Embracing God's Call: The Power of 'Yes'
Summary
Today, I shared a message centered on the transformative power of saying "yes" to God's call, reflecting on personal experiences and biblical narratives that illustrate the profound impact of our obedience to God's will. The sermon began with a personal testimony of my own journey, starting from a pivotal moment on August 25, 1997, when I realized my need for a genuine relationship with Jesus, despite having been raised in a Christian environment. This moment of conversion marked the beginning of a life dedicated to ministry, shaped by continual affirmations of "yes" to God's guidance.
I recounted the story of Paul and Silas in Acts 16, emphasizing how their imprisonment led to the miraculous conversion of a jailer and his family in Philippi. This story highlighted the theme that our commitments to God can lead to unexpected and far-reaching outcomes. I connected this with the concept of spiritual lineage, where one's affirmative response to God's call can influence many generations.
Throughout the sermon, I interwove personal anecdotes, including the transformative mission trips to Peru, which not only deepened my family's faith but also extended our church's ministry globally. These missions were pivotal in establishing long-term relationships and ministries, showcasing the ripple effects of obediently saying "yes" to God's calls, regardless of personal cost or immediate understanding.
The message also touched on the importance of community and collective action within the church. I shared stories of church members like James, whose behind-the-scenes service has been instrumental in fostering a welcoming atmosphere at our church. This narrative was used to encourage our congregation to honor and appreciate the often-overlooked contributions of each member.
In conclusion, the sermon called on each individual to consider what "yes" they might be withholding from God. It challenged the congregation to move beyond temporary discouragements and to embrace a life of faith-driven action, promising that such commitments can lead to profound spiritual renewal and kingdom expansion.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of a Personal "Yes"
The story of my own conversion and subsequent call to ministry illustrates that a single moment of obedience can alter the course of a life. Each "yes" to God opens up opportunities for deeper spiritual growth and broader ministry impact. This personal transformation is not just about a momentary decision but about setting a trajectory for lifelong service and influence. [16:40]
2. Community Transformation Through Collective Obedience
The account of Paul and Silas, and the jailer's conversion, shows how our communal responses to God's call can lead to widespread spiritual renewal. When we act in faith, our actions can lead to the salvation and transformation of whole households and communities, illustrating the expansive nature of God's kingdom work. [47:17]
3. The Impact of Behind-the-Scenes Service
Highlighting the faithful service of individuals like James in our church reminds us that every act of service contributes to the overall health and mission of the church. These acts, though often unnoticed, are vital in creating a welcoming and nurturing environment for both members and newcomers. [08:13]
4. Global Missions and Local Foundations
Our church's involvement in international missions, such as those in Peru, demonstrates the global impact of local obedience. When we say "yes" to God's call, whether it's through giving, praying, or going, we participate in a larger story of God's work across the world, impacting lives far beyond our local community. [30:09]
5. Encouragement to Act Despite Uncertainty
The narrative of stepping out in faith, even when the full path isn't clear, encourages us to trust in God's leading. Often, God reveals His plans step-by-step, and our willingness to act on what we know can lead to significant breakthroughs and blessings, both for ourselves and for those we serve. [24:01]
### Chapters
0:00 - Welcome
01:40 - Opening Greetings and Worship Reflection
04:51 - Acknowledging Community and Faithful Service
09:05 - Celebrating Personal Growth in Faith
16:40 - Testimony of Personal Calling and Conversion
22:57 - Vision of Ministry and Baptism
30:09 - Impact of Mission Work in Peru
41:43 - Biblical Account of Paul and Silas
47:17 - The Power of Saying "Yes" in Difficult Circumstances
56:16 - Closing Challenge and Invitation to Obedience
59:23 - Prayer and Commitment
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Acts 16:25-34 - The story of Paul and Silas in prison and the conversion of the jailer and his family.
2. Malachi 3:16 - The Lord's book of remembrance for those who fear Him and honor His name.
### Observation Questions
1. What were Paul and Silas doing at midnight in the prison, and what was the immediate result of their actions? (Acts 16:25-26)
2. How did the jailer respond when he saw the prison doors open, and what did Paul do to stop him? (Acts 16:27-28)
3. What was the jailer's question to Paul and Silas, and what was their response? (Acts 16:30-31)
4. According to Malachi 3:16, what does the Lord do when He hears conversations that honor His name?
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Paul and Silas chose to pray and sing hymns in such a dire situation? How might this reflect their faith and trust in God? (Acts 16:25-26)
2. What does the conversion of the jailer and his family tell us about the impact of individual acts of faith and obedience? (Acts 16:30-34)
3. How does the concept of the Lord's book of remembrance in Malachi 3:16 encourage believers to honor God in their daily lives?
