Message: ““One-Time Encounters – Taking Advantage of the Moment”” from Joe Summers

“One-Time Encounters – Taking Advantage of the Moment” Lesson Objective • To help us understand that even a single action or moment in life can have lasting consequences in God’s plan. • To highlight examples of lesser-known biblical figures who appeared only briefly but either seized their opportunity for good or misused it for harm. • To challenge believers to be ready for the opportunities God places before them and to act in faith and obedience. ________________________________________ Primary Scriptures • Ephesians 5:15–16 – “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity...” • Hebrews 11:32–34 – Mentions lesser-known heroes of faith who acted boldly in decisive moments. • Romans 15:4 – “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us...” ________________________________________ Examples from the Old Testament 1. Shamgar (Judges 3:31) o Mentioned once as a deliverer of Israel. o Killed 600 Philistines with an ox goad. o Lesson: God can use anyone, even in one decisive moment, to bring deliverance. 2. Jael (Judges 4:21–22) o Appears briefly in the story of Deborah and Barak. o Drove a tent peg through Sisera’s head when he sought refuge. o Lesson: Seized the moment to act courageously and deliver Israel. 3. The Little Maid (2 Kings 5:2–3) o Captive servant girl in Naaman’s household. o Told Naaman’s wife about the prophet Elisha. o Her small, faithful testimony led to Naaman’s healing and acknowledgment of Israel’s God. o Lesson: A simple word at the right time can change a life. ________________________________________ Examples from the New Testament 1. The Boy with Five Loaves and Two Fish (John 6:8–9) o He isn’t named, but he gave his small lunch to Jesus. o It became the source of feeding 5,000. o Lesson: God multiplies even small offerings when given at the right moment. 2. Simon of Cyrene (Luke 23:26) o Forced to carry Jesus’ cross. o Though reluctant at first, his brief act became part of the gospel story. o Tradition suggests his family later became believers (cf. Mark 15:21). o Lesson: Even unexpected burdens can become divine opportunities. 3. The Penitent Thief on the Cross (Luke 23:39–43) o One brief conversation with Jesus changed his eternal destiny. o Lesson: It is never too late to seize the opportunity of salvation. ________________________________________ Key Teaching Points 1. Many people in the Bible are remembered not for long histories, but for one decision in one moment. 2. God places opportunities in our lives where our choices can make a lasting difference. 3. We must live alert and ready to seize the opportunities God gives us (Ephesians 5:15–16). ________________________________________ Application for Today • Ask: What opportunities might God be placing before you this week—in your family, work, or church? • Encourage believers not to underestimate small acts of faithfulness. • Remind them that their “one-time moment” might become part of God’s bigger story. ________________________________________

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From Series: "Sunday Service"

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