What Can I Do?

What Can I Do?

2004036

Topic: 0651

Introduction:

A. Been said that these are “times of insignificance.”

1. The sense of “personal importance” has seriously eroded in today’s society.

2. We can be overwhelmed by a sense of personal insignificance.

3. Ever feel that you are just an expendable commodity?

a) If you weren’t around – no one would miss you?

b) Have you ever felt used, violated, or just taken for granted?

c) Maybe like a small voice in a noisy room?

B. Reading this week that a few generations ago there was a saying “for the lack of a nail, a war was lost.”

1. A nail lost from a horses shoe.

2. Horse lost the shoe & became lame.

3. A chain reaction of events:

a) lost nail; lost horseshoe; lame horse

b) An essential message not delivered; a battle lost.

c) The war shifts

d) Eventually the war is lost.

4. The message of “for the lack of a nail the war was lost” was an insignificant person is important!

C. Within the local congregation – there are no insignificant or unimportant members!

1. Eph. 4:14-16

2. Older Christians sometimes feel: It’s a different era. I’m tired. A new generation has taken over. There’s nothing left for me to do.

3. Younger Christians: I’m a new Christian. Just starting out. I don’t know enough.

4. Single & widowed: in the way; awkward; maybe like a 3^rd wheel – always in the way. Lonely.

D. How can we overcome our doubts and the nagging thought that “I’m unimportant.”?

I. Remember that you are always an example before others.

A. No matter our age we must lead lives that glorify Jesus Christ.

1. Think of example of older, more mature Christians:

a) Pro. 16:31

b) Years of wisdom, experience, and faith speak loudly!

c) You speak; younger ones listen.

d) Never forget that there are younger ones looking up to you! Lev. 19:32 – give honor to..

2. Older ones: please don’t hesitate to speak up in bible class.

a) Share your wisdom & insight w/others. It’s of tremendous value!

b) Decades of dedicated service can be inspiring!

3. Younger Christians: don’t forget your example!

a) What is more inspirational & motivating than to see the life of the teenager/young person who has fully committed himself to the savior?

4. Those in the middle of life can also hold a tremendous influence for God!

B. While you may look at yourself as just one insignificant person – please remember what God can DO with YOUR life!

1. When you live by God’s values; and morality

2. When you are dedicated to God’s love; compassion; and forgiveness.

3. You – no matter your age can do incredible things for God!

4. You can draw others to Jesus! Mt. 5:14-16

II. Realize the opportunities God presents for you to become involved w/the lives of others.

A. We’re family! We all have something to contribute!

1. Great thing about our congregation is the closeness we exhibit!

2. Live in an age where churches don’t expect much out of their members.

a) Read something where someone bragged: “You ought to go to church where I go. You come in, sit down, get up, and go. Nobody bothers you.”.

b) May that never be for our congregation!

B. You can be involved w/others.

1. Titus 2:2-6

2. Older ones – you can take some of the younger ones under your wing. (Be a mentor)

a) Can’t imagine where I’d be w/o the advice; help; and wisdom of some older ones!

b) There advice not always pleasant. Constructive criticism. Needed to hear it.

c) That’s training! That’s encouragement. That’s instruction! (2:4)

3. We must cultivate relationships so training can be done on one on one basis.

C. All of us can be involved in the activities of our congregation.

1. Attend bible class regularly.

2. Attend as many worship services as possible.

3. Volunteer to teach a bible class! Always need bible class teachers.

a) Not able to teach? Volunteer to be a classroom helper!

4. Visit those who are shut-in; unable to get out as much.

a) Not just elders/preacher’s job.

5. Volunteer to be part of the groups inside the congregation.

a) Evangelism contact group – your help needed to reach out to those who need the gospel!

b) G & E Group. Encourage the new members & new Christians of the group.

c) Work groups that meet on Sunday nights sending out cards to visitors.

6. Pray regularly for your brothers & sisters.

a) Know what it means to me to know you are praying for me.

b) Get out your church directory. Pick out 2-3 families each day to pray for. Pray a special prayer for them.

1) Tell them you’re praying for them.

2) Nothing draws people closer together than to know brethren are praying for them.

D. Get involved in the activities that are not a work of the church:

1. Fix a meal for someone. Invite someone into your home.

2. Become part of the Ladies Work-study group.

3. Go out to eat w/someone.

4. Find someone to pal around w/& do fun stuff together.

5. Teenagers: take an active role in attending & planning activities & get togethers for those in your age group.

E. Don’t wait for others to start doing these things for you. What if everyone did this?

1. Don’t do kind deeds expecting something in return!

2. Expectation of Christians – Lk. 6:31-35

F. 1 Thess. 4:1, 9-10

1. What must it have been like to be part of the church at Thessalonica?

2. An awesome experience!

3. Think of the experience here at BBurg. We’re already miles ahead of many congregations!

4. Excel still more!

Conclusion:

A. Don’t case yourself off as being insignificant.

B. Whether you are single, divorced, widowed, young, in the prime of life, or old – God has a place for you in His kingdom!

C. Whether you are single, divorced, widowed, young, in the prime of life, or old – there is a place for you in the family of believers at Brownsburg!

1. Working together- Eph. 4:14-16 – we can do awesome things for God!

D. Remember my mentioning a congregation where no one bothers you?

1. That’s not us! Let’s thank God for that!

2. Let’s use our talents; abilities TOGETHER so that we may grow spiritually; grow closer together; and grow numerically!

