1. The harvest precedes the workers

Luke 10:2 (NLT)2 These were his instructions to them: “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.”

1. The harvest precedes the workers.2. The field is a dangerous place.

Luke 10:3 (NLT)3 Now go, and remember that I am sending you out as lambs among wolves.

1. The harvest precedes the workers.2. The field is a dangerous place.3. We are, first and foremost, to be

purveyors of peace, not critics of culture.

Luke 10:5 (NLT)5 “Whenever you enter someone’s home, first say, ‘May God’s peace be on this house.’

1. The harvest precedes the workers.2. The field is a dangerous place.3. We are, first and foremost, to be

proclaimers of peace, not critics of culture.

4. We not only proclaim peace, we partake of peace.

Luke 10:7 (NLT)7 Don’t move around from home to home. Stay in one place, eating and drinking what they provide. Don’t hesitate to accept hospitality, because those who work deserve their pay.

1. The harvest precedes the workers.2. The field is a dangerous place.3. We are, first and foremost, to be

proclaimers of peace, not critics of culture.

4. We not only proclaim peace, we partake of peace.

5. It’s not our job to force receptivity.

Luke 10:10-11 (NLT)10 But if a town refuses to welcome you, go out into its streets and say, 11 ‘We wipe even the dust of your town from our feet to show that we have abandoned you to your fate. And know this—the Kingdom of God is near!’

A Person of Peace

one whom God has prepared to facilitate the Gospel’s entrance

into a community, tribe, or subculture

Marks of A Person of Peace

1. Receptivity – sovereignly prepared by God (before your arrival) to receive the Gospel• Zacchaeus• Cornelius• Lydia• The Philippian Jailer

- pray for a person of peace- search until you find him or her- stay there or move on …

Marks of A Person of Peace

2. Reputation – people of a known reputation, either good or bad• Matthew the tax collector disciple• Saul of Tarsus Paul the Apostle• the woman at the well• prostitutes, drug dealers, politicians,

warlords

But also … people of influence• Lydia, Cornelius – oikos circle of

influence• Nicodemus

Marks of A Person of Peace

3. Referral – news about Jesus is spread word-of-mouth. The person of peace actively shares with others. The gospel goes viral.• the woman at the well• the “fish of reference”

Is this even applicable in Nashville?

Is this even applicable in Nashville?

• 180,000 foreign-born people, 80+ people groups, growing refugee population

Is this even applicable in Nashville?

• 180,000 foreign-born people, 80+ people groups, growing refugee population

• “tribal nature” of Nashville- strong neighborhood identity- racial and economic segregation- “herd-based” mentality

- hipsters, artists, athletes, musicians, etc.

Is this even applicable in Nashville?

• 180,000 foreign-born people, 80+ people groups, growing refugee population

• “tribal nature” of Nashville- strong neighborhood identity- racial and economic segregation- “herd-based” mentality

- hipsters, artists, athletes, musicians, etc.

• The Athens of the South- 21 accredited 4-year colleges and

universities, 6 community colleges, 11 vocational/technical schools

What does a person of peace look like in Nashville?

What does a person of peace look like in Nashville?

1. Anyone who is receptive

What does a person of peace look like in Nashville?

1. Anyone who is receptive2. Anyone who represents a tribe or a

subculture

What does a person of peace look like in Nashville?

1. Anyone who is receptive2. Anyone who represents a tribe or a

subculture3. Anyone with a “reputation”

What does a person of peace look like in Nashville?

1. Anyone who is receptive2. Anyone who represents a tribe or a

subculture3. Anyone with a “reputation”4. Anyone who can and will spread the

message