Recap:

You never know what God might do through something as simple as handing someone a Bible.

Take Mark Smith for example. Mark’s been coming to our church for about a decade, and I love his story. As a kid in elementary school, he received a little Gideon New Testament—one of those pocket Bibles handed out by a group committed to placing God’s Word into as many hands as possible.

He had no real faith background, so the Bible sat in a drawer, forgotten—until decades later, a co-worker casually mentioned he was reading the New Testament. Mark remembered that little Bible, pulled it out, and began reading.

And something happened.

He got to Ephesians—sitting alone in his living room—and the Holy Spirit met him there. Mark fell to his knees and gave his life to Jesus.

But it didn’t stop with him. His wife met Jesus too. And now, their daughter plays keys on our worship team. All because someone handed him a Bible as a kid. That Gideon had no idea. And that’s the point—you never know what God will do when you sow His Word.

This brings me to Ezekiel 33. It’s not a warm-and-fuzzy passage, but it’s one we need to hear.

God speaks to Ezekiel, a prophet in exile, and gives him a charge: “You’re the watchman on the wall.” Back then, a watchman’s job was to look out from the city wall. If they saw danger, they’d blow the trumpet. If people ignored the alarm, that was on them. But if the watchman stayed silent? The blood was on his hands.

Church, you and I are the watchmen now.

Where you live, work, and go to school—it’s not random. It’s a divine assignment. And just like Ezekiel, we have a responsibility to sound the alarm. To share the truth. Yes, judgment is real. Yes, every one of us will stand before God one day. And yes, the gospel is still good news.

That’s why we don’t stay silent. In 2 Corinthians 5, Paul echoes Ezekiel’s charge: “Because we understand our fearful responsibility to the Lord, we work hard to persuade others.” Not because we’re angry or self-righteous—but because Christ’s love compels us.

And that word “compels” in the Greek? It’s richer than just one meaning.

It means Christ’s love compels us—pushes us forward like a rushing river. It constrains us—presses us in, like a crowd moving in one direction. And it controls us—not like manipulation, but like a new operating system. Jesus’ love rewires us from the inside out. Our speech changes. Our hearts soften. Our lives are no longer our own.

And when you’ve been changed by love like that—you say something. Even if you don’t feel ready. Even if you’re not eloquent. You speak up because the truth matters more than your comfort.

And that’s what we’re doing through our Three for Thirty campaign—30,000 Bibles in 3 years. You may never know whose porch that Bible lands on… but God does.

Just like He did for Heather and Travis Jones.

Heather was wrestling. Her health was slipping. Her home felt heavy. She cried out to God, asking for a sign—and the next morning, she saw two women with signs that read “Jesus saves” and “Jesus loves you.” That evening, a Bible showed up on their porch.

Travis picked it up and couldn’t put it down. It wasn’t just a book—it felt like God Himself had delivered it. It led him to start reading, seeking, and finally believing.

One Bible.

One doorstep.

One family changed forever.

So here’s my ask: We’ve got 2,500 Bibles left for this year’s goal. If each of us takes a bag—if each of us spends just 30 minutes this week—we could reach thousands. And maybe, just maybe, your bag will be the one that changes everything for someone.

You are the watchman on the wall.

You are the meteorologist sounding the spiritual siren.

You’re not responsible for how people respond. But you are responsible to reach.

And maybe today, you’re here and you realize you’ve never truly surrendered to Jesus. You’ve heard the alarm—but haven’t responded. Today is your moment. Judgment is real—but so is grace. And Jesus stands ready to step in and say, “Father, My blood covers their sin.”

Will you let Him?

 

Group Questions:

Icebreakers

  1. What’s the most unexpected way someone has ever impacted your life?

  2. Have you ever found something years later that ended up being meaningful or life-changing?

  3. What’s the smallest gift you’ve received that made a big impact on you?

Scripture-Based Discussion

Read Ezekiel 33:1–6 and 2 Corinthians 5:11–15

  1. Ezekiel was called to be a watchman. In your own words, what do you think that means in today’s context?
  2. Paul says, “Because we understand our fearful responsibility to the Lord, we work hard to persuade others.” How does this resonate with you personally?
  3. The Greek word for “compel” has layers of meaning—pressing, pushing, controlling. Which aspect of that meaning speaks to you most, and why?
  4. What role does love—not guilt or fear—play in motivating you to share the gospel?

Personal Reflection

  1. Mark Smith’s story started with someone handing him a Bible. Have you ever been on the giving or receiving end of a moment like that?
  2. How have you seen God use “small things” (like a Bible on a porch) to make a big difference?
  3. Have you ever ignored a prompting to speak or act for God? What held you back?

Practical Application

  1. Where has God divinely placed you right now—your home, work, neighborhood—and what might He be asking you to do there?
  2. What’s one specific way you can be a “watchman on the wall” this week? (Deliver Bibles, share your testimony, pray for your neighbors, etc.)
  3. Are there fears or insecurities that keep you silent? What truth from this message helps you overcome that?
  4. Who is someone in your life right now that needs the hope of the gospel? What’s your next step?