Sermon Notes, February 5, 2012

Sermon Notes, February 5, 2012

C.M. Pruitt

            Pastor C.M.’s message was titled “It Takes Courage to Make a Difference,” and his text was John 16:33—“ In the world you will have hardship, but be courageous…I have conquered the world.”--Jesus (NJB)  We cannot make a difference by imitating the culture.  Be filled with courage because Jesus won!  How can I be courageous?

By owning up to my own sins. It takes courage and determination to admit our sins. What is sin?  Doing something you know you shouldn’t, or not doing something you know you should. “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.” (John 1:8, NIV)  It takes guts to confess our wrongs.  “You’ll never succeed in life if you try to hide your sins.” (Proverbs 28:13, GN)  Don’t run from a problem: admit it, then move forward.  “Confess your sins to one another, and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” (James 5:16, GN)  You’ll never make a difference in anyone’s life if you always have to be right.

By standing up for what is right.  “Stand true to what you believe.  Be courageous.  Be strong.” (1 Corinthians 16:13, NLT)  Our culture tells us we should be civil, and tolerant, so we won’t be considered ‘narrow-minded.’  Perhaps the hardest passage in scripture is this: “If you don’t speak out to warn the evil person to leave his evil way, he will die in his sin.  But I’ll hold you responsible for his death.”  (Ezekiel 3:18, ICB)  Tell them the truth; speak up when it is appropriate.  Let God’s love motivate you to do and say what is right. “Let your love, God, shape my life.  Then I’ll be able to stand up to mockery because I trust Your Word…as I look for Your truth and Your wisdom, I’ll tell the world what I find, and speak our boldly in public, unembarrassed.” (Psalm 119:41, 45, 46, Mes)

By speaking up for Christ.   “God doesn’t want us to be shy with His gifts, but bold and loving and sensible.  So don’t be embarrassed to speak up for our Master.” (2 Timothy 1:7-8, Mes)  If you know what God did for you, can’t you tell others?  “Don’t be ashamed to tell people about our Lord Jesus” (2 Timothy 1:8, NCV)  “Always be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks you why you’re living the way you are, and always do it with the utmost certainty.”  (1 Peter 3:15, Mes)  Don’t be an obnoxious Christian.  Live for Christ and tell people why you’re living the way you are. Care enough to do what needs to be done.

            Why don’t Christians live courageously?  The American news media hates Christians.  Science has made our opinion of origins a myth.  We are embarrassed  by the way some of our Christian brothers act.  (The Ned Flanders syndrome—Bart Simpson’s neighbor.  How do you build your courage? 

Go public through baptism. “Your baptism in Christ was not just washing you up for a fresh start.  It also involved dressing you in an adult faith wardrobe--Christ’s  life!”  (Galatians 3:27, Mes)

Pray for boldness. “Pray and ask God to give me the right words as I boldly tell others about the Lord…” (Ephesians 6:20, LB)

Expect God to use me.  “I expect and hope that I will have the courage now, as always, to show the greatness of Christ in my life here on earth.” (Philippians 1:20, NCV)  “Be strong and courageous!  Don’t be afraid or discouraged.  For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”  (Joshua 1:9, NLT)  Take advantage of the opportunities.

Remember the end of the story.  “Take courage, for the coming of the Lord is near.”  (James 5:8)  Jesus will be doing the victory dance.  “You’ll have courage because you will have hope.” (Job 11:18, NLT)

           My job is to share Christ.  Listen and watch for ways to make a difference.  Acknowledge God’s blessings.  Plan: decide on someone you want to share Christ with, and pray for them, minister to them, invite them.  Live out your faith.