Answering God's Call: A Journey of Faith

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound call of God that echoes through the ages, asking, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" This call is not limited to the prophets of old but extends to each of us today, urging us to step forward and say, "Here am I, send me." Drawing inspiration from the story of Ernest Shackleton's Antarctic expedition, we see a parallel in the spiritual journey God calls us to embark upon. Shackleton's ad for his expedition was clear about the dangers and uncertainties, yet it attracted thousands who were eager to be part of something greater than themselves. Similarly, God's call is not for the most talented or the most qualified but for those willing to step out in faith and obedience.

The journey of faith is not without its challenges. It requires daily sacrifice, a willingness to deny oneself, and the courage to stand apart from the world. Yet, it is through these trials that we find true joy and peace, as Jesus has already overcome the world. The call to follow Christ is a call to a life of purpose, to be co-laborers with Him in spreading the Gospel. It is a call to be different, to be set apart, and to be a light in the darkness.

The reward for answering this call is not found in earthly accolades but in the eternal promise of a crown of righteousness. It is the honor of hearing our Savior say, "Well done, good and faithful servant." Just as Shackleton's men became part of history, those who answer God's call become part of eternity's history, playing a vital role in the work of the Gospel.

Today, the world is in desperate need of hope and truth. The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. We are called to be those laborers, to take the message of Pentecost to the ends of the earth. It is a call that cannot wait, for the world is searching for answers that only Christ can provide. Will you answer the call? Will you be one of the few good men and women to rise up and carry the Gospel to a lost and dying world? The invitation is open, and the time is now. Here am I, Lord. Send me.

Key Takeaways:

1. God's Call for Obedience: God is not seeking perfection but obedience. Like Isaiah, we are called to respond with willingness, saying, "Here am I, send me." Our imperfections do not disqualify us; rather, our obedience qualifies us for His work. [10:08]

2. The Cost of Discipleship: Following Jesus requires daily sacrifice and a willingness to stand apart from the world. It is a journey marked by trials, but it is through these challenges that we find true joy and peace, as Jesus has already overcome the world. [14:07]

3. The Power of Testimony: Every believer is called to be a preacher in their own right, sharing their testimony and the Gospel with those around them. Our lives and words are powerful tools for spreading the message of Christ. [25:02]

4. The Urgency of the Call: The world is in desperate need of hope and truth, and the call to evangelize cannot wait. We are called to be laborers in the harvest, taking the message of Pentecost to the ends of the earth. [31:32]

5. The Eternal Reward: The ultimate reward for answering God's call is not found in earthly accolades but in the eternal promise of a crown of righteousness. It is the honor of hearing our Savior say, "Well done, good and faithful servant." [35:38]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Introduction to the Call
- [02:15] - Shackleton's Advertisement
- [04:00] - God's Call for Obedience
- [06:45] - The Cost of Discipleship
- [09:30] - The Power of Testimony
- [12:00] - The Urgency of the Call
- [14:45] - The Eternal Reward
- [17:30] - Answering the Call
- [20:00] - Conclusion and Invitation

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Isaiah 6:8 - "Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me."
2. 2 Corinthians 6:17 - "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you."
3. Matthew 9:37-38 - "Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest."

Observation Questions:
1. What was the response of Isaiah when he heard God's call, and how does this reflect the theme of obedience in the sermon? [10:08]
2. How does the story of Ernest Shackleton's expedition relate to the spiritual journey God calls us to embark upon? [31:32]
3. What are some of the challenges mentioned in the sermon that believers might face when answering God's call? [14:07]
4. How does the sermon describe the role of every believer in sharing their testimony and the Gospel? [25:02]

Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that God qualifies those He calls, rather than calling the already qualified? [10:08]
2. How does the sermon explain the concept of daily sacrifice and its importance in the life of a disciple? [14:07]
3. What does the sermon imply about the urgency of the call to evangelize, and how does this relate to the current state of the world? [31:32]
4. How does the sermon interpret the eternal reward for answering God's call, and what significance does this have for believers today? [35:38]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt unqualified for a task but chose to step out in faith. How did that experience shape your understanding of God's call? [10:08]
2. What are some specific ways you can practice daily sacrifice in your life to follow Jesus more closely? Consider areas where you might need to deny yourself. [14:07]
3. Identify one person in your life who is in need of hope and truth. How can you share your testimony or the Gospel with them this week? [25:02]
4. The sermon emphasizes the urgency of the call to evangelize. What steps can you take to be more proactive in sharing the message of Christ in your community? [31:32]
5. How do you perceive the concept of being "set apart" as a believer? What changes might you need to make in your life to align more closely with this calling? [10:08]
6. Consider the eternal reward mentioned in the sermon. How does this perspective influence your daily decisions and priorities? [35:38]
7. The sermon challenges us to answer God's call with the words, "Here am I, send me." What is one area of your life where you feel God is calling you to step forward, and how will you respond? [35:38]

Devotional

Day 1: Obedience Over Perfection
God's call is not for the perfect but for those who are willing to obey. Just as Isaiah responded to God's call with "Here am I, send me," we are invited to step forward in faith, despite our imperfections. Our willingness to obey qualifies us for His work, not our abilities or talents. This call to obedience is a profound invitation to participate in God's mission, trusting that He will equip us for the tasks He sets before us. [10:08]

Isaiah 6:8-9 (ESV): "And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?' Then I said, 'Here am I! Send me.' And he said, 'Go, and say to this people: Keep on hearing, but do not understand; keep on seeing, but do not perceive.'"

Reflection: What is one area in your life where you feel inadequate but sense God calling you to step out in faith? How can you respond with obedience today?


Day 2: The Cost of Following Christ
Following Jesus is a journey that requires daily sacrifice and a willingness to stand apart from the world. It is marked by trials and challenges, yet through these, we find true joy and peace, knowing that Jesus has already overcome the world. This path of discipleship calls us to deny ourselves and take up our cross daily, embracing the cost as part of our spiritual growth and transformation. [14:07]

Luke 9:23-24 (ESV): "And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.'"

Reflection: What is one specific sacrifice you can make today to follow Jesus more closely, even if it means standing apart from the world?


Day 3: Sharing Your Testimony
Every believer is called to be a preacher in their own right, sharing their testimony and the Gospel with those around them. Our lives and words are powerful tools for spreading the message of Christ. By sharing our personal experiences of God's work in our lives, we become witnesses to His grace and truth, encouraging others to seek Him. [25:02]

1 Peter 3:15-16 (ESV): "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame."

Reflection: Who is one person you can share your testimony with this week? How can you prepare to share your story with gentleness and respect?


Day 4: The Urgency of Evangelism
The world is in desperate need of hope and truth, and the call to evangelize cannot wait. We are called to be laborers in the harvest, taking the message of Pentecost to the ends of the earth. This urgency is driven by the reality that many are searching for answers that only Christ can provide, and we are entrusted with the responsibility to share His love and truth. [31:32]

Matthew 9:37-38 (ESV): "Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.'"

Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to share the Gospel with someone in your community who is searching for hope and truth?


Day 5: The Promise of Eternal Reward
The ultimate reward for answering God's call is not found in earthly accolades but in the eternal promise of a crown of righteousness. It is the honor of hearing our Savior say, "Well done, good and faithful servant." By participating in God's work, we become part of eternity's history, playing a vital role in the work of the Gospel. [35:38]

2 Timothy 4:7-8 (ESV): "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing."

Reflection: How does the promise of an eternal reward motivate you to remain faithful in your calling today? What steps can you take to focus on eternal significance rather than earthly success?

