Making The Most Of Every Opportunity

The last area we need to be alert to is…

C. The signs.

I mean here the signs of Christ’s return.

I want to be quick to say here that I do not pretend to know when that’s going to happen, okay?

What I want to emphasize here is that Jesus could return anytime, and we need to recognize that.

We’ve had a tremendous increase in earthquakes, warfare, and famine, all signs of the imminent return of Jesus.

Events in Israel have Biblical significance.

Jesus talks about these, and we need to be aware of them, so we’re not caught like the foolish servants who the Lord talked about in the parables, who thought they had all the time in the world, so they were lazy and abusive, only to be surprised by the master and punished for it.

If you want to make the most of opportunities, be alert to society, to the times, and to the signs of Christ’s return.

And another thing. If you adopt the mind-set that Christ could be coming back soon, it will help you recognize those opportunities.

Conclusion

I said earlier that the purpose of this message was to give you some help in becoming someone who is able to take advantage of opportunities that come your way, no matter what they may be.

But I also want to help us as a church and individuals in the church to take advantage of opportunities to minister in the society and times in which we live.

As God brings people into your lives and into the life of this church, are we going to take advantage of those chances, or are we going to just let them go by the wayside, figuring someone else can have the job of ministering?

Let me ask you a tough question related to this:

If this church were to fold up, would Aberdeen weep? Would they even notice? Have we made enough of an impact that if we were to pull out people would miss us?

Folks, I think that is the main reason God called me to this church – to help us make a difference for God, bringing many people to Christ and impacting our society with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I hope that’s your game plan, and I hope you can catch the vision.

I’ve mentioned a few times previously that the purpose of Scripture is not to merely inform, but to transform, to change lives. And for that to happen, we need to bring it to the people who need to hear it.

Purpose to take advantage of opportunities God brings your way this week. I challenge you to take one or more of the tracts on the back table, or some of the invitation cards, or even some of my business cards if you want, and give them away to someone you are able to visit with this week.

Take advantage of opportunities to pray for loved ones who don’t know Christ.

Take advantage of opportunities to tell someone they can go to heaven, or give them my name and number, or have them go to the website and contact me there.

Take advantage of opportunities to show the love of God in action, by serving in the community, donating to the Salvation Army, helping with Habitat for Humanity, or whatever.

Take advantage of opportunities to bless your employers and employees. Take advantage of opportunities to bless customers or clients.

Take advantage of opportunities to let your good works bring praise to the Father.

Take advantage of the opportunities, and watch God work!

Shall we pray.