Empowered to Make a Difference Through Faith
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to celebrate "Back to Church Sunday," a day dedicated to rekindling our commitment to worship and community. We began by reflecting on the hymn "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee," which set a tone of gratitude and joy. We then moved into a prayer, asking God to accept our words and meditations. The central theme of our gathering was the significant impact we can make as individuals and as a church, even without grand titles or names. We were inspired by the story of Austin Perrin, a four-year-old who uses his allowance to feed the homeless, reminding us that small acts of love can make a big difference.
We delved into the book of Hebrews, which encourages early Christians to remain steadfast in their faith despite persecution and false teachings. This led us to discuss three key attributes of difference-makers: courageous faith, encouragement of one another, and the importance of gathering together. We were reminded that faith is the cornerstone of our actions and that it is not centered on ourselves but on God. The story of Gideon illustrated that even those who feel insignificant can achieve great things through faith in a big God.
Encouragement was another focal point. We are called to provoke one another to love and good deeds, creating a community where the love of Jesus becomes contagious. This love should extend to God, ourselves, and our neighbors, as exemplified by Tabitha in the book of Acts, who dedicated her life to caring for widows.
Finally, we emphasized the importance of gathering together. In a world increasingly isolated by technology and social media, our gatherings provide a source of strength and connection. The Surgeon General's article on loneliness highlighted the need for human connection, which the church can uniquely provide. We concluded with a call to be generous in our giving and to engage actively in small groups and missions, making a difference wherever we go.
### Key Takeaways
1. Courageous Faith: Faith is the bedrock of our actions and is centered on God, not ourselves. The story of Gideon teaches us that even those who feel insignificant can achieve great things through faith in a big God. Courageous faith allows us to trust in God's ability to do the impossible, making us true difference-makers. [24:45]
2. Encouragement: We are called to provoke one another to love and good deeds. Encouragement is essential for living our best lives in Christ Jesus. When we encourage each other, the love of Jesus becomes contagious, saturating our communities and inspiring others to act in love and kindness. [30:17]
3. Gathering Together: The power of gathering cannot be overstated. Our collective faith strengthens us and equips us for the assignments God has given us. In a world plagued by loneliness and isolation, our gatherings provide a vital source of connection and community. [38:58]
4. Loving God, Self, and Neighbor: We are called to love God completely, ourselves correctly, and our neighbors compassionately. This balanced love drives us to make a difference in the world, as seen in the life of Tabitha, who dedicated herself to caring for widows. [34:01]
5. Generosity and Active Engagement: Making a difference involves being generous with our time, resources, and energy. Active participation in small groups and missions helps us grow as disciples and inspires others through our worship and actions. Our collective efforts make a significant impact on our church and community. [45:26]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[11:31] - Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee
[15:18] - Back to Church Sunday
[16:29] - Making a Difference
[18:03] - Story of Austin Perrin
[20:44] - National Back to Church Sunday
[21:39] - Reading from Hebrews
[22:46] - Courageous Faith
[24:45] - Full Assurance of Faith
[26:13] - Story of Gideon
[30:17] - Encouraging One Another
[33:01] - Loving God, Self, and Neighbor
[34:32] - Story of Tabitha
[38:58] - Importance of Gathering
[45:26] - Generosity and Active Engagement
[52:16] - Communion
[56:00] - Offering and Closing Remarks
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Hebrews 10:22-25 (NIV)
> "Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
2. Judges 6:11-16 (NIV)
> "The angel of the Lord came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to keep it from the Midianites. When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, 'The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.' 'Pardon me, my lord,' Gideon replied, 'but if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our ancestors told us about when they said, "Did not the Lord bring us up out of Egypt?" But now the Lord has abandoned us and given us into the hand of Midian.' The Lord turned to him and said, 'Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?' 'Pardon me, my lord,' Gideon replied, 'but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.' The Lord answered, 'I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive.'"
3. Acts 9:36-39 (NIV)
> "In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, 'Please come at once!' Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them."
