Called to Action: Love, Faith, and Justice
Summary
In today's message, I shared a deeply personal and transformative experience that has profoundly impacted my understanding of love and responsibility as a follower of Christ. Reflecting on a conversation with a man involved in combating human trafficking, I was struck by the staggering reality of 27 million slaves worldwide, many of whom are children. This revelation led me to imagine the unimaginable: what if my own daughter were taken? This thought drove me to tears and prayer, where I felt God calling me to love these children as if they were my own. This call to action is not just about awareness but about mobilizing the church to be an active force against such injustices.
The essence of our faith is not to be passive but to be an army of believers who are stirred to action. The Bible calls us to love our neighbors as ourselves, and this includes those who are suffering and in need. We are reminded that Jesus laid down His life for us, and we are called to do the same for our brothers and sisters. This is not just a call to feel compassion but to act on it, to use whatever resources and influence we have to make a difference.
I shared stories of individuals from various walks of life—FBI agents, attorneys, professors, and even athletes—who have used their unique gifts and positions to fight against human trafficking and other injustices. These stories serve as a powerful reminder that God can use anyone, regardless of their profession, to bring about change. The challenge is to surrender our lives fully to God, to be willing to risk and step out in faith, knowing that the Holy Spirit empowers us to do extraordinary things.
As a community, we must encourage one another, stirring each other up to love and good deeds. We are not called to live mundane lives but to be bold and courageous, trusting that God is with us. The church should be a place where we find encouragement and support to pursue the callings God has placed on our hearts. Let us not shrink back in fear but live by faith, knowing that the day of the Lord is drawing near.
Key Takeaways:
- Love Beyond Borders: We are called to love others as if they were our own family, transcending biological ties. This love compels us to act against injustices like human trafficking, using our resources and influence to make a difference. [23:08]
- Mobilizing the Church: The church is not just a place for gathering but a force for mobilization. We are called to be an army of believers actively working to address the world's injustices, using our unique gifts and callings. [25:10]
- Empowered by the Spirit: The Holy Spirit empowers each of us uniquely to do extraordinary things. Our role is to encourage one another, stoking the fire of passion and purpose within each believer to pursue their God-given callings. [30:01]
- Living by Faith: We are called to live by faith, not shrinking back in fear. This means taking risks and stepping out in obedience to God's call, trusting that He will equip and empower us for the task. [51:13]
- Encouragement and Community: True encouragement involves instilling courage in one another, reminding each other of the power and presence of the Holy Spirit within us. We are not alone; we need each other to fulfill our callings. [48:12]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [20:35] - Personal Reflection on Human Trafficking
- [21:19] - Imagining the Unimaginable
- [22:44] - God's Call to Love
- [23:50] - Mobilizing the Church
- [25:33] - Using Our Influence
- [26:14] - Christ's Example of Sacrifice
- [27:00] - 1 John 3:16 Call to Action
- [29:31] - Role of Church Leaders
- [30:27] - Encouragement from a Conference
- [32:08] - Stories of Impact
- [36:12] - Choosing Something Better
- [42:12] - Surrendering to God's Call
- [44:06] - Stirring Up Love and Good Deeds
- [50:29] - Living by Faith, Not Shrinking Back
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. 1 John 3:16-18
2. Hebrews 10:24-25
3. Matthew 22:37-39
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Observation Questions:
1. According to 1 John 3:16, how is love defined, and what are we called to do in response to this definition? How does this relate to the pastor's call to action against human trafficking? [27:00]
2. In Hebrews 10:24-25, what are believers encouraged to do for one another, and how does this align with the pastor's vision for the church community? [44:06]
3. How does the pastor describe the role of the church in combating injustices, and what examples does he provide of individuals using their unique gifts for this purpose? [32:08]
4. What emotional response did the pastor have when imagining his own daughter in the situation of a trafficked child, and how did this impact his understanding of love and responsibility? [21:19]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the pastor's personal reflection on human trafficking challenge the traditional understanding of loving one's neighbor as oneself, as seen in Matthew 22:37-39? [23:50]
2. What does it mean to be "empowered by the Spirit" according to the pastor, and how does this empowerment enable believers to take bold actions against injustices? [30:01]
