Empowering Change: The Impact of Individual Acts
Summary
Today, on this special Mother's Day, we gathered to celebrate and honor all the women in our lives—mothers, stepmothers, aunts, sisters, and friends. We recognize the immense contributions and sacrifices they make daily. As we commenced our service, I shared a personal anecdote about a conversation with my child regarding Father's Day, highlighting the everyday focus on children and the unique significance of Mother's Day for parents.
In our sermon, we delved into the challenges and responsibilities we face as Christians in a world filled with turmoil, such as wars, natural disasters, and personal tragedies. I recounted experiences from a mission trip to Peru and a heart-wrenching story from a friend in Virginia, emphasizing the overwhelming nature of global and local suffering. This led us to explore our role in such a vast world of need.
Drawing from Galatians 6, I emphasized the importance of not growing weary while doing good. Despite the impossibility of solving all the world's problems, we are called to act wherever we can, particularly within our community of faith. This scripture encourages us to seize every opportunity to do good, starting with those closest to us.
A significant focus of today's message was the concept of doing for one what we wish we could do for everyone. This principle guides us to impact individual lives profoundly rather than being paralyzed by the magnitude of global needs. I shared how our church, despite its size and the impossibility for our staff to meet every need, has developed systems like the Compassion Response Team to manage this. We discussed the importance of personal engagement—going deep rather than wide, committing long-term rather than short-term, and investing time, not just money.
We also celebrated the achievements within our community, such as breaking a giving record and the personal stories of members like Max Smith, who has dedicated years to ministering in prisons. These examples illustrate the profound impact of focused, sustained efforts.
As we concluded, I encouraged everyone to consider "who is my one?"—challenging each person to identify an individual or a group they are uniquely positioned to help. We reflected on how personal struggles and triumphs prepare us to assist others facing similar challenges, inspired by 2 Corinthians, which speaks of God comforting us so that we may comfort others.
In closing, we prayed for the empowerment and blessing of each individual and our collective mission projects, like Creative Gainesville, which we supported today through special offerings.
### Key Takeaways
1. Embrace the Power of One: In a world overwhelmed with need, focusing on individual acts of kindness and support can create ripple effects of change. By identifying and supporting "our one," we fulfill a divine mandate to be the hands and feet of Jesus in tangible, impactful ways. [17:09]
2. Depth Over Breadth: True impact requires deep, not wide, engagement. By investing deeply in a few, we can foster significant change and growth, both in others and ourselves. This approach is exemplified by our members who commit to long-term, personal involvement in lives and causes. [18:18]
3. Sustained Commitment: Transformation often requires more than a momentary effort; it needs sustained commitment. As illustrated by the dedication of our church members like Max Smith, long-term dedication in service can lead to profound impacts on individuals and communities. [18:55]
4. Invest Time, Not Just Resources: While financial contributions are essential and appreciated, the investment of time and personal presence often yields greater dividends in ministry and service. Engaging directly with those we help fosters deeper relationships and more substantial support. [20:02]
5. Leverage Personal Experiences for Ministry: Our personal trials and triumphs equip us to empathize with and aid others in similar situations. By using our experiences as a ministry tool, we can offer unique support and hope to those facing similar challenges. [21:44]
### Youtube Chapters
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [07:11] - Mother's Day Acknowledgment
- [09:27] - Introduction to Mission Projects
- [10:02] - Reflecting on Global and Local Crises
- [13:11] - Scripture Reading and Sermon Theme
- [15:04] - Doing for One
- [17:48] - Going Deep, Not Wide
- [18:55] - Commitment to Long-Term Impact
- [20:02] - Importance of Time Investment
- [21:44] - Personal Experience and Ministry
- [42:13] - Closing Prayer and Call to Action
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Galatians 6:9-10 (NIV): "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers."
2. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV): "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul encourage believers to do in Galatians 6:9-10, and why is this important? [13:11]
2. How does the story of the mission trip to Peru illustrate the overwhelming nature of global needs? [10:32]
3. What is the significance of the phrase "do for one what you wish you could do for everyone" as mentioned in the sermon? [15:04]
4. How did Max Smith's long-term commitment to prison ministry exemplify the principle of sustained commitment? [18:55]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why might Paul emphasize not growing weary in doing good, especially within the community of faith? How does this relate to the challenges mentioned in the sermon? [13:11]
2. How can personal experiences of comfort and hardship, as described in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, be used to minister to others? [21:44]
3. What are the potential impacts of focusing on deep, long-term relationships rather than broad, short-term engagements in ministry? [17:48]
4. How does the concept of "investing time, not just resources" challenge common approaches to charity and service? [20:02]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed by the needs around you. How did you respond, and what might you do differently in light of Galatians 6:9-10? [13:11]
2. Identify one person or group in your life that you feel called to help. What specific steps can you take to go deep rather than wide in your engagement with them? [17:48]
3. Consider a personal experience of hardship or comfort. How can you use that experience to support someone currently facing a similar challenge? [21:44]
4. What are some practical ways you can invest your time, not just your money, in a ministry or cause you care about? [20:02]
5. Think about the concept of "doing for one what you wish you could do for everyone." Who is "your one," and how can you start making a difference in their life this week? [15:04]
6. How can you maintain a sustained commitment to a cause or person, even when it becomes challenging or tiring? What strategies can help you stay motivated? [18:55]
7. Reflect on the achievements within your community, such as breaking a giving record or personal stories of long-term ministry. How can these examples inspire you to take action in your own life? [20:02]
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace Individual Acts of Kindness
In a world overwhelmed by need, it's easy to feel that our individual efforts are too small to make a difference. However, focusing on one person at a time allows us to create significant change within our reach. By identifying and supporting "our one," we can act as the hands and feet of Jesus, bringing tangible help and hope to those in need. This approach not only fulfills a divine mandate but also sets a powerful example of love and service in action. It's about making a profound impact on one life at a time, which can indeed set off a ripple effect of positive change throughout the community. [17:09]
James 1:27, "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world."