### Observation Questions
1. What does Hebrews 10:22-25 say about the importance of gathering together as believers?
2. How did Gideon initially respond to God's call in Judges 6:11-16, and what was God's reassurance to him? [28:04]
3. What acts of kindness and service is Tabitha (Dorcas) known for in Acts 9:36-39?
4. According to the sermon, what are the three key attributes of difference-makers? [22:46]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the story of Gideon in Judges 6 illustrate the concept of "courageous faith"? What can we learn from Gideon's initial doubts and eventual obedience? [28:04]
2. In Hebrews 10:22-25, what does it mean to "spur one another on toward love and good deeds"? How can this be practically applied in a church community?
3. How does the example of Tabitha in Acts 9:36-39 demonstrate the importance of loving our neighbors compassionately? What impact did her actions have on her community?
4. The sermon mentioned the Surgeon General's article on loneliness. How does this relate to the importance of gathering together as a church? [41:03]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt insignificant or unqualified like Gideon. How did you overcome those feelings, or how can you apply Gideon's story to your current situation? [28:04]
2. Hebrews 10:24 encourages us to "spur one another on toward love and good deeds." Can you think of a specific person in your life who needs encouragement? What practical steps can you take this week to encourage them?
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of gathering together. How can you make more intentional efforts to participate in church gatherings or small groups, especially in a world that often promotes isolation? [38:58]
4. Tabitha's life was marked by acts of kindness and service. Identify one specific way you can serve your community or church this week. How can you make this a regular practice?
5. The sermon highlighted the need for courageous faith. What is one area in your life where you need to trust God more? How can you take a step of faith in that area this week? [24:45]
6. Reflect on the concept of loving God completely, yourself correctly, and your neighbor compassionately. Which of these areas do you find most challenging, and what steps can you take to grow in that area? [34:01]
7. The sermon called for generosity and active engagement. How can you be more generous with your time, resources, and energy in your church and community? What specific actions can you take this month? [45:26]
Devotional
Day 1: Courageous Faith
Faith is the bedrock of our actions and is centered on God, not ourselves. The story of Gideon teaches us that even those who feel insignificant can achieve great things through faith in a big God. Courageous faith allows us to trust in God's ability to do the impossible, making us true difference-makers. Gideon, who initially saw himself as the least in his family, was called by God to lead Israel to victory. His story reminds us that our limitations do not limit God. When we place our trust in Him, we can accomplish what seems impossible.
In our daily lives, we often face challenges that seem insurmountable. It is in these moments that we must remember Gideon's example and lean into our faith. By focusing on God's power rather than our weaknesses, we can step out in courage and make a significant impact in our communities and beyond. [24:45]
Judges 6:14-16 (ESV): "And the Lord turned to him and said, 'Go in this might of yours and save Israel from the hand of Midian; do not I send you?' And he said to him, 'Please, Lord, how can I save Israel? Behold, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house.' And the Lord said to him, 'But I will be with you, and you shall strike the Midianites as one man.'"
Reflection: Think of a situation where you feel inadequate or overwhelmed. How can you trust God to work through your weaknesses to achieve His purposes today?
Day 2: Encouragement
We are called to provoke one another to love and good deeds. Encouragement is essential for living our best lives in Christ Jesus. When we encourage each other, the love of Jesus becomes contagious, saturating our communities and inspiring others to act in love and kindness. Encouragement is not just about kind words; it is about spurring each other on to live out our faith in tangible ways.
In the book of Acts, we see how the early church thrived on mutual encouragement. They met regularly, shared their resources, and supported one another in their faith journeys. This kind of community is vital for spiritual growth and for making a difference in the world. [30:17]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: Who in your life needs encouragement today? How can you intentionally provoke them to love and good deeds through your words and actions?
Day 3: Gathering Together
The power of gathering cannot be overstated. Our collective faith strengthens us and equips us for the assignments God has given us. In a world plagued by loneliness and isolation, our gatherings provide a vital source of connection and community. The Surgeon General's article on loneliness highlighted the need for human connection, which the church can uniquely provide.
When we gather, we are reminded that we are not alone in our faith journey. We draw strength from one another and from the collective worship and prayer. This communal aspect of faith is crucial for our spiritual well-being and for fulfilling God's mission in the world. [38:58]
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (ESV): "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken."
Reflection: How can you prioritize gathering with your faith community this week? What steps can you take to foster deeper connections within your church?
