Embracing God's Call: Purpose, Commitment, and Transformation
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound significance of recognizing and responding to God's call in our lives. We began by reflecting on the name Yahweh, which signifies God's eternal and unchanging nature. This understanding sets the stage for us to appreciate the power and essence of God's breath, His Spirit, which transforms chaos into creation. We are invited to ask God to breathe His Spirit into us, empowering us to face life's challenges and fulfill our divine purpose.
We then welcomed new members, Kevin and Lisa Fagan, emphasizing the commitment and responsibility that come with church membership. This commitment mirrors our broader calling as Christians to be active participants in God's work, rather than passive observers.
The heart of our discussion centered on the universal human desire to matter, to make a difference. We acknowledged that while we may not achieve worldly accolades, God has a unique and significant plan for each of us. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that we are created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. This divine purpose is far more fulfilling than any earthly achievement.
We examined the story of Peter's calling in Luke 5, where Jesus transformed an ordinary fishing trip into a miraculous event, leading Peter to recognize Jesus' divinity and his own calling. This story illustrates that our calling begins with truly seeing the Lord, listening for His voice, and being willing to say yes, even when the path is unclear.
We also discussed the importance of intentional listening and being proactive in seeking God's guidance. Whether through Scripture, a burning desire, or recognizing a need, God's call can come in various forms. The key is to be attentive and ready to respond.
Finally, we acknowledged that saying yes to God's call often requires change and sacrifice. However, the impact we can have on people, the world, and God's kingdom is immeasurable. By following Peter's example—seeing the Lord, listening for the call, and saying yes—we can fulfill our divine purpose and bring God's kingdom here on earth.
### Key Takeaways
1. Recognize the Power of God's Breath: Understanding that Yahweh's breath, His Spirit, transforms chaos into creation helps us realize the immense power available to us. When we ask God to breathe His Spirit into us, we invite His power, love, and creativity into our lives, enabling us to face challenges and fulfill our divine purpose. [02:18]
2. Commitment in Church Membership: Becoming a church member is more than just attending services; it is a commitment to be an active participant in God's work. This commitment mirrors our broader calling as Christians to engage fully in the mission God has for us, despite the challenges and sacrifices it may entail. [03:42]
3. Desire to Matter: The universal human desire to make a difference is God-given. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that we are created for good works, which God prepared in advance. Our true fulfillment comes not from worldly achievements but from fulfilling the divine purpose God has for us, impacting lives and eternities. [10:14]
4. Intentional Listening for God's Call: Recognizing God's call requires intentional listening. Whether through Scripture, a burning desire, or recognizing a need, God's call can come in various forms. By tuning out distractions and focusing on His voice, we can discern our specific calling and respond faithfully. [26:22]
5. Saying Yes to God's Call: Responding to God's call often requires change and sacrifice. However, the impact we can have on people, the world, and God's kingdom is immeasurable. By following Peter's example—seeing the Lord, listening for the call, and saying yes—we can fulfill our divine purpose and bring God's kingdom here on earth. [36:49]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[0:30] - The Significance of Yahweh
[02:18] - The Power of God's Breath
[03:42] - Commitment in Church Membership
[05:50] - The Desire to Matter
[10:14] - God's Unique Plan for Us
[13:20] - Finding Our Calling
[14:40] - Learning from Biblical Examples
[18:35] - The Calling of Peter
[22:15] - Seeing the Lord
[26:22] - Listening for the Call
[30:28] - Different Ways God Calls
[36:49] - Saying Yes to God's Call
[42:54] - Bringing God's Kingdom Here
[44:10] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 2:10 - "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
2. Luke 5:1-11 - The calling of Peter.
3. John 15:16 - "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Ephesians 2:10 say about our purpose as Christians?
2. In Luke 5:1-11, how did Peter respond to Jesus' instruction to let down the nets again? What was the result? [19:49]
3. According to John 15:16, who chose us and for what purpose?
4. What are some ways the sermon suggests we can recognize God's call in our lives? [26:22]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding that we are created for good works (Ephesians 2:10) change our perspective on daily tasks and challenges?