3. In what ways does the pastor suggest that the church should be mobilized as an "army of believers," and how does this concept differ from a passive church community? [25:10]
4. How does the pastor's use of stories from various professionals illustrate the idea that God can use anyone to bring about change? What does this imply about the potential roles of individuals in the church? [32:08]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the pastor's emotional response to imagining his daughter in a trafficking situation. How can you cultivate a similar level of empathy and urgency for those suffering from injustices? [21:19]
2. The pastor emphasizes the importance of using one's unique gifts to combat injustices. What specific gifts or resources do you have that could be used to make a difference in your community? [32:08]
3. How can you actively participate in mobilizing your church community to address issues like human trafficking? What steps can you take to encourage others to join in this mission? [25:10]
4. Consider the pastor's call to live by faith and not shrink back in fear. What is one area in your life where you feel called to take a risk for God's kingdom, and what steps can you take to move forward in faith? [51:13]
5. The pastor speaks about the importance of encouragement and community. How can you be a source of encouragement to others in your church, especially those who are pursuing bold callings? [48:12]
6. Reflect on the idea of loving others as if they were your own family. How can you practically demonstrate this kind of love in your daily interactions with those around you? [23:08]
7. The pastor mentions the need to surrender fully to God. What is one area of your life that you need to surrender to God, and how can you begin that process this week? [26:14]
Devotional
Day 1: Love as Family, Beyond Blood Ties
Reflecting on the staggering reality of 27 million slaves worldwide, many of whom are children, we are called to love others as if they were our own family. This love transcends biological ties and compels us to act against injustices like human trafficking. It is not enough to be aware; we must mobilize our resources and influence to make a difference. This call to love is a profound challenge to see every child as our own, to be moved to tears and prayer, and to act with the urgency and passion that such a vision demands. [23:08]
"Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?" (Isaiah 58:6, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your community or beyond can you choose to love as your own family today? What specific action can you take to demonstrate this love?
Day 2: The Church as a Mobilizing Force
The church is not merely a place for gathering but a powerful force for mobilization. We are called to be an army of believers actively working to address the world's injustices, using our unique gifts and callings. This involves stepping out of our comfort zones and engaging with the world in meaningful ways. The church should be a beacon of hope and action, inspiring its members to use their talents and resources to fight against injustices like human trafficking. This mobilization is a collective effort, requiring each member to contribute their part. [25:10]
"For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another." (Romans 12:4-5, ESV)
Reflection: What unique gift or talent do you possess that can be used to address an injustice in the world? How can you begin to mobilize within your church community to make a difference?
Day 3: Empowered by the Spirit for Extraordinary Acts
The Holy Spirit empowers each of us uniquely to do extraordinary things. Our role is to encourage one another, stoking the fire of passion and purpose within each believer to pursue their God-given callings. This empowerment is not just for personal edification but for the transformation of the world around us. By surrendering our lives fully to God, we open ourselves to be used in ways we might never have imagined. The stories of individuals from various walks of life who have used their gifts to fight against injustices serve as a powerful reminder of what is possible when we are empowered by the Spirit. [30:01]
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8, ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life do you feel the Holy Spirit is calling you to step out in faith? How can you encourage someone else in their journey of empowerment today?
Day 4: Living Boldly by Faith
We are called to live by faith, not shrinking back in fear. This means taking risks and stepping out in obedience to God's call, trusting that He will equip and empower us for the task. Living by faith involves a willingness to surrender our comfort and security, embracing the unknown with confidence in God's provision. It is a call to be bold and courageous, knowing that God is with us every step of the way. This kind of faith is not passive but active, requiring us to move forward even when the path is unclear. [51:13]
"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel God is calling you to take a bold step of faith? What fears do you need to overcome to take that step today?
