The Joy of Making a Difference - Pastor Tom Wood
2025 Theme: DETERMINED TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Determined = Attitude
Make = Effort
Difference = Impact
Making a difference may take effort and time but there’s a joy on the other side. If we lose sight of the joy, it just seems like hard work.
1 Thess 2:19 After all, what gives us hope and joy, and what will be our proud reward and crown as we stand before our Lord Jesus when he returns? It is you! 20 Yes, you are our pride and joy.
Acts 20:23b…You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
Proverbs 11:25 The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.
There is a joy and a fulfillment that can only come by building something bigger than yourself.
There is a satisfaction and reward that you cannot get by getting more and more for yourself.
Find the Joy in Making a Difference.
Be Intentional
“The best day of your life is when you figure out why you're here… and the next best is when you decide to give it away.” John C. Maxwell, Intentional Living
Start with the assumption that you have a God-given purpose, God-given gifts and God-given opportunities.
Figure Out Why You’re Here
Ask yourself these questions:
What Makes You Cry?
What Makes You Sing?
What Makes You Dream?
The church that Jesus started has always made it a top priority to help those in need. This is something that started immediately following Pentecost.
Acts 2:45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need.
Galatians 2:9 In fact, James, Peter, and John, who were known as pillars of the church, recognized the gift God had given me, and they accepted Barnabas and me as their co-workers. They encouraged us to keep preaching to the Gentiles, while they continued their work with the Jews. 10 Their only suggestion was that we keep on helping the poor, which I have always been eager to do.
Being Determined to Make a Difference is not a call to do something you’re going to hate, it’s a call to trust that making a difference in the lives of others is a wildly rewarding and a fulfilling way to live.
1 Peter 4:10 God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.
Build the Community
God designed the church to thrive when every member brings their gift—no one person can do what a family can do together.
No Pastor Can Make As Big A Difference As A Whole Church Living On Mission.
Start somewhere!
This whole idea of being Determined to Make a Difference is not just about boosting Word of Life, but is just as relevant and important outside of the four walls of the church.
Matthew 28:18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
You will never ever lack an opportunity to make a difference.
Standing Out For The Right Reasons Draws People To Jesus
What are the wrong reasons?
Proving a point
Judgemental and angry
No concern about how people are receiving the message
What are right reasons?
Good motive
Understanding who you’re talking to
Genuine care
Everybody Wants Jesus Even If They Don’t Know It.
Who knows what God could do if you decide to find the joy in making a difference?
How can you start to make a difference?
Find a place to volunteer - start somewhere.
Care about your influence and the strength of your witness. Be different at work and in your neighborhood
Don’t believe the lie that helping and making a difference is a thankless drag. It’s a joy.
Who knows what God could do if you decided to find the joy in making a difference?
Matthew 5:16b…let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
Summary
Find the Joy in Making a Difference
“The best day of your life is when you figure out why you're here… and the next best is when you decide to give it away.”
No Pastor Can Make As Big A Difference As A Whole Church Living On Mission.
Standing Out For The Right Reasons Draws People To Jesus
Everybody Wants Jesus Even If They Don’t Know It
How Can You Figure Out Why You’re Here?
What Makes You Cry?
What Makes You Sing?
What Makes You Dream?
There is nothing more joy-inspiring than living out God’s purpose for you.
1 Thess 2:19 After all, what gives us hope and joy, and what will be our proud reward and crown as we stand before our Lord Jesus when he returns? It is you! 20 Yes, you are our pride and joy.
Acts 20:23b…You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
Proverbs 11:25 The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.
Acts 2:45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need.
Galatians 2:10 Their only suggestion was that we keep on helping the poor, which I have always been eager to do.
1 Peter 4:10 God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.
Matthew 28:18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”