Quotes

"Today God is issuing a similar call not to explore the ends of the earth but to reach the ends of the earth with his message to reach the lost with the power of Pentecost but the question still remains though the same question from Isaiah whom shall I send and who will go for us or if I could just take it down to five simple words who will answer the call Shackleton wasn't looking for the strongest the smartest or even the most experienced he was looking for those that had courage resilience faithfulness likewise God is not looking for the most talented or the most eloquent he's looking for those who will just stand up and say here am I send me send me Isaiah he didn't hesitate with the call he said here am I we focus on a presupposed idea that God" [00:03:46]

"once perfection that's what we get in our mind but god doesn't need perfection he simply needs obedience too many times do we think we have to get ourselves together in order before we can begin the work of god versus allowing god to transform us by his own power but yet i am stealing this from yesterday we see a peter that yes he drops the net and begins following christ but then he's cursing and cutting off ears the next minute he's denying his savior was he perfect was he director material was he fit to be called a servant of god yes because he said i'm here i choose you okay and the net drops out of his hands matt the old matthew" [00:07:00]

"told him that obedience is better than sacrifice will you cut off a few ears Peter make sure I say that not to you I pray none of you cut off any ears if you would ask that well he would have said probably no but the answer would have been yes and will you give the first message of Pentecost this answer would have been yes but for him in that moment he would have answered no to both well of course I won't deny you he says that for sure if you would have asked him about the ear thing he probably went that's stupid why would I even be in a situation where that would happen will you preach the first message of Pentecost he he may have said yes as leader like you know not leader you know what I mean like he a key disciple of Christ he may have said well I guess yeah if you want me to he would have had that willingness but if he expected it he probably would have been his heart been just like you and me and said oh that's that's probably more fitting for them I think their suit looks a little shinier today I think their ties a little straighter I think they have a double knot I got this thing I don't really even know about" [00:07:34]

"Shackleton's ad made it clear that the journey would be difficult. That they would face bitter cold, complete darkness, constant danger, and if that wasn't enough, really the safe return is quite doubtful. I tell you friends, serving God comes with a cost. Luke 9 .23 says, If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily daily Not once. Not twice. Not on Wednesdays and Sundays. Not on Ladies of Zion prayer meeting. Not on Men's Day. Not on Men's Conference. Not on Ladies Conference. Not on District Conference. No. Daily we have to deny ourselves. Daily I'm telling myself no about something. There's something in me that wants a little more of the world. But I have a cross that I just, I deny it." [00:13:56]

"Following Jesus means sacrifice, time, comfort, and reputation even sometimes. Yes, that's right. Sometimes you have to put up with the name calling and being considered a Jesus. Jesus means sacrifice, time, and being considered a Jesus. Freak. Men will wonder why you don't laugh or get involved with the dirty jokes at work or why you don't go to the same places with them on the weekends. Women will wonder why you don't look like the rest of the world or talk like the rest of the world. But John 16 verse 33 says it simply like this. In the world you shall have tribulation. But be of good cheer. Why? Because I have overcome the world." [00:14:47]

"face spiritual storms and sometimes storms brought on by our own choosing but victory is assured because Jesus as we read has already overcome he's overcome we just have to give in we just have to say here am I there is a reward of the call though Shackleton's ad ended with the promise honor and recognition in case of success yes we don't want to get hung up on that in case of this was a man but let's talk about God we have a reward for answering God's call and it's not in case of it's simply this second Timothy four seven and eight I have fought a good fight I have finished my course I have kept the faith henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness why Paul did somebody knock on your shoulder and say guess what you're the the what's it publishing clearing house winner you know it did somebody give him the winning scratch off for the day that said oh I got three heavens in a row I know I'm gonna make it no he knew that he had kept the course and that whenever God said well I wonder who could do this for me oh oh me me but you'll be in shackles send me you'll be called out send me you'll lose your head for it or be execution and someone I'll do it henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness the ultimate reward is not the comfort in this life but it's a crown of righteousness in the next it's hearing the words of Matthew 25 21 that says well done that good and faithful servant there's no greater honor than to hear those words come from our Savior you" [00:19:00]

