God Wants Us To Make A Difference In Our Generation! Series

*Rick Warren explained that "One of the most misunderstood ideas about the Christian life is that it's just a matter of believing. But God says, 'No, -- you are not just believers, you are belongers.' You belong in the family of God." (5)

*Dr. James Dobson told a story from the time when he was about 3 three years old. He said they lived in a one-bedroom apartment, and his little bed was located beside his parents' bed. It was not uncommon during that time for James' dad to wake up at night and hear a little voice whispering, "Daddy? -- Daddy?" His dad would answer quietly, "What, Jimmy?"

*Dr. Dobson said, "Then I would reply, 'Hold my hand!' My dad would reach across the darkness and grope for my little hand, finally engulfing it in his. And the instant he held my hand, my arm would become limp and my breathing deep and regular. I had gone back to sleep. You see, I only wanted to know that he was there." (6)

CONCLUSION:

*Right now, our Heavenly Father wants us to know that by His Holy Spirit, He is here. He wants you to be part of His family. And you will be if you trust in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Nothing could ever be more important for your life.

*And remember that God used three words from a young Christian to change Pastor James Kennedy's life forever, and millions more. God also knows the impact you can have on your family, friends, community, and our world. Let God use you to make a difference in your generation!

*We can get started right now, as we go back to God in prayer.

(1) Sources:

-JOHN GILL'S EXPOSITION OF THE BIBLE by Dr. John Gill, D. D. - 1697-1771 - Published in 1746-1766, 1816 - Matthew 12:38 - Downloaded to e-Sword by Rick Meyers - Copyright 2021

-JOHN GILL'S EXPOSITION OF THE BIBLE by Dr. John Gill, D. D. - 1697-1771 - Published in 1746-1766, 1816 - Matthew 16:1 - Downloaded to e-Sword by Rick Meyers - Copyright 2021

-WORD PICTURES IN THE NEW TESTAMENT by Archibald Thomas (A. T.) Robertson - Published in 1930-1933 - Matthew 12:38 - Downloaded to e-Sword by Rick Meyers - Copyright 2021

(2) Sources:

-SermonCentral sermon "A Good Man" by Leland Patrick - Acts 11:22-24 - Source: SermonCentral contribution by Marc Axelrod

-https://www.djameskennedy.org/

-https://www.djameskennedy.com/

(3) "Are Christians Judged?" online sermon by David Holwick - 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 - FBC Ledgewood, NJ - 10/12/2003 - Series: "Questions People Ask"

(4) Sources:

-"Believer's Bible Commentary" by William MacDonald - Edited by Arthur Farstad - Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville, Copyright 1995 - "An Unclean Spirit Returns" - Matthew 12:43-45 - Downloaded to e-Sword by Rick Meyers - Copyright 2021

-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Jewish-Roman_War

-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bar_Kokhba's_revolt

-http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Judaism/revolt.html

(5) KERUX ILLUSTRATION COLLECTION - ID Number: 8060 - SOURCE: Baptist Press, http://www.baptistpress.org/ - TITLE: Purpose-driven Life: What Am I Here For? - AUTHOR: Rev. Rick Warren - DATE: 9/16/2002

(6) Source: SermonCentral sermon "The Faithful Father" by Jeff Strite - Luke 15:11-32