Making A Difference | Week Five | Danny Wolford | Boyd Christian Church

Introduction:
• Opening Remarks:
• Danny begins the sermon with an expression of gratitude towards the praise team, acknowledging the worship experience that had just occurred. He emphasizes the importance of participating in worship and how it is more about leading others than performing.
• Series Conclusion:
• He then introduces the sermon by reminding the congregation that it is the final week of the “Making a Difference” series, which has been running for five weeks. The sermon series has focused on how individuals can make a significant impact in their lives and the lives of others through their faith and actions.
• Transition to New Series:
• Danny teases the upcoming series, “House Hunters,” which will explore what kind of church Boyd Christian Church should be and what God desires for it. This series will be accompanied by a Tuesday night Bible study called “House Hunters Dive Deeper.”
Main Sermon Points:
1. The Impact of Enthusiasm:
• Danny discusses the theme of enthusiasm and its importance in making a difference. He draws comparisons to the enthusiasm people show for politics, money, sports, and relationships. He challenges the congregation to bring the same level of excitement to their relationship with Jesus.
2. Scriptural Foundation - Philippians 4:4-7:
• The sermon is anchored in Philippians 4:4-7, where Paul exhorts the church to “Rejoice in the Lord always.” Danny connects this call to rejoice with the concept of enthusiasm, stressing that true joy in the Lord is contagious and necessary for making a difference.
3. Five Areas to Get Excited About:
• People’s Souls:
• Danny emphasizes the need to view people as Jesus does, not through societal categories but as either saved or unsaved. He encourages the congregation to get excited about bringing people to salvation, using the example of rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents.
• Worship:
• He discusses the importance of worship, both as a daily lifestyle and as a corporate activity. Worship should be filled with enthusiasm and reverence, recognizing that it is an encounter with God. Danny challenges the congregation to prepare their hearts for worship and to approach it with the right attitude.
• Life:
• Danny encourages the congregation to be excited about the life God has given them and the opportunities to serve Him. He references Isaiah 49:5-6, where Isaiah reflects on his ministry, and God reassures him that serving Him is a privilege.
• Death:
• Danny addresses the topic of death, encouraging the congregation to view it as precious and as a transition to eternal life. He quotes Psalm 116:15 and Revelation 14:13 to highlight that death is a blessed event for those who die in the Lord.
• Life After Death:
• Finally, Danny discusses the excitement of eternal life. He paints a picture of heaven based on scriptures from Revelation and encourages the congregation to look forward to being with God forever.
Conclusion:
• Call to Enthusiasm:
• Danny concludes by reiterating the importance of enthusiasm in the Christian life. He urges the congregation to let their excitement for Jesus be visible to others as a way to make a positive difference in the world.
• Invitation:
• He extends an invitation to those who have not yet accepted Jesus, encouraging them to do so and to be baptized. He also prays for those who are already believers, asking that they leave the service more excited about their faith than ever before.
• Closing Prayer:
• Danny closes the sermon with a prayer, asking God to help the congregation live out their faith enthusiastically and to be a light in the world.
Outline of the Sermon:
1. Introduction
• Gratitude for the worship team
• Series conclusion and introduction to the new series
2. The Impact of Enthusiasm
• Enthusiasm in everyday life
• Challenge to bring enthusiasm to faith
3. Scriptural Foundation
• Philippians 4:4-7: Rejoice in the Lord always
4. Five Areas to Get Excited About
• People’s Souls (Luke 15:7, Luke 15:10, Luke 15:24)
• Worship (Psalm 100:4)
• Life (Isaiah 49:5-6)
• Death (Psalm 116:15, Revelation 14:13)
• Life After Death (Revelation 21:1-7, Revelation 21:22-27, Revelation 22:1-5)
5. Conclusion
• Call to live with enthusiasm
• Invitation to accept Jesus
• Closing Prayer