The Difference

Have you ever looked at the world or watched the news and wondered “What difference can I possibly make?”? It seems like a daunting task that will swallow you up immediately upon consideration. Maybe you consider that your age or your job status are a hindrance. Perhaps you consider yourself to have too little significance to make a big change. The reality is that we have all wondered what a difference we can individually make.

That is where the church steps in. As followers of Christ, we make a difference in the world as we make a difference through the Church. No, that is not all of our influence, but if we begin making an impact in our church we will see ripple effects throughout society. I think that is the pattern for the church set in the book of Acts. I want to share with you 7 ways you can make a difference in your church THIS WEEK!

1. Being at church. Your presence is an encouragement to others. Your absence can also discourage others. You can make a difference just by being here to worship Jesus Christ on Sunday morning with your church family.
2. Take notes. This Sunday starts a mini-series in the Sermon on the Mount called “Ethics According to Jesus”. As we have discussed being salt and light, these messages show us how. I want to encourage each of you to read ahead through Matthew 5:21-26 and take notes on what Jesus says about the topic of anger and murder.
3. Pray. Start your day each day asking God what difference He would have you make for His church. Don’t look for the major overhaul and miss out on the little things that you can do for Him. If you ask, God will give you opportunities.
4. Participating. Sometimes we miss the difference we can make in our church because we are too busy to participate or expect someone else to handle it. You can make a major difference in your church by participating in serving, preparing, SS discussions, worship, etc…the possibilities really are endless! Look today for a place where you can plug in and see the impact you can make for God’s kingdom.
5. Invite! A great way to drastically impact your church is to invite others to come and worship with you on Sundays. Maybe it’s a neighbor or a family that hasn’t been in a while. You can make a lasting impact and difference on your church just by getting people to come and be part of the congregation you love. If your presence can make a difference, how much of a great and encouraging impact can having someone new with you make on our people?
6. Give. God provides all of our needs and He provides for His church through us! I believe that God has a huge mission and a huge task for our church. If we give in faith to the Lord for the work of His Kingdom, we will see lives impacted. Consider today the impact you make have in giving.
7. Connect. Just like being at church and participating, connecting with others makes a huge impact. It is easy to connect with people we already know, but what about families in our church with whom you are not as familiar? You make never know the difference a phone call to a brothers or sister in Christ will make, but I will always guarantee that it is worth your time to make the connection with them.

Next week, we will look at impacts on our community. I am praying for you all and excited to worship God with you Sunday at FBC Fairburn!

In Christ Alone

Pastor Evan