Embracing Our Divine Calling in Community
Summary
In today's gathering, we celebrated the beauty of community and the profound examples set by those among us, like Herman and Mary Keith, who are marking their 70th wedding anniversary. Their enduring marriage is a testament to the strength and grace found in a godly union. We also welcomed new members, Chris and Misty Turner, into our church family, emphasizing the importance of community and connection in our spiritual journey.
Our focus today was on understanding and embracing our divine calling. We reflected on the life of George Foreman, who, after experiencing defeat, found a deeper purpose in serving God. His story illustrates how failure can redirect us towards a path where God reshapes our priorities, reminding us that worldly success is not the ultimate goal. Instead, true success lies in aligning with God's purpose for our lives.
We explored the concept of being called by God, as exemplified by biblical figures like Jeremiah, Abraham, and Jonah. Each of these individuals faced challenges and discomfort in their calling, yet they ultimately fulfilled God's purpose for them. This serves as a reminder that our calling may not always align with our personal desires or comfort zones, but it is in these moments of discomfort that God equips us to fulfill His will.
The sermon also highlighted the urgency of passing our faith to the next generation. The world is rapidly influencing our children, and it is crucial that we actively disciple them in the ways of Christ. Our role is to be ambassadors of God's kingdom, sharing the good news and living out our faith in every aspect of our lives.
In conclusion, we are all called to be ministers of reconciliation, bringing God's creation back to Him. This calling transcends our occupations and is rooted in our identity as children of God. As we navigate our individual journeys, let us be open to God's leading, trusting that He has equipped us for the work He has set before us.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Power of Community and Example: Celebrating milestones like the 70th wedding anniversary of Herman and Mary Keith reminds us of the strength found in godly relationships. Their enduring marriage serves as a beacon of faithfulness and commitment, encouraging us to build strong, Christ-centered relationships in our own lives. [34:55]
2. Embracing Failure as a Gift: George Foreman's story teaches us that failure, though painful, can be a gift that redirects us towards God's purpose. In our failures, we often find clarity and a deeper understanding of what truly matters, leading us to a life aligned with God's will. [38:35]
3. Understanding Our Divine Calling: Like Jeremiah and other biblical figures, we are called by God to fulfill a unique purpose. This calling may lead us into uncomfortable situations, but it is in these moments that God equips us to do His work, reminding us that our lives are meant to serve His kingdom. [46:51]
4. The Urgency of Discipling the Next Generation: The world is rapidly influencing our children, and it is crucial that we actively disciple them in the ways of Christ. Our role is to be ambassadors of God's kingdom, sharing the good news and living out our faith in every aspect of our lives. [50:30]
5. Living as Ministers of Reconciliation: We are all called to be ministers of reconciliation, bringing God's creation back to Him. This calling transcends our occupations and is rooted in our identity as children of God. As we navigate our individual journeys, let us be open to God's leading, trusting that He has equipped us for the work He has set before us. [53:49]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Celebrating Community
- [02:15] - New Members Introduction
- [04:00] - Worship and Prayer
- [06:45] - George Foreman's Story
- [10:30] - The Gift of Failure
- [14:00] - Passing Faith to the Next Generation
- [18:20] - Understanding Our Calling
- [22:00] - Biblical Examples of Calling
- [26:15] - The Role of Discipleship
- [30:00] - Living as Ambassadors
- [34:55] - Embracing God's Purpose
- [38:35] - The Urgency of Our Mission
- [46:51] - Responding to God's Call
- [50:30] - Conclusion and Invitation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Jeremiah 1:4-10
2. Psalm 139:1-4, 13-16
3. Romans 8:28-30
---
Observation Questions:
1. What significant milestone did Herman and Mary Keith celebrate, and how does it serve as an example for the community? [00:30]
2. How did George Foreman's experience of failure lead him to a deeper understanding of his purpose? [34:55]
3. What role does the next generation play in the church, and why is it urgent to disciple them according to the sermon? [38:35]
4. How does the story of Jeremiah illustrate the concept of being called by God? [46:51]
---
Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the story of George Foreman illustrate the idea that failure can be a gift that redirects us towards God's purpose? [34:55]
2. How does the sermon suggest that our divine calling might lead us into uncomfortable situations, and why is this significant for fulfilling God's purpose? [46:51]
3. What does the sermon imply about the importance of passing faith to the next generation, and how does this relate to the urgency of our mission as Christians? [38:35]
4. How does the concept of being ministers of reconciliation transcend our occupations, according to the sermon? [53:49]
---
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced failure. How did it shape your understanding of God's purpose for your life? How can you view future failures as opportunities for growth? [34:55]
2. Consider your current relationships. How can you strengthen them to reflect the godly example set by Herman and Mary Keith? What steps can you take this week to build a more Christ-centered relationship? [00:30]
3. Identify one way you can actively disciple the next generation in your community. What specific actions can you take to ensure that your faith is passed on effectively? [38:35]
4. Think about your current occupation or role in life. How can you serve as an ambassador of God's kingdom in that context? What specific actions can you take to live out your faith more intentionally? [53:49]
5. Reflect on your personal calling. Are there areas where you feel uncomfortable or resistant? How can you trust God to equip you for the work He has set before you? [46:51]
6. How can you be more open to God's leading in your life? Identify one area where you need to trust God more and take a step of faith this week. [50:30]
7. What is one practical way you can live as a minister of reconciliation in your daily interactions? How can you bring others closer to God through your actions and words? [53:49]
Devotional
Day 1: The Strength of Godly Relationships
In a world where relationships often falter, the enduring marriage of Herman and Mary Keith, celebrating their 70th anniversary, stands as a powerful testament to the strength and grace found in a godly union. Their commitment to each other reflects the beauty of a relationship centered on faith and mutual respect. This example encourages us to build and nurture strong, Christ-centered relationships in our own lives, serving as beacons of faithfulness and commitment to those around us. [34:55]
"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!" (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life exemplifies a godly relationship? How can you learn from their example to strengthen your own relationships today?
