Introduction:    Far too many churches are not reaching people because they are more concerned about themselves than the community. They are self-centered rather then people-centered. God wants us to be an inside-out church. An inside-out church takes all the love, fellowship and joy of the Lord outside these walls to the community. In fact, being an inside-out church is a Biblical mandate: (Mat. 28:19-20) “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you…” An inside-out church goes to the community; it doesn't wait for the community to come to it. An inside-out church is not simply satisfied with giving to missions that extend "to the uttermost part of the earth." Rather, it also focuses on its own "Jerusalem," the local unsaved, un-churched community. Are we making enough of a difference in this community that people would care if we were gone or would they even notice our absence? Are we a caring church? Caring churches are made of caring people. And inside-out churches are made of inside-out people. We cannot expect this church to be concerned with reaching our community until we are individually concerned with reaching this community. How can we reach our community? From four different passages of Scripture, I want to give your four ways we can become an inside-out church.

I.          WE MUST SHAKE AND SHINE (Matt. 5:13-16)

In this familiar passage from the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus uses shaking salt and shining light as metaphors of the influence Christians are to have in the culture.

            A.        We Are "the salt of the earth" (v.13)

Ø  Salt Serves At Least Three Purposes:

1.      Salt Is A Preservative.

Before the days of refrigeration, meat was packed in layers of salt to preserve the meat until it could be consumed. Our church should preserve our community, keep it from spoiling.

2.      Salt Adds Flavor.

You know well that just a little shake of salt can dramatically add flavor to a dish. It adds a little "savor" to our food. Christians always confront worldly views. We flavor our culture.

3.      Salt Causes Thirst.

People who are exposed to excessive heat take salt tablets to increase their bodies' craving for water. Their salt-induced thirst prevents dehydration and death. We are to be different enough from those around us that others will be thirsty for our lifestyle.

Ø  Jesus said we "ARE the salt of the earth."

He didn't say we might be salt, we could be salt, or even we can be salt. He says we "are" salt. You don't have to pray, "Lord make me salty, help me to be an influence." You are salt. You are an influence. Just shake it out!

Ø  Jesus also says that salt sometimes "loses its savor."

Salt or sodium chloride is a very stable chemical compound. It never really "loses its flavor." However, when it becomes contaminated with dust, sand or other impurities, you can no longer taste it. Jesus said such salt is "good for nothing" We use that expression to describe a lazy person. It might as well be “cast out, to be trodden under foot of men.” Some churches lose their influence for Christ and they are good for nothing.

            B.         We Are "the Light of the World" (vv.14-16)

Ø  Christians being God's "light" is a common Biblical theme.

1 John 1:5-7 says, “This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”

Psalm 119:105, “Thy Word is lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

Ephesians 5:8 says, “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light.”

Philippians 2:15 says we are to be “blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.”

Ø  Jesus gives two example of being "the light of the world."

1.      We Are To Be Like A Lighted "City."

Jesus said, “A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.” This church ought to be so inside-out that people want to know what's happening here. The light of God's love ought to be so obvious on Monday that people ask you what happened this weekend.

2.      We Are To Be Like A "Candle" In Someone's Home.

It is ridiculous to light a candle, or a lamp and then hide it. The purpose of the lamp is to give “light unto all that are in the house.” Covering it with a basket is contrary to its purpose.

Ø  Jesus encourages us to "Let your light SO shine."

When we live openly and honestly for Jesus Christ, people will see a beauty in our lives. They'll notice our courtesy, our smiles, our gratitude, our peace, our joy, our help, etc... They'll want to ask, "Why are you like that?" When you are in a dark place, all eyes focus on the light, even if it is just a little light.

Ø  When our light shines, people will "glorify your Father which is in heaven."

We don't shine our lights for ourselves, but for the glory of God. Our church must shake & shine, but we also must:

II.         OUR CHURCH MUST BRING OTHERS TO JESUS (Matt. 9:9-13)

            A.        Jesus Calls A Disciple (v.9)

As Jesus was leaving the city of Capernaum, He did a strange thing. He stepped into the "tax office" to speak with a man named "Matthew." Matthew (also called Levi) was a tax collector, or a publican. He was one of the most hated members of Jewish society, a traitor to his people.

Ø  Notice that there are no sermons, no miracles.

Just a simple invitation wrapped in a loving command, "Follow Me."

Ø  Notice also that there is no excuse, no argument from Matthew.

He simply "arose, and followed Him." The paper work stayed on his desk. Luke 5:28 says, "And he LEFT ALL, rose up, and followed Him."

            B.         A Disciple Calls His Friends (v.10)

He invited "many publicans and sinners" to his home. In the midst of this motley crew "Jesus sat at meat,” or the table. These dregs of Jewish society "sat down with Him and His disciples." What a strategy! Matthew threw a party for unbelievers and invited Jesus! He did whatever he could to introduce his friends to Christ.

            C.         Inquiries And Insight (vv.11-13)

1. The "Pharisees," the religious leaders learned about this banquet. Lacking the integrity to speak to Jesus directly, they spoke to "His disciples." They asked, “Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?” This was not an honest question, but a rebuke. It was more of an indictment than an inquiry.

2. The question had been posed to the disciples. Matthew 9:12 says, “But when Jesus heard that, He said unto them…” He looked them up and confronted their self-righteousness.

3. He said, “They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. In other words, "If you are as perfect as you think you are, you don't need Me. On the other hand, these sinful people are aware of their need of salvation. That's why I'm here."

4. After quoting the prophet Joel, Jesus said, “I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” He did not come for the self-righteous people who think they are good enough to please God on their own. He came for those who realize their sin and are ready for "repentance."

            D.        Insights For An Outward-Looking Church

1. Who are we more like: Matthew or the Pharisees? Are we more interested in bringing sinners to Christ or in judging them for their sins.

2. A church with a heart for the community brings people to Jesus. Many of you are here because a friend cared enough to bring you.

3. Be like Matthew. Who do you know that needs the forgiveness and peace of Jesus Christ? Who do you know that needs the warmth, acceptance and love of a church family? Who can you bring to Christ?

4. Even if they don't come at first, keep on inviting!