Empowered Individuals: Making a Difference Through Faith
Summary
### Summary
Welcome, everyone. Today, we delve into the power of one individual to make a significant difference in the world, guided by the Holy Spirit. The world is rapidly changing, and the foundations of society seem to be crumbling, leading to uncertainty and anxiety. Statistics on world hunger, refugees, and wars paint a grim picture, but Jesus' words in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21 remind us that these events are signs of the times. Despite these challenges, we are called to look up and lift our heads because our redemption draws near ([00:51]).
In the face of these overwhelming global issues, it's easy to feel insignificant. However, Dwight Moody's words remind us that while we may be only one person, we can still make a difference. Each of us has a unique heritage, skills, and sphere of influence that God can use to impact the world around us ([07:34]). Historical examples show how one vote has changed the course of history, emphasizing the power of individual action ([08:09]).
The Bible is filled with stories of individuals who made a difference for God. From Genesis to Revelation, we see God's hand in the lives of those who did what was right, regardless of the results. These individuals, guided by the Holy Spirit, changed their world through their actions and decisions ([09:38]). Jesus' instruction in Luke 21:28 is clear: when we see these signs, we should look up and lift our heads because our redemption is near ([05:24]).
As we contemplate the state of our world, it's easy to become perplexed and feel powerless. However, we are reminded that great changes are soon to take place, and the final movements will be rapid ones ([06:08]). We must not be paralyzed by fear but instead be motivated to act. We may not be able to do everything, but we can do something. Each of us has a unique role to play in God's plan ([07:34]).
In Matthew 24:14, Jesus promises that the Gospel of the Kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all nations, and then the end will come. This is not just a command but a promise that God will raise up an end-time people filled with His Spirit to make a difference in the world ([11:07]). Revelation 14:6 and Habakkuk 2:14 further emphasize that the Gospel will reach every nation, kindred, tongue, and people ([12:45]).
God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things. The New Testament Church was filled with common, ordinary men and women who were empowered by the Holy Spirit to spread the Gospel. Despite their initial reluctance and the danger of staying in their comfort zones, God allowed persecution to come, which scattered them and spread the Gospel even further ([16:23]). The disciples' aggressive service for others helped them grow spiritually and resist evil ([17:04]).
One powerful example is the story of a man in China who, despite being a masseuse, felt called by God to move to a city with no Adventist believers. He set up a massage table in the city square and began offering free massages. Through his faith and obedience, God performed a miracle, healing an old man who had a stroke. This led to the establishment of a church in that city ([21:25]). Similarly, Jennifer in Kenya made a difference by establishing a camp for alcoholics, leading many to Christ ([23:33]).
We grow spiritually as we go out and serve others. When we get involved in the lives of others, we feel the need for a deeper experience and a greater knowledge of divine things. This unselfish labor brings peace and happiness to its possessor ([25:46]). Jesus' Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 reminds us that all authority has been given to Him, and we are to go and make disciples of all nations. We go not in our strength but in His power ([28:36]).
The presence of Christ is with us as we serve. Whether we are organizing a small group, sharing literature, or praying with someone in need, Christ's presence is with us, empowering us to make a difference ([34:41]). The story of Elizabeth Elliott, who stayed with the tribe that killed her husband, exemplifies the power of one person to make a significant impact through the presence and power of Christ ([38:18]).
In conclusion, we are not insignificant. We are shaped by God and can make a difference for His kingdom. As we step out in faith, we will grow spiritually and be the light of the world that Jesus has called us to be ([41:28]).
