Embracing God's Call: Uplifting Through Discipleship
Summary
On this Reign of Christ Sunday, we gather to celebrate the culmination of the church year and prepare for the new beginning with Advent. Today, we welcome Kathy Zeger as a new member, reaffirming her baptism and our commitment to her as a community. Our focus is on discipleship, growing in our faith, and sharing the good news with others. We are in a series called "Influencers," exploring how we are influenced and how we can influence others through our faith.
The story of Samuel serves as a powerful example of God's call and our response. Samuel, a young prophet, was instrumental in the transition from judges to kings in Israel. His story begins with his mother, Hannah, who prayed fervently for a child. God answered her prayers, and Samuel was dedicated to God's service. Samuel's call was unexpected, yet he was ready to say yes to God. This narrative invites us to reflect on our own experiences of feeling called by God, whether through a gentle urging or a clear voice.
We are reminded that following God means building others up, as Jesus did. We are called to be the light of the world, using our influence to uplift others in various settings—church, home, work, and beyond. This involves practical help, valuing the young and the old, and being present with others. Our words and actions should reflect the love and grace of God, encouraging and supporting those around us.
As we welcome new members like Kathy, we celebrate their commitment to discipleship and their role as influencers in the world. We are all called to be ministers, uplifting others through our presence, service, and witness. This is the work of the church, bringing God's love to others and building up the kingdom of God.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Call of God: Samuel's story teaches us that God's call can come unexpectedly, often through a gentle urging or interest. Our response to God's call is crucial, and saying yes can lead to transformative experiences. Reflect on how God might be calling you today and be open to His guidance. [28:00]
2. Building Others Up: Following Jesus means using our influence to uplift others. This involves practical help, valuing people of all ages, and being present with them. Our words and actions should reflect God's love, encouraging and supporting those around us. [33:10]
3. The Role of Young and Old: Scripture emphasizes the importance of both young and old in the church. Young people are not just the future but the present of the church, while older individuals offer wisdom and experience. We should value and learn from both groups. [41:15]
4. Presence as Ministry: Being present with others is a powerful form of ministry. Just as God is present with us, we are called to be present with others, offering support and companionship without needing to accomplish anything. This presence is a love language that reflects God's love. [43:56]
5. The Ministry of All Believers: Every Christian is called to ministry, using their gifts to uplift others and build the church. This involves participating in church life, serving in various ministries, and supporting the church through prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. [45:07]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[09:43] - Influencers of Hope
[14:42] - Children's Story: The Desert Journey
[16:24] - From Judges to Kings
[19:55] - The Temple and Finding God
[21:49] - God's Presence Everywhere
[23:54] - Samuel's Call and Our Response
[28:00] - Hearing God's Call
[30:50] - Wrestling with God's Call
[33:10] - Building Others Up
[39:32] - Uplifting Through Speech
[41:15] - Valuing Young and Old
[43:56] - Presence as Ministry
[45:07] - The Ministry of All Believers
[47:06] - Welcoming New Members
[52:14] - Stewardship of Time
[55:32] - Serving Through Ministry
[59:47] - Community Prayers
[01:05:17] - Offering and Thanksgiving
[01:09:21] - Blessing for Birthdays and Anniversaries
[01:12:14] - Advent and Upcoming Events
[01:17:40] - Closing Blessing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. 1 Samuel 3:1-10 - The calling of Samuel.
2. Matthew 5:14-16 - Being the light of the world.
3. 1 Timothy 4:12 - Valuing the young in the church.
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Observation Questions:
1. How did Samuel initially respond to God's call, and what role did Eli play in helping him understand it? [28:00]
2. What are some ways the sermon suggests we can use our influence to uplift others in our daily lives? [33:10]
3. How does the sermon describe the role of young people in the church, and what biblical support is given for this view? [41:15]
4. What does the sermon say about the importance of being present with others as a form of ministry? [43:56]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does Samuel's story illustrate the unexpected nature of God's call, and how might this apply to modern believers? [28:00]
2. How does the concept of being the "light of the world" challenge believers to act in their communities, according to the sermon? [33:10]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the balance between valuing the wisdom of older generations and the energy of younger ones in the church? [41:15]
4. How does the sermon interpret the idea of presence as a ministry, and why is it considered a powerful form of showing God's love? [43:56]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt a gentle urging or interest that might have been a call from God. How did you respond, and what might you do differently now? [28:00]
2. Identify a specific setting in your life (e.g., work, home, social media) where you can be more intentional about being a light to others. What practical steps can you take this week? [33:10]
3. Think of a young person in your church or community. How can you encourage and support them in their faith journey this week? [41:15]
4. Consider an older person in your life who has shown wisdom and faith. How can you learn from them and honor their contributions to the church? [42:11]
5. How can you practice being present with someone this week, offering your time and attention without the need to accomplish anything? [43:56]
6. Reflect on your current involvement in church ministries. Is there a new area where you feel called to serve or contribute? How can you take a step towards that this week? [46:10]
7. As you welcome new members into your church community, how can you actively support and integrate them into the life of the church? [49:23]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing the Unexpected Call
God's call often comes in unexpected ways, as seen in the story of Samuel. Samuel was a young prophet whose life was marked by an unexpected call from God. His mother, Hannah, prayed fervently for a child, and when God answered her prayers, she dedicated Samuel to God's service. Samuel's call came at a time when he was not expecting it, yet he was ready to respond with a "yes" to God. This narrative invites us to reflect on our own experiences of feeling called by God, whether through a gentle urging or a clear voice. It challenges us to be open to God's guidance and to be ready to respond when He calls, knowing that saying yes can lead to transformative experiences. [28:00]
1 Samuel 3:10-11 (ESV): "And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, 'Samuel! Samuel!' And Samuel said, 'Speak, for your servant hears.' Then the Lord said to Samuel, 'Behold, I am about to do a thing in Israel at which the two ears of everyone who hears it will tingle.'"
