Embracing God's Now: A Call to Action
Summary
In his address, Dr. Wayman Ming emphasizes the immediacy of God's plan for individuals and communities, focusing on the concept that God has a purpose for the present, not just the future. He articulates that God is actively guiding the steps of those in right standing with Him, shaping their lives in a way that will not only affect them personally but also have a broader impact on their families, their church community, and beyond.
Dr. Ming draws attention to the importance of living out the identity of one's community of faith, using Bethesda Community Church as an example. He underscores that if the church identifies as a "House of Mercy," then its actions should reflect mercy to the world around it. This idea is rooted in the narrative of the Pool of Bethesda found in John 5, where a place of healing and mercy is depicted.
The address further explores the five-fold ministry gifts outlined in Ephesians 4: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. Dr. Ming suggests that these roles, while not necessarily titles, represent functions within the church that contribute to its health and growth. A church that embraces these functions is one that is robust in mission, worship, mercy, service, and teaching depth.
Dr. Ming delves into the story of the Pool of Bethesda, where Jesus heals a man who had been infirm for 38 years. He challenges the assumption that physical proximity to a place of healing, such as the pool or a church, equates to a desire for healing or transformation. He points out that it is possible to be present in such spaces without actively seeking change or healing.
The narrative of the man at the Pool of Bethesda serves as a backdrop for three key ideas Dr. Ming presents: the urgency of saying "yes" to God, the necessity of pursuing God, and the importance of doing God's will. He encourages individuals to actively affirm God's work in their lives, to seek God with intentionality, and to prioritize God's will over personal preferences.
Dr. Ming shares a personal story about a time when he and his wife, Kimberly, were presented with an opportunity to lead another church. Despite the appeal of the offer, they felt a check in their hearts and ultimately decided it was not God's will for them. This decision led them to their current roles, which would not have been possible had they not heeded that inner sense of direction.
The address concludes with a call to action, urging individuals to consider whether their history is hindering their destiny and to embrace the present moment as the time to pursue God's will. Dr. Ming's message is one of active faith, personal responsibility, and communal identity, challenging individuals and communities to align their actions with their professed beliefs.
Key Takeaways:
- The immediacy of God's plan calls for a present-focused faith that actively seeks to understand and fulfill God's purpose for our lives. This requires a willingness to say "yes" to God's direction, even when it challenges our comfort zones or disrupts our plans. The story of the man at the Pool of Bethesda serves as a reminder that proximity to the divine does not guarantee transformation; personal engagement and response are crucial. [16:17]
- A healthy and growing church is characterized by its adherence to the five-fold ministry functions: mission, worship, mercy, service, and teaching. These functions are not about titles but about the health and fruitfulness of the church's actions. A church that excels in these areas is one that is aligned with God's vision and is likely to experience growth and blessings. [03:57]
- Pursuing God is an individual responsibility that cannot be outsourced or delegated. It is a daily commitment to seek God's presence and guidance. This pursuit shapes our priorities and transforms our daily routines, leading us to start our days with God rather than with the distractions of the world. [20:28]
- The will of God is paramount in the life of a believer. Decisions and preferences must be submitted to God's will to align with His kingdom. When we pray for God's kingdom to come, we are also praying for His will to be done in our lives. This alignment brings us closer to the manifestation of God's kingdom on earth. [37:59]
- History should not strangle destiny. The challenges and hurts of the past must not prevent individuals from seeking healing and transformation in the present. The question "Do you want to be made well?" is a call to let go of excuses and take hold of the opportunities God provides for growth and renewal. [38:46]
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. John 5:6-9 (NIV)
"When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, 'Do you want to get well?' 'Sir,' the invalid replied, 'I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.' Then Jesus said to him, 'Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.' At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked."
2. Ephesians 4:11-12 (NIV)
"So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up."
3. Matthew 6:10 (NIV)
"Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."