2. What can we learn from Peter's initial reluctance and eventual obedience in Luke 5:1-11 about responding to God's call, even when it seems illogical? [19:49]
3. How does the concept of bearing lasting fruit (John 15:16) influence our long-term goals and actions as Christians?
4. The sermon mentions that God's call can come in various forms, such as through Scripture, a burning desire, or recognizing a need. How can we become more attentive to these different forms of God's call? [26:22]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed by life's challenges. How can asking God to breathe His Spirit into you help you face these challenges with renewed strength and purpose? [02:18]
2. Church membership involves a commitment to be an active participant in God's work. How can you take a more active role in your church community? What specific steps can you take this week? [03:42]
3. The sermon discusses the universal desire to matter and make a difference. What are some good works that God might have prepared in advance for you to do? How can you start pursuing them? [10:14]
4. Intentional listening for God's call requires tuning out distractions. What are some practical ways you can create quiet time in your daily routine to listen for God's voice? [26:22]
5. Saying yes to God's call often requires change and sacrifice. What changes or sacrifices might God be asking you to make? How can you prepare yourself to say yes? [36:49]
6. Think about a need you have recently become aware of in your community. How can you respond to this need in a way that aligns with God's calling for you? [30:28]
7. The sermon emphasizes the importance of seeing the Lord, listening for His call, and saying yes. Which of these steps do you find most challenging, and what can you do to overcome this challenge? [22:15]
Devotional
Day 1: The Transformative Power of God's Breath
Description: Understanding the name Yahweh, which signifies God's eternal and unchanging nature, helps us appreciate the profound power of His breath, His Spirit. This Spirit has the power to transform chaos into creation, as seen in the Genesis account of creation. When we invite God to breathe His Spirit into us, we are asking for His power, love, and creativity to fill our lives. This divine breath empowers us to face life's challenges and fulfill our divine purpose. By recognizing and embracing this power, we can navigate through life's uncertainties with confidence and hope. [02:18]
Ezekiel 37:5-6 (ESV): "Thus says the Lord God to these bones: Behold, I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live. And I will lay sinews upon you, and will cause flesh to come upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and you shall live, and you shall know that I am the Lord."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel overwhelmed by chaos? How can you invite God's Spirit to bring order and creativity into these areas today?
Day 2: Commitment in Church Membership
Description: Becoming a church member is more than just attending services; it is a commitment to be an active participant in God's work. This commitment mirrors our broader calling as Christians to engage fully in the mission God has for us, despite the challenges and sacrifices it may entail. By welcoming new members like Kevin and Lisa Fagan, we are reminded of the responsibility and privilege of being part of a faith community. This commitment calls us to serve, support, and grow together as we pursue God's purposes. [03:42]
1 Corinthians 12:12-14 (ESV): "For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many."
Reflection: How can you actively participate in your church community this week? What specific steps can you take to support and serve others in your congregation?
Day 3: The Desire to Matter
Description: The universal human desire to make a difference is God-given. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that we are created for good works, which God prepared in advance. Our true fulfillment comes not from worldly achievements but from fulfilling the divine purpose God has for us, impacting lives and eternities. This divine purpose is far more fulfilling than any earthly accolade. By aligning our desires with God's plan, we find deeper meaning and satisfaction in our lives. [10:14]
Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV): "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent moment when you felt a deep sense of purpose. How can you seek to align your daily actions with God's unique plan for your life?
Day 4: Intentional Listening for God's Call
Description: Recognizing God's call requires intentional listening. Whether through Scripture, a burning desire, or recognizing a need, God's call can come in various forms. By tuning out distractions and focusing on His voice, we can discern our specific calling and respond faithfully. This intentional listening involves setting aside time for prayer, meditation, and reflection, allowing us to be more attuned to God's guidance in our lives. [26:22]
1 Samuel 3:10 (ESV): "And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, 'Samuel! Samuel!' And Samuel said, 'Speak, for your servant hears.'"
