Making A Difference
March 30, 2014 Morning Service
Immanuel Baptist Church, Wagoner, OK
Rick Boyne
Focus Passage: I Corinthians 12:14-31
Message Point: Each of us has a vital part in the Kingdom of God.
Introduction: When we were missionaries in West Africa, we were completely “behind the scenes”. We functioned as our Member Care Facilitators. We made doctor appointments for out of country missionaries, picked them up at the airport, took them to the doctor, and often translated for them. We brought them back to the guesthouse and took care of them while in country. We took care of the children of missionaries who had to fly into our city to go to boarding school. We took care of them and got them to the school 4 hours away, and got them back to the airport when school was out. We weren’t glamorous. We often did dirty jobs. We sometimes didn’t feel like “real missionaries”, yet our service to our fellow missionaries was invaluable because it freed them up to do what God had called them to do. We described ourselves as the “liver of the Body of Christ” because no one ever thought of it, until it didn’t work properly. However, when we did our jobs, the Body functioned properly and ran smoothly.
I. Making a Difference at Home
a. Men, be the spiritual leader of your home
b. Men, love your wives as Jesus loves the church
c. Women, submit to your husbands as the church submits to Jesus
d. Children, honor your mother and father
II. Making a Difference at Work/School
a. Bosses, treat your employees fairly
b. Employees, work as if you are working for Jesus Himself
c. Students, devote yourself to honorable study, as this is your place in life right now
d. Everyone, honor God with your words, deeds, and attitudes
III. Making a Difference in God’s Kingdom
a. Determine your spiritual gift
b. Find a place of service to implement your gift
c. Do not listen to the devil
d. Do not judge your importance by comparing yourself with others in the church
Application/Invitation: Determine your spiritual gift and use it for God’s glory in His kingdom.
