Making Eternal Ripples: Living with Purpose and Compassion

Devotional

Day 1: Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing—Making Ripples for Eternity

We are called to be difference makers, not just space takers, with our one and only life. God’s heart is for people far from Him, and He invites us to join Him in reaching out so that no one misses the grace of God. The true measure of our lives is not in our earthly accomplishments, but in the eternal impact we have on others—helping them find hope, rest, and life in Jesus. As you consider your daily routines, ask yourself: are you living with the kind of intentionality that points others toward heaven? [34:07]

Hebrews 12:15 (ESV):
"See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no 'root of bitterness' springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled."

Reflection: Who are five people in your life who need the hope of Jesus, and what is one intentional step you can take this week to help them experience God’s grace?

Day 2: The Heart of Jesus—Caring for What God Cares About

The greatest barrier to sharing the hope of Jesus is often a heart problem—a distracted, tired, or selfish heart that doesn’t beat for what God’s heart beats for. God’s love is so great that He sent Christ to die for us while we were still sinners, and He longs to give us a new, tender heart that cares deeply for those far from Him. When we pray for God to give us His heart for lost people, He delights to answer, transforming us from the inside out so we can love as Jesus loves. [48:52]

Romans 5:8 (ESV):
"But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

Reflection: In what ways has your heart grown distracted or hardened toward people who are far from God, and will you ask God today to give you a new heart that reflects His love for them?

Day 3: Feet Like Jesus—Going Where He Would Go

Jesus’ feet took Him to places and people that others avoided—parties, tax collectors’ homes, dinners with outcasts, and even to those considered untouchable. He was called a friend of sinners not as a compliment, but because He truly went to those who needed Him most. We are called to follow in His steps, intentionally building relationships with people who are far from God, not just staying in our comfortable circles. Sometimes, it’s not about changing our schedule, but about changing our focus and pace to see the people God has already placed around us. [57:04]

Mark 2:16-17 (ESV):
"And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, 'Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?' And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, 'Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.'"

Reflection: Where in your daily life can you be more intentional about building relationships with people who are far from God, and what is one step you can take this week to follow Jesus’ example?

Day 4: Hands Like Jesus—Serving with Compassion

Jesus’ hands were always extended in service, reaching out to heal, to comfort, and ultimately to be nailed to the cross for our salvation. He touched the untouchable, showing compassion and care to those who were marginalized and hurting. Our hands, too, are meant to be instruments of His love—serving, encouraging, and meeting the needs of those around us, especially those who do not yet know Him. True love is shown not just in words, but in actions that reflect the heart of Jesus. [01:05:39]

1 John 3:18 (ESV):
"Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth."

Reflection: Who is one person in your world who needs a tangible act of kindness or service from you this week, and how can you extend your hands to show them the love of Jesus?

Day 5: Prayerful Intentionality—Talking to God About Our Friends

If we talk to God about our friends, we are far more likely to talk to our friends about God. Prayer is the starting point for making ripples that last for eternity, as we ask God to work in the hearts of those we love and to use us as His instruments. When we pray persistently for people who are far from God, He aligns our hearts with His and opens doors for us to share His hope. Let’s be a people who pray first, trusting God to do what only He can do in the lives of our friends and family. [01:10:41]

Ezekiel 11:19 (ESV):
"And I will give them one heart, and a new spirit I will put within them. I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh."

Reflection: Will you commit to praying daily for the five people God has placed on your heart, asking Him to give you opportunities and courage to share His love with them?

Sermon Summary

Tonight’s focus is on the profound calling each of us has to make ripples with our lives—ripples that extend far beyond ourselves and into eternity. Deep within, we sense we were made for more than just existing; we long to be difference makers, to see our lives impact others in ways that matter forever. This is not just a personal ambition but the very heart of God, who desires that no one misses His grace. Jesus invites us to be bearers of hope, extending His invitation to those who are weary, burdened, and far from Him.

The central question to wrestle with is: “Is anyone going to be in heaven because of you?” While salvation is entirely the work of Jesus, He chooses to use us as His hands and feet, extending His offer of grace. The greatest tragedy is not failure, but succeeding at things that ultimately don’t matter. In light of eternity, the only achievements that endure are those that help others find their way to Jesus.

