Navigating Your Cosmic Influence as a Christian Influencer | Week 3 | I'm In

 Explore the depths of your influence as a Christian in this enlightening sermon, "Navigating Your Cosmic Influence as a Christian Influencer." We discuss the significant roles believers play in shaping their environments through small but powerful acts of faith. Tune in to learn about harnessing your potential to make a lasting spiritual impact and to understand the biblical perspective on being the light of the world and the salt of the earth. 

Episode Transcript

Greater Guild Announcer (00:03):
Welcome to today's episode, the third in
our series, I'm In, where faithmeets the vast expanse of our
influence. Get ready to hearthis explosive sermon titled
Navigating Your Cosmic Influenceas a Christian Influencer. We
will explore how each of us canlight up the world and season it
with grace through our everydayactions. Get ready to discover

(00:24):
how you, as a follower ofChrist, are not just passing
through life, but are called toactively shape the universe with
the light you wield. Let's divein and explore the divine
dimensions of our spiritualimpact.

Pastor Brandon Holm (00:40):
Welcome back, my fellow guildmates. And
as we set course through thevast cosmos of faith today,
we're gonna focus on theextraordinary power of
influence. Imagine we're headingthrough a celestial landscape
where each of us, throughseemingly small actions, can

(01:00):
have a profound impact upon theuniverse of our lives and
beyond. Every gesture, everyword is like the thrust of a
rocket booster, propelling usnot just ourselves, but also
those around us into orbits ofgrace and transformation. Today,
we explore how we are called tobe influencers in the most

(01:21):
divine sense, reflecting thelight of Christ in all that we
do.
As we embark on this journey,let us consider the words of
Jesus from Matthew chapter fiveverses 13 through 16, the
foundation of today's message.You are the salt of the earth.
But if salt has lost its taste,how shall its saltiness be

(01:44):
restored? It is no longer goodfor anything except to be thrown
out and trampled under people'sfeet. You are the light of the
world.
A city set on a hill cannot behidden, nor do people light a
lamp and put it under a basket,but on a stand, and it gives
light to all in the house. Inthe same way, let your light

(02:05):
shine before others so that theymay see your good works and give
glory to your father who is inheaven. In these verses, Jesus
does not merely suggest butdeclares that we are the salt of
the earth and the light of theworld, agents of preservation
and bearers of illumination.This is not a potential or a

(02:29):
role that we're we grow into. Itis our inherent identity as
followers of Christ.
Today, as we travel through thecosmic expanse of of the world
with grace and illuminate thedarkness with hope and the love
of Jesus. As we proceed, picturethis vast universe as a field of
opportunities where yourinteractions, no matter how

(02:52):
minor they may seem, carry thepotential to initiate waves of
change. You know? As we've seenin Star Trek six, you know,
Praxis explodes, and there'swaves out there, and it changes
the entire dynamic, not just ofthat sector, but how federation
reacts, how the Klingons react,everything. Now that's a big

(03:15):
event.
But even when you look at thereactions after and when
everybody sees the transmissionsfrom practice, it you know,
those are little things aboutthe big event. And in the same
way, this is a wave of changethat you can influence. Your
existence is not an isolatedevent, but a critical mission in

(03:35):
the divine narrative where eachaction contributes to a larger
story of redemption and grace.Influence, as we understand it
in the context of our faith, isvastly different from the
world's view. The world oftensees influence as a means to
sway opinions, drive sales, orgarner fame.

(03:57):
Do that constantly. And for somepeople, they're going to jail
because they're trying toinfluence in a negative way.
However, as followers of Christ,our concept of influence is
rooted deeply in our spiritualmission and the biblical calling
to impact the world for God'sglory. Let's just expand on our

(04:17):
scripture reading in fromMatthew where Jesus uses
metaphors of salt and light.Salt in the ancient world wasn't
just a flavor enhancer, but apreservative that prevented
decay.
By calling us the salt of theearth, Jesus is placing us in a
role that goes beyond mere tasteto actively work against the

(04:39):
moral decay of the world aroundus. Likewise, when Jesus speaks
to us of being light of theworld, he is invoking the image
of a beacon that guides ships tosafe harbor or, you know, being,
you know, a pilot the pilot thatI am because I grew up around
pilots, you know, it's basicallythe landing system for the

