AM I MAKING A DIFFERENCE

LESSON ONE: Making a Difference

jUDE 20-25

Introduction:

One day, a man was walking near the ocean shoreline littered with starfish that had been beached on the sand from a recent storm. As the man walked, he came upon a young boy frantically picking up the dying starfish and throwing them back into the ocean. “Son,” the man smiled as he placed his hand on the boy’s shoulder. “You know what you’re doing is futile, right?” The boy didn’t reply. He hardly even looked up. He just reached for another starfish and hurled it into the ocean. The man tried again. “Look,” he pointed along the shore. “There are miles of washed up starfish. Tens of thousands of them.” The boy grunted as he reached for another. “You could be here all day and all the next day and the day after that…you could be here all week, and you wouldn’t make a difference in all these starfish.”

I.  The Value of One

Luke15:10

Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

A. A Soul Is Eternal

Life                                             Eternity

Genesis 1:27

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

Mark 8:37

Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

B. Heaven and Hell Are Real

Luke 16:22-24

And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.

Revelation 20:15

And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

1 Peter 1:3-5

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

C. Jesus Is the OnlyWay of Salvation

John 14:6

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Acts 4:12

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

II. To Seek and To Save

Luke 19:10

For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

Mark 2:17

When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Mark 10:45

For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

Matthew 28:18-20

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

A. G0

B. Win

C. Baptize

D. Teach

III.   Owning the Mission

A. Make a Commitment

B. Set a Plan

Luke 10:1

After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.

C. Seek God’s Help

1 Thessalonians 2:3-5

For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:

Proverbs 11:30

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

1 Thessalonians 1:5

For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance…

D. Prepare a Message

Conclusion:

Will you commit to being a Christian who goes with the gospel?