. Notice it is the Holy Spirit that gives us the power to be witnesses. It is not something we create in our own strength. The power comes from Him. Without His Spirit in us,  it’s worthless and powerless. He is the one who equips us to be witnesses.

There are three things we should remember when sharing the Gospel with our neighbors.

1. It requires courage. God promises to give us the courage and strength through the Holy Spirit.

2. It requires humility. We must be willing to go and realize it is about pointing people to Jesus, not ourselves.

3. It requires us to be prepared. We should spend time in prayer so we see the needs around us and prepare to authentically share “our story” when we go.

As we reflect on this passage today, I pray that we will all continue to make reaching our neighborhood for Christ a priority in our lives.