24-0721a - Can One Person Make A Difference?, Tom Freed
Bible Readers: Roger Raines and John Nousek
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Can One Person Make A Difference?
Summary of Transcript (0:04 - 26:23)
Scripture Readings:
- 1st Scripture Reading (0:04 - 0:18), Roger Raines
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- Philippians 4:13
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Opening with a scripture reading from Philippians 4:13, emphasizing strength through faith in God.
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- 2nd Scripture Reading (0:20 - 1:16), John Nousek
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- Psalm 139:14
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A second reading from Psalm 139:14, praising God for creation.
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Introduction to the sermon, noting that today’s speaker is part of a rotating preaching team.
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Summary
Preacher: Tom Freed
(1:18 - 3:37) Sermon Theme: "Can One Person Make a Difference?"
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The speaker poses the question of individual impact in a world facing societal and spiritual challenges.
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Reflects on the decline in church attendance post-COVID and societal issues.
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Encourages listeners to consider how they can make a positive impact, even if it feels daunting.
(3:38 - 5:19) Overcoming Self-Doubt and Recognizing God-Given Potential
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Speaker acknowledges common doubts about individual effectiveness.
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Emphasizes that every person is "fearfully and wonderfully made" by God, with unique talents.
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References Philippians 4:13 and Jeremiah 29:11 to affirm that God empowers people for greatness.
(5:20 - 7:43) The Call to Boldness as Christians
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Encouragement to live boldly and pursue dreams.
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References to biblical figures who demonstrated courage in faith, citing Proverbs 28:1 on righteous boldness.
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Speaker encourages Christians to overcome fears of judgment and act confidently in faith.
(7:44 - 10:37) Examples of Historical Figures Who Made a Difference
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Reflects on influential figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington.
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Suggests that these figures show the impact one person can have when standing up for justice and change.
(10:39 - 13:36) Biblical Examples of Faith-Driven Change
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Speaker transitions to biblical figures, emphasizing that people with faith in God accomplished great things.
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Discusses Noah’s obedience in a sinful world, highlighting his role in humanity’s preservation due to his faith.
(13:37 - 14:14) The Power of One Person’s Faith
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Reinforces Noah’s story, stating that his actions allowed humanity to continue, underscoring the importance of individual dedication to God’s will.
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This summary captures key points and scriptural references, organizing each part for clarity on the speaker’s message about individual impact, courage, and faith.
(14:14 - 15:00) Reflections on the Story of Noah
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The speaker reflects on how Noah’s faith set him apart in a world of evil, with only eight righteous people saved.
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Emphasizes that, like Noah, Christians today should remain steadfast in their faith, even if isolated, and continue obeying God’s word.
(15:02 - 15:50) Moses as an Example of Overcoming Obstacles
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Moses is introduced as another powerful leader who, despite his imperfections and insecurities, fulfilled his calling.
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The speaker references Exodus 4:10, where Moses expresses doubts about his speech impediment but is reassured by God.
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Reflects on how many people, like Moses, often hesitate to act due to self-doubt or fear, asking God to send someone else.
(15:51 - 17:06) Responding to God’s Call
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God calls Moses to lead, despite his reluctance, showing that God can use anyone for His purpose.
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The speaker encourages the audience to avoid excuses and step up for God, as Moses eventually did.
(17:07 - 17:38) Jonah’s Reluctance and God’s Persistence
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Jonah’s initial refusal to preach to Nineveh is mentioned, showing that God’s will often prevails regardless of human reluctance.
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Points out that while God may not intervene as dramatically today, He still has ways to lead people to fulfill His purposes.
(17:39 - 18:52) Overcoming Excuses and Limitations
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The speaker lists Moses’s flaws, including his age, speech issues, and past as a murderer, to show that even those with a difficult history or limitations can serve God.
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Emphasizes that obedience to God doesn’t require perfection, but rather courage and dedication to His will.
(18:53 - 19:23) Warning Against Cowardice
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Cites 1 Corinthians 16:13 and Revelation 21:8, warning that cowardice has consequences, including exclusion from God’s kingdom.
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Stresses that God didn’t create people to be fearful but to be strong and courageous.
(19:24 - 20:24) Moses’s Courage in Confronting Egypt
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Moses’s courage in facing Pharaoh and leading Israel out of Egypt, despite the nation’s might, is highlighted as an example of unwavering faith. The speaker underscores that Moses’s accomplishments were possible because of his willingness to trust in God’s guidance.
(20:25 - 22:04) Moses’s Unique Relationship with God
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Describes Moses’s unique relationship with God, referencing Exodus 33:11, where God spoke to Moses face-to-face, akin to a friend.
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Explains that while Moses couldn’t see God’s face, God revealed His back, which was a rare and special moment that underscored Moses’s closeness with God.
(22:06 - 23:24) Growth and Service in the Congregation
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The speaker connects Moses’s growth and service to the congregation’s members, some of whom have become skilled preachers and teachers.
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Praises members for their development and encourages them to embrace God’s call, much like Moses did despite his initial doubts.
(23:25 - 24:10) Limitless Potential Through Faith
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Reinforces that with God’s help, believers can achieve anything, including moving mountains, referencing Mark 11:23.
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Urges members to not underestimate their potential and to trust in God’s strength to accomplish great things.
(24:12 - 24:51) Empowerment Through Jesus
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The speaker emphasizes that, regardless of one’s background or challenges, all believers have the potential to do amazing things for God’s kingdom. Quotes Philippians 4:13, affirming that strength and achievement come through Jesus.
(24:52 - 25:27) God’s Sacrifice and Our Responsibility
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Romans 8:32 is cited, highlighting that God’s willingness to sacrifice His Son is a testament to His commitment to humanity.
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As God has done His part, the speaker reminds the congregation of their responsibility to actively participate in God’s work.
(25:27 - 26:23) Faith and Action
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The speaker addresses the balance of faith and works, explaining that while salvation isn’t earned by works, works help strengthen faith and demonstrate commitment.
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Reminds that accepting God’s gift of salvation requires obedience, using Romans 6:23 to underscore the gift of eternal life through Jesus.