Embracing Our Call: Unity and Diversity in Christ

Devotional

Day 1: Every Believer Is Called by God

No one is left out or overlooked in God’s kingdom; every believer, regardless of background, ability, or perceived inadequacy, is called by God to participate in His purposes. This calling is not reserved for pastors or leaders but is extended to all who follow Christ. God does not reluctantly choose you—He has a plan and a purpose for your life, and He invites you to step off the sidelines and join in His work. Even when you feel unqualified or inadequate, remember that God’s call is based on His grace and not your qualifications. You are chosen, equipped, and needed in the body of Christ. [16:49]

Ephesians 4:1-2 (ESV)
I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love.

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you have felt “on the sidelines” or disqualified from serving God? How might you take a step today to embrace His call and participate in His purposes?

Day 2: Unity and Humility in the Body of Christ

True unity in the church is built on humility, gentleness, patience, and making allowances for each other’s faults. In a world that is often divided and argumentative, the church is called to be different—marked by grace, understanding, and a willingness to bind ourselves together with the peace of Christ. This unity is not just for the sake of harmony but is essential for releasing each person into their God-given ministry. When we honor and encourage one another, despite our differences and failures, we reflect the love and grace of Jesus to the world. [25:01]

Ephesians 4:2-3 (ESV)
With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Reflection: Who is one person in your church family you find it difficult to be patient with? What is one practical way you can show them humility and grace this week?

Day 3: Christ’s Gifts for Every Believer

Jesus has generously given each believer a special gift, not as an afterthought but as an expression of His abundant generosity. These gifts are not limited to a select few with titles or positions; rather, every member of the body of Christ has been entrusted with unique abilities and graces. Whether your gift is visible or behind the scenes, it is vital to God’s mission of filling every space with His presence. Recognize and celebrate the gift God has placed in your life, and seek to use it for His glory and the good of others. [32:08]

Ephesians 4:7-8 (ESV)
But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.”

Reflection: What is one gift, talent, or passion you sense God has given you? How can you intentionally use it this week to serve others or advance God’s kingdom?

Day 4: We Need Each Other’s Differences

The body of Christ is made up of diverse gifts and graces—apostolic, prophetic, evangelistic, shepherding, and teaching—and each is needed to fully reflect Jesus to the world. It is natural to gravitate toward those who are like us, but if we only value our own strengths, we miss out on the fullness of Christ’s image. By honoring and leaning into the differences of others, even when it feels uncomfortable, we become a more complete and effective team for God’s purposes. Embracing diversity in the church is not just about getting along; it’s about painting the whole picture of Christ together. [45:19]

Romans 12:4-6 (ESV)
For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them.

Reflection: Who in your church has a different gift or approach than you? How can you encourage or learn from them this week, rather than keeping your distance?

Day 5: The Best Is Yet to Come

God’s purposes for His church are always forward-looking, and He desires to fill every space—our homes, communities, workplaces, and nations—with the presence of Christ. No matter the church’s history or your personal journey, God’s vision is expansive, and He invites you to dream big and participate in His ongoing mission. As you offer your gifts and trust in His leading, believe that the best is yet to come—not just as a wish, but as a prophetic alignment with God’s heart for your life and your church. [51:31]

Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV)
Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.

Reflection: What is one area of your life or your church where you need to trust that “the best is yet to come”? How can you align your prayers and actions with God’s vision for the future today?

Sermon Summary

What a joy to gather together and celebrate the goodness of God and the rich history of Flame Community Church. As we approach a century of ministry, it’s important to remember that our story is not just about the past, but about the future God is calling us into. We are part of a much larger family—both within Elim and the global body of Christ—and our unity, participation, and celebration of what God is doing in and through us is vital. The mission that began in Birmingham in the 1930s continues today, and the best is yet to come as we step into God’s purposes together.

One of the greatest challenges facing the church is the subtle belief that ministry is reserved for a select few, while the rest simply support from the sidelines. But God’s Word is clear: every single one of us is called, gifted, and needed. No one is left standing against the wall, feeling inadequate or overlooked. God does not reluctantly choose us; He intentionally calls each of us, regardless of our background, abilities, or perceived limitations. Our calling is not from a denomination or a pastor, but from God Himself, and that makes all the difference.

Ephesians 4 reminds us to live lives worthy of our calling, marked by humility, gentleness, patience, and a commitment to unity. We are to make every effort to bind ourselves together with the peace of Christ, recognizing that we are one body with one hope, one Lord, and one faith. The gifts God has given are not just for those with titles or public platforms, but for every believer. Whether apostolic, prophetic, evangelistic, shepherding, or teaching, these graces are distributed throughout the body so that Christ might fill every space—our homes, workplaces, communities, and beyond—with His presence.