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of One Person: Each individual has a unique role to play in God's plan. Despite the overwhelming global issues, one person can make a significant difference. Historical examples and biblical stories show how individual actions can change the course of history. We must not be paralyzed by fear but be motivated to act, knowing that we are uniquely equipped to make an impact. [07:34]
2. God's Promise and Our Calling: Jesus promises that the Gospel will be preached to all nations before the end comes. This is not just a command but a promise that God will raise up an end-time people filled with His Spirit. We are called to be part of this mission, making a difference in our spheres of influence and spreading the Gospel to the ends of the earth. [11:07]
3. Ordinary People, Extraordinary Impact: God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things. The New Testament Church was filled with common men and women who were empowered by the Holy Spirit. Despite their initial reluctance, they spread the Gospel far and wide. Our aggressive service for others helps us grow spiritually and resist evil, just as it did for the early disciples. [16:23]
4. Miracles Through Faith and Obedience: When we step out in faith and obedience, God can perform miracles through us. The story of the masseuse in China and Jennifer in Kenya illustrates how God can use our simple acts of service to bring about significant change. These examples remind us that we grow spiritually as we serve others and get involved in their lives. [21:25]
5. Christ's Presence and Power: As we fulfill the Great Commission, we go not in our strength but in Christ's power. His presence is with us, empowering us to make a difference. The story of Elizabeth Elliott exemplifies the power of one person to make a significant impact through the presence and power of Christ. We are not insignificant; we are shaped by God to make a difference for His kingdom. [34:41]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:51] - The State of the World
[03:49] - Natural Disasters and Nuclear Threats
[05:24] - Jesus' Instruction in Troubling Times
[06:08] - Great Changes and Rapid Movements
[07:34] - The Power of One Person
[08:09] - Historical Examples of Individual Impact
[09:38] - Biblical Stories of Individual Influence
[11:07] - God's Promise and Our Calling
[12:45] - The Gospel to All Nations
[16:23] - Ordinary People, Extraordinary Impact
[17:04] - Spiritual Growth Through Service
[21:25] - Miracles Through Faith and Obedience
[23:33] - Jennifer's Story in Kenya
[25:46] - Unselfish Labor and Spiritual Growth
[28:36] - The Great Commission
[34:41] - Christ's Presence and Power
[38:18] - Elizabeth Elliott's Story
[41:28] - Conclusion and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Luke 21:28 - "Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near."
2. Matthew 24:14 - "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come."
3. Revelation 14:6 - "Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus instruct us to do when we see troubling signs in the world according to Luke 21:28? ([04:28])
2. How does Matthew 24:14 describe the spread of the Gospel before the end times? ([11:04])
3. What is the significance of the angel's message in Revelation 14:6? ([12:46])
4. Can you recall a historical example mentioned in the sermon where one vote made a significant impact? ([08:38])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus tell us to "look up and lift up your heads" in Luke 21:28? What does this imply about our attitude in times of crisis? ([04:28])
2. How does the promise in Matthew 24:14 encourage believers to participate in spreading the Gospel? ([11:04])
3. What does the story of the masseuse in China teach us about faith and obedience? How did his actions lead to a significant change? ([21:07])
4. How does the presence of Christ empower us to fulfill the Great Commission according to Matthew 28:18-20? ([28:50])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt insignificant in the face of global issues. How can the message of Luke 21:28 help you change your perspective? ([04:28])
2. Jesus promises that the Gospel will be preached to all nations. What specific steps can you take to contribute to this mission in your community? ([11:04])
3. Think about a situation where you felt reluctant to step out of your comfort zone. How can the example of the New Testament Church inspire you to take action? ([16:25])
4. Have you ever witnessed or experienced a miracle through faith and obedience? Share your story and discuss how it impacted your spiritual growth. ([21:07])
5. How can you be more aware of Christ's presence in your daily interactions, especially when serving others? ([34:19])
6. Identify one person in your life who needs encouragement or support. What practical steps can you take this week to make a difference in their life? ([41:18])
7. Reflect on the story of Elizabeth Elliott. How can her example of forgiveness and dedication inspire you to serve others despite personal challenges? ([38:18])
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of One Person
Description: Each individual has a unique role to play in God's plan. Despite the overwhelming global issues, one person can make a significant difference. Historical examples and biblical stories show how individual actions can change the course of history. We must not be paralyzed by fear but be motivated to act, knowing that we are uniquely equipped to make an impact. [07:34]
Ecclesiastes 9:18 (ESV): "Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good."
Reflection: Think of a situation in your community or workplace where you feel insignificant. How can you take one small step today to make a positive impact in that situation?
Day 2: God's Promise and Our Calling
Description: Jesus promises that the Gospel will be preached to all nations before the end comes. This is not just a command but a promise that God will raise up an end-time people filled with His Spirit. We are called to be part of this mission, making a difference in our spheres of influence and spreading the Gospel to the ends of the earth. [11:07]
Isaiah 49:6 (ESV): "He says: 'It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to bring back the preserved of Israel; I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.'"
Reflection: Identify one person in your life who does not know Christ. How can you share the love of Jesus with them this week in a practical and meaningful way?
Day 3: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Impact
Description: God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things. The New Testament Church was filled with common men and women who were empowered by the Holy Spirit. Despite their initial reluctance, they spread the Gospel far and wide. Our aggressive service for others helps us grow spiritually and resist evil, just as it did for the early disciples. [16:23]
1 Corinthians 1:27-28 (ESV): "But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt inadequate to serve God. How did He use you despite your weaknesses? What is one area where you can step out in faith and serve others this week?
Day 4: Miracles Through Faith and Obedience
Description: When we step out in faith and obedience, God can perform miracles through us. The story of the masseuse in China and Jennifer in Kenya illustrates how God can use our simple acts of service to bring about significant change. These examples remind us that we grow spiritually as we serve others and get involved in their lives. [21:25]
James 2:17-18 (ESV): "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith and I have works.' Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."
