Sunday Service: 25/05/2025
Supporting Scripture: Ephesians 4:23–24
Title of Message: Making a Difference in the World
Delivered by: Pastor Mercy Richardson
We all desire to live lives that matter. That’s not just human ambition; it’s divine design. At Fountain of Life Church, our mission is clear: to make a difference in our families, our neighbourhoods, and our workplaces — for Christ and His Kingdom.
Let’s explore three practical and spiritual ways we can make that difference.
- CHANGE YOUR THIINKING – (Ephesians 4:23–24)
“And be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.”
Transformation begins in the mind. The Apostle Paul reminds us that spiritual change starts with a renewal of how we think — a divine mental renovation. But how does that happen?
It starts with confession and repentance. Webster’s dictionary defines confession as “to acknowledge or admit wrongdoing.” But biblically, it’s deeper. To confess is to agree with God — to call sin what God calls it. Not to water it down, not to rename it.
– It’s not calling something that is good bad, but ‘Good.’
– It’s not calling drunkenness going out and having a good time.
– It’s not calling adultery messing around.
– It’s not calling stealing a mistake but sin.
Confession, therefore, means to call it like it is.
Proverbs 28:13 says:
“He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.”
Repentance follows confession. The Hebrew word for repentance (shuv) means “to turn,” and the Greek (metanoia) means “a change of mind.” Together, they describe a total life redirection — of mind, will, and emotion.
Ezekiel 18:30b tells us:
“Repent and turn from all your transgressions; so that iniquity will not be your ruin.”
It’s like changing clothes. Paul says: “Put off the old man… put on the new.” Imagine putting off dirty garments soaked in sin and putting on a new wardrobe — the righteousness of Christ. - MEET THE NEEDS OF OTHERS – (Philippians 2:4)
“Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”
To make a difference we must be willing to put the needs of others before our own. However the world teaches us to: “Look out for number one.” But Jesus teaches us to: “Love your neighbour as yourself.”
To make a difference, we must see people through the eyes of compassion, not competition. 2 Corinthians 1:3–4 reminds us:
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”
Your pain has a purpose. The divorce you survived, the illness you overcame, the grief you carried — God intends to use it to comfort someone else. Nothing is wasted in God’s economy.
Think of life as a relay race. When God brings you through the storm, He places in your hand a baton of comfort — not for you to hold, but to pass to the next runner.
Matthew 25:40 (Jesus said):
“Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.”
Christ calls us to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and visit the lonely. Don’t just pray for others — be the answer to someone’s prayer. - SHARE THE GOSPEL – (Romans 1:16)
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes.”
Meeting physical needs is vital — but if we only feed the stomach and not the soul, we’ve missed the mission. (Luke 9:25)
“For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost?”
The Gospel is not just good advice — it is good news that saves souls.
– All have sinned (Romans 3:23)
– The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23)
– No one is righteous (Romans 3:10)
– Christ died for us (Romans 5:8)
– Jesus is the only way (John 14:6)
2 Corinthians 5:21
“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”
God has entrusted us with this message. You don’t need a pulpit — just a heart on fire and a boldness.
Imagine finding the cure for a deadly disease but keeping it to yourself. That’s what it’s like to know Christ and not share Him.
Conclusion: Become a Difference Maker
If you truly want to make a difference in the world, do this:
- Change your mind — through confession and repentance
- Meet the needs — of others with the compassion you’ve received
- Share the Gospel — because it is the ultimate difference-maker
Jesus Christ is the greatest difference-maker in history, and now He calls us to carry on His mission.
Let us rise as Manchester Fountain of Life Church and fulfil our calling. Let’s “Each One Reach One.” Let us be a people who say:
“Lord, open our eyes to see what You are doing — and give us the courage to follow.”
Amen. 🙏