A common misconception is that good people go to heaven, but Scripture is clear: it is not goodness, but forgiveness through Jesus that opens the way. Our role is to keep the main thing the main thing—helping others encounter the grace of God. Influence flows through relationships, and friends influence friends, especially in matters of faith. Yet, many believers drift into a “holy huddle,” spending all their time with other Christians and losing meaningful connection with those far from God. The call is not to abandon Christian community, but to intentionally build relationships with those who need hope.

Living the Jesus way means letting our hearts, feet, and hands reflect His. Our hearts must care about what God cares about—people who are far from Him. Our feet should take us to places and people that Jesus would go to, even if it means stepping outside our comfort zones. Our hands should be extended in service, meeting needs and showing love in tangible ways. This is not about grand gestures, but about small, intentional acts—inviting a neighbor, encouraging a coworker, or simply being present.

God delights to answer the prayer for a new heart that beats with His compassion for the lost. If we talk to God about our friends, we’ll find ourselves more willing and ready to talk to our friends about God. The invitation is to live with intentionality, to see every relationship as an opportunity to make ripples for eternity, and to trust that God will use even our smallest efforts to change someone’s eternal destiny.

Key Takeaways

1. The Main Thing: Life’s true significance is found in helping others experience the grace of Jesus. Achievements and accolades fade, but the impact of leading someone toward eternity with God endures forever. The question “Is anyone going to be in heaven because of you?” is not about pride, but about living with eternal purpose and intentionality. [36:43]
2. Goodness vs. Grace: The widespread belief that “good people go to heaven” is a dangerous distortion. Scripture teaches that only forgiven people—those who have accepted Jesus’ sacrifice—have the hope of heaven. Our mission is to lovingly clarify this truth and invite others into the forgiveness and freedom Jesus offers. [38:13]
3. The Heart of Evangelism: The greatest barrier to sharing faith is not a lack of knowledge or opportunity, but a heart that has grown distracted, tired, or self-focused. God promises to give us a new heart if we ask—a heart that beats with compassion for those far from Him. Praying for God’s heart is the essential starting point for making ripples that matter. [51:31]
4. Intentional Relationships: Influence happens through authentic relationships, not programs or techniques. Jesus’ example shows us to go where others won’t, to befriend those on the margins, and to see every ordinary interaction as a divine opportunity. Living missionally doesn’t require drastic life changes, but a shift in focus and intentionality within our existing circles. [58:54]
5. Hands of Service: The love of Jesus is most powerfully communicated through tangible acts of service. Whether it’s a simple invitation, a word of encouragement, or meeting a practical need, our hands can extend the hope of Christ to those who feel isolated or overlooked. Small acts, done with great love, can change someone’s eternal story. [65:39]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[34:07] - Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing
[36:43] - Eternal Significance and the Question of Influence
[38:13] - Good People vs. Forgiven People
[41:03] - The Power of Relational Influence
[44:26] - Living the Jesus Way: Heart, Feet, Mouth, Hands
[48:52] - The Heart Problem in Evangelism
[49:50] - Honest Confession and Praying for a New Heart
[51:31] - God’s Promise to Change Our Hearts
[54:27] - Where Jesus’ Feet Took Him
[56:07] - The Beauty of Bringing Good News
[57:04] - Intentionality in Everyday Relationships
[58:54] - Practical Ways to Build Bridges
[62:02] - Jesus’ Hands: Compassion in Action
[65:39] - Serving Others with Our Hands
[66:43] - The Power of Invitation
[68:48] - Resources for Spiritual Conversations
[70:41] - Praying for Friends Far from God
[72:59] - A Church for Those Outside the Walls
[74:02] - Closing Prayer and Blessing

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Matthew 11:28 (ESV) — > "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

2. Hebrews 12:15 (ESV)
> "See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no 'root of bitterness' springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled;"

