Sign-posts for the World
Basilea Schlink teaches that the world desperately needs visible signposts of Christ's love through believers who live in humble, patient, and loving obedience, demonstrating Jesus' victory over darkness.
In 'Sign-posts for the World,' Basilea Schlink passionately calls believers to be living examples of Christ’s love in a darkened world. She emphasizes the need for Christians to visibly embody patience, humility, and love, especially in suffering and persecution, so that the world can see Jesus through their lives. This devotional sermon challenges listeners to become radiant signposts pointing others to the hope and victory found in Jesus Christ.
Full Transcript
God lives and works today. He is the light of the world. And as we read in the Gospel of John, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
What an appropriate word for our world today, when darkness is spreading over the face of the earth. But why is it that so few people see His light? The answer is in today's meditation by Basilea Schlink called Signposts for the World. If you were to take a public opinion poll and ask people why they don't go to church, the majority would probably answer, I just don't get anything out of it.
Whose fault is this? Too many people today blame their own apathy on the church. And yet, we Christians can't completely ignore their complaint. What can we do about it? The world needs signposts.
It doesn't only want to hear sermons. In fact, many people have heard too many sermons. The world needs something that can be seen.
It needs to see people who live like Jesus the Lamb, people who are triumphant in suffering. It needs to see people who humbly bear their crosses and yet react in love and mercy towards those who are responsible for their suffering. It needs to see people who endure every burden and still continue to trust in Jesus' victory for their own lives as well as for others.
The world would take notice if it saw people who could be despised, slandered, and persecuted without retaliating. If these people not only bore everything, but even blessed their opponents and those who wronged them, it would indeed make an impact upon the world. An invisible stream of love would flow forth from them into this hate-saturated world.
This power of love would gradually destroy the forces of hatred. Jesus' death on the cross shows us that love alone is stronger than hatred. Love that suffers and bears all things must become visible on earth.
The world is waiting for Jesus' love to be manifested among His people. Heaven also waits for this because the body of Jesus Christ, that is the Church, should live in the same spirit as its head. It should shine forth His life.
The world will take notice when it sees people who lovingly accept God's will, no matter where it leads them. The world will take notice when it sees people who trust that Jesus will solve all their problems and who therefore bear their burdens patiently, burdens of sickness, loneliness, difficult family circumstances or other problems. They do not rebel because they recognize that they are sinners and therefore need and deserve God's discipline and chastening.
Such people are radiant and powerful. Streams of living water pour forth from them. Yes, through them Jesus becomes visible and the world will see that He and His message can be trusted.
You have been listening to a program written by Basilea Schlink of the Little Land of Canaan. To learn more about how God lives and works today, visit us at our website www.canaan.org That's K-A-N-A-A-N dot org. If you contact us, we would be happy to send you a free inspirational booklet.
If you do not have access to the web, please contact this radio station for our postal address. God bless you.
Sermon Outline
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I
- The world is covered in darkness but Christ is the light
- Many do not see the light due to lack of visible signposts
- Church attendance declines because people do not find meaningful experience
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II
- The world needs to see Christ lived out, not just sermons
- Believers must embody love, patience, and humility
- Suffering and bearing crosses with love is a powerful witness
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III
- Love is stronger than hatred as shown by Jesus’ sacrifice
- Believers should bless those who persecute them
- Visible love destroys hatred and draws the world to Christ
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IV
- Trusting God’s will in all circumstances shines forth Christ’s life
- Enduring burdens patiently shows faith and repentance
- Such radiant believers become living streams of Jesus’ presence
Key Quotes
“The world needs to see people who live like Jesus the Lamb, people who are triumphant in suffering.” — Basilea Schlink
“Love that suffers and bears all things must become visible on earth.” — Basilea Schlink
“The world will take notice when it sees people who trust that Jesus will solve all their problems and who therefore bear their burdens patiently.” — Basilea Schlink
Application Points
- Live your faith visibly by showing love and patience even in difficult circumstances.
- Respond to suffering and persecution with humility and blessing rather than retaliation.
- Trust God’s will fully and bear your burdens as a testimony to others of Jesus’ victory.