Sermon Recap | June 29, 2025

God is writing a story in your life, and there's a reason why you're exactly where you are right now. When we live out our faith, we become part of something much bigger than ourselves. William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army, was once asked about the secret to his success. His one-word response? "Others." His life's work centered on serving people through "soup, soap, and salvation" - a mission that spread globally through his family.

In Matthew 10:1, Jesus called his twelve disciples and "gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and heal every disease and sickness." This wasn't just for the disciples of biblical times. As believers today, we have authority that goes beyond just saying nice, encouraging words. We have:

• Authority to pray prayers that change governments
• Authority to bring healing into homes and lives
• Authority that comes from Jesus himself

You might think, "I'll never impact a nation." But God wants you to impact your world wherever you go - even within the 2-3 square feet of soil you occupy. Your presence, conversations, and ideas can carry God's influence.

Tom Hanks once shared about "the power of four" in a commencement address. Researchers found that removing just four cars out of every hundred could turn gridlock into free-flowing traffic. Similarly, just a few people can make an enormous difference:

• Four musicians from northern England became the Beatles
• Four computer geeks from Microsoft changed the world
• Two or three believers gathered in Jesus' name invite His presence

The Bible tells us in Matthew 18:20, "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." Even Jesus didn't work alone - He had twelve disciples and an inner circle of three or four for the most powerful moments.

There's exponential power in partnership:

• One puts a thousand to flight
• Two put ten thousand to flight (not just 2,000!)

When you ask someone, "Will you pray with me about this?" or "Will you be in agreement with me about this?" you tap into God's design for spiritual multiplication.

Sometimes God stirs our hearts with a vision that seems too big. We might talk ourselves out of it: "Maybe that was just me. Maybe it was something I ate. Maybe I was just inspired for a brief moment."

But when we step out in faithfulness, we see God's goodness unfold. You don't need to have all the money in the bank, know all the people, or have every step outlined before you move. God wants to see that you'll be faithful in small things before He entrusts you with greater responsibilities.

Jesus gave specific instructions to His disciples in Matthew 10:5-8:

• Go to specific people (in their case, "the lost sheep of Israel")
• Proclaim the message that "the kingdom of heaven has come near"
• Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons
• Freely give what you've freely received

Do you know why you were born? Do you understand your assignment in this generation? Ministry happens in the now - not just when you see the big results. Being faithful in current opportunities leads to greater ones.

John 10:10 reminds us: "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life and have it to the full."

There is an enemy who will try to:

• Take away the stirrings in your heart
• Talk you out of your calling
• Steal, kill, and destroy what God is building

But Jesus comes to heal and bring hope. And He sends His disciples with the same assignment.

Walking by faith means:

• It won't be about the money in the bank
• It won't be contingent on resources at hand
• It will require stepping out before you see the full picture

Matthew 10:16-20 warns that following Jesus won't be easy: "I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves." But it also promises divine help: "At that time you will be given what to say. For it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you."

Romans 8:31 reminds us, "If God is for us, who can be against us?" The Holy Spirit is your partner in every endeavor. Life will have changes and challenges, but you're never alone.

Sometimes people will tell you "it would never work" or that you're "the wrong person" for the job. But when God has called you, He makes a way where there seems to be no way.

God is not only with you - He is in you. As Psalm 34:8 says, "Taste and see that the Lord is good." And Jesus promised in Matthew 10:40, "Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me."

This week, consider these questions:

• What stirring has God placed in your heart that you've been hesitant to pursue?
• Who could you partner with to multiply your spiritual effectiveness?
• What's the first small step of obedience God is asking you to take?
• How might God be preparing to use your unique story and experiences?