Day 5: Encouragement and Community in Pursuit of Calling
True encouragement involves instilling courage in one another, reminding each other of the power and presence of the Holy Spirit within us. We are not alone; we need each other to fulfill our callings. As a community, we must encourage one another, stirring each other up to love and good deeds. The church should be a place where we find support and inspiration to pursue the callings God has placed on our hearts. This mutual encouragement is vital for sustaining our passion and purpose, helping us to persevere in the face of challenges. [48:12]
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life can you encourage today in their pursuit of God's calling? How can you create a supportive environment within your community to foster mutual encouragement?
Quotes
Reflecting on a conversation with a man involved in combating human trafficking, I was struck by the staggering reality of 27 million slaves worldwide, many of whom are children. This revelation led me to imagine the unimaginable: what if my own daughter were taken? This thought drove me to tears and prayer, where I felt God calling me to love these children as if they were my own. [00:21:19]
I want you to love all those girls I want you to love all of them like they're your own so what if they're not your own flesh in Blood and I want you and and I think that made me cry even more because I'm just going God how how can I maintain that type of passion how can I care that much about that many children I can't do it. [00:23:00]
I don't believe the church is supposed to just gather and have Services um that this is supposed to be an army of people uh that's going out and doing something about it and the only reason why I would come back to the church I remember even saying that a year and a half ago the only reason why I would come back is just to mobilize you guys. [00:25:10]
The Holy Spirit is in me and he wants to make me like Christ who gave his life for me 1 John 3 uh 1 John 3 you know we all know John 3:16 I I really think we need to focus more on 1 John 3:16 Now 1 John 3:16 Says by this we know love that he laid down his life for us. [00:27:00]
The elders the leaders in the church and this is maybe maybe you're not thinking um properly of what church is supposed to be um this is not like the here are the people who take care of you and meet all of your needs and they're up here on stage no the Bible says that God gives certain men to equip you for the works of service that's our job. [00:29:31]
I just keep thinking what would I what would my life have looked like if I started risking earlier if I had taken more risks earlier more steps of faith that was a businessman he goes man 20 years I was doing this and there's this longing and this tugging in my heart but I wouldn't you know and then I finally just started taking some chances. [00:42:12]
Let us consider how to stir up one another to love in Good Deeds not neglecting to meet together as is the habit of some but encouraging one another and all the more as you see the day Drawing Near okay what are we supposed to be because we typically use this passage to say see we should get together see you should go to church on Sunday. [00:44:06]
I feel like I see the day Drawing Near when Christ is going to return and the greatest thing I can do as your pastor is to stir you up and say look look God has not called us to live boring lives and no one looks at a boring life and goes oh I want that no they want to see people that are stirred up and who have the Holy Spirit working through them. [00:50:29]
I just got to say I so encouraged and I I ended the conference by uh teaching out of uh Hebrews 10 and I just want to read it to you I don't want to say too much today Hebrews 10 because it it it was like wow this Gathering that we had the last couple of days and some of the people from SEI Valley some of you guys drove all the way up there. [00:48:12]
I want you to think back in your life are there things right now that God is leading you to do and you're shrinking back you're getting scared maybe some of you are wondering if your own family's even with you on some of this stuff and that's so hard and some of you men that God would give you the courage to lead your family. [00:51:13]
I believe God's called me to lead my neighborhood so come over to my neighborhood and wi them to the Lord for me okay you know you you can do that you can do that you don't need me you don't need me I'm just going to be your cheerleader and say go what hases the Lord put on your mind well I believe God wants me to teach so give me a 100 people to teach. [00:54:52]
I am so excited to be a pastor at this point in my life I'm so excited to be seeing the Believers around the us right now that are starting to believe and starting to go you know what yeah this is what I do for a living and I think God can use this because he's got a calling in my life and I'm going to change the world and God is enough for that. [00:57:06]
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