Embracing God's Call: A Journey of Faith

 

Summary

In this heartfelt message, I shared a personal journey of faith and obedience, emphasizing the transformative power of saying "yes" to God's call. The narrative began with my college years, where a pivotal moment at a college service led me to fully commit to building God's kingdom. This commitment deepened over time, leading to a life-changing decision to join a church planting mission in Mexico. Despite the challenges and sacrifices, including leaving behind a comfortable life in San Diego, the journey has been marked by profound spiritual growth and a deep sense of purpose.

The story of our move to Mexico was not just about geographical relocation but a spiritual journey of trust and surrender. It was a testament to the power of dreams and divine guidance, as a dream I had became a catalyst for our decision to plant a church in Mexico. This decision was affirmed by trusted mentors and my wife, Suzanne, who shared a similar calling. The move to Mexico was a leap of faith, driven by a vision of impacting lives and building a community centered on Christ.

Throughout this journey, the theme of inheritance emerged as a powerful reminder of what truly matters. The vision of Mexican people as our inheritance underscored the eternal value of investing in lives over material possessions. Our first year in Mexico focused on building relationships and establishing a foundation for transformation. The growth of our community, including the establishment of a school of transformation and numerous life groups, highlighted the impact of faithful obedience to God's call.

Reflecting on this journey, I emphasized the importance of living a life worthy of the gospel, marked by unity, fearlessness, and a deep reliance on the power of the resurrected Christ. The message concluded with a call to embrace the power of the resurrection, to live fearlessly, and to trust in the presence of Christ in every endeavor.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Power of Saying Yes: Embracing God's call often requires stepping out of comfort zones and saying "yes" to His plans, even when they seem daunting. This obedience can lead to unexpected blessings and a deeper understanding of God's purpose for our lives. [07:56]

2. Divine Guidance Through Dreams: God can use dreams and visions to guide us in significant ways. These divine encounters can serve as confirmations of His will, leading us to make bold decisions that align with His plans. [04:05]

3. Eternal Inheritance Over Material Possessions: True inheritance lies in the lives we impact for Christ, not in material possessions. Investing in people and their spiritual growth yields eternal rewards that far surpass any earthly gain. [05:57]

4. Unity and Fearlessness in the Gospel: A united and fearless church, confident in the power of the resurrected Christ, can profoundly impact the world. This unity and boldness serve as a testament to the truth of the gospel and the reality of Christ's presence. [40:06]

5. Living in the Power of the Resurrection: Experiencing the power of the resurrection involves a deep reliance on Christ's presence and a rejection of self-reliance. This power enables us to live boldly, free from fear, and fully engaged in God's mission. [50:52]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:20] - College Service Impact
- [00:59] - Joining Life Group
- [01:33] - Mexico Mission Calling
- [02:29] - Church Planting in San Diego
- [03:06] - Dream of Mexico
- [04:23] - Sharing the Dream
- [05:09] - Decision to Move
- [05:57] - Vision of Inheritance
- [06:31] - Building Community in Mexico
- [07:31] - Faithful Obedience
- [08:20] - Honoring Surrendered Lives
- [09:31] - Family on Mission
- [10:45] - Embracing Spiritual Family
- [12:18] - Encouragement and Faith
- [14:33] - Urgency of the Mission

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Philippians 3:10 - "That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death."
2. Psalm 2:8 - "Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession."
3. Philippians 1:27 - "Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel."

