Making a Difference Episode 4
Description
In this powerful and reflective communion meditation and sermon, Pastor Danny Wolford brings the congregation into a deep moment of remembrance and spiritual reflection. He begins by reminding everyone of the solemnity and significance of the Lord’s Supper, drawing parallels to memorials such as the USS Arizona Memorial and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Pastor Danny emphasizes that communion is a time to remember the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, urging everyone to block out worldly distractions and focus solely on the remembrance of Christ’s body and blood, given for the forgiveness of sins.
After a heartfelt prayer, Pastor Danny transitions seamlessly into his sermon, focusing on the theme of courage. He reflects on the previous weeks’ discussions on being connected, living with integrity, and embracing passion. Today, he challenges the congregation to explore what it means to live courageously in a world that often stands against Christian values.
Drawing from the Book of Joshua, where God commands Joshua to be “strong and courageous,” Pastor Danny illustrates that true courage is essential for living out the Christian faith in today’s society. He paints vivid images of courage through the stories of firefighters, soldiers, and others who perform heroic acts, but he emphasizes that everyday courage is equally important.
Pastor Danny delves into three practical ways to live courageously: owning up to one’s sins, standing up for what is right, and speaking up for Christ. He candidly discusses the challenges of admitting personal faults and sins, stressing the importance of authenticity and truth in the Christian life. He encourages the congregation to confront sin not just in their lives but also in the lives of those they love, even when it’s uncomfortable or difficult.
In his second point, Pastor Danny tackles the modern-day challenge of standing up for what is right in a world that increasingly values tolerance over truth. He references scripture from Ezekiel, highlighting the responsibility Christians bear when they fail to speak out against wrongdoing. He reminds everyone that true love sometimes requires confrontation and that standing for truth often comes with a cost, such as criticism or strained relationships.
Finally, Pastor Danny calls for boldness in sharing the gospel. He reassures those who feel inadequate or unprepared by emphasizing that sharing the good news is not about expertise or Bible knowledge but about love and a personal relationship with Christ. He urges the congregation to be bridge builders, creating connections with others so that Christ can work through them.
Pastor Danny concludes with a call to action, encouraging everyone to pray for boldness, expect God to use them, and to remember that despite the trials and tribulations of this world, victory is assured in Christ. He challenges the congregation to draw a line in the sand, daring to be different and courageous in their faith, even when the world runs toward destruction.
This sermon is a stirring reminder of the courage required to live a life that honors God, and it leaves the congregation with a renewed commitment to stand firm in their faith and make a difference in the world.