A Sermon For You
A Ministry of Huckaby’s Evangelism
Today’s Sermon Title
Those Who Make A Difference
By-Evangelist Gary Huckaby
I would like to take our text today from the book of Ezekiel 22:30 "And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none."
The verse before us is a message from God to Ezekiel.
Ezekiel 22:23 "And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,"
God in this chapter is telling Ezekiel the prophet that He is going to judge the city of Jerusalem, and His chosen people Israel, unless He can find a man to stand in the gap for them. Someone to do as Moses did many years before in being the go between for the people and God. Someone who does not care what is said about him, nor is seeking for the approval and praise of men. God is looking for a man to be His man, not a man of the world. Dear friends, God today is looking for the same kind of man. One who will not seek the praise of others. One who is not seeking for his own glory. One who will not compromise with the world. One who will take a stand and say, "Thus saith the LORD God" and then tell it like it really is! There are far too many today who want to please the people. They want to feel the pat on the back from the congregation. They seek to have a pleasant ministry. They preach not for convictions nor results, but to appease those who hear them. That man is not the man who is standing in the gap! That kind of preacher is not of God, he is of himself, and for himself. If trial comes he will run from it. If temptation comes, he will jump right into it. If criticism is aimed at him he will quit the ministry.
That kind of man is not the one God is looking for to stand in the gap for the people.
My dear friends, today we need God’s man to stand in the gap, without fail!
My message today is a simple one. There are four points which I would like to give to you. Four simple lessons that will divide those who make a difference from those who don’t.. Two of these points are history, and one deals with the present, and the other deals with the future. God is looking for a GAP man today!
(1)
Those Who Made A Difference In History.
There are many who changed the course of this world throughout history, some for good, and many for bad. If I came to you and ask you to name some people who had an influence on the history of this world, I am sure you could come up with a few names too. Names such as, Christopher Columbus, who sailed to the North American continent in 1492. Maybe you would remember George Washington, the first president of the United States. What about John Hancock, the one who’s name appears larger than any other on the constitution of the United States? You might remember a man by the name of Ben Franklin, the one who discovered the use of electricity. Maybe Alexander Graham Bell, the great inventor of many of our useful machines and tools, such as the telephone. What about Abraham Lincoln, look at what he did to change this country for good. Think of the unknown men and women who have changed the history of the world, and of every Nation on earth. Many who’s names will never be known to us, but who were the instrument of God to move this world to a different way.
The George Bush’s, Ronald Reagan’s for good; or for the bad; What about The high jackers of the planes on 9-11-2001 and the difference that they made in the world. The militaries of the nations who have fought against terrorism since the 9-11 attack, look at how history has been changed by these.
What about those who made a difference in Christianity, so that we can live as we do today. Unafraid to spread the truth without compromise, or fear of opposition. What about men such as Martin Luther, John Wesley, Savannarola, George Witfield, Christmas Evans, Charles G. Finny, D.L.Moody, Charles Spurgeon, R.A.Torrey, Wilbur Chapman, Billy Sunday, John R. Rice, Jack Hyles, Lee Roberson, R.G.Lee, Bob Gray, Billy Graham, Lester Roloff, J.Vernon Magee, and hundreds or thousands more who changed history through Christianity.
(2)
Bible Characters Who Made A Difference
Next I would like for you to remember some Bible characters who made a difference through the history of mankind, some of them for good and some bad. Just think of Adam and how his decision to eat of the forbidden fruit with his wife changed mankind forever. Then there was Abel, the first child to sacrifice an acceptable sacrifice to God when his brother Cain, officered one unacceptable. Abel was the first man murdered on earth. Then there was Seth, the third son born to Adam and Eve. Seth was the father of the man who later came named Noah. The only righteous man of his day, and one whom God chose to survive the judgment of a flood. Then there is Abraham, the father of a nation, the nation of Israel as it became known after one of his grandchildren, named Jacob. (Jacob’s name was changed by God to Israel). Then there was a man named Joseph, a dreamer who was hated by his half brothers, sold into slavery, a man whom God used to save the starving world. Then what about Moses, the deliverer of a nation in bondage. Moses is said to have no equal among those of his day, he was a man who met God on the mountain.What about David, the little shepherd boy who killed a giant, and then became King over Israel, or his son Solomon, who is said to have been the wisest man in the world, other than Jesus Christ. What about Elijah, the tishbite, a prophet of God, who shut up the heaven so that it didn’t rein for three and a half years, and then prayed for rain, and the rain came, the man who challenged four hundred and fifty false prophets and came out the victor because he had faith in God. What about Isaiah the prophet, his prophecies foretold of the coming Christ, His death of the coming kingdom of God.Jeremiah and Ezekiel also were prophets of God to the people, Joel, Daniel Amos, Malichi and many other Old Testament writers made a difference in human history too.