Reflection: Think of a time when you felt a gentle urging or interest that you believe might have been from God. How can you be more open to recognizing and responding to God's call in your life today?
Day 2: Uplifting Others Through Influence
Following Jesus means using our influence to uplift others. This involves practical help, valuing people of all ages, and being present with them. Our words and actions should reflect God's love, encouraging and supporting those around us. Jesus modeled this by building others up, and we are called to do the same in various settings—church, home, work, and beyond. By being the light of the world, we can use our influence to bring hope and encouragement to those we encounter. [33:10]
Ephesians 4:29 (ESV): "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear."
Reflection: Identify one person in your life who could use encouragement today. What specific words or actions can you use to build them up and reflect God's love?
Day 3: Valuing the Contributions of All Generations
Scripture emphasizes the importance of both young and old in the church. Young people are not just the future but the present of the church, while older individuals offer wisdom and experience. We should value and learn from both groups, recognizing that each has unique contributions to make. By fostering intergenerational relationships, we can create a more vibrant and inclusive community that honors the gifts and perspectives of all ages. [41:15]
1 Timothy 4:12 (ESV): "Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity."
Reflection: Consider how you can actively engage with someone from a different generation in your church community. What steps can you take to learn from their experiences or share your own insights with them?
Day 4: The Power of Presence
Being present with others is a powerful form of ministry. Just as God is present with us, we are called to be present with others, offering support and companionship without needing to accomplish anything. This presence is a love language that reflects God's love. By simply being there for others, we can provide comfort and encouragement, demonstrating the love and grace of God in tangible ways. [43:56]
Romans 12:15 (ESV): "Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep."
Reflection: Think of someone who might need your presence today. How can you offer your time and attention to them, showing them that they are valued and loved?
Day 5: The Ministry of Every Believer
Every Christian is called to ministry, using their gifts to uplift others and build the church. This involves participating in church life, serving in various ministries, and supporting the church through prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. By embracing our role as ministers, we can contribute to the growth and vitality of the church, bringing God's love to others and building up the kingdom of God. [45:07]
1 Peter 4:10 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."
Reflection: Reflect on the gifts and talents God has given you. How can you use them to serve your church community and contribute to its mission and ministry?
Quotes
"Jesus said we are the light of the world. That's simply being followers of Christ, of modeling our lives after Christ. The love of God flows through us, and when we go to dark places, the light of Christ is there because it has transformed us. And we have influence." [00:26:39] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"When we are called by God, we feel it as interest and urge. We rarely expect literally to hear our names called. And if we did literally hear our name called, most of us would be shocked or completely freaked out. But that's what God did with Samuel. Spoke his name. So clearly, to see God. Samuel thought Eli was calling." [00:29:45] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Following God always means building others up, because that's what God wants. When we say yes, we join that work of God, building others up, building everyone up. When we say all means all, we often are thinking about how we welcome, but it also references, who is it we build up? Everyone." [00:33:10] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"We uplift others by being present. God is present with people. We are present with people. In John 14, Jesus said, if you love me, you will keep my commandments. I will ask the Father, and he will send another companion who will be with you forever. With us all the time, forever." [00:43:56] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"When we welcome new members, we are not so much making them members, we are celebrating that they are already one of us. And in membership, Kathy gets to say yes, officially, to God. To giving, to service, to presence. To being an individual. To being an influencer. To being, carrying that light into the world." [00:47:06] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Transform us so that we might love without condition, invite without hesitation, and proclaim your kingdom to all the world. Through your son Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit in your holy church, all honor and glory is yours, almighty Father, now and forever. Amen." [01:08:23] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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