When Life Falls Apart.

Whatever we put our hand on.  We put our heart in. 

Life is what happens to you when you have something else planned.  

We aren't called to make a living.  We are called to make a difference. 

Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)

10 For we are his (God's) workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

God is working in us, so God can work through us.  

Before we were ever born, God knew us, and had a divine purpose for us.   

God is expressing Himself through us.  God's heart beat for humanity is to save the lost. 

2 Peter 3:9 (CEV)

9 ... God is patient, because he wants everyone to turn from sin and no one to be lost.

Luke 19:10(ESV)

10 For the Son of Man (Jesus) came to seek and to save the lost.”

Jesus isn't here today, but you are.  His purpose has not changed.  Our assignment in the earth is for us to make a difference.

  

Do you work where people are lost?  It's a tough environment.  How will God reach your lost co-workers?  You are God's plan.  God has you at that job to reach them. 

Ephesians 4:11-12  (ESV)

11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 

12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,

It's your Pastor's job to equip you to reach your co-workers.  

Matthew 5:13-16 (ESV)

13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? 

It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.

14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.

15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 

16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. 

Matthew 4:19 (ESV)

19 And he (Jesus) said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

We are here to drop bait.  In fact, we are the bait. 

1. Focus on your mission, and don't get hung up on yourself.

The enemy of our souls wants us to hide behind our excuses.  

Pray for opportunities and look for opportunities.  

Opportunities are usually small windows and not large gates.  

We can't lose sight of eternity.  Hell is real and so is heaven.  Eternity is a long time to be wrong.

  

Your faith may be personal, but it is never private. Jesus never encouraged anyone to follow him privately.  

Matthew 16:24 (ESV)

24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.

A. Avoid being pushy. 

Pushy people push people away.  

B. Avoid be judgey. 

Don't judge a book by it's cover.

1 Samuel 16:7 (ESV)

...For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”

C. Avoid being a know it all.  

If you have all the answers, no one wants to be around you.  

D. Avoid talking exclusively about hell.  

If you talk about hell, always have a tear in your eye.

E. Avoid arguments. 

Arguments never save anyone.  Arguments create heat and not light.  Don't block their view of God with your opinions. 

F. Avoid being super spiritual and using Christian jargon. 

Jesus was God in the flesh, but sinners liked Him. 

People may hate you because of Jesus, but never make people hate Jesus because of you.  

The way you live your life should make Jesus attracted. 

2.  Earn the right to be heard.  

Before we open our mouths, check the credibility of our lives.  

If we speak for God, we must listen to God.  

We must walk in honesty, humility, and compassion.

When we serve, serving shows compassion and shows we care.  

This builds trust. 

If they trust you, they will open the door of their heart to you.  

Integrity and compassion opens the door on their journey to God.  

Nobody can keep you from shining your light.  

When life falls apart, they will come to those they trust. 

1 Peter 3:15(ESV)

15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,

3. Never underestimate the power of an invite.  

You don't have to be the Billy Graham of every moment.  

Help people to find their way by inviting people to an environment to experience God.   

There are two kinds of people those who know Jesus, and those who don't know Jesus yet.  

God wants people to move from not knowing Jesus to being someone who knows Jesus.  

We can love people into the kingdom.  You may not know Jesus, yet.  Here's your invitation.  

Revelation 3:20 (ESV)

20 Behold, I (Jesus)stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.

Mike Haman, Healing Place Church
https://healingplacechurch.org/media/god-co/