Series: “You Can Make A Difference” STAY FOCUSED Series: “You Can Make A Difference”
THREE CONCLUSIONS “Because I CAN, I WILL. “Because WE CAN, WE WILL” Because GOD CAN, GOD WILL
The Point: To be a “Difference Maker” we must have the right focus.
1. DIFFERENCE MAKERS MUST BE FEARLESS.
Now FAITH is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. Heb.11:1-2 NIV
FAITH IS… Confidence in God’s PROMISES and His PLANS to keep them.
All these people were still living by faith when they died All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth. Hebrews 11:13 NIV
The Heroes of faith never got a PAYCHECK, but were FAITHFUL.
Instead, they were longing for a better country---a heavenly one Instead, they were longing for a better country---a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. Hebrews 11:16 NIV
Some faced jeers and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment Some faced jeers and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were put to death by stoning; they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword.
They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated. Hebrews 11:36-37
Their faith had HARDSHIPS “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” 2 Tim. 3:12
The world was not worthy of them The world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, living in caves and in holes in the ground. Hebrews 11:38 NIV
These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised,
since God had planned something better for us so that since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect. Hebrews 11:39-40 NIV
They were SPECIAL to God and received something better. God does not take away something without replacing it with something better.
2. DIFFERENCE MAKERS MUST LOOK FORWARD 2. DIFFERENCE MAKERS MUST LOOK FORWARD. Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses,
Let us hide, whine, complain, hoard our resources just in case, put our Bibles in a drawer, build bomb shelters, purchase ammunition,
Blame the cops, blame the president, blame the teachers, blame our mommas,
Demand our rights, build a wall, tax the rich, play it safe, find somebody to sue. Take back our country, pray Jesus returns so we won’t have to suffer!
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great could of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles (us). And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us… Hebrews 12:1 NIV
Focus on the right EXAMPLES.
Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.
For the joy set before him, he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2 NIV
Focus your EYES on Jesus. What would happen if every Christ follower would do this?
Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:3 NIV
Focus your ENERGY on Jesus.
DIFFERENCE MAKERS OVER 45 FOCUS ON… JESUS CHRIST
Forget the “GOOD OLE DAYS” Seek PURPOSE for the rest of your life MODEL Scripture & MENTOR the younger generation
DIFFERENCE MAKERS UNDER 45 FOCUS ON… JESUS CHRIST
Get your eyes off SOCIAL MEDIA, Washington DC Embrace OUR RESURRECTED Savior Become like the Jesus generation “The world is not worthy of them.”
“In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the “In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.” Heb. 12:4 NIV
ACTION POINTS 1. Will you become a Difference Maker and FOCUS ON JESUS ACTION POINTS 1. Will you become a Difference Maker and FOCUS ON JESUS? 2. When Temptation, Anger, Anxiety, Pride, Drugs, Alcohol, Wrong Influences, comes…FOCUS ON JESUS!