(05:02):
instrument landing system, andit guides you in to land at
airports. So same thing I knowof. A lot of use of the same
words, but you get the idea. Inthe dark expanse of the cosmos
where we navigate our spiritualjourneys, Our light is meant to
guide lost souls to safety andto illuminate the truths of the

(05:24):
gospel in the shadowed cornersof despair and sin.
This refined sense of influencedoesn't start with seeking a
platform and striving forvisibility. Instead, it begins
the quiet, faithful actions wetake every day. It's found in
the gentle words of comfort weoffer to a friend in distress,

(05:44):
the steadfast support we provideto those in need, and the
constant testimony of our liveslived in Jesus' service. By
embodying the characteristics ofsalt and light, we influence the
world not through force orvolume, through our presence and
perseverance in living out thegospel. Every small act of

(06:07):
kindness, every word of truthspoken in love, every decision
to stand firm in faith radiatesoutward, you know, basically
like you like starlighttraveling through the cosmos,
reaching far beyond ourimmediate perception.
And as we embrace our role asdefined influencers, let's
consider the profound impact ofour interactions. Like the

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gravitational pull of celestialbodies, our spiritual influence
can draw others into a stableorbit around the sun and not
like our solar sun, the sun asin Christ. Let this
understanding reshape how weview our actions and their
effect on the universe God hasentrusted to us. Building upon

(06:52):
our understanding of divineinfluence both as salt and
light, let's delve deeper intothe practical ways we these
interactions manifest daily. Theapostle Paul, in his letter to
the Galatians, emphasizes thefruits of the spirit, and many
of you have heard this.
And if you're not, not aproblem. The fruits of the
spirit is basically our guidefor interactions and enhance and

(07:14):
to enhance our influence. InGalatians chapter five verses
twenty two and twenty three, ittells us, but the fruit of the
spirit is love, joy, peace,patience, kindness, goodness,
fulfill fulfillness, gentleness,self control against such things
there is no law. Now each ofthese qualities, exhibited in

(07:36):
our daily lives, functions likea signal beacon in the cosmos,
guiding others through thenebulae of life's challenges and
uncertainties. Love acts as agravitational force, pulling
others into a stable orbitaround the community of faith.
Joy illuminates like asupernova, brightening the dark

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paths and showing the wayforward. Peace operates as a
shield deflecting the cosmicrays of chaos and discord. I
know a lot of sci fi metaphors,but we're you know, for us, you
know, as geeks and gamers, welike our sci fi games as well.
Now considering the consider theimpact of these everyday

(08:18):
interactions in the light ofanother powerful scriptures, and
this is in Hebrews chapter 10verses twenty four and twenty
five. And let us consider how tostir up one another to love and
good works, not neglecting tomeet together as is the habit of
some, but encouraging oneanother and all the more as you

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see the day drawing near.
These verses not only call us toaction, but remind us of the
importance of our collectivejourney. Our encounters with
each other are not randomcollisions, but deliberate
engagements meant to build upand edify. Just as the
spacecraft relies on the preciseoperation of each component to

(09:01):
navigate the stars, so ourspiritual community depends on
each member engaging activelyand purposefully. Cosmic impact
of our everyday interactions canripple outward, creating waves
that travel across the universeof human experience. Kind word,
a moment of patience, an act ofgenerosity.

(09:21):
We've experienced that. And ifyou have, remember those. These
are the tools which we sculptthe ether of spiritual reality,
shaping the pathways ofsalvation and enlightenment for
others to follow. Byunderstanding and embracing our
role as influencers in theseeveryday moments, we embody the
essence of being the salt andthe light, preserving the good

(09:44):
and illuminating the truth. Letus therefore commit to these
small, consistent acts of faithand love for through them, we
exercise our most profoundinfluence, drawing others closer
to the heart of God and thepeace of his celestial kingdom.
And as we continue, let's focusmore intently on the metaphor of

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light that Jesus so powerfullyuses in John chapter eight
twelve. Again, Jesus spoke tothem saying, I am the light of
the world. Whoever follows mewill not walk in darkness, but
will have the light of life.This declaration by Jesus not
only asserts his divine role,but also frames our mission as

