Answering God's Call: Obedience, Sacrifice, and Eternal Rewards

In today's message, we explored the profound call of God as illustrated in Isaiah 6:8, where the Lord asks, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" This call is not just for the prophets of old but for each of us today. God is seeking individuals who are willing to step forward and say, "Here am I, send me." This call is not about perfection or qualifications; it's about obedience and willingness to be used by God. Just as Ernest Shackleton sought men for a perilous journey to Antarctica, God is seeking those who are ready to embark on a spiritual journey that may be fraught with challenges but promises eternal rewards.

The story of Shackleton's expedition serves as a powerful metaphor for our spiritual journey. Despite the dangers and uncertainties, Shackleton's men were drawn to the adventure and the chance to be part of something greater than themselves. Similarly, God calls us to a mission that is not about comfort or safety but about purpose and impact. The Christian walk requires sacrifice, as we are called to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow Christ. This path may lead to trials and tribulations, but it also leads to the ultimate reward of eternal life and the honor of hearing, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."

God is not looking for the most talented or the most eloquent; He is looking for those who will simply say, "Here am I, send me." Our willingness to answer this call can transform our lives and the lives of those around us. We are called to be co-laborers with Christ, spreading the message of the gospel to a world in need. The urgency of this call cannot be overstated, as the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Let us be those laborers, ready to stand up and proclaim the message of Pentecost with boldness and conviction.

Key Takeaways

• 1. 9pI_Q5LNos&t=2309s'>[38:29]
  2. The Cost of Discipleship: Following Jesus involves sacrifice and may lead to trials and tribulations. We are called to deny ourselves and take up our cross daily, understanding that the Christian walk is seldom comfortable but always purposeful.
  
  3. God Qualifies the Called: God is not calling the qualified; He is qualifying the called. Our past does not disqualify us from being used by God. Instead, He uses our weaknesses to demonstrate His strength and power.
  
  4. The Urgency of the Call: The world is in desperate need of the gospel, and the call to evangelize cannot wait. We must be ready to share the message of Pentecost and the hope of salvation with those who have not yet heard.
  
  5. Eternal Rewards: The ultimate reward for answering God's call is not found in earthly comfort but in eternal life and the honor of hearing, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant." Our willingness to answer the call impacts eternity.
  
  ** [38:29]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [29:34] - Invocation and Worship
• [30:36] - Offering and Blessing
• [31:32] - Introduction to Isaiah 6:8
• [33:22] - The Call of God
• [34:34] - A Few Good Men and Women
• [36:05] - Shackleton's Advertisement
• [37:24] - The Adventure of God's Call
• [38:09] - Courage and Resilience
• [39:13] - Obedience Over Perfection
• [44:53] - God Qualifies the Called
• [46:20] - The Cost of Discipleship
• [50:27] - Jesus' Example
• [52:29] - Assurance of Victory
• [55:19] - The Urgency of the Call
• [57:20] - Eternal Rewards
• [61:56] - Will You Answer the Call?

1. What was the response of Isaiah when he heard the voice of the Lord asking, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" How does this reflect his willingness to serve? [33:22]
2. How does the story of Ernest Shackleton's expedition serve as a metaphor for the Christian journey, according to the sermon? [36:05]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the type of people God is looking for to answer His call? [38:09]
4. How does the sermon describe the cost of discipleship and the daily commitment required to follow Jesus? [46:20]

1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that God qualifies those He calls, rather than calling those who are already qualified? [44:53]
2. How does the sermon illustrate the urgency of the call to evangelize, and why is this urgency important for believers today? [55:19]
3. What does the sermon imply about the relationship between obedience and sacrifice in the Christian life? [40:38]
4. How does the promise of eternal rewards influence the willingness of believers to answer God's call, according to the sermon? [53:56]

1. Reflect on a time when you felt unqualified for a task God was calling you to. How did you respond, and what can you learn from Isaiah's example of willingness? [38:29]
2. The sermon emphasizes the need for daily sacrifice in following Jesus. What is one specific area in your life where you can practice self-denial this week? [46:20]
3. Consider the urgency of sharing the gospel. Identify one person in your life who needs to hear the message of hope. How can you initiate a conversation with them this week? [55:19]
4. The sermon mentions that God uses our weaknesses to demonstrate His strength. What is one weakness you have that God might use for His glory, and how can you offer it to Him? [44:53]
5. How can the story of Shackleton's expedition inspire you to embrace challenges in your spiritual journey? What steps can you take to be more adventurous in your faith? [36:05]
6. Reflect on the idea of hearing "Well done, thou good and faithful servant." What specific actions can you take this week to live in a way that aligns with this commendation? [53:56]
7. The sermon calls for believers to be co-laborers with Christ. What is one practical way you can partner with others in your church community to spread the gospel? [54:57]