E. Are you part of God’s family? Can we help you become a Christian?

F. I N V I T A T I O N



What Can I Do? 2004036 Topic: 0651 Introduction: A. Been said that these are “times of insignificance.” 1. The sense of “personal importance” has seriously eroded in today’s society. 2. We can be overwhelmed by a sense of personal insignificance. 3. Ever feel that you are just an expendable commodity? a) If you weren’t around – no one would miss you? b) Have you ever felt used, violated, or just taken for granted? c) Maybe like a small voice in a noisy room? B. Reading this week that a few generations ago there was a saying “for the lack of a nail, a war was lost.” 1. A nail lost from a horses shoe. 2. Horse lost the shoe & became lame. 3. A chain reaction of events: a) lost nail; lost horseshoe; lame horse b) An essential message not delivered; a battle lost. c) The war shifts d) Eventually the war is lost. 4. The message of “for the lack of a nail the war was lost” was an insignificant person is important! C. Within the local congregation – there are no insignificant or unimportant members! 1. Eph. 4:14-16 2. Older Christians sometimes feel: It’s a different era. I’m tired. A new generation has taken over. There’s nothing left for me to do. 3. Younger Christians: I’m a new Christian. Just starting out. I don’t know enough. 4. Single & widowed: in the way; awkward; maybe like a 3^rd wheel – always in the way. Lonely. D. How can we overcome our doubts and the nagging thought that “I’m unimportant.”? I. Remember that you are always an example before others. A. No matter our age we must lead lives that glorify Jesus Christ. 1. Think of example of older, more mature Christians: a) Pro. 16:31 b) Years of wisdom, experience, and faith speak loudly! c) You speak; younger ones listen. d) Never forget that there are younger ones looking up to you! Lev. 19:32 – give honor to.. 2. Older ones: please don’t hesitate to speak up in bible class. a) Share your wisdom & insight w/others. It’s of tremendous value! b) Decades of dedicated service can be inspiring! 3. Younger Christians: don’t forget your example! a) What is more inspirational & motivating than to see the life of the teenager/young person who has fully committed himself to the savior? 4. Those in the middle of life can also hold a tremendous influence for God! B. While you may look at yourself as just one insignificant person – please remember what God can DO with YOUR life! 1. When you live by God’s values; and morality 2. When you are dedicated to God’s love; compassion; and forgiveness. 3. You – no matter your age can do incredible things for God! 4. You can draw others to Jesus! Mt. 5:14-16 II. Realize the opportunities God presents for you to become involved w/the lives of others. A. We’re family! We all have something to contribute! 1. Great thing about our congregation is the closeness we exhibit! 2. Live in an age where churches don’t expect much out of their members. a) Read something where someone bragged: “You ought to go to church where I go. You come in, sit down, get up, and go. Nobody bothers you.”. b) May that never be for our congregation! B. You can be involved w/others. 1. Titus 2:2-6 2. Older ones – you can take some of the younger ones under your wing. (Be a mentor) a) Can’t imagine where I’d be w/o the advice; help; and wisdom of some older ones! b) There advice not always pleasant. Constructive criticism. Needed to hear it. c) That’s training! That’s encouragement. That’s instruction! (2:4) 3. We must cultivate relationships so training can be done on one on one basis. C. All of us can be involved in the activities of our congregation. 1. Attend bible class regularly. 2. Attend as many worship services as possible. 3. Volunteer to teach a bible class! Always need bible class teachers. a) Not able to teach? Volunteer to be a classroom helper! 4. Visit those who are shut-in; unable to get out as much. a) Not just elders/preacher’s job. 5. Volunteer to be part of the groups inside the congregation. a) Evangelism contact group – your help needed to reach out to those who need the gospel! b) G & E Group. Encourage the new members & new Christians of the group. c) Work groups that meet on Sunday nights sending out cards to visitors. 6. Pray regularly for your brothers & sisters. a) Know what it means to me to know you are praying for me. b) Get out your church directory. Pick out 2-3 families each day to pray for. Pray a special prayer for them. 1) Tell them you’re praying for them. 2) Nothing draws people closer together than to know brethren are praying for them. D. Get involved in the activities that are not a work of the church: 1. Fix a meal for someone. Invite someone into your home. 2. Become part of the Ladies Work-study group. 3. Go out to eat w/someone. 4. Find someone to pal around w/& do fun stuff together. 5. Teenagers: take an active role in attending & planning activities & get togethers for those in your age group. E. Don’t wait for others to start doing these things for you. What if everyone did this? 1. Don’t do kind deeds expecting something in return! 2. Expectation of Christians – Lk. 6:31-35 F. 1 Thess. 4:1, 9-10 1. What must it have been like to be part of the church at Thessalonica? 2. An awesome experience! 3. Think of the experience here at BBurg. We’re already miles ahead of many congregations! 4. Excel still more! Conclusion: A. Don’t case yourself off as being insignificant. B. Whether you are single, divorced, widowed, young, in the prime of life, or old – God has a place for you in His kingdom! C. Whether you are single, divorced, widowed, young, in the prime of life, or old – there is a place for you in the family of believers at Brownsburg! 1. Working together- Eph. 4:14-16 – we can do awesome things for God! D. Remember my mentioning a congregation where no one bothers you? 1. That’s not us! Let’s thank God for that! 2. Let’s use our talents; abilities TOGETHER so that we may grow spiritually; grow closer together; and grow numerically! E. Are you part of God’s family? Can we help you become a Christian? F. I N V I T A T I O N