Observation Questions:
1. In John 5:6-9, what condition had the man been in, and for how long?
2. What was the man's initial response to Jesus' question about wanting to get well?
3. According to Ephesians 4:11-12, what roles did Christ give to the church, and for what purpose?
Interpretation Questions:
1. Why might the man at the Pool of Bethesda have hesitated or offered excuses when Jesus asked if he wanted to be healed?
2. How do the roles mentioned in Ephesians 4:11-12 contribute to the health and growth of a church community?
3. What does it mean to pray "Your kingdom come, your will be done," as instructed in Matthew 6:10, in the context of personal and communal life?
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt stuck in a situation for a long time. How did you respond to opportunities for change when they arose?
2. Can you identify a specific area in your life where you have been making excuses instead of taking action? What is one step you can take this week to move beyond those excuses?
3. Think of a way you can contribute to one of the five-fold ministry roles (apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, teacher) in your church community this month. What is a practical step you can take to start?
4. Consider a decision you are currently facing. How can you seek God's will in this decision rather than relying solely on your own desires or preferences?
5. When you check the time this week, take a moment to ask yourself, "What is God's will for me right now?" How can this practice help you to live more intentionally in the present?
Devotional
Day 1: Healing as a Church's Mission
The church is called to be a sanctuary of hope and restoration, mirroring the Pool of Bethesda's purpose for the afflicted. As a community, it is essential to actively engage in mission, worship, mercy, service, and teaching, embodying the healing presence of Christ in the world. [03:57]
James 5:14-16 - "Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."
Reflection: How can you contribute to making your church a place of healing and mercy for those who are hurting?
Day 2: Desire for Transformation
It is crucial to introspect and ascertain whether the longing for change is genuine or if one is merely going through the motions. True healing and transformation require a heartfelt desire for God's intervention and a willingness to abandon excuses that hinder progress. [14:45]
Hosea 6:1 - "Come, let us return to the Lord. He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds."
Reflection: What excuses might you be using to avoid seeking change, and how can you overcome them to truly desire God's transformation in your life?
Day 3: Personal Pursuit of God
The pursuit of God is a personal journey that demands daily commitment and the intentional seeking of His presence. It is through this pursuit that one can experience a profound relationship with God, free from the distractions that often impede spiritual growth. [22:53]
Psalm 63:1 - "You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to deepen your personal pursuit of God and prioritize your spiritual growth?
Day 4: Aligning with God's Will
Embracing God's will over personal preferences is transformative. When one aligns their desires with God's will, they open themselves to His plans and purposes, leading to true fulfillment and spiritual health. [32:48]
Isaiah 30:21 - "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it.'"
Reflection: Can you identify an area in your life where your preferences are overshadowing God's will, and how can you begin to align with His will in that area?
Day 5: The Urgency of God's Vision
"The time is now" is a clarion call to action, urging believers to respond to God's call without hesitation. It is a reminder to engage actively with faith and to be agents of change in the community and beyond. [28:23]
Ephesians 5:15-16 - "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."
Reflection: What is one way you can respond to God's urgent call in your life today and take action towards living out His vision?
Quotes
1) "The time is now to say yes to God. That one word changes everything. Think about the difference between the word yes and no." [16:17]
2) "Very rarely does God send four friends to drop you through the roof to Jesus. Most of the time, he expects us to pursue him." [20:28]
3) "Everything changes when we understand that call to pursue God and that God really does desire to spend time with us." [24:36]
4) "I've come to the decision in my own life that I can't expect anybody else to pursue God for me. I have to do that." [22:06]
5) "If we are Bethesda, a House of Mercy, we must live as a House of Mercy to the world around us." [01:27]
6) "God has given to the church the gift of Apostles, Prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers not necessarily by way of title but in terms of functionality." [03:57]
7) "Jesus said of myself I can do nothing as I hear I judge and my judgment is righteous because I do not seek my own will but the will of the father who sent me." [30:35]
8) "What would happen if we would just commit ourselves as the people of God to doing the will of the father?" [31:22]
9) "The kingdom of God comes through the will of God. If we want his kingdom, we want his will." [37:59]
10) "Do you want to be made well, or is your history strangling your destiny?" [38:46]
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