Observation Questions:
1. What was the pivotal moment in the pastor's college years that led to a deeper commitment to building God's kingdom? [00:20]
2. How did the pastor's dream influence the decision to move to Mexico and plant a church? [03:06]
3. What role did trusted mentors and the pastor's wife play in affirming the decision to move to Mexico? [04:23]
4. How did the theme of inheritance manifest in the pastor's journey, and what did it signify? [05:57]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the pastor's story illustrate the power of saying "yes" to God's call, even when it involves significant sacrifices? [07:56]
2. In what ways can dreams and visions serve as divine guidance in our lives, as seen in the pastor's experience? [04:05]
3. How does the concept of eternal inheritance challenge the common pursuit of material possessions? [05:57]
4. What does it mean to live a life worthy of the gospel, as emphasized in the sermon? [39:11]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt called to step out of your comfort zone. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? [07:56]
2. Have you ever experienced a dream or vision that you felt was a message from God? How did it impact your decisions or actions? [04:05]
3. In what ways can you invest in the spiritual growth of others, prioritizing eternal inheritance over material possessions? [05:57]
4. How can you contribute to building a united and fearless church community, confident in the power of the resurrected Christ? [40:06]
5. Identify a specific area in your life where you need to rely more on the power of the resurrection rather than self-reliance. What steps can you take to make this shift? [50:52]
6. Consider the relationships in your life. How can you build deeper connections that reflect the love and unity of the gospel? [06:31]
7. What practical steps can you take this week to live fearlessly, trusting in the presence of Christ in your endeavors? [39:46]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Divine Invitations
Saying "yes" to God's call often requires stepping out of our comfort zones and embracing the unknown. This act of obedience can lead to unexpected blessings and a deeper understanding of God's purpose for our lives. When we choose to follow His plans, even when they seem daunting, we open ourselves to transformative experiences that shape our faith and character. The journey of faith is not always easy, but it is always rewarding, as it aligns us with God's greater vision for our lives. [07:56]

Isaiah 6:8 (ESV): "And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?' Then I said, 'Here I am! Send me.'"

Reflection: What is one area in your life where you feel God is calling you to step out in faith? How can you say "yes" to His invitation today?


Day 2: Navigating Life with Divine Dreams
God often uses dreams and visions to guide us in significant ways. These divine encounters can serve as confirmations of His will, leading us to make bold decisions that align with His plans. When we are attentive to these spiritual nudges, we can discern the path God has set before us. Dreams can be a powerful catalyst for change, prompting us to take steps that we might not have considered otherwise. Trusting in these divine messages requires faith and courage, but it can lead to profound spiritual growth and fulfillment. [04:05]

Acts 2:17 (ESV): "'And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.'"

Reflection: Have you ever experienced a dream or vision that you felt was from God? How did it influence your decisions, and what steps can you take to be more open to divine guidance?


Day 3: Prioritizing Eternal Investments
True inheritance lies in the lives we impact for Christ, not in material possessions. Investing in people and their spiritual growth yields eternal rewards that far surpass any earthly gain. When we focus on building relationships and nurturing others in their faith journey, we contribute to a legacy that endures beyond our lifetime. This perspective shifts our priorities from accumulating wealth to fostering spiritual growth and community, aligning our lives with God's eternal purposes. [05:57]

Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV): "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Reflection: Consider the ways you are investing in the lives of others. How can you prioritize spiritual growth and community building over material possessions in your daily life?


Day 4: Cultivating Unity and Courage
A united and fearless church, confident in the power of the resurrected Christ, can profoundly impact the world. This unity and boldness serve as a testament to the truth of the gospel and the reality of Christ's presence. When believers come together with a shared purpose and unwavering faith, they become a powerful force for change, demonstrating the transformative power of the gospel. This collective strength is rooted in a deep reliance on Christ and a commitment to living out His teachings in every aspect of life. [40:06]

Philippians 1:27-28 (ESV): "Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents."

Reflection: How can you contribute to the unity and courage of your church community? What steps can you take to stand firm in your faith and support others in their spiritual journey?


Day 5: Living in Resurrection Power
Experiencing the power of the resurrection involves a deep reliance on Christ's presence and a rejection of self-reliance. This power enables us to live boldly, free from fear, and fully engaged in God's mission. When we embrace the reality of the resurrection, we are empowered to overcome challenges and live with purpose and conviction. This transformative power is available to all who trust in Christ, offering hope and strength for every endeavor. [50:52]

Ephesians 1:19-20 (ESV): "And what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to rely more on the power of the resurrection? How can you live more boldly and fearlessly, trusting in Christ's presence and strength?