Day 4: Loving God, Self, and Neighbor
We are called to love God completely, ourselves correctly, and our neighbors compassionately. This balanced love drives us to make a difference in the world, as seen in the life of Tabitha, who dedicated herself to caring for widows. Loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind is the foundation of our faith. From this love flows our ability to love ourselves and others rightly.
Tabitha's example in the book of Acts shows us that love in action can transform lives. Her dedication to serving others was a testament to her love for God. When we love God fully, it naturally extends to loving ourselves and our neighbors, creating a ripple effect of compassion and service. [34:01]
Mark 12:30-31 (ESV): "And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these."
Reflection: In what ways can you show love to God, yourself, and your neighbors today? How can you follow Tabitha's example of compassionate service?
Day 5: Generosity and Active Engagement
Making a difference involves being generous with our time, resources, and energy. Active participation in small groups and missions helps us grow as disciples and inspires others through our worship and actions. Our collective efforts make a significant impact on our church and community. Generosity is not just about financial giving; it encompasses our entire lifestyle of giving and serving.
When we engage actively in our faith communities, we contribute to a culture of generosity and service. This active engagement not only benefits others but also enriches our own spiritual lives. By giving of ourselves, we reflect the generosity of God and become conduits of His love and grace. [45:26]
2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (ESV): "The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."
Reflection: How can you be more generous with your time, resources, and energy this week? What specific actions can you take to engage more actively in your faith community?
Quotes
1. "We make a difference. We don't need a big title or a big name to make a difference. As people of faith and as a church, we make a difference. We make a real big difference in our world. As we gather today, we are gathered and reminded of the little things that we do to make difference in our world and to affect one another." [16:29] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Faith is the solid rock on which we stand. Our faith is not centered on ourselves but is centered on God. The Hebrew writer reminds us that without faith it is impossible to please God. We do not need a big name or a big title to make a difference. We need only to have faith in a big God who is able to make all things happen in our life." [23:43] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Difference-makers have courageous faith. They have the full assurance that faith brings to us. We have talked about faith. And the scripture also reminds us that having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. That means that we remember our baptism. Amen. When we remember our baptism, our faith is encouraged. Through baptism, we are given a new identity in Christ." [24:45] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Difference makers encourage one another. The scripture says that and let us continue to provoke one another onto love and good works. The Amplified Version puts it this way, it says let us consider thoughtfully how we can encourage one another to love and good works. To spur one another on is like irritating one another. It's like provoking, stimulating one another. Provoking them, not onto negativity, but provoking them onto goodness." [30:17] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We are not saved because of good works. But we are saved for good works. Somebody awake this morning? Come and give some praise to God. Amen. We are saved by faith. We are saved by grace. We are saved by faith through the love of Jesus Christ. We are saved by faith. We are not saved because of the good works that we do. We are not saved because of the alms that we give. We don't have salvation. It's a gift of Christ." [37:19] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Difference makers gather together. There is power in our gathering. There is a power of God that is released in our gathering. On the day of Pentecost, the Bible said the disciples were gathered together. All the things the enemy wants to do is to do everything for us. But the people of God has always been the community of faith that gathers together. Amen? We are a community of faith that gathers together." [39:30] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "When we gather, we are empowered. We are equipped for the assignment that God has given to us. When we gather, all our faiths together and when our faith becomes strong, we encourage one another. Difference makers know the importance of being in the association of difference makers. As a church, we make a difference. But everything that we do, when we gather, we are empowered to be scattered, to go and be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ." [40:32] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "We are living in a golden, we have a golden opportunity to make difference and one of the ways we make difference is by being generous with our giving. Amen. And so I invite us to give our offerings together today. Amen. The plate is in the front and we can come together people of God. Let's pray a prayer of blessing over our offerings. Life-giving God, we offer our gifts to you in gratitude for all the blessings you rain down upon us." [01:09:39] (110 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "When God calls us as difference makers, all He demands from us is for us each and every morning to wake up and say, I am Thine, oh Lord, I belong to You. Use me for Your glory, amen? As we go to the places God has called us, let us draw nearer, nearer more to the Lord each and every day of our lives, amen? And may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, may the love of our Lord Jesus Christ, may the love of the living God, the sweetest fellowship of God's Holy Spirit, let it be with us this week." [01:16:24] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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