In this powerful Bible class, Dr. Jessica Brooks challenges believers to look beyond the four walls of the church and recognize the mission God has given us—to reach the lost and lead them to Jesus Christ.
Using Matthew 9:37–38 and Luke 14:23, Dr. Brooks reminds us that there is a world outside the church that needs to hear the Gospel. Jesus said, “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few” (Matthew 9:37). The question is not whether there are people who need Christ—the harvest is ready. The question is whether we are willing to go.
In Luke 14:23, Jesus gives the command to “Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in.” This reminds us that evangelism requires action. We cannot expect the lost to always find their way into our churches. As believers, we are called to leave the building, enter our communities, build relationships, share the Gospel, and reach people wherever they are.
Dr. Brooks encourages the church to move from simply having church to being the church. Our faith should not remain inside the sanctuary. We are called to carry the love, hope, and message of Jesus into our neighborhoods, workplaces, schools, families, and communities.
This episode is a challenge to every believer:
Are we willing to leave the building?
Are we willing to go where the lost are?
Are we willing to become laborers in God's harvest?
The church is more than a building. We are the church—and the mission is outside the walls.
Matthew 9:37–38 — “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.”
Luke 14:23 — “Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.”
Key Takeaway:
Don't just invite people to church—go to the people. Leave the building, reach the lost, share Christ, and become a laborer in the harvest.
Scripture References