Quotes


I remember sing in my house that I had always dreamed about with my four kids and schools that we loved having friends that we'd finally built relationship with over years and years in San Diego and looking around all of this and saying God are you really asking me to give up all this and I feel like God gave me a picture of all of these Mexican people and God saying this is your inheritance these people your house can burn down your school can change friends can move away but this inheritance will never spoil or fade will you give it all up for this inheritance. [00:05:29]

Throughout this journey, the theme of inheritance emerged as a powerful reminder of what truly matters. The vision of Mexican people as our inheritance underscored the eternal value of investing in lives over material possessions. Our first year in Mexico focused on building relationships and establishing a foundation for transformation. The growth of our community, including the establishment of a school of transformation and numerous life groups, highlighted the impact of faithful obedience to God's call. [00:06:06]

Reflecting on this journey, I emphasized the importance of living a life worthy of the gospel, marked by unity, fearlessness, and a deep reliance on the power of the resurrected Christ. The message concluded with a call to embrace the power of the resurrection, to live fearlessly, and to trust in the presence of Christ in every endeavor. [00:06:31]

I remember being your age and being confronted with you know the needs in the world and I remember not having the faith to go and still being stuck in my flesh not knowing it at the time but just kind of masking it under a well I don't know if God's calling me and back then there weren't things like this and and there wasn't the same talking that's that's no excuse I knew the mission and I know that in my heart I wasn't ready to go. [00:12:56]

Experiencing the power of the resurrection involves a deep reliance on Christ's presence and a rejection of self-reliance. This power enables us to live boldly, free from fear, and fully engaged in God's mission. [00:13:33]

I want Francis Chan to be crucified with Christ so it's no longer Francis who speaks but Christ speaks through me. I used to teach a preaching class and I would tell my students if you walk on stage and you feel nervous, there's probably sin in your life or disbelief because if you feel nervous why do you feel nervous it's usually because your concern of whether the people will like you or not that's what makes you nervous up there so you up there please people like what causes that nervousness. [00:24:31]

The enemy would love for you to be satisfied with that the enemy would love it if you know good Francis Chan's gonna come up and he's gonna give a message and for you to be satisfied with that Dan we would love that rather than what God would want is for you to go okay last thing I want to hear is Francis Chan give a message for you to sit there and go that's not and that's not why I came I would love to hear I'm hearing from a godly man is not a bad thing but I'd much rather hear from God himself. [00:28:40]

I want your spirit to manifest through me, I want Francis Chan to be crucified with Christ so it's no longer Francis who speaks but Christ speaks through me. I used to teach a preaching class and I would tell my students if you walk on stage and you feel nervous, there's probably sin in your life or disbelief because if you feel nervous why do you feel nervous it's usually because your concern of whether the people will like you or not that's what makes you nervous up there so you up there please people like what causes that nervousness. [00:29:10]

I want to see the power I want to come because the the kingdom of God is not about words it's about a power and demonstration of the Spirit and that's where I've been praying for God could good tonight good demonstration of the spirits power so everyone leaves there knowing the power of the Resurrection I can't I can't give that to you I can't talk you into that I can't talk you into leaving this room and and and going to the most dangerous places on earth to share the gospel and get you to be unafraid for the rest of your life no but by the grace of God he can do that and that's what I'm praying for you. [00:32:08]