It’s easy to gravitate toward those who are like us, but the fullness of Christ is only revealed when we honor and lean into the diversity of gifts among us. We need each other. As we offer our gifts back to God, refusing to bury them out of fear or inadequacy, we participate in His grand purpose: to fill all things with Christ. Let’s step forward together, confident that God’s best for Flame Community Church—and for each of us—is still ahead.

Key Takeaways

1. God’s Calling Is for Everyone God does not reserve His calling for a select few; every believer is chosen, equipped, and essential to His purposes. Feelings of inadequacy or disqualification are lies that keep us from stepping into the fullness of what God intends. Our calling comes directly from God, not from human institutions, and that truth should embolden us to participate fully in His mission. [09:44]
2. The Body Needs Every Gift—Not Just the “Professionals” The church is not meant to be a place where ministry is professionalized and spectators abound. Each member has unique gifts, talents, and opportunities that no one else can fulfill. When we fail to recognize or release these gifts, we rob the body of its strength and the world of God’s intended blessing through us. [13:57]
3. Unity Requires Humility, Gentleness, and Patience True unity in the Spirit is not automatic; it demands every effort, especially in a world that is increasingly polarized and quick to judge. Humility keeps us grounded, gentleness makes space for others’ weaknesses, and patience allows us to bear with one another’s faults. These qualities are not optional extras but essential ingredients for a church that releases people into their God-given callings. [20:13]
4. The Gifts of Christ Are Diverse and Expressed in Many Ways Apostolic, prophetic, evangelistic, shepherding, and teaching gifts are not reserved for those with titles or public ministries. These graces are found in everyday vocations and relationships—entrepreneurs, storytellers, advocates for justice, caregivers, and mentors all carry aspects of Christ’s ministry. Recognizing and honoring these diverse expressions allows the church to reflect the fullness of Jesus to the world. [41:40]
5. We Need Each Other to Reveal the Fullness of Christ It is tempting to gather only with those who share our passions or perspectives, but doing so limits the image of Christ we display. The differences among us—sometimes even the tensions—are necessary for the body to function as God intends. By leaning into one another’s strengths and honoring the gifts we don’t possess, we become a team capable of filling every space with the presence of Christ. [45:19]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[04:27] - Celebrating Flame’s History and Mission
[05:37] - The Power of Family and Shared Vision
[07:28] - Dreaming Big: God’s Global Purposes
[08:13] - God Calls Us to Participate, Not Spectate
[09:44] - No One Is Left Out: God’s Intentional Choice
[11:07] - Every Member Has a Ministry
[13:57] - Recognizing and Releasing Hidden Gifts
[16:49] - Living Worthy of God’s Calling
[19:44] - Humility, Gentleness, and Patience in Community
[25:21] - Making Every Effort for Unity
[28:49] - God’s Global Harvest and Our Role
[31:08] - Special Gifts for Every Believer
[32:53] - Christ’s Mission: Filling All Spaces
[37:37] - The Fivefold Gifts: Not Just for the Platform
[41:40] - Everyday Expressions of Christ’s Gifts
[45:19] - Honoring Differences to Reveal Christ
[46:53] - Responding to God’s Call Together
[49:36] - Blessing the Leaders and the Church
[51:31] - Declaring: The Best Is Yet to Come

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Ephesians 4:1–7, 11–13 (ESV) —
> 1 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called,
> 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,
> 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
> 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—
> 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism,
> 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
> 7 But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.
> ...
> 11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers,
> 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,
> 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.

Observation Questions

According to Ephesians 4, what qualities does Paul say should mark the way we live out our calling? (v.2)
What does the passage say about the source and purpose of the gifts given to believers? (v.7, v.11-12)
In the sermon, what example did the pastor give about someone feeling left out or their ministry being overlooked? [13:05]
How does Paul describe the unity of the church in verses 4–6? What are the “ones” he lists?

Interpretation Questions

The sermon emphasized that God’s calling is for everyone, not just a select few. Why is it important to understand that our calling comes from God and not just from a church or pastor? [17:33]
The pastor talked about the danger of “professionalizing” ministry and leaving most people as spectators. What are some possible consequences for the church if only a few people are seen as “ministers”? [11:07]
Ephesians 4:2–3 calls us to humility, gentleness, patience, and unity. Why do you think these qualities are essential for a church that wants to release everyone into their calling? [20:13]
The sermon described the fivefold gifts (apostle, prophet, evangelist, shepherd, teacher) as being present in all kinds of people and roles, not just those with church titles. How does this change the way we might see our own gifts and the gifts of others? [41:40]

