Use Your Gifts to Make a Difference // Masashi Shibuya

What do I do if I want more out of life? Where can I use my God given gifts and talents? This week we talk about how serving in the church can change our lives and the lives of others also!-----------------------------USE YOUR GIFTS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE (Matthew 5:14-16 NLT) “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. (15) No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. (16) In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.GOD HAS GIVEN YOU GIFTS AND PLANS (Ephesian 2:10 NLT) For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.(1 Peter 4:10 NLT) God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.DON’T HIDE YOUR LIGHT (Ecclesiastes 11:4 NLT) Farmers who wait for perfect weather never plant. If they watch every cloud, they never harvest.(Psalm 23:1 NLT) The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.(Luke 16:10 NIV) Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.SHINE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR CITY  (Matthew 5:15b-16 NLT) Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. (16) In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father(Matthew 12:21 NLT) And his name will be the hope of all the world.-----------------------------Connect Group QuestionsWhat does it mean to be the "light of the world" as described in Matthew 5:14-16?How can we use our gifts and talents to serve others in our community?Why is it important not to hide our light, even when circumstances aren't perfect?In what ways can our good deeds lead others to praise God?How can trusting God with our gifts help us make a difference in our city?-----------------------------Connect with us:Web: mylifehouse.comInstagram: instagram.com/lifehouseglobal/Facebook: facebook.com/lifehouseglobalOther Podcasts:Want to listen to our messages in other languages?Lifehouse Japan (Japanese & English): https://lifehousejapan.captivate.fm/listen Lifehouse Hong Kong (Cantonese & English): https://lifehousehongkong.captivate.fm/listen