You were made for this … Impact

Drip, drip, drip - One drop of water, one after another, drop by drop, drip by drip something happens. One drop at a time over time makes a bucket full, the skies black, the oceans deep.

The phrase "a drop in the bucket" often refers to a small contribution that seems so insignificant on its own. However, just as consistent drops will fill a bucket, or form a vast ocean, small, consistent actions accumulate to create significant results. One insignificant drop of water may not make a difference to a dry landscape, but many drops, over time, can nourish a forest. Drip by drip, drop by drop the world changes.

Over the past two weeks we have talked about how God has made you for a purpose that can only found in a relationship with him. When you understand God’s purpose or mission for you … then you realize that you were made for this moment. Last weekwe discovered that there is a relationship that we were made for and that relationship is everything. We were made to cultivate it over time in humility in order to experience a deeper level of intimacy with God. Cultivation x Time x Humility = Intimacy with God. You and I were challenged to focus our lives on our relationship with God so that we might more fully live the life we were created to live. And when we focus on the moment in front of us in the power of the one who is with us we experience the impact that we were made for.

Because the truth is …

SlideGod has made you for impact.

Impact that changes hearts, transforms families, communities, and advances His kingdom one life at a time.

The question is not whether you or I will have impact—we will.

The question is:

SlideWhat kind of impact will we have?

Will it be accidental or intentional?

Will it point people toward God or push them away from Him?

Will it build up or tear down?

You might say that …

SlideImpact is the difference you make in the lives of others that lasts long after your presence is gone.

Jesus frequently taught about the disproportionate impact of small, faithful actions that have eternal consequences.

In Matthew 13:31-32, He tells the parable of the mustard seed:

SlideThe kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches. Matthew 13:31-32

The mustard seed was the smallest seed known to Palestinian farmers, yet it grew into a plant large enough to provide shelter for birds. Jesus isn't teaching botany; He's revealing the exponential nature of kingdom impact.

Every act of kindness, every moment of integrity, every prayer offered in faith is like a mustard seed. We plant it not knowing how God will cause it to grow but trusting that He will multiply our small offerings beyond what we can imagine.

There is a myriad of ways we impact the world around us every day. There is the impact of our presence … Jesus’ words are recorded in Matthew 5:13-16

SlideYou are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.                                                Matthew 5:13–16

Jesus doesn't say you might, someday, become salt and light— This declaration is not a suggestion or an aspiration; He says that you and I are salt and light. it's a statement of identity and purpose. The very nature of salt and light is to have impact. Salt preserves, flavors, and heals. Light illuminates, guides, and reveals truth. Both elements are designed to influence their environment simply by being present.

But here is the Satan’s plan … hide your light, keep your salt in the shaker. Why, because …

SlideIsolation is the enemy of Impact.

When we hide our light, keep our salt in the shaker, it does nothing. Your light isn't meant to be hidden—it's meant to shine in such a way that it draws attention not to itself, but to the source of all light: Jesus

It the first chapter of the book John, it tells us that In Jesus there is life, and that life is the light of men. It is a light that shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it….  It is The true light, which gives light to everyone.                

The very presence of salt and light changes everything and your presence has the same power and potential.

Another way we impact is by the power of our convictions.

Scripture shows us that often the most profound impact comes through faithful perseverance in our convictions.  Because …

SlideYour internal convictions became the foundation for external impact.

Long before Daniel was thrown into a lion’s den we read about his convictions.

SlideBut Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself.                              Daniel 1:8

Daniel's impact began not with miracles or prophecies, but with a quiet resolution to maintain his integrity in a foreign land. His commitment to his convictions, demonstrated through daily choices about food and worship, eventually positioned him to influence kings and shape the course of nations.

We have convictions that are shaped by scripture that often clash with what our culture proclaims. Convictions about marriage, the sanctity of life, gender and identity, biblical authority, forgiveness and redemption, religious freedomin the workplace and at school regarding prayer and reading our bibles. Knowing what we believe and yet compromising those beliefs changes the nature of our impact. Because …

SlideCompromise reduces and redirects our impact.

Convictions in the face compromise, create an opportunity for impact but often when we are tempted to go along with others or take the path of least resistance it reduces the opportunity to draw others to the truth of God’s grace, love and mercy that He offers all and redirectsothers away from the truth. Just as your presence and conviction can have profound impact. So can the suffering it may produce. Because there is impact through how we live with suffering. The New Testament presents a counterintuitive truth:

SlideSome of our greatest impact comes through our response to suffering and hardship.

1 Peter 3:15-16 instructs us:

Slide but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.                                                    1 Peter 3:15–16

Peter writes to believers facing persecution, yet he doesn't promise them escape from suffering. Instead, he reveals how their response to suffering can have great impact.

When others observe followers of Jesus responding to trials with inexplicable peace, purpose, and even joy, they're confronted with evidence of a reality beyond this world. You see …

SlideOur suffering, when surrendered to Christ, becomes a window through which others can glimpse the kingdom of God.

You might be thinking, my presence, my convictions, my suffering … not me, I don’t think I could have that kind of impact. You might be believing one of … Three Barriers to Impact … the first is …

The Lie of Insignificance which is one of Satan's most effective strategies, convincing us that we don't matter—that our actions are too small, our sphere too limited, our gifts too ordinary to make a real difference.

This lie contradicts the clear teaching of Scripture. In 1 Corinthians 12:22, Paul writes:

SlideOn the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor …                     1 Corinthians 12:22–23a

God's economy operates on different principles than the world's.

