Embracing God's Call: A Church on the Move
Summary
In this sermon, I discussed the importance of being a church on the move, drawing from the story of Jesus and Simon Peter in Luke chapter 5. I emphasized the need for us to listen to God's voice, even when His instructions seem counterintuitive or challenging. I also highlighted the importance of stepping out of our comfort zones and going where God sends us, even if it's into unfamiliar territory. I used the example of our church's decision to build a new addition, a move that required faith and risk but ultimately led to growth and the ability to reach more people. Finally, I stressed the importance of trusting God for increase, reminding us that our efforts are ultimately in His hands.
Key Takeaways:
- We must listen to God's voice, even when His instructions seem counterintuitive or challenging. [ 24:37]
- Stepping out of our comfort zones and going where God sends us is crucial for spiritual growth and impact. [ 33:04]
- Trusting God for increase is a key characteristic of a church on the move. [ 34:17]
- The vision for the church should not be imposed but should be a shared vision that everyone can participate in and own. [ 23:59]
- We must be willing to take risks and make changes for the sake of the church's mission. [ 34:52]
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Luke 5:4-11 [24:37]
2. Proverbs 29:18 (referenced as "where there is no vision, the people perish") [23:59]
Observation Questions:
1. In Luke 5:4-11, what was the initial reaction of Simon Peter to Jesus' instruction to cast the nets into the deep?
2. How did Simon Peter's response change after witnessing the miraculous catch of fish?
3. How does Proverbs 29:18 relate to the concept of a church being "on the move"?
Interpretation Questions:
1. What does Simon Peter's initial hesitation and eventual obedience in Luke 5:4-11 teach us about faith and obedience to God's instructions, even when they seem illogical?
2. How does the miraculous catch of fish in Luke 5:4-11 illustrate the potential outcomes of obeying God's instructions?
3. How does Proverbs 29:18 apply to the role of vision in a church's growth and impact?
Application Questions:
1. Can you recall a time when you hesitated to obey God's instructions because they seemed illogical or risky? How did you respond eventually?
2. What is one way you can demonstrate obedience to God's instructions in your life this week, even if they seem challenging or uncomfortable?
3. How can you contribute to the vision of your church and help it be "on the move"?
4. Can you identify a person or group in your community that you believe needs to hear about Jesus? How can you reach out to them this week?
5. How can you encourage and support others in your church to step out in faith and obedience, especially in areas that may seem risky or uncomfortable?
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace the Deep Waters
God calls us to venture into the deep waters of faith, where the waves of His purpose begin. This may involve stepping out of our comfort zones, taking on new responsibilities, or engaging in real Christian community. The deep waters may be uncertain, but we can trust in the One who walks on water ([41:07]).
Isaiah 43:2 - "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you."
Reflection: What is the 'deep water' God is calling you to venture into this week?
Day 2: Listen to God's Voice
In the midst of many voices, we must learn to discern and listen to the voice of God. This requires stillness, openness, and a willingness to follow His guidance, even when it seems counterintuitive or challenging ([27:11]).
John 10:27 - "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me."
Reflection: What is one way you can cultivate stillness this week to better hear God's voice?
Day 3: Trust in God's Plan
God's plan may lead us to places we would not choose for ourselves. Yet, we are called to trust in His wisdom and move in the direction He points us, even when it feels uncomfortable or uncertain ([29:50]).
Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
Reflection: What part of God's plan are you struggling to trust and how can you surrender it to Him?
Day 4: Respond to God's Call
God's call often requires us to act in faith, even when the outcome is uncertain. Like Simon, we are called to let down our nets again, trusting in God's promise and provision ([26:31]).
Luke 5:5 - "Simon answered, 'Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.'"
Reflection: What is God asking you to do in faith this week, and how can you respond obediently?
Day 5: Share the Vision
God's vision for His church is not meant to be held by a few, but shared among many. We are all invited to participate in what God is doing, contributing our unique gifts and perspectives ([23:59]).
Proverbs 29:18 - "Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he."
Reflection: How can you contribute to the vision of your church community this week?
Quotes
1. "If we want our church to be a church that's on the move, there are a few things that we must do. The first thing that we've got to do to be a church in the move is we have got to listen to what God says." - 25:54
2. "Sometimes we don't hear his will or we don't hear his words because we're so busy talking instead of listening. I think we need to take the advice of the psalmist in Psalm 46:10 whenever he says be still and know that He is God." - 27:50
3. "If we are going to be a church on the move, the second thing that we have to do is we have got to go where God sends us. We have to go where he sends us. We've got to trust his plan and we got to move in the direction that he points us." - 29:50
4. "I don't know what you're gonna face whenever you go into those deep waters. I don't know what our church is gonna encounter as we begin to try to start the wave but I do know this, if we rely on the one who's able to walk on the water, the one who can walk on the waves, everything is gonna be just fine." - 41:42
5. "There are so many churches and there are so many Christians today who are afraid to go into the deeper water and to try new things in their lives and in their ministry because they've always allowed for other people to pull them down. They're afraid to cast their nets to the other side of the boat. They prefer the known over venturing into those deeper waters." - 33:38
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