Application Questions

The pastor shared a story about people feeling left out or overlooked in church life. Have you ever felt like you were “against the wall,” not chosen or not needed? What helped you move past that, or what could help you now? [09:11]
Are there gifts, talents, or passions you have that you’ve been hesitant to use in the church or for God’s purposes? What holds you back, and what would it look like to offer them to God? [47:47]
The sermon challenged the idea that ministry is just for “professionals.” What is one practical way you could step out and serve, even if you don’t have a title or official role? [11:07]
Ephesians 4 calls us to make “every effort” to keep unity. Think of a recent disagreement or tension in church or community life. How could humility, gentleness, or patience have changed the outcome? [25:21]
The pastor said that the fullness of Christ is only revealed when we honor and lean into the diversity of gifts among us. Is there someone in the church whose gifts are very different from yours? How could you encourage or learn from them this week? [45:19]
The sermon mentioned that God wants to fill “every space” with Christ—our homes, workplaces, and communities. What is one specific place or relationship where you sense God wants to use you to bring His presence? [32:53]
The church is approaching its 100th year, but the pastor said “the best is yet to come.” What is one hope or prayer you have for the future of Flame Community Church, and how might you play a part in it? [51:31]

Sermon Clips

So if we've professionalized ministry and said, we'll do the ministry, you do the support, then I'm sorry, because that's not how it is in the Bible. The Bible is everyone who everyone called to the purposes of God. [00:11:39] (21 seconds) #CalledByGodAlone

Humility and gentleness and patience are a beautiful ingredient in the church. And if we're going to release one another into the fullness of our ministries, we need it. Because if we don't make allowances for each other, we will not encourage each other to step out can we just admit that we're a church full of failures? Is that okay? Like, I've made some mistakes in life and in ministry. And I'm so glad that as we were worshiping this morning, that Dan didn't say to you, if you have made any mistakes this week, if you have not earned the right to come into the presence of God, then please, will you go and wait outside while the rest of us worship? Because if he had said that, we'd all be out there, even Dan, even your wonderful pastor would be out there. All of us. I'd be out there, be talking outside. Because we know that it's only by grace that we come. It's only through the cross of Christ that any of us are worthy. [00:23:18] (75 seconds) #HarvestLaborersCalled

The scripture says that we've come with a new and a living way that wasn't available to our Old Testament saints, but to us today. Because Jesus gave his life as a ransom, because he gave himself for our shame and our failure. That we don't just come slowly, but we can come running into the presence of God by a new and a living way. And I love that. That's a level field that we stand on together. [00:24:32] (36 seconds) #GiftsForGodsMission

There are amazing things taking place in the world right now. The international birth rate has increased by 1% per year at the moment. So every year, 1% more are in the international population. But did you know the born again birth rate is 2% across the world, there are twice as many people being born again as there are being born. Wow. That's in our day. And I know in the west here it's changed a bit because we're not the place where the majority of the growth is happening. The majority of the growth is happening in other parts of the world. South America, Asia, Middle East. Where millions of Muslims are coming to faith in Jesus every year. There are Muslims across the world having dreams in the night. They've seen a man in white in their dreams, and they are exploring the man in white and giving their life to Jesus. God hasn't finished with the nations of the world yet. He, I believe, is preparing the church across the world for the biggest harvest in history. [00:28:15] (89 seconds) #CoachingForChristlikeLife

Jesus said these words, the fields are white to harvest, but the laborers are few. And if the enemy can make us convinced that we're on the line, the back line, against the wall, not worthy to be in the team, then he has got one way, one mechanism of keeping us away from being the answer to that prayer of Jesus. Pray that the Lord of the harvest would release laborers into the harvest field. That's you and I. [00:29:45] (29 seconds) #ChristGiftsToTheChurch

He's not just living in you, he's living through you. However, he has given each one of us a special gift. Turn to the person next to you and say, I've got a special gift. Wow. If I said to you on the way out this morning, Elim has sent me with a big bag with a special gift for each of you, oh, that'd be exciting. I haven't done that, so don't get too excited. But Jesus has given you a special gift. [00:31:09] (46 seconds)

``That's the mission of God. It's not to build nice churches. It's not to fill every seat. It's not to get a singing nice song. It's not even to get great youth programs and kids programs. That's not God's goal. Jesus has come high over everything else to fill every space with Himself. He's come to fill your home with Himself. The home of your neighbors, your community. He's come to fill this entire town with Himself. He's come to fill the black country with himself. He's come to fill the UK with himself. He's come to fill Parliament with himself. He's come to breathe into our banking sectors. He's coming to breathe into our healthcare. He's come to breathe into our manufacturing. He's coming to breathe into our office spaces. He's coming to breathe into every activity of this nation and the nations of the world and the universe until everything is is filled with Christ. And you and I have a special gift that is a part of the purposes of God, to help fill every space with his glory. [00:32:47] (77 seconds)

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?