"Shackleton's men became part of history because they answered the call. Those who answer the call of God become a part of eternity's history. Co -laborers with Christ in the work of the Gospel. And I tell you, my friends, today there is an urgency to the call. Shackleton had a short window to prepare his journey. He needed men immediately. Matthew 9, 37, 38 says, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest that He will send forth laborers into His harvest. The world is lost. It's searching for answers. And we must go." [00:21:47]

"The call to evangelize and spread the message of Pentecost. It cannot wait. The message of Acts 2, 38, Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins. And ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. It's still for them today. And there are still people that do not understand it, that do not know about it, that don't, they may be rid of it, but they've not noticed it. verse just as the disciples stood boldly on the day of Pentecost God is calling for a few good men and women to boldly stand up and proclaim his message today" [00:22:42]

"now we see the answering of the call Shackleton's ad would have been easy to ignore it was hard dangerous uncertain but men responded because they wanted to be a part of something bigger than themselves they wanted to be a part of this first the journey will be hard let me get that let me make that clear God's journey it will be hard the path will be uncertain at times the mission will be dangerous but the reward eternal life salvation for the lost the honor of hearing well done it's worth it all Romans 10 14 you think that it doesn't rely on you how then shall they call on him and whom they have not believed and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard and how shall they hear without a preacher a preacher now you may be quickly highlighting that saying think think think think think" [00:23:09]

"God, preacher, I'm not licensed, I'm good, I'm going to, all right, brother Smith, have at it, brother Massey, have at it, he just wants a preacher, I don't think I'm called for that, I haven't, no, I haven't heard, I think I might just play piano, I think I might just run sound, I think I might teach kids a little bit, I don't, I'm not really going to, I think I might just, yeah, definitely not a preacher thing, no, I'm not sorry, so I can't say I'm sorry to tell you this, it means you, whether you lead worship, whether you lead video, whether you take pictures and boost promotions, whether you worship or help out with offering from time to time, whether you do whatever, or maybe you just keep your own kids in order, and get what you can to keep through the week, guess what, you're called, sorry, but I'm not sorry, this verse is for you, it does not say that in order to fulfill the requirements of Romans 10, 14, thou must have had a local general and ordination license through the United Pentecostal Church Incorporated, or international, Lord help me, you should probably know that," [00:25:35]

"he doesn't say that. I'm sorry, that's... no their tax probably says ink at some point that uh the nonprofit yeah but it doesn't say that it just says how shall they hear without a preacher and guess what sister kylie when they ask you man have you ever heard this verse what do you think that means and you say even if you're not positive but you say i think it means this you preached you preached when you meet the person who's never heard about the gospel and you said man i would love to tell you about what god has done in my life you don't realize it but it's as if spiritually a pulpit has just went before you and your testimony has just been laid out and you're telling them i was blind but now i see i was lame but now i walk i i was dead but now i'm alive when you tell them your testimony when you start to talk about the goodness of jesus you start preaching about it it's time that we get out of the platform with the sermon and we get into the highways and the byways it's time that we take the gospel to the land god still needs a few good men a few good women to stand up and preach the gospel and my question for you today" [00:27:00]

"Will you answer the call today? Will you be one of the few good woman or men to rise up and carry the gospel to a lost and dying world? If you're ready to answer the call, then I would bid you come forth. My wanted ad from heaven has already been announced. It is posted and publicized. If you accept this mission, come forward now. If you're ready to answer the call, come forward and just tell them, not I'm unqualified. Not I can't do it. Not the excuses Satan puts in your mind. But just simply this. Here am I. Lord, send me. Send me. Send me. Send me. Send me. Send me. Oh, God. Send me to the co -worker that doesn't know a thing about you. Oh, God." [00:35:00]

Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Mar 16, 2025. Do you have any questions about it?

Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?