Sermon – 

I am going to shoot it straight with you today, and always because I know you can handle it. A lot of people will discredit you because you are young, however I believe that everyone in this room has the power to be a difference maker. We all have the ability to change the lives of those who we surround ourselves with. I’m sure many of you have heard this verse.

1 Timothy 4:12 Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.

But, I take this very seriously.

For me I have been called to do something very specific. I’ve been called to become A minister. To reach out and tell my story to anyone who is willing to hear, but more importantly to tell the story of who Jesus is to anyone and everyone who will listen.

Now your call may not be to become a minister or missionary or anything like that. However I believe that it is our responsibility as Christians no matter what we do as a career to be spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. Would you agree with me on that?

We are all called to spread the gospel. Each and every one of us.

Now some of us are called into deeper forms of leadership. This is a whole different animal that comes with an entirely different set of expectations. That is what happened to me. I was called one night in February 2015 after I woke up of out of a two-week coma, to change my entire life.  I gave up my job which I really enjoyed, but I gave it up not because I wanted to, but because I needed to. And that was not easy. But I did it because I believed God called me to do something.

Life has not been easy for me. Guys I’m not sure if you noticed, but I don’t have all my fingers or toes. When I first woke up I was unable to walk, unable to speak. But the bible says this.

Joshua 1:9 ESV

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

 

With God I was able to overcome all of the things that happened to me. I went through 10 to 20 life altering surgeries in the short 26 years I have been on this earth. That was difficult, but The Joy that I have in Christ is stronger than any physical pain that could come upon me.

Christ was there with me as I was wheeled into each surgery.

Video 1

Christ was with me when I first learned to speak again.

Video 2

Christ was with me when I felt the joy of eating again. I remember it like it was yesterday.

Video 3

You see God is with us at all times. Through the God and the Bad.

You see when it comes down to it, I wouldn’t change a thing that happened to me.

Now that’s not to say that life hasn’t been and won’t continue to be difficult.

Life is going to get difficult sometimes.

I felt that this week. I was flat out 100% completely overwhelmed. I was denied my health benefits for a time. This was just the straw that broke the camels back for me.

I was struggling so I called up on Rick and Pete and asked for them to pray over me. I spent the better part of Friday morning crying in their office while they prayed over me.

Then Rick directed me to Paus story. He reminded me of how difficult it was for Paul at times. Paul had it rough. When Paul became a Christian he was hated by many.

 

2 Timothy 3:12

In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

 

 

Persecute – to pursue with harassing or oppressive treatment, especially because of religious or political beliefs,

Synony            Synonyms – afflict, torture, torment badger, bother, pester.

He used me and he can absolutely use you. But you need to be willing to take that next step. To be bold and fearless with your faith.

 

We as Christians throughout your life you’re going to present be presented with different opportunities to reach out to the lost. I’m curious to hear from you as a group what are different ways that you personally have in the past reached out to the lost people in your lives??

 

I pray a lot in the mornings and it sounds a lot like this. Father I thank you for this day and I pray that today as I move forward through my day that you would present for me opportunities to glorify you

 

There are many different ways to pray this prayer but what you’re doing when you do this is your not only waiting for things to come your way, your asking for God to present them to you.

You’re not just waiting for something to come but you’re seeking it out you’re looking for it.

This is how we become a difference maker.

 

How many people have in their phones the contact information of a friend who is not a Christian or not a part of this SBC ministry???

 

I’m going to give you a chance right now to be a difference maker. Anyone know what’s happening tomorrow night at the main campus? Matt Redman Concert.

Anyone Going. First I would like to challenge all of you who will be in own tomorrow night to make this concert a personal priority.

Christian music may not be some of your friends favorite things especially the non Christians. However guess what is…YOU. People like hanging with you or they wouldn’t be friends with you…

So Lets take that to the next step.  If you invited them to go to the movies with you or to some pop artists concert they most likely would.

So I want to give you the next 5 minutes to do that.

But I’m going to sweeten the deal to make it even easier on you.  I will Buy a free ticket for every friend that you invite

Say something like this:  I have an extra ticket to a Matt Redmand concert tomorrow night, would you like to come with me.

If they are available, I bet you $15 they would Go with you. If nothing else just because they enjoy spending time with you

Here’s the best part…The worst things that can happen is the person says No.

WHAT! NO! IM SO deeply hurt. I’m going to cry in the corner for hours… Wait that wouldn’t happen…. Everything would be fine.

 

However if they say YES, you have the opportunity to change someone’s life. Total best case scenario what happens next, someone comes to the concert, connects with God, Gives their life to Jesus and is given eternal life.

 

I would say its worth the risk. So if it’s not this concert I challenge you to find ways to bring your friends to Christ. I challenge you to be A DIFFERENCE MAKER!!||

Let us Pray.

 

 

Closing Announcements –

 

• Teen Guys/Girls Small Group Bible Study – Wednesday 4:30-5:30PM
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