Embracing God's Call: Faith, Action, and Transformation
Summary
Today’s gathering was a celebration of God’s faithfulness, the power of calling, and the courage to step into the unknown. We began by honoring those who serve and have sacrificed for our freedom, recognizing that their willingness to lay down their lives is a living picture of Christ’s love for us. This Memorial Day, we paused to remember that our freedoms are not free, and we prayed for the families of those who have given everything.
We also took time to honor those in our own community who are stepping into new seasons of calling, like Pastor Caleb’s ordination, and we highlighted the importance of investing in the next generation. Generosity is not just about giving money, but about sowing into what God is doing—trusting that as we give, God multiplies and uses it to bless others.
The heart of today’s teaching centered on the story of Jesus calling Peter and Andrew by the Sea of Galilee. It’s easy to read this as a simple invitation, but when we look closer, we see a process: Jesus saw something in Peter that Peter couldn’t see in himself. There was a gap between the first encounter and the moment of calling—a time for Peter to wrestle, to process, and to let God’s words sink in. This is often how God works with us. He sees our potential, not just our present. He calls us by a new name, even when we’re still living in the old one.
God’s call is not just for those who stand on a stage or hold a microphone. Each of us has something God has placed inside—a dream, a burden, a prompting. Sometimes it’s a neighbor, a new job, or simply the call to make disciples. The challenge is not just to hear God’s call, but to respond. Faith is more than belief; it’s action. God equips those He calls, but He waits for us to step out, to trust, and to move.
No matter your past, your doubts, or your weaknesses, God sees beyond them. He invites you to trust Him, to let Him define your identity, and to step into the purpose He’s prepared for you. The question is: What are you going to do about it? Will you stay in what’s comfortable, or will you follow where He leads?
Key Takeaways
- God Sees What We Cannot See
God looks beyond our current circumstances and failures to see the person He created us to be. Like Peter, we may only see our limitations, but Jesus sees our potential and calls us by a new name. The process of transformation often requires time to wrestle with God’s words and let them take root in our hearts. Trust that God’s vision for your life is greater than your own, and be open to the identity He speaks over you. [45:31]
- Calling Always Comes with Equipping
When God calls, He also provides what is needed to fulfill that calling. We may not feel ready or qualified, but God’s grace supplies every resource, skill, and strength required. Our part is to step out in faith, even when we feel inadequate, knowing that God’s power is made perfect in our weakness. The journey of obedience is where God’s provision becomes real. [48:30]
- Faith Requires Action
Potential alone is not enough; it must be coupled with action. Throughout Scripture, miracles happen when people put their faith into motion—Moses raising his staff, the Israelites striking the rock, Peter leaving his nets. God often waits for us to take the first step before He moves. Don’t let fear or comfort keep you from acting on what God has placed in your heart. [51:00]
- Your Calling Is Unique, but the Mission Is Shared
Not everyone is called to preach, but everyone is called to make disciples and share their testimony. God uses our individual stories, personalities, and experiences to reach others in ways only we can. The Great Commission is for all believers, and your obedience in small things can have eternal impact. Don’t underestimate the power of your story and your willingness to say yes. [54:25]
- Surrender Unlocks Transformation
True change begins when we stop trying to fix ourselves and surrender to the One who created us. God doesn’t want us to rely on our own strength or understanding; He wants us to trust Him with our lives, our dreams, and our struggles. When we finally let go and invite God in, He takes our mess and turns it into something beautiful. The process may not be instant, but it is always worth it. [47:50]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[23:40] - Honoring Pastor Caleb’s Ordination
[24:53] - Legacy Lanes and Next Gen Giving
[27:30] - Offering Instructions and Prayer
[30:51] - Memorial Day Reflection and Moment of Silence
[35:07] - Summer Kickoff and Introduction
[36:30] - Jesus Calls Peter and Andrew
[39:45] - The Backstory: John the Baptist and First Encounters
[41:30] - Why the Delay in Jesus’ Call?
[43:00] - Jesus Sees What We Cannot See
[45:31] - Personal Testimony: God’s Transforming Vision
[48:30] - God Equips the Called
[51:00] - Faith in Action: Stepping Out
[54:25] - What Will You Do About It?
[57:00] - Responding to God’s Call and Salvation Invitation
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: “God’s Call, Our Response”
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### Bible Reading
- Matthew 4:18-22
*One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (also called Peter) and Andrew, throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” And they left their nets at once and followed him. A little farther up the shore he saw two other brothers, James and John, sitting in a boat with their father, Zebedee, repairing their nets. And he called them to come, too. They immediately followed him, leaving the boat and their father behind.*
- John 1:35-42
*(The first encounter of Andrew and Simon Peter with Jesus, where Jesus gives Simon the new name “Cephas”/Peter.)*
- 2 Corinthians 9:8
*And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.*
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### Observation Questions
1. In Matthew 4:18-22, what did Jesus say to Peter and Andrew, and how did they respond?
2. According to John 1:35-42, what happened the first time Andrew and Simon Peter met Jesus? What did Jesus say to Simon?
