MAKING A DIFFERENCE

 

                                                                                                                               Pastor Rick Jackson

 

Exodus 11:7 But against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue, against man or beast: that ye may know how that the LORD doth put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel.

JUDE 1:22 And of some have compassion, making a difference:

After a storm a boy noticed thousands of starfish had been stranded on shore. He went out and started putting them back in the water. A man passing by noticed what the boy was doing and knowing he couldn't possibly save them all said, "Son, you may as well quit. You can't get them all in time. It won't make a difference." The boy looked at the man, looked at the starfish in his hand, looked back at the man and said, "It will to this one" and placed it back in the ocean.

 

I. PURITY THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE

 

1. The Purity of Salvation [1 Peter 1:22]

 

Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:

Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

 

2. The Purity of Scripture [Psalm 12:6]

 

The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.

Psalm 19:8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.

Psalm 119:140 Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.

Proverbs 30:5 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him

 

3. The Purity of Sanctification [Proverbs 15:26]

 

The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.

Proverbs 20:11 Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.

Proverbs 21:8 The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right.

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

1 Timothy 1:5 Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:

II. PRAYERS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE

 

1. Not The Amount [Matthew 6:7]

 

But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

 

2. Note the Access [Hebrews 4:16]

 

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

 

3. Notice the Attitude [Ps. 17:1, James 5:16]

 

Hear the right, O LORD, attend unto my cry, give ear unto my prayer, that goeth not out of feigned lips.

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

 

III. PURPOSE THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE

 

1. Daniel Purposed His Heart [Daniel 1:8]

 

But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

 

2. David Purposed His Mouth [Ps. 17:3] Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited me in the night; thou hast tried me, and shalt find nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.

 

3. Paul Purposed His Life [Acts 19:21] After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.

Acts 20:3 And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia.

Romans 1:13 Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.