(10:27):
his followers. To carry hislight means to actively dispel
darkness whenever we find it,not just the physical absence of
light, but the spiritualdarkness of ignorance, fear, and
despair.
Being the light of the worldinvolves more than just passive
existence. It requires activeengagement. It's like being a
lighthouse for wayward ships ina storm. The light we carry

(10:50):
within us through the holyspirit is not meant to be
hoarded or hidden. Instead, itis to be displayed prominently,
guiding those who are lost backto safety, back to the harbor of
God's love.
This illumination extends beyondthe confines of our homes and
churches. It reaches into ourworkplaces, our schools, and

(11:10):
communities where we live. Eachinteraction is an opportunity to
reflect this light. When wechoose to forgive, to offer
grace, to extend mercy, we actas beams of his light, cutting
through the fog of conflict andconfusion. Consider also the
words of Philippians chapter twoverses 14 through 16, which
challenge us to shine amidst acrooked generation.

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Do all things without grumblingor disputing that ye may be
blameless and innocent, childrenof God without blemish in the
midst of a crooked and twistedgeneration, among whom you shine
as lights in the world, holdingfast to the word of life so that
in the day of Christ, I may be Imay be proud that I did not

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run-in vain or labor in vain.This passage does not merely
call for internal purity, butfor an external demonstration of
that purity through our actionsand attitudes. It suggests that
our conduct can shine brightlylike stars against the sky,
offering navigation and hope tothose still searching for

(12:18):
direction. And if you sometimesslip, that's fine. That happens.
We are human. We make mistakes.We get into those areas of
darkness. But as followers ofChrist, we need to be able to go
and show people that even thoughwe can be sad just like they
can, God gives us a light thatcan shine out and brighten our
days. And that's the biggest,biggest aspect of why we are the

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light of the world.
And by embracing our identity asthe light of the world, we
accept the responsibility thatcomes with it. K? It's not a not
as a burden, but as gloriouscalling to illuminate the path
towards Christ. And this role iscritical in a universe where
many still wander in darknesslooking for a sign, a signal, or

(13:06):
a guide to lead them home. Asyou step forward from this place
today, remember that you carrywith you the light of life.
You are equipped to make acosmic difference. With every
step you take, sounds like asong, doesn't it? You have the
potential to brighten a cornerof the world, a guide to guide a
lost soul, to reflect thebrilliance of the gospel.

(13:29):
Embrace your role as a beacon ofhope and a bearer of Christ's
radiant love. And as we furtherexplore the dynamics of
spiritual influence, we canliken our impact to the
gravitational pull of celestialbodies within the cosmos.
Just as gravity invisibly butinevitably draws objects towards

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it, so does true spiritualinfluence pull those around us
towards a greater understandingand relationship with God. This
influence is not coercive, butnaturally eminitive from the
lives we lead. The gravitationalpull of influence is so vividly
illustrated in the writings ofPaul in second Corinthians two

(14:13):
verses 15 through 17. For we arethe aroma of Christ to God among
those who are being saved andamong those who are perishing.
To one, a fragrance from deathto death, the other, a fragrance
from life to life.
Who is sufficient for thesethings? For we are not, like so
many, peddlers of God's word,but as men of sincerity, as

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commissioned by God in the sightof God, we speak in Christ.
Here, Paul, again, like Jesusdoes, uses the metaphor of aroma
to describe the pervasive andsubtle effect of Christ's of
Christian influence. Like afragrance that cannot be seen,
but is certainly felt, ourinfluence should permeate our

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environments, drawing otherstowards Christ through our
actions and attitudes. Thissubtly a powerful force of
influence is further describedin Colossians four five through
six.
Walk in wisdom towardsoutsiders, making the best use
of the time. Let your speechalways be gracious, seasoned
with salt so that you may knowhow ought how you ought to

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answer each purse each person.These passages suggest a
strategy of intentionalengagement, which each
interaction is seen as anopportunity to exert a positive
spiritual influence. And formany of you who are introverts,
yeah, we've gotta do this. And Ido have problems with this, but,

(15:43):
you know, every so often, I justget this overwhelming urge to
just be this intentional,engaging person.
And my wife usually goes, oh mygosh. Is this my husband when
this happens? So being you know,we're talking about exerting a
positive influence. Ourconversations and behaviors

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should be such that theyinteract, not repel, enlighten,
not obscure, and invite, notalienate. The idea of influence
as a gravitational pull is notabout exerting force, but about
exerting attraction.
It's about being so aligned withChrist's love and truth that
others are naturally drawntowards us, not to us as