3. Romans 5:8 (ESV)
> "But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

Observation Questions

In Matthew 11:28, who does Jesus invite to come to Him, and what does He promise to give them?
According to Hebrews 12:15, what are we supposed to “see to it” about, and why is this important?
The sermon says, “Good people don’t go to heaven. Forgiven people do.” What is the difference between being “good” and being “forgiven” according to the message? [[38:13]]
What are some specific places or people Jesus’ feet took Him to, as described in the sermon? [[54:27]]

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus specifically invites the “weary and burdened” in Matthew 11:28? What does this reveal about His heart for people?
The sermon asks, “Is anyone going to be in heaven because of you?” How does this question challenge the way we think about our influence and purpose? [[36:43]]
The message talks about the danger of Christians spending all their time with other Christians and losing connection with those far from God. Why is this a problem, and how does it affect our ability to make ripples? [[41:03]]
The sermon says the biggest barrier to sharing faith is often a distracted or tired heart. Why is the condition of our heart so important in living out the mission of Jesus? [[49:50]]

Application Questions

The sermon encourages us to think of five people we want to see in heaven who may not know Jesus yet. Who are those people in your life? What is one small step you could take this week to build a relationship or start a conversation with one of them? [[36:43]]
Are there areas in your life where you have drifted into a “holy huddle”—spending most of your time with other Christians? What would it look like to intentionally build relationships with people who are far from God? [[41:03]]
The message says, “If I talk to God about my friends, I’m more likely to talk to my friends about God.” What would it look like for you to start praying regularly for specific friends or family members who don’t know Jesus? [[01:10:41]]
The sermon describes Jesus’ hands as always being extended in service. What is one practical way you could use your hands to serve someone in your neighborhood, workplace, or school this week? [[01:05:39]]
The idea of “making ripples” is about small, intentional acts. Can you share a time when a small act of kindness or invitation made a big difference in your life or someone else’s? How might God use your small acts this week? [[01:06:43]]
The message challenges us to pray for a new heart that beats with God’s compassion for the lost. Is there anything distracting, tiring, or hardening your heart right now? What would it look like to ask God for a new heart in this area? [[51:31]]
The sermon says, “The greatest tragedy is not failure, but succeeding at things that ultimately don’t matter.” Are there areas in your life where you are succeeding, but they may not have eternal significance? How could you shift your focus to what matters most? [[36:43]]

Sermon Clips

``And that's what I wanna establish right up front. And I mention this every few months because it's so important. Because there's this flawed thinking that we have in our world and even in the church that good people go to heaven. They don't. Good people don't go to heaven. Forgiven people do. It's a big difference. [00:37:53] (21 seconds) #ForgivenNotGood

How long does a candle have to be lit before it gives off light? Not very long. And usually when it's first lit is when it's brightest. And when someone comes to faith, that's usually when they make the greatest difference of all. That's when they shine the brightest. [01:01:06] (15 seconds) #JesusHandsServe

Not only was Jesus not infected by that guy's leprosy, it was the other way around. Jesus was so full of life and health that he infected the leper with his life. Jesus was so just consumed with life of the kingdom. He was more contagious with the life of the kingdom than the leper was with his own disease. And when you have the spirit of God inside of you, you will be contagious. You will be infectious with joy. And that'll help draw people to the hope of heaven, to the hope of Jesus Christ. [01:03:45] (32 seconds) #CrossNotGoodness

Friends, the reason that good people don't go to heaven is the cross. If good people went to heaven just because they were good, then the cross of Jesus would be completely unnecessary. But we don't go to heaven based on our goodness. We go to heaven based upon acceptance of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and he extended his hands. [01:05:06] (27 seconds) #SimpleInviteStrategy

And I gotta tell you, it doesn't get better when you've invited somebody, and then you just, you kinda pass the baton to us, and then we follow up, and then they start to come, and they hear about the amazing grace of Jesus and his hope, and they start to come, and then you see them make a faith decision one day, and you just say, thank you, God. I know Jesus is the one that saves, but he used me. He used me to bring that about. And that's something that you'll be able to hold on to. And friends, there's no greater sense of significance to know that you played a role in changing someone's eternal destiny, their eternal zip code, and you can do that. [01:10:49] (32 seconds) #PrayFriendsTalkGod

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