Reflection: Who is one person in your life or community who needs support right now, and how can you begin to make a difference in their life today?
Day 2: Depth Over Breadth in Engagement
True impact in the lives of others comes not from spreading ourselves thin across many, but from investing deeply in a few. This focused approach allows for more meaningful connections and more significant growth, both for those we help and for ourselves. By committing to long-term, personal involvement, we can see real transformation in lives and communities. This method exemplifies how depth of relationship and commitment can lead to lasting change, encouraging us to choose quality over quantity in our engagements. [18:18]
1 Thessalonians 2:8, "So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us."
Reflection: In what ways can you deepen your current commitments to better serve and impact others?
Day 3: The Power of Sustained Commitment
Transformation often requires more than a momentary effort; it demands a sustained commitment. This is vividly illustrated by individuals who dedicate years to causes like ministry in prisons, showing that long-term dedication can lead to profound impacts on both individuals and communities. By persisting in our efforts, even when progress seems slow, we can achieve outcomes that truly alter lives and shape futures. This commitment to continuity not only nurtures others but also strengthens our own faith and resilience. [18:55]
Hebrews 6:10-11, "For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do. And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end."
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you can demonstrate more persistence and commitment to see real change?
Day 4: Invest Time, Not Just Resources
While financial contributions are crucial, the investment of time and personal presence often yields greater dividends in ministry and service. Engaging directly with those we help fosters deeper relationships and more substantial support. This hands-on involvement allows us to witness the direct impact of our efforts and provides opportunities for mutual growth and understanding. It's about being present in the lives we're aiming to touch, which can be more valuable than any monetary donation. [20:02]
Luke 10:34-35, "He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, 'Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.'"
Reflection: How can you allocate more time to personally engage with a cause or individual you care about?
Day 5: Leverage Personal Experiences for Ministry
Our personal trials and triumphs equip us to empathize with and aid others in similar situations. By using our experiences as a ministry tool, we can offer unique support and hope to those facing similar challenges. This approach not only helps others feel understood and supported but also brings purpose to our past struggles, turning our pain into a powerful testimony of God's grace and healing. [21:44]
2 Corinthians 1:4, "Who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."
Reflection: What personal experience can you share to help someone going through a similar challenge, and how can you reach out to them this week?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We can open Facebook and see all the things that are happening around the world. And I don't think God made us to intake all that information. Before the advent of 24 hour news cycle and social media and all the things, we didn't know things like that were going on unless you read it in the newspaper. And it can be so overwhelming. And you can sit back and say, I am one person. What is it? What can I do? How can I make a difference?" [12:08]
2. "There's a verse in the Bible that I think Paul helps us and gives us a clue to help us navigate. What is our responsibility to other people? What is our responsibility in light of the fact that I am just one individual, I cannot change the world. So what am I supposed to do? It's found in Galatians 6. And he says, so let us not allow ourselves to get fatigued while doing good. Let us not allow ourselves to get fatigued while doing good." [13:11]
3. "And number one is to go deep rather than wide. If you struggled in high school, and your heart just pulls for high school students, you don't need to just be concerned about them. You need to get connected with them. You need to start volunteering at a high school. Get connected with our students groups. If you raised your kids as a single parent, as a single mom or a single dad, come alongside of another man or woman that's doing the same things, and partner with them in life, and go deep with them." [17:48]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Do for one what you wish you could do for everyone, that one group, that one person, that one family, that one friend. Our church has grown, and I mean, there'll probably be about 2,000 people here today, which is absolutely amazing. And it's not about making Canvas bigger, it's about making heaven bigger, and we're so glad. That we have so many people that are here today and hearing the word of God." [15:04]
2. "It's easier to just pray a general prayer for all the kids struggling in high school than it is to take one or two of those students and walk alongside of them, take them under your wings and mentor them and help them and walk through life's ups and downs with them. But if you really wanna make a difference in somebody's life, if you wanna be a part of changing somebody's life, it's going to require us to go deep and not just wide." [18:18]
3. "To make a difference in someone's life, to make a difference in an organization, it requires a big time commitment. We have somebody here in our church named Max Smith, and many of you know him. We shared his story. Yep, he's one of our men of honor leaders. And we shared a story of, I think last year, a video, and he's been going to the prisons for 11 years, two days a week." [18:55]
4. "Doing for one what you wish you could do for everyone means you have to go time, time, not just money. So here's what I'm saying. Find that one group, that one person, that one organization, and make a commitment to go deep, to go long, to go time, not just money. When you think about your life, who are the people that had the biggest impact on you? Was it your mom? Was it a teacher? Was it a coach?" [20:02]
5. "God comes alongside of us when we go through hard times. And before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just like God was there for us. God helps us heal in life, but it's God's people that are right next to us helping us walk that out." [21:44]
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