I just really feel like if it ended right now they would all go that was good and then nothing would change and so I gathered the two guys gotta go what do I say what do I say to change this so that something happens and we're sitting there plotting it's the three of us like gosh I don't maybe if I go this direction or this direction and then it hit me I can wait a second I could this shouldn't be that hard and I asked the two guys that spoke before man like when the Holy Spirit entered you and you believed did anyone have to talk you into spending time with him that people have to beg you to get the sin out of your life was your pastor just all over you begging you to do something for the kingdom like I don't know what it was like for you guys but like I had to do something like when I when the Holy Spirit came into me it's like the thought of I can speak to Almighty God like he'll listen to me like they eat after begging me to spend time with God I want to be something in there and when the spirit came in to me it's like all the sin that was in my life I'm like I want it out get it out get it out get it out I hate it every time I dabble just a little bit I don't want it I know I'm a new creation I don't want that stuff in my life something inside happened and I am NOT happy I couldn't be happy just golfing and surfing every day that would drive me nuts I have to be about the kingdom like even now like as the end is looking like it is just imminent like it's happening I'm begging God all the time please get me in the game get me in the game I'm begging Jimmy and then get me in the game where I gotta go I gotta do something cuz I'm not gonna sit around like in the days of knowing go I'm happy you know marrying my kids off you know like no no I'm not satisfied with that but it was something inside that happens that the Spirit is given to me to be his witness so it drives me nuts when I haven't been my his witness it drives me nuts when I chicken out like oh this is all it was happening inside of me like oh do people have to beg you no you're right no something happened inside something happened inside you guys our job should not be that hard if you are pushing pulling dragging people for the tiniest bit of fruit we've got out of love be concerned that the Spirit of God and the resurrected Christ is not really in them changing them from the inside because if the spirit of him who raised Christ from the dead is in them what I hear is that your soul your depths will cry out father and you'll want to manifest the Holy Spirit of God you'll want to be his witness you will seek first his kingdom you when you see the poor you can't just keep walking how could the love of Christ be in you like it's all these things should happen as the spirit enters us so as you go to these other countries that you oh no I'm scared this this this this no there's only one X Factor that's the Holy Spirit if the spirit of him raised Christ from the dead enters into these people it's gonna start happening from the inside out and that's something that only the resurrected Christ can do who is with you and if the Holy Spirit does not enter those people nothing's gonna happen and you can spend all your days trying to protect them and talk them into something when in reality we need to be honest with people when we don't see the fruit in their life to say you know um I'm nervous for you I'm concerned for you because I don't see this power so I I even have to ask you like do you from the core of your being cry Abba Father does your spirit cry out to him do you hate sin and want it out of your life are you a slave to that righteousness is your mind about the kingdom and wanting so desperately to be a part of this mission that he's called us to see if that's not coming from inside and you need everyone and their mother pulling you begging you then I'd say gosh you may not know him I say that cautiously but out of love because this is about the power of the resurrected Christ it's about people going from death to life and there should be a noticeable difference so don't put the pressure on yourself thinking I'm not good enough to go and accomplish this in that tribe if you do feel like you're good enough man that's exactly when nothing's gonna happen it's it's that confidence that you're not coming with fear and trembling and you're not coming into this confidence that the resurrected Christ is with you everywhere you go. [00:36:04]

I want to see the power I want to come because the the kingdom of God is not about words it's about a power and demonstration of the Spirit and that's where I've been praying for God could good tonight good demonstration of the spirits power so everyone leaves there knowing the power of the Resurrection I can't I can't give that to you I can't talk you into that I can't talk you into leaving this room and and and going to the most dangerous places on earth to share the gospel and get you to be unafraid for the rest of your life no but by the grace of God he can do that and that's what I'm praying for you. [00:54:10]

I want to see the power I want to come because the the kingdom of God is not about words it's about a power and demonstration of the Spirit and that's where I've been praying for God could good tonight good demonstration of the spirits power so everyone leaves there knowing the power of the Resurrection I can't I can't give that to you I can't talk you into that I can't talk you into leaving this room and and and going to the most dangerous places on earth to share the gospel and get you to be unafraid for the rest of your life no but by the grace of God he can do that and that's what I'm praying for you. [00:54:10]

Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from May 13, 2019. Do you have any questions about it?

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