Reflection: Think of a simple act of service you can perform for someone in need this week. How can you step out in faith and trust God to work through your actions?
Day 5: Christ's Presence and Power
Description: As we fulfill the Great Commission, we go not in our strength but in Christ's power. His presence is with us, empowering us to make a difference. The story of Elizabeth Elliott exemplifies the power of one person to make a significant impact through the presence and power of Christ. We are not insignificant; we are shaped by God to make a difference for His kingdom. [34:41]
Matthew 28:20 (ESV): "Teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Reflection: Consider a challenging situation you are currently facing. How can you rely on Christ's presence and power to guide you through it? What steps can you take to trust Him more fully today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The world as we once knew it has dramatically changed. And this pace of change is so incredibly rapid that if you blink your eyes, you almost miss it. It seems that the foundations of society are crumbling. This has produced an uncertainty, an anxiety, an insecurity on the part of many. Let's look at a few statistics of what's happening in the world. And these statistics almost read like, Jesus, words in Matthew 24 and in Mark 13 and Luke 21. If you look, for example, at the statistics on world hunger, 690 million people went hungry in 2019. 2022, it's over 700 million people. 8.9% of all the people in the world today are hungry globally." [01:32]
2. "I am only one, but I am one. I can't do everything, but I can do something. What I can do, I ought to do, and what I ought to do, by the grace of God, I will do. You see, because I can't do everything about all these conditions in the world doesn't mean that I should refuse to do the something that I can do. Now, there's only one you. You're the only person with your exact heritage. You're the only person with your life story. You're the only person who has your personal convictions, your skills, your appearance, your touch, your voice, your style, your surroundings, your sphere of influence." [07:41]
3. "One man got on his knees and began to pray, God, show me what you want me to do. God, whatever you want me to do, Lord, I want to do. And the Lord impressed him. Move and go to that city that has a million people in it where there are no Adventists and very few Christians. He said, what should I do when I go there? I'm just a masseuse. I'm a massage expert. I don't know what to do. And the Lord impressed him. Set up your massage table in the city square and offer free massages." [21:07]
4. "You see, because I can't do everything about all these conditions in the world doesn't mean that I should refuse to do the something that I can do. Now, there's only one you. You're the only person with your exact heritage. You're the only person with your life story. You're the only person who has your personal convictions, your skills, your appearance, your touch, your voice, your style, your surroundings, your sphere of influence. You're the only one who, by the grace of God, can make a difference in your world." [07:41]
### Quotes for Members
1. "When I read the Bible, when I read God's word, I find individual men and women that made a difference for Christ from Genesis to Revelation. We see God's hand in the lives of individuals who did what was right, because it was right. Regardless of the results, and they made a difference for God. In the Bible, we discover the power of one person, guided by the Holy Spirit. One person's influence, making a difference for God. One person's decision, changing the course of history. One person's actions, impacting the scores of other lives. One person's witness, changing their world. One person's kindness, making a difference in the lives of the people, and the lives of the people around them." [10:19]
2. "See, the reason God sends us out in mission, in service, to share His love with others, is not simply so they can be saved, it's so we can be saved. Because service strangles selfishness to death. As we serve others, we grow spiritually. We grow as we go. Can you say that with me? We grow as we go. Once more. We grow as we go." [18:15]
3. "God does not call the qualified. He qualifies those who he calls. When God invites you and gives you a vision of blessing others, all God's biddings are enablings. God is going to accomplish and equip you. I don't know what ministry God's calling you to, but I know God's calling you to a ministry. God is calling you personally to be actively involved in touching some other life with the grace of God. Because only you are the key to unlock the door of that heart. Only you are the one that God can use to reach that person." [27:40]
4. "When you go out to organize a small group and share the word of God with others, you go to fulfill the promise of Christ, you go in the power of Christ, and you go with Christ's presence. He's there with you in that Bible study. When you go and you see that nurse whose husband has been just diagnosed with cancer, and she comes in with red eyes because it's stage four, and he's been told he has six months to live at most, and she's been crying all night because she wonders how she's going to raise her three children under 10 years old, and you put your arm around her to pray with her. You go with the presence of Christ." [35:31]
5. "That's our calling, that's our destiny, that's the purpose for which God has brought us into existence. Matthew 24, verse 14. This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world. Notice it doesn't say may be preached. Will be preached in all the world. As a witness to all nations, then the end will come. This is not simply a command, it's a promise. It's the promise of God that he will raise up an end time people that are so in love with Jesus, that in the sphere of God, in the sphere of their influence, that one man, that one woman, that one boy, that one girl makes a difference." [11:57]
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