SlideHe uses the small to confound the great, the weakto demonstrate His strength, the ordinary to accomplish the extraordinary.

But what if I don’t see the difference, the change, the greater good … what if all that I do leads to nothing? What if I fail?

Fear can be demotivating, demoralizing, and completely debilitating. Many of us have limited our impact because we are afraid of failing or being rejected. But Scripture consistently shows God using people who failed—sometimes spectacularly—to accomplish His purposes.

Peter denied Christ three times yet became the leader of the early church. Paul persecuted Christians before becoming the greatest missionary in history. David committed adultery and murder yet was called "a man after God's own heart."

 Okay, I’m not saying you need to deny Christ, persecute Christians or go and commit adultery and murder to prove the point or have some kind of monumental story. No …

SlideFear is overcome by taking that one step of faith.

Simply saying to Christ, I will trust you and do the next right thing.

When it comes to faith and making an impact it is easy to look at others and fall into … The Comparison Trap - In our social media age, it's easy to compare our behind-the-scenes realitywith others' highlight reels. This comparison often leads to either pride(when we think we're doing better) or discouragement (when we think we're falling short).

Galatians 6:4offers a corrective:

SlideBut let each one test his own work,and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each will have to bear his own load.                                                      Galatians 6:4–5

The Greek word test means to examine for authenticity, like testing metal for purity. We're called to focus on the genuineness of our own walk with Christ, not on how it measures against others.

SlideEvery single thing you do matters. You have been created as one of a kind. You have been created in order to make a difference. You have within you the power to change the world.      Andy Andrews

So what are some practical Ways to Increase our Impact

First …

SlideLive with Authenticity

Authenticity doesn't mean perfection—it means genuineness.

People are drawn to believers who are honest about their struggles while confident in their Savior. As Brennan Manning wrote,

SlideThe greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips and walk out the door and deny Him by their lifestyle. Brennan Manning

Second, you increase your impact by

SlideInvesting in Relationships

Impact happens through relationships. Jesus spent three years investing deeply in twelve men, and through them reached the world.

SlideWe must resist the temptation to prioritize platforms over people, choosing instead to invest deeply in the lives God has placed around us.

We’ve spent more time getting likes, subscribers and followers on social media more investing in real people to people, face to face interaction with those around us. In our families, in our church, in our neighborhoods and communities.

Today is Groups Sunday,a time where we put our conviction into practice. Where we realize that transformation happens in circles rather than row. This is the Sunday we ask you to invest in the lives of your brothers and sisters in Christ right here at the fellowship by being in a group, bringing your presence, your unique life of light and salt and even suffering to be shared by others.

SlideNever worry about numbers. Help one person at a time and always start with the person nearest you.                                                    Mother Teresa

Third, you increase your impact by

SlideDeveloping Your Gifts

1 Peter 4:10 instructs:

SlideAs each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:                                                          1 Peter 4:10

The Greek word charisma (gift) indicates that every believer has been given specific abilities for the benefit of others.

SlideOur impact is maximized when we operate in our God-given strengths.

This isn't motivational rhetoric—it's theological truth.

When we align our lives with our giftedness and God's purposes, He amplifies our impact beyond our natural abilities or circumstances.

Fourth, to increase your impact …

SlideAct on the Present …

Ephesians 2:10 declares:

SlideFor we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.             Ephesians 2:10

The Greek word poiema (handiwork) is where we get our word "poem." We are God's masterpieces, created not for our own glory but to accomplish the good works He has designed specifically for us.

Your unique combination of gifts, experiences, resources, and relationships positions you to reach peopleand accomplish purposes that no one else can fulfill in exactly the same way. And then as you …

SlideAct on the Present … with an Eye Toward Eternity!

Matthew 6:20-21instructs:

Slide but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.     Matthew 6:20–21

The impact we have for God's kingdom represents eternal investment. Every life touched, every heart encouraged, every soul directed toward Christ becomes part of our eternal inheritance. Jim Elliot wrote,

SlideHe is no fool who gives what he cannot keep, to gain that which he cannot lose.  Jim Elliot

Most of our impact will remain unseen in this lifetime. We may never know which conversation planted a seed, which act of kindness opened a heart, or which prayer moved heaven on someone's behalf. Our impact extends beyond what we can see or measure because it's grounded in the character and promises of an eternal God.

Jeremiah 1:5reveals God's perspective:

SlideBefore I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; Jeremiah 1:5a

SlideYour existence is not accidental; your potential impact is not incidental.

So

SlideStart Now!

You don't need to wait for better circumstances, more resources, or greater opportunities to begin making an impact. You can start where you are, with what you have, right now.

Isaiah 6:8 records the prophet's response to God's call:

SlideAnd I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.”                                    Isaiah 6:8

He didn't ask for more qualifications or better conditions. He simply offered his availability to God's purposes.

Remember that

SlideImpact is not optional it's inevitable.

The question is not whether you will influence others, but how.

You were made for impact.Your words matter. Your actions matter. Your presencematters. Your prayers matter.

Jesus’ life was a life of impact.Small daily choices of faithful obedience to the father in the power of the spirit to fulfill his calling. This morning we remember the impact that the sacrifice of Christ on our behalf and how it has changed eternity for us.

Communion at the end – 2 minutes

Maybe you are wrestling this morning with feelings of regret or being overwhelmed by feeling of insignificance, fear or comparison and you want someone to pray with you and for you in this moment. As we stand and sing this song about returning and embracing our love for God and his purpose for us I invite you to come for prayer as we stand and worship.

Dismissal – students at 6 p.m. tonight, Worship Night September 7th