Do You Want to Make a Difference in the World?

 

The following are my Bible study notes based on my pastor's sermon about making a difference in the world around us.

Our scripture passage is Mark 6:30-44.  You are invited to watch, listen, and worship with us here.

If You Want To Make A Difference | October 27, 2019 | Pastor Grady Sutton from Christ Place Church on Vimeo.

In this passage of scripture, Jesus is about 32 years old.  He has been in ministry for about 2 years.  Jesus' cousin, John the Baptist, has recently been killed.  Jesus is grieving his cousin's death.  He was tired and needed to rest.  (Mark 6:31)

Have you ever needed a break?  Of course you have.  We all need a break from time to time.  Sometimes we need to take some private time away from our circumstances.  Jesus and his apostles were taking some time to step away privately after learning of the death of John the Baptist.  At this time, Jesus was already well known and it was not uncommon for crowds to gather when they recognized Him.  Even though Jesus had intended to take a break with the apostles, He was moved with compassion for the people who had gathered.  Jesus was tired but he chose to make a difference for the people in the place where He was.

Do you want to make a difference in the place where you are?

How to Make a Difference in the World

1.  Start where you are. 

Begin by caring for the people God has placed in your life:  coworkers, neighbors, etc.  We are all swimming in a sea of lossness.  You might not be a missionary in a third world country, but you live in a neighborhood and people in your neighborhood need Jesus.  Make a difference for them.

2.  Use what you have. 

The disciples told Jesus that they didn't have enough food.  Jesus said, "Tell me what you DO have."

Make no excuses.  Use what you have to make a difference in the lives of others.  Keep in mind that loaves of bread back then were more like biscuits that we eat today.

*Be sure to watch the video above in its entirety to hear my pastor's funny lunchbox story. :)

3.  Do what you can.

You might not have the resources to do Billy Graham type crusades, but you can invite someone to the table.  You can meet someone's need, small or large.  You can tell someone that Jesus loves them.



4.  Give it to Jesus.

Jesus will always do something.  Put it all in His hands.  When the apostles didn't know how to feed the people, Jesus fed them with 5 biscuits and 2 scrawny fish.

What Jesus did for the people on that day long ago, He wants to do for you and me today.

Do you have a relationship with Jesus?  He desires a relationship with you.  Then, He wants you to make a difference.

Learn more about how to have a relationship with Jesus here.  Then, go and make a difference.

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Image Credit:  Eye of Ebony - Public Domain Image via Freely Photos