And for the support of this declaration and with a firm reliance and with the protection of divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.
The Declaration of Independence July 4, 1776
History teaches us that it doesn’t take a lot of people to change the world. It takes a committed few. Remember these statements…
Nothing happens with out commitment.
Your commitments define your life.
Ineffective people are controlled by their circumstances.
Effective people are controlled by their commitments.
God is looking for a person and a people that he can use to make a difference in the world.
2 Chronicles 16:9, The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. Today, I would like to talk to you about five commitments that will change your life.
This is the foundational commitment. It is the most important issue of your life.
The questions must be settled, “Whom am I going to live for?”
Romans 10:9, If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Every commitment has a cost and a benefit.
The cost of following Jesus…
The benefit of following Jesus…
God does not expect you to go through life without support.
He created a spiritual family for you…The church.
1 Peter 1:3, God has given us the privilege of being born again so that we are now members of God’s own family.
In order to make a difference, you need to commit yourself to a local church.
Romans 12:10, Be devoted to one another.
The word Christian originally meant “little Christ.”
A Christian is a “Jesus Person,” one who is like Jesus.
Being like Jesus is the goal of spiritual maturity.
Actions flow from our attitudes.
Philippians 2:5, Your attitude should be the same of that of Jesus Christ.
Our attitude is shaped by our knowledge of God’s word.
Hebrews 6:1, Let us become mature in our understanding as strong Christians ought to be.
Every follower of Jesus is a minister of God’s grace.
1 Peter 4:10, God has given each of you some special abilities; be sure to use them to help each other; passing on to others God’s many kinds of blessings. (LB)
A person who makes a difference is a person who is committed to serving as a lifestyle. This is the model of Jesus.
Matthew 20:28, I did not come to be served, but to serve.