06.09.08 - Catalyst

06.09.08 Catalyst 

Scripture Reference: Philippians 2:14 Do . . .

Mark 16:15 Go . . .Do you see Christ working in your life to help you to overcome obstacles that you could not tackle on your own?  When this happens and you prevail, does this give you faith to want to become more of an overcomer, or are you satisfied to just go with the flow most of the time?

Today's Topic: One person can certainly make a lasting difference in today's world.

1. I. Do Something . . .Go Somewhere
1. i. We are commanded to do things without muttering and complaining, our other Scripture text tells us to go. You and I must realize that we are here for a purpose.  The old saying goes, "it is better to have lost at love than never to have loved at all," and the fact is that too many Christians miss their purpose for fear of losing, of failing, of not being able to handle it.  Many think that they are only one person and can never really make a lasting difference in today's world or in anyone's' life. That thought process is not Biblical.  
1. 1. Phil 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. KJV
1. a. Can you think of a situation in your life that seemed hopeless, then God showed up and it all worked out?  
2. b.
2. 2. When God called Moses, God told him to go to Pharaoh and command that Pharaoh let the children of Israel go.  Moses had a boat load of excuses.  I can't speak well.  They won't listen.  (Exodus 3:6) Who am I? They won't believe me.  And on and on and on.  
1. a. Have you ever had the "Moses virus?"  I have.  The only cure is to GO! And DO! 
2. b. Can you relate a time where you were convinced you were going to fail and talked yourself into doing nothing even though you knew God wanted you to do something?  How did it turn out? Do you regret not doing what the Lord told you to do? How long have you lived w/ that regret? 
3. c. What happened when Moses did obey?
2. II. Secret Agent Man (you should sing this part, remember the old song? ha ha)
1. i.
2. ii. As an agent of change on a mission from God to GO and DO, what do you think your assignment is? What if you fail in your mission?  What if you succeed?  
3. iii. Look at 2 Corinthians 12:9.  If God asks us to do something, and we do our best, then we CANNOT fail.  We are simply to be obedient.  God told Moses Pharaoh was not going to listen, God told Moses that he would not for some time let the children of Israel go.  You see, God never really cared about Moses' ability, He cared about his obedience!! Even with the parting of the Red Sea, the greatest thing Moses did was lift up a stick! God did it all! You and I are commanded to DO (without complaining!) and GO (when and where He send us)
4. iv. Do you see yourself as an agent of change strategically placed by God? Why not? What do you think you have done, or not done, that might exempt you from working for God?
3. III. The Kicker 
1. i. Here's the kicker. One really can make a difference.  We often think that we are to insignificant to make a real difference. "if I were the only one, Christ still would have died" we've all said it, but we must MEAN it.  See, you really already have made a difference, you made a difference to Christ, He died for you.  Now He is calling us all to make a difference in our world, by going and doing.
1. 1. One drop of blood cleansed my from all past sin
2. 2. One confession of faith gave me eternal life
3. 3. One Man died for all (Christ)
4. 4. One woman saved a nation of people (Esther)
5. 5. One man built a boat and saved all mankind (Noah)
6. 6. One man birthed a nation (Abraham)
7. 7. One man/woman changed the world through obedience (YOU!)
1. a. Each of these were a catalyst, an agent of change.  Think about and discuss what might have been had their decisions to GO and DO had been different?