What about Joseph, the step father of Jesus. He could have made it very difficult for Mary had he not filled in the gap in his day. Then Mary stood in the Gap to provide a vessel for our Lord to come and be able to be as we are yet without sin. To have a physical body with blood to sacrifice for the sins of the world. Then I think of Peter, James and John, the three disciples who were so close to the Lord Jesus. They were chosen on several occasions to go where the other disciples did not go. Into the bedroom of the dead girl whom Jesus raised from the dead. Up the mount of transfiguration to meet Moses and Elijah. Into the garden of Gethsemane with the Lord to pray on the night he was betrayed.
Then there was Saul, who was later called Paul. The blasphemer, murderer, of the early Christians. The young man who witnessed the death of the first Deacon, Stephen. Paul the apostle who rimed the Mediterranean sea to get the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the known world, and to us. Then there was Silas, a fellow labor of Paul’s. The man who with Paul was beaten and cast into prison for preaching Christ, who with Paul, sang and prayed at midnight, and an angel came and opened the jailhouse door, what a difference these have made in the history of this world.
(3)
Those Who Are Making A Difference Today
Next I want to mention some who are making a difference today. Many think that the presidents and rulers of the countries of this world make a difference, and so they do, but the difference that they are making is not always for the good of the people of the world. Many of these are making a bad difference for people. They are causing many to look to them for guidance and not to the Lord. That kind of difference is against God.
There are however those who are making a difference today for the kingdom of God. These are those who believe the Bible is the Word of God, and who are living to please Him. These are those who are spreading the Good News of His mercy and forgiveness. Those who are preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ are the ones who are making a difference today that will last forever. Our ministry is one of this kind. We strive to present the message of the Gospel of Christ to any who will listen, and receive it. It is our firm belief that the only sure change in a person can only come from the Lord. All other change is only temporary, His change is permanent. The Bible clearly tells us this in 2 Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." This takes place when one is born again. When they have put their trust in Christ for salvation. John 3:3, "Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." This was Jesus reply to Nicodemus when he spoke to Jesus in a night conference. Read the whole chapter of John 3 and see the rest of their conversation, and you will see the only way a man or woman can have a change in heart and life.
Are you making a difference today? Are you a child of God? Do you share the message of Jesus Christ with your neighbors, and friends? You can be one who will make a difference in some ones life if you will surrender to the Lord.
(4)
Who Will Make The Difference Tomorrow?
My last point that I want to make is this. Who will make a difference tomorrow? That will be you and I, and our children. Especially our children. So what kind of up-bringing are you giving the children? Is it a godly education, or are you just letting them learn on their own? Many today are using the television or some ungodly teacher to raise their children. We are commanded to bring the children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4 "And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord."
Why don’t you decide today to be one to make a difference for tomorrow. Get busy teaching the children and all around you about the Lord Jesus Christ and His Word. You can and will make a difference for tomorrow.
If you are not a part of the family of God today, please come to Christ and receive Him as your personal Lord and Saviour. Call upon Him, and he will hear your prayer. Romans 10:13, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."
Pray; Come into my heart and life Lord Jesus. I believe that you died on the cross for my sins. I believe in my heart that God raised you from the dead to save me from my sins. I repent of my sins, and trust in you as my Lord and Saviour. make me a new person In Christ. In the name of God’s Son, Jesus Christ I ask this. Amen!
If you have trusted Christ as your Saviour after reading this message, please write and tell us of your decision, we will send you some literature to help you get started in your new life in Christ.
Huckaby’s Evangelism
P.O.Box 1011
Pine Mountain, Ga. 31822
glhuck@earthlink.net