Reflection: What distractions in your life are preventing you from hearing God's call? How can you create space in your daily routine to listen intentionally for His guidance?
Day 5: Saying Yes to God's Call
Description: Responding to God's call often requires change and sacrifice. However, the impact we can have on people, the world, and God's kingdom is immeasurable. By following Peter's example—seeing the Lord, listening for the call, and saying yes—we can fulfill our divine purpose and bring God's kingdom here on earth. This willingness to say yes, even when the path is unclear, demonstrates our trust in God's plan and our commitment to His mission. [36:49]
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 of your life where you feel God is calling you to step out in faith? What practical steps can you take today to say yes to His call?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "When we say breathe on me, we're asking him, we're asking him to fill us with that same spirit, with that same power, with that same love, with that same compassion, with that same creativity. We're asking him to take this amazing essence of who God is and give some of it to us." [02:18] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God created us to do more than just exist. God created us to partner with him in ruling the world. God created us to make a difference. God created us to matter." [08:46] (9 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "God wants you to do something so important that someday Jesus will say to you, well done, good and faithful servant. You've seen these Olympic athletes getting their medal, and the flag goes up, and the song is playing, and it's just moving. It's overwhelming. Can you imagine Jesus saying to you, look at me now. You did it. Good job. Well done, good and faithful servant." [10:14] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Our why, our reason, our purpose, our calling is to produce what God calls lasting fruit, to do real good, to show other people the goodness of God, and to make disciples of all nations, to impact people, and to impact the world, and to impact God's kingdom here." [11:54] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If you want to matter, if you want to make a difference, if you want to impact people, if you want to impact the world, if you want to impact the kingdom first, you have to really see the Lord, right? Really see who you're dealing with and the value of what he says and what he's calling you to do." [35:36] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "I want to do something that matters. I want to matter. I want to feel like my life has made some sort of difference that it, that it mattered. You ever been to a funeral and like, they can't think of anything nice to say of the deceased, right? Well, here lies Larry. Larry, right? Truthfully, he kind of peaked out with that poem in fourth grade." [08:46] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "If you want to see how you can impact people and the world and God's kingdom, if you want to see your calling, it starts, I think, with seeing the Lord. And sometimes people get stuck on this question of the specifics, like, you know, what is God's will for my life? Like what specific thing am I supposed, what is God's will for my life? And I think one really good way to kind of get at that, because we all want that, but like to get there, I think maybe it helps to try a more generalized approach." [24:53] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If you want to find real purpose, if you want to find, if you want to matter, I think eternally, you want to impact people, if you want to impact the world, if you want to help bring God's kingdom here, you don't have to be hyper-talented. You don't have to be, you know, specially gifted. You don't have to be super educated. You don't have to be particularly holy. You just, you have to do what Peter did. You have to really see the Lord and know who you're dealing with. You have to intentionally listen for the call because it might come in a lot of different ways. It might just be some need that pops up and then you have to just say yes." [41:31] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If you want to matter, if you want to make a difference, if you want to impact people, if you want to impact the world, if you want to impact the kingdom first, you have to really see the Lord, right? Really see who you're dealing with and the value of what he says and what he's calling you to do. And you have to intentionally proactively. Listen for the call. Cause it might come in a lot of different ways. And then the hard part, you got to say, yes, you got to take that first step. You got to, you got to make that first call. You got to have that first conversation. You got to accept that first assignment." [35:36] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "God chooses who he uses and God uses who he chooses. And it's really cool when he chooses somebody who seems totally underqualified. And you know why? Because if he chooses somebody that's underqualified, like Peter, or like me, or like maybe you, when something amazing happens, when people are impacted and the world is impacted and the kingdom is impacted, God gets the glory instead of Peter, or instead of me, or instead of you." [39:53] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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