(16:26):
individuals, but to the Christwithin us. This kind of
influence does not depend ondynamic gestures or powerful
positions, but on the constanthumble walking out in our faith.
As followers of Christ, we arecalled not just to orbit in our
own trajectories, but to exert apull that guides others into

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their rightful paths towardsGod. Each act of kindness, each
moment of truth speaking, eachdecision made in faith
contributes to a strongergravitational pull that can help
keep others from spinning out inthe darkness. Embrace this role
with humility and prayer,knowing that the true strength

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of your influence comes not fromyour power, but from the power
of Christ within you.
Again, just because I'm apastor, I'm not going to come
here and say, you have to do itbecause you'll do it and go to
hell. No. That's not it. That'snot even exactly what it's all
about. I've heard pastors preachthat, and then I go, oh, ouch.

(17:28):
But on the opposite side, youhave the prosperity gospel,
which even I don't like, sayingthat, you know, you know, all I
have to do is ask for and youwill receive, and all these
riches will come to that doesn'thappen either, and many of you
know that too. That's why someof you probably have left Christ
for a while. But I want you tounderstand, for us to help

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people, we need to have ourroles no matter what we're in to
be with humility and prayer.Because our strength and
influence, like I've said, it'snot come from me being a pastor
or, you know, from any onepoint, you know, one, you know,
higher authority, although we dohave those here on Earth. But

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the whole thing comes from thepower of Christ within you, the
holy spirit.
And as we conclude our journeytoday, consider how you
strengthen your spiritualgravitational pull, enhancing
the orbits of those within yourreach and drawing more souls
into the loving embrace of oursavior. This is the whole thing

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about our mission, the grandmission. We have explored how
our influence works not by theforce of authority, but through
the gravitational pull of ourcharacter and actions, drawing
others towards God's love andlight. And if you want to really
get deeper, Paul in firstCorinthians fifteen fifty eight

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serves as a powerful exhortationfor our mission. Therefore, my
beloved brothers, be steadfast,immovable, always abounding in
the work of the Lord, knowingthat in the Lord your labor is
not in vain.
The scripture is a call toaction reminding us that every
effort we make in the name ofChrist has eternal significance,

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not just current significance.It's eternal. It challenges us
to be agents of change,steadfast in our commitment to
live out our faith visibly andvibrantly. As you go forth from
here, consider what your actionscan take to strengthen your
influence among those youencounter. How can you be more

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intentional about being the saltand the light in your community?
What are the opportunities Godhas placed them before you to
guide someone closer to histruth and love? Today, I
challenge you to commit to aspecific action that will
demonstrate your influence as afollower of a Christ. Whether it
is reaching out to a neighbor inneed, volunteering for a cause

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that reflects the Christ of thelove of Christ, or simply
dedicating more time to prayerand study of the scriptures, let
your light shine brightly.Remember, the journey of
influence is not a solo voyage,but a collective endeavor.
Encourage one another.
Build up each other. Hold eachother accountable to the high

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calling we have received inChrist, And let us not grow
weary of doing good, for in dueseason, we will reap if not if
we do not give up. We've heardthis verse from Galatians, and
it reminds us that perperseverance is the key. The
outcomes of our influence maynot always be immediately

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visible. Be assured that God isat work through each word spoken
in kindness, each act ofgenerosity, and each moment of
truth shared.
In closing, I do invite youagain to declare, I'm in to
embracing your role as aninfluencer for Christ. Now let's
go forth with renewed passionand determination, ready to use

(21:12):
our talents and gifts in waysthat glorify God and draw others
to him. You are a vital part ofGod's cosmic plan, and your
influence in essential isessential to the unfolding of
his kingdom here on Earth.

Greater Guild Announcer (21:29):
Thank you for joining us today on this
enlightening journey throughnavigating your cosmic influence
as a Christian influencer. Wehope you are inspired to reflect
on how your daily interactionsand choices illuminate the path
for others and preserve thegoodness in this world.
Remember, your influence is apowerful force in the grand
cosmic plan. Keep shining yourlight and seasoning your

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surroundings with the love andgrace of Christ. Until next
time, keep carrying the lightand making a difference in every
corner of your universe.