4. Reflecting on the sermon, how can the story of Paul and Silas inspire us to say "yes" to God's call even in difficult circumstances? [47:17]
### Application Questions
1. The pastor shared his personal testimony of saying "yes" to God's call. Can you recall a moment in your life when you said "yes" to God? How did it change your life? [16:40]
2. Paul and Silas' actions led to the salvation of the jailer and his family. How can your obedience to God impact those around you? Are there specific people you feel called to influence? [47:17]
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of behind-the-scenes service, like James' contributions to the church. What are some ways you can serve your church community that might go unnoticed but are vital? [08:13]
4. The pastor mentioned the global impact of local obedience through mission trips to Peru. How can you participate in global missions, whether through prayer, giving, or going? [30:09]
5. The message encouraged acting despite uncertainty. Is there a specific area in your life where you feel God is calling you to step out in faith? What steps can you take this week to move forward? [24:01]
6. Reflecting on the concept of spiritual lineage, how can your "yes" to God influence future generations in your family or community? [47:17]
7. The pastor challenged the congregation to consider what "yes" they might be withholding from God. Is there something you feel God is asking you to do that you have been hesitant about? How can you overcome this hesitation and say "yes" today? [56:16]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Personal Transformation Through Obedience
When one responds affirmatively to God's call, it sets a trajectory for profound personal and spiritual growth. This journey begins with a pivotal "yes," much like the personal testimony shared, where a moment of obedience led to a life dedicated to ministry and impactful service. This initial "yes" is not merely a momentary decision but a commitment that shapes one's entire life, influencing their actions, decisions, and interactions with others. It's about embracing the opportunities God provides for deeper spiritual engagement and broader ministry impact, which can lead to significant personal transformation and kingdom expansion. [16:40]
James 4:8 ESV
"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
Reflection: What is one area in your life where God is calling you to say "yes"? How can this act of obedience reshape your spiritual journey?
Day 2: Collective Obedience Fosters Community Transformation
The narrative of Paul and Silas in Acts 16 not only highlights individual obedience but also underscores the power of collective action within the faith community. Their story shows that when communities come together in faith, their collective response can lead to miraculous outcomes, such as the conversion of entire households. This principle of communal obedience can be a catalyst for widespread spiritual renewal and transformation, illustrating the expansive and inclusive nature of God's kingdom work. [47:17]
Acts 16:29-34 ESV
"And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them out and said, 'Sirs, what must I do to be saved?' And they said, 'Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.' And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house."
Reflection: How can you contribute to a collective act of obedience in your community that might lead to transformational outcomes?
Day 3: Valuing the Unseen Contributions in Church Life
Every act of service, no matter how small or unseen, contributes significantly to the life and health of the church. This is exemplified by individuals like James, whose behind-the-scenes efforts help create a welcoming and nurturing environment for both members and newcomers. Recognizing and valuing these contributions fosters a culture of appreciation and encouragement, which is essential for building a strong and supportive community. [08:13]
1 Corinthians 12:22-25 ESV
"On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has composed the body so that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another."
Reflection: Who in your church community serves quietly and might be overlooked? How can you show appreciation for their contributions this week?
Day 4: The Global Impact of Local Obedience
The involvement in international missions, like those in Peru, demonstrates the far-reaching impact of local obedience to God's call. When individuals say "yes" to God, whether through giving, praying, or going, they participate in a larger story of God's work across the world. This obedience not only strengthens the foundations of their local church but also extends its influence globally, impacting lives and communities far beyond their immediate surroundings. [30:09]
2 Corinthians 10:15-16 ESV
"We do not boast beyond limit in the labors of others. But our hope is that as your faith increases, our area of influence among you may be greatly enlarged, so that we may preach the gospel in lands beyond you, without boasting of work already done in another's area of influence."
Reflection: In what ways can you participate in your church's global mission efforts? How can your obedience have an impact beyond your local community?
Day 5: Stepping Out in Faith Amid Uncertainty
Often, God reveals His plans step-by-step, and our willingness to act on what we know, despite not seeing the full path, can lead to significant breakthroughs and blessings. This act of faith, stepping out even when the future is unclear, encourages us to trust in God's leading and promises. It's about moving beyond temporary discouragements and embracing a life of faith-driven action, which can profoundly affect both the individual and those they serve. [24:01]
Hebrews 11:8 ESV
"By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going."
Reflection: What is one step of faith you can take this week, even if you feel uncertain about the outcome? How can this step deepen your trust in God's guidance?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Today's yes always opens the doors for heaven's plans and power to come into our everyday normal life." [30:09]
2. "It's a family thing. The spiritual, the body of Christ is worldwide and supports and lifts up one another. Leading people to a Jesus-built life where anything is possible." [26:45]
3. "If we have a yes that we're saying not yet, let's just repent and say yes. It's really that simple. And you say, what happens after that for the days ahead? I'll tell you. God's step. God will show you." [57:59]
4. "You never know what your yes is. You never know what your — I didn't even realize this, and I was telling Pastor David the other day, David Phillips, who's my pastor, and I was telling him about it. He said, Danny, do you see what God's doing?" [37:10]
5. "The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them. He was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God, he and his whole household." [47:17]
### Quotes for Members
1. "He is consistently doing more over the short one-year time spans than we can ever see in a single 24-hour period." [11:31]
2. "I want to tell you the result is if we end up measuring our worth like that and we absorb that and we buy into that and we, we, we receive that and we speak that. And we declare that what will happen is the result is we will give up and we will live believing we are a failure for our whole entire life based on the, the things that have happened in a single day." [13:51]
3. "I am amazed. Can I tell you with a sincere heart, I would not have imagined today one year ago." [10:42]
4. "If any man has a reason to run from me, it's James. And yet, every time, he only draws closer to the Lord. And it's wonderful. Man, cherish people who live like that." [09:05]
5. "The Holy Spirit convicted me that I was lost. Convicted me. I was lost which means I was headed to hell. I did not have a relationship with Jesus that I had been even though I had been taught about him my whole life." [16:40]
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