Day 2: Finding Purpose in Failure
George Foreman's journey from defeat to finding a deeper purpose in serving God illustrates how failure can be a gift that redirects us towards God's purpose. In moments of failure, we often gain clarity and a deeper understanding of what truly matters, leading us to a life aligned with God's will. This perspective challenges us to view our setbacks not as the end, but as opportunities for growth and realignment with divine purpose. [38:35]
"For the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity." (Proverbs 24:16, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a recent failure. How might God be using this experience to redirect your priorities and align you with His purpose?
Day 3: Embracing Our Divine Calling
The lives of biblical figures like Jeremiah, Abraham, and Jonah remind us that being called by God often leads us into uncomfortable situations. Yet, it is in these moments of discomfort that God equips us to fulfill His will. Our divine calling may not always align with our personal desires, but it is through these challenges that we grow and serve His kingdom. [46:51]
"But the Lord said to me, 'Do not say, "I am only a youth"; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak.'" (Jeremiah 1:7, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area where you feel God is calling you out of your comfort zone? How can you take a step of faith in that direction today?
Day 4: Discipling the Next Generation
In a rapidly changing world, the influence on our children is immense. It is crucial that we actively disciple them in the ways of Christ, ensuring that they grow up with a strong foundation of faith. Our role as ambassadors of God's kingdom involves sharing the good news and living out our faith in every aspect of our lives, setting an example for the next generation to follow. [50:30]
"And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise." (Deuteronomy 6:6-7, ESV)
Reflection: How can you intentionally disciple a young person in your life this week? What specific steps can you take to share your faith with them?
Day 5: Living as Ministers of Reconciliation
We are all called to be ministers of reconciliation, bringing God's creation back to Him. This calling transcends our occupations and is rooted in our identity as children of God. As we navigate our individual journeys, we must remain open to God's leading, trusting that He has equipped us for the work He has set before us. [53:49]
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation." (2 Corinthians 5:17-18, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you act as a minister of reconciliation in your community today? How can you bring others closer to God through your actions and words?
Quotes
"That is so awesome, 70 years. What an example of what a godly marriage is supposed to be and the longevity of that and always something we can learn from. And so we are honored to be able to do that for you today. Thank you for setting such a great example. That is great. If you're visiting with us, we are glad you're here." [00:13:59] (21 seconds)
"Failure, though painful, had been his gift. It shattered his old ambitions and led him to something better. We resist failure, wanting to return to cinder what God hands us. But had he never lost, had he never seen, he never would have seen what truly matters. Failure directs us, forcing us onto a path where God reshapes our priorities." [00:35:09] (25 seconds)
"The world applauds success, but the Christian life is an upside down one, where losing to the world means gaining something greater. To fail by the worldly standards is, in the end, to succeed in the only way that matters. That was written about George Edward Foreman, who died on Friday of this year." [00:35:29] (29 seconds)
"If you noticed today, mostly, we had a few old guys in there. No offense to those of you who were a little older, but our communion was primarily led by our youth today, and it's really just that continued push that we're thinking about of generation to generation. How do we train? How do we provide? What do we give to the next generation?" [00:37:51] (22 seconds)
"The world is discipling our children at such a rate that the church can hardly keep up. Now, I don't know if that bothers you or not, but that bothers me, and this generation to generation and our role of sharing the good news, yes, with the world, yes, with those who need it, but we need to continue to share the good news with one another." [00:39:42] (29 seconds)
"And I don't know if that's a feeling any of you have but finding that call finding that place where God wants you to be most likely will be uncomfortable because when he puts you into a place you're you're doing his work not yours and and that's what makes it uncomfortable but I firmly believe and I used this quote a few weeks ago." [00:43:46] (32 seconds)
"Do we believe that God appoints us? That God chooses us? That God places us? That God knows us? That God is intimately involved in your life, placing you in positions and places and with people and in relationships and where you live and where you work? And do you believe that God is placing us in those areas so that we can be his kingdom ambassadors or are we just there by coincidence?" [00:49:25] (33 seconds)
"And for us to be in a place where we can follow his call and we can hear his call, we need to pray this prayer that the psalmist prays in 139, and search me, oh God, know my heart. Put me to the test. Know my anxious thoughts. See if there's anything wicked in me and then lead me in the way that you want me to go." [00:52:33] (25 seconds)
"Our call is to be people in the world who are sharing the good news of Jesus Christ at every opportunity we have. Not just occasionally. Not just when it fits our mood. Yesterday at the men's group, one guy was making an announcement about the book he was giving as our handout that you could, 30 days of devotions." [00:54:25] (21 seconds)
"But let me tell you, we are all called to be ministers of reconciliation, of God's creation back to him. And if we don't feel an ache for that, then we need to examine what it is we're doing in this world because we are called. I mean, we are all deeply called from the very heart of God for us to connect with him through his son Jesus." [00:59:39] (24 seconds)
"Now I will tell you that's where I struggle the most is being bold and courageous and stepping out and going where God's telling me to go because at the end of the day at some level I still think I know better I know that's not true but we all have that part of us that we think somehow we know better than God and said instead of just simply following him we continue to do what we want to do." [01:08:10] (36 seconds)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?