Embracing God's Call: The Power of Yes

Reflecting on the past 30 years of Times Square Church, we are reminded of the power of saying "yes" to God's call. As we look forward to the next 30 years, we are challenged to continue this legacy of obedience and faithfulness. Isaiah 6:8 serves as a pivotal scripture, where Isaiah responds to God's call with, "Here am I, send me." This response is not born out of self-sufficiency but from a place of humility and recognition of God's holiness and mercy. As we draw closer to God, we often feel our own inadequacies, yet it is in this state of humility that we are most open to His call.

David Wilkerson, the founder of Times Square Church, exemplified this principle throughout his life. From a young age, he responded to God's call, leading him to establish ministries that have impacted millions. His journey was marked by a series of "yeses" to God, from selling his television to focus on prayer, to moving to New York City to minister to gang members, and later founding a church in Times Square. Each step required faith and a willingness to look foolish in the eyes of the world, yet it was through these acts of obedience that God worked powerfully.

As we commemorate the past, we are reminded that the call to say "yes" is not limited to those in full-time ministry. Each of us, regardless of our profession or stage in life, is called to be a minister of the gospel. This requires a deep understanding of who we are in Christ and the ability to articulate our faith intelligently. It also means being willing to start small, embracing humble beginnings, and being faithful in the little things.

The challenge before us is to remain open to God's call, regardless of our age or circumstances. Whether we are called to speak to someone in a supermarket or to lead a large ministry, the key is our willingness to say "yes" to God. This is how the kingdom of God advances—through ordinary people who are available for God to use in extraordinary ways.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The Power of Saying Yes: Embracing God's call often requires us to step out of our comfort zones and say "yes" to His plans, even when we feel inadequate. This willingness to obey opens the door for God to work powerfully through us. [02:39]
• 2. Humility in God's Presence: Drawing closer to God often reveals our own shortcomings, yet it is in this humility that we become most receptive to His call. Recognizing our need for His mercy is crucial in our journey of faith. [03:12]
• 3. Faithfulness in Small Beginnings: Like David Wilkerson, we must not despise small beginnings. Being faithful in the little things prepares us for greater responsibilities and allows God to use us in significant ways. [07:43]
• 4. A Call to Study and Prepare: Understanding who we are in Christ and being able to articulate our faith is essential. This requires diligent study and preparation, equipping us to defend and share the gospel effectively. [06:13]
• 5. Continual Obedience at Any Age: God's call is not limited by age. Whether young or old, we are invited to remain open to His leading, continually saying "yes" to His plans and purposes for our lives. [12:39]
  ** [12:39]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:13] - The Next 30 Years
• [00:30] - A Legacy of Saying Yes
• [01:18] - God's Faithfulness
• [02:14] - Isaiah's Call
• [03:12] - The Kingdom of Mercy
• [04:02] - David Wilkerson's Yes
• [05:07] - The Call at Eight
• [06:13] - Importance of Study
• [07:27] - Small Beginnings
• [08:27] - Obedience in Sacrifice
• [09:27] - The Call to New York
• [10:25] - Willingness to Look Foolish
• [11:28] - Establishing Times Square Church
• [12:39] - Saying Yes at Any Age
• [13:09] - Jesus' Ultimate Yes
• [14:20] - Our Turn to Say Yes

1. What was Isaiah's response to God's call in Isaiah 6:8, and what does this reveal about his character? [02:14]
2. How did David Wilkerson's early life decisions reflect the principle of saying "yes" to God? [05:07]
3. According to the sermon, what role does humility play in responding to God's call? [03:12]
4. What was the significance of David Wilkerson selling his television, and how did it impact his ministry? [08:27]

1. How does Isaiah's response in Isaiah 6:8 serve as a model for believers today in terms of obedience and willingness? [02:14]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that humility and recognizing one's inadequacies are essential for being open to God's call? [03:12]
3. How does the sermon illustrate the importance of being faithful in small beginnings, and what can be learned from David Wilkerson's example? [07:43]
4. What does the sermon imply about the necessity of studying and preparing to articulate one's faith effectively? [06:13]

1. Reflect on a time when you felt inadequate to respond to God's call. How did you overcome that feeling, or how might you approach it differently now? [03:12]
2. Consider the small beginnings in your life or ministry. How can you remain faithful in these areas, and what steps can you take to prepare for greater responsibilities? [07:43]
3. Identify a specific area in your life where you need to say "yes" to God. What practical steps can you take this week to move in that direction? [14:20]
4. How can you cultivate a deeper understanding of who you are in Christ, and what resources or practices might help you articulate your faith more effectively? [06:13]
5. Think about a distraction in your life that might be dulling your spiritual sensitivity. What is one action you can take to minimize this distraction? [08:57]
6. How can you remain open to God's call regardless of your age or current life circumstances? What might saying "yes" look like for you in this season of life? [12:39]
7. Reflect on a recent situation where you felt led to speak to someone about your faith. How did you respond, and what might you do differently next time? [15:27]