Sermon Notes
Main Scripture References
Luke 19:10 - "The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost"
Ezekiel 33:6 - The watchman's accountability
Jude 1:23 - "Save others by snatching them from the fire"
John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world..."
2 Timothy 1:7 - "God has not given us a spirit of fear"
WHY SHOULD PERISHING MATTER TO US?
Perishing is not just physical death - it's about people who are:
Hurting and suffering
Heading toward a place they don't have to go
Held in chains that cannot be physically seen
Quietly giving up on life
Drowning in debt or addiction
Feeling invisible and alone
Our responsibility: If we see danger and say nothing, we share the blame (Ezekiel 33:6)
WHO ARE THE PERISHING?
The friend or family member quietly giving up
The neighbor or colleague drowning in debt or addiction
The kid in school or on the street who feels invisible
People who come to church but no one notices or speaks to
Sometimes even ourselves during bad days or weeks
Key truth: Ignoring these people does not make the problem go away
WHAT DOES RESCUE INVOLVE?
Rescue doesn't always have to be dramatic. It can be personal and practical through simple acts of care.
1. SEE THEM
You cannot rescue someone you don't notice
Look up from your phone and problems
Who has been quiet lately?
Who has been absent from school, church, or work?
Make effort to notice these people
2. VISIT THEM
Rescue involves movement
Jesus left heaven to come to Earth for us
Put in a call to the absent person
Show up for a visit (with or without a gift)
Simply sit in silence with someone in grief
Your presence makes a difference
3. SPEAK TO THEM
Speak the truth in love (Jude 1:23)
Mix urgency with compassion
No lengthy lectures or shame needed
Share your own story of what Christ has done
Point people to Jesus, not yourself
THE HEART OF OUR MISSION
We are messengers, not the Savior
Our job is to point people to Jesus
He is the one who actually rescues and saves
Share your testimony - what Jesus has done for you
Tell people that Jesus loves them
John 3:16 reminder: "WHOEVER believes in Him shall not perish"
No partiality
Everyone is important to Jesus
Their past, state of mind, or situation is immaterial
OVERCOMING FEAR
Why do Christians hold back from rescuing others?
The main reason: FEAR
Fear of saying the wrong thing
Fear that people won't listen
Fear of rejection
Feeling unqualified or inferior
What is FEAR?
False Expectations Appearing Real
The truth:
An awkward 5-minute conversation is better than seeing someone go through life and death alone
Courage isn't the absence of fear—it's acting despite the fear
God gave us a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7)
The Holy Spirit will empower you to speak
YOUR CALL TO ACTION
You don't need a theology degree - you need:
A heart of compassion to save lost souls
Willingness to reach out to someone TODAY
Courage to say: "Jesus loves you"
This week:
Call someone you haven't heard from
Visit someone who's been absent
Share your testimony with someone
Tell someone how much Jesus loves them
Remember:
Your call or visit can make the difference between life and death
This world is full of hurting people who feel no one cares
Prove them wrong—reach out and show Christ's love
CLOSING CHALLENGE
Be part of God's rescue team
At school, at work, in your family, in your neighborhood
Don't let anyone die in sin without hearing about Jesus
Rise up and be the light of the world
Don't just hear the Word—ACT on it
"Rescue the perishing, care for the dying,
Snatch them in pity from sin and the grave.
Weep o'er the erring one, lift up the fallen,
Tell them of Jesus, the mighty to save."
Remember: Someone is waiting for YOU to tell them about Jesus.
