Sermon Info
Summary
There is a difference between the temporary and the eternal. So often we spend our time, energy and money investing in things of this world that will not last. But, God calls us to invest in things that are eternal. When we do this, we begin to live an intentional life. As Christ-followers, we have this amazing opportunity to share the Good News of Jesus with others. When we do we can make an eternal difference. This is what Jesus calls us to do, so let’s be intentional.
Content
What is an intentional Life?
Every day we’re given from our God is a gift. He wants us to enjoy this gift, but that’s not the main reason He’s given it. There’s a reason that God does not take us into heaven the moment we’re saved! Even though living in heaven and in the presence of God would be so much better than life on earth, God’s not done with our earthly lives just yet! There are more souls to reach, and He wants to use us to reach them.
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
— Matthew 28:19-20
Jesus’ command at the end of the Gospel of Matthew is called The Great Commission. Our God has commissioned us to reach other people with the Truth for Him. And, just in case we were feeling unqualified, He promises that He is with us every step of the way. Isn’t that amazing? Our God gives us a chance to impact eternity with His help.
You may be thinking about how going to work, taking care of kids, or even just getting out of bed in the morning is tough enough. Sometimes, like many of us, you might not be sure you do even those things well! Maybe you’re wondering, how can I possibly add impacting eternity to that list? Well, because He is with us, we can confidently put it at the top!
An intentional life is one which focuses on what matters most, and what lasts. An intentional life is one which carries out The Great Commission in our everyday lives.
The Three Eternal Things
There are only three things that are eternal:
1. God
2. God’s Word
3. People
God has been since the beginning. That means each of the persons of the Holy Trinity, too! God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit exist outside of time. God has existed since eternity past, which is impossible for us to comprehend. He will also be God forever into eternity.
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow.
— James 1:17
God’s Word is the Bible, and His promises which it contains. God is the Creator of the universe. Everything we can see and touch — all matter — was originally created by Him. The plants and animals outside are of His design, and the mountains and sea were formed by His words alone! Not only has He made all things, but He knows all things with perfect knowledge. His Truth is unchanging; He is the same God today as He ever has been, and He will remain forever.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
— John 1:1
People are eternal, too! Although our earthly bodies grow older and break down, our souls live on forever. We may not have been around since eternity past, but we’ll have one destination or another in the eternity to come. When you speak to your friend, you are speaking to someone eternal. Let that sink in!
Most of what we concern ourselves with in this life are not eternal. Things like jobs, paying bills, and our physical health are all important, but even these things will not matter once our short time on earth ends. Our greatest opportunity here on earth is to make an impact from this side of eternity. From these limited days, we can change the eternal lives of people with God’s Word, so they may live forever in the presence of God.
Identify
The first of our five I’s in our series, Living an Intentional Life, is identify. There are two things you’ll need to identify before continuing on in evangelism. The first is to identify the importance of your message.
Many Christians feel it’s better to keep the Truth to themselves, to avoid awkward social moments and to avoid suggesting anyone else may be in need of what we have. This is a mistake! If we truly believe the unsaved people around us are doomed to an eternity in hell apart from their loving Father, we owe it to them to tell them!
We should also hope that, in this life, they can have the same joy that we have begun to experience through Christ. Everyone in this world is looking for hope. We were all made by God, and we all have a need for God. Although the people around you may not have identified that need in themselves, you know it’s there. You have information they need to know!
The second thing to identify is whom in your life to focus on sharing the Good News with. We would tell everyone if we could, and in mass communication, we do. But there are people in your life whom you have greater access to than your pastor ever could. God didn’t do this by accident.
You may feel unprepared; you may feel like you’re the least qualified Christian to be sharing with nonbelievers. But, nonetheless, God has put you in these people’s lives. And — if you’ve been saved — God has given you the Holy Spirit. You are not alone in your efforts to bring others to the light. Your Eternal God is with you.
Your challenge this week is to write down the names of five people to pray for and focus on sharing the Gospel with. They could be coworkers, family members, friends, or anybody! Don’t worry about how you’ll approach them just yet, just think about who needs the Lord, and put pen to paper.
SUPPORTING RESOURCES:
Engage // Part 5: Evangelism // Nic Allen