3. In the sermon, what was the significance of the time gap between Peter’s first encounter with Jesus and his calling by the Sea of Galilee? [[41:30]]
4. What does 2 Corinthians 9:8 say about God’s ability to provide for those He calls?
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus gave Simon a new name (“Peter”) before actually calling him to follow? What might this say about how God sees us? [[41:30]]
2. The sermon mentioned that God often gives us time to “wrestle” with His words and calling. Why might this process be important for our faith journey? [[45:31]]
3. The pastor said, “God equips those He calls.” How does this truth challenge the way we think about our own abilities and weaknesses? [[48:30]]
4. The message emphasized that everyone has a unique calling, but the mission is shared. What does this mean for people who don’t feel called to “big” or public ministry? [[54:25]]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon said, “God sees something in you, even if you don’t see it in yourself.” Can you think of a time when you doubted your potential, but God (or someone else) saw more in you? How did that experience shape you? [[45:31]]
2. Is there an area of your life right now where you sense God might be calling you to step out, but you feel unqualified or afraid? What is holding you back? [[48:30]]
3. The pastor shared that faith requires action, not just belief. What is one practical step you could take this week to put your faith into motion? [[51:00]]
4. The message talked about the importance of surrender—letting go of trying to fix ourselves and trusting God with our mess. What is one area you need to surrender to God right now? What would it look like to do that? [[47:50]]
5. The Great Commission is for all believers, not just pastors or leaders. Who is one person in your life you could intentionally invest in or share your story with this month? [[54:25]]
6. The sermon mentioned that sometimes God’s call is as simple as reaching out to a neighbor, considering a new job, or making disciples. What is one “small” act of obedience you feel prompted to do? [[54:25]]
7. When you think about your past, your doubts, or your weaknesses, how does it change your perspective to know that God sees beyond them and calls you by a new name? [[45:31]]
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Close in prayer, asking God to help each person trust His vision for their life, respond to His call, and take the next step of faith—no matter how big or small.
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus Sees Potential in You, Even When You Don’t
Jesus looked intently at Simon and saw not just a fisherman, but the future Peter—a leader, a disciple, someone who would change the world. God doesn’t focus on your current circumstances or your past mistakes; He sees who you can become through His power and grace. Even when you feel unqualified, overlooked, or stuck in your own limitations, God is looking deeper, calling out the gifts and purpose He’s placed inside you. Just as Jesus renamed Simon and gave him time to process this new identity, God is patient with you as you grow into the person He created you to be. Trust that God’s vision for your life is greater than your own, and let Him reveal the potential you may not yet see. [45:31]
John 1:35-42 (ESV)
The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, “What are you seeking?” And they said to him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come and you will see.” So they came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day, for it was about the tenth hour. One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ). He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John. You shall be called Cephas” (which means Peter).
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel unqualified or overlooked? Ask God to show you how He sees you and what potential He wants to call out in you today.
Day 2: Jesus Is Calling You and Will Equip You
God never calls you to something without also providing what you need to accomplish it. You may not feel ready or have all the skills, but God promises to supply every resource, strength, and bit of wisdom required for the good works He’s prepared for you. Like Moses at the Red Sea or the Israelites needing water, God asks for your faith in action—He’ll do the miracle, but He wants you to take the first step. When you feel the nudge of God’s calling, remember that your ability is not the deciding factor; it’s your willingness to trust and rely on Him. Who He calls, He equips, and your obedience opens the door for God to do amazing things through you. [50:00]
2 Corinthians 9:8 (ESV)
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.
Reflection: Where do you sense God calling you to step out in faith, even if you feel unprepared? What is one practical step you can take today to trust Him to equip you?
Day 3: Faith Requires Action—What Will You Do About It?
God places dreams, callings, and opportunities in your heart, but He also gives you the freedom to respond. Like Peter and Andrew on the beach, you have a choice: stay in what’s comfortable or step out and follow Jesus into the unknown. God won’t force you—He invites you to trust Him, to move beyond just hearing His word and actually doing something about it. The Holy Spirit may be stirring something in you, whether it’s reaching out to a neighbor, pursuing a new opportunity, or sharing your faith. Don’t let fear or comfort hold you back; put your faith into action and watch how God meets you there. [54:25]
James 1:22 (ESV)
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
Reflection: What is one thing God has been prompting you to do that you’ve been putting off? What step can you take today to move from intention to action?
Day 4: God’s Love Is Sacrificial—No Greater Love
The greatest love is shown in sacrifice—laying down one’s life for another. This is not only the example set by those who serve and protect, but it is the ultimate picture of Jesus’ love for us. Jesus willingly gave His life so that we could have access to the Father, forgiveness, and new life. This sacrificial love is the foundation of our faith and the model for how we are called to love others. When we remember the cost of our freedom—both earthly and spiritual—it should move us to gratitude and a deeper commitment to live out that love in our own lives. [36:30]
John 15:13 (ESV)
Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.
Reflection: Who in your life needs to experience sacrificial love from you today? How can you tangibly show Christ’s love to them?
Day 5: The Great Commission—You Are Called to Make Disciples
Every follower of Jesus is given the same core mission: to go and make disciples. This calling isn’t just for pastors or those in full-time ministry; it’s for everyone who has experienced God’s transforming love. Your story, your testimony, is a powerful tool that God can use to reach others. You may feel inadequate or unsure, but God promises to be with you and to work through you as you share your faith and invest in others. Don’t underestimate the impact of your obedience—God can use your willingness to change lives and build His kingdom. [56:30]
Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV)
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Reflection: Who is one person you can encourage or share your faith with this week? What is one way you can use your story to point someone to Jesus?
Quotes
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