Embracing the Call: Daily Surrender and Transformation
Summary
Today is a day of celebration and significance, marking Pentecost Sunday, Baptism Sunday, and the sending of Jude and Sierra to plant a new church in Santa Barbara. This is a powerful reminder that the church is not static but always moving, growing, and sending. The New Testament church was marked by continual addition, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and the sending of people into new places. We are called to continue this pattern, trusting that God will use ordinary, even broken, people to accomplish extraordinary things.
Reflecting on nearly three decades since the founding of our church, I am reminded of God’s faithfulness to fulfill His vision through people who are simply willing to say yes. The story of Pentecost is not just a historical event but an ongoing invitation for each of us to experience the power of the Holy Spirit, to be transformed, and to live as true followers of Jesus. The call is not to a private, hidden faith, but to a public, surrendered life that bears fruit and impacts others.
Jesus’ invitation is clear: “Give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.” This is not a one-time decision but a daily surrender, a continual laying down of our own plans in exchange for His. The pattern we see in Acts is simple yet profound: repent, be baptized, receive the Holy Spirit, and be planted in the church. These are not religious rituals but transformative steps that lead to a life of freedom, purpose, and power.
Repentance is more than a feeling; it is a turning from sin and a turning toward God, marked by real change. Baptism is a public declaration of this new life, symbolizing the death of the old self and resurrection into newness. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live victoriously and to be witnesses, not just in word but in the way we live. And being planted in a local church is essential for growth, accountability, and mission.
Ultimately, all of this points to the day when we will stand face to face with Jesus. The only thing that will matter is whether we have truly followed Him, loved well, and lived in such a way that we are ready to hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” My heart’s desire is to help as many people as possible prepare for that moment, living each day in light of eternity.
Key Takeaways
- The Call to Follow Is a Daily Surrender
Following Jesus is not a one-time prayer or a box to check, but a continual, daily surrender of our own plans and desires. True discipleship means laying down our vision for our lives and embracing Christ’s, trusting that His way leads to true life and fulfillment. This ongoing process requires humility and a willingness to let go, even when it’s uncomfortable or uncertain. [43:03]
- Repentance Is a Transformative Turning
Repentance is not merely feeling sorry or making a vague commitment; it is a decisive turning from sin and a turning toward God that results in real change. The Greek word “metanoia” speaks of a change of mind and heart that leads to a change in behavior. Genuine repentance marks a clear moment in our lives when eternity shifts, and it is the foundation for all other steps in following Jesus. [56:42]
- Baptism and the Power of New Identity
Baptism is more than a symbolic act; it is a supernatural moment where the old self is buried, and a new life begins. Through baptism, we are united with Christ in His death and resurrection, and the legal hold of sin is broken. This new identity empowers us to live as overcomers, no longer defined by our past but by the freedom and newness found in Christ. [01:01:42]
- The Holy Spirit Empowers Ordinary Lives
The same Spirit that transformed Peter from a fearful denier to a bold preacher is available to every believer. The Holy Spirit is not just for spiritual elites but for all who follow Jesus, empowering us to live victoriously and to be effective witnesses. Living without the Spirit’s power leads to frustration and defeat, but embracing His presence brings purpose, courage, and supernatural effectiveness. [50:50]
- Living in Community and with Eternity in View
God never intended for us to follow Him in isolation. Being planted in a local church provides the context for growth, accountability, and mission. Ultimately, everything we do should be lived in light of the day we will stand face to face with Jesus, longing to hear, “Well done.” This eternal perspective shapes our priorities, relationships, and the way we serve and love others. [01:10:17]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Celebrating Pentecost, Baptism, and Sending
[03:10] - Praying Over the Santa Barbara Church Plant
[06:00] - The New Testament Pattern of Sending
[08:30] - Vision and Testimony: 29 Years of God’s Faithfulness
[12:00] - What Does It Mean to Follow Jesus?
[15:00] - Jesus’ Call: Deny Yourself and Follow
[18:30] - The Pentecost Story and the Birth of the Church
[22:00] - The Power and Purpose of the Holy Spirit
[25:00] - Peter’s Transformation and the Power of the Gospel
[28:00] - Personal Testimony: From Brokenness to Freedom
[32:00] - The One-Two-Three-Follow Pattern
[35:00] - Repentance: Turning to God
[38:00] - Baptism: New Life and Freedom
[41:00] - The Gift of the Holy Spirit
[43:00] - The Importance of Church Community
[46:00] - Living as a Disciple and Preparing for Eternity
[49:00] - Invitation and Prayer for Salvation
[52:00] - Closing and Baptism Celebration
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Pentecost, Baptism, and the Call to Follow Jesus
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### Bible Reading
- Matthew 16:24-26
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you’ll lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you’ll save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?”
- Acts 2:36-41
“So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah.” Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away—all who have been called by the Lord our God.” Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!” Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all.
- Romans 6:3-7
Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives. Since we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised to life as he was. We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin.
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Jesus in Matthew 16, what are the three things someone must do to be his follower?
2. In Acts 2, what was the crowd’s response after Peter’s sermon, and what steps did Peter tell them to take next?
3. What does Paul say happens to our old self when we are baptized, according to Romans 6?
4. The sermon described the pattern of the early church as “repent, be baptized, receive the Holy Spirit, and be planted in the church.” Where do you see this pattern in the passages we read? ([56:42])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus says that following him means giving up your own way and taking up your cross daily, not just once? What does this look like in real life? ([43:03])
2. The sermon said repentance is more than a feeling—it’s a turning from sin and a turning toward God that results in real change. Why is this distinction important? ([56:42])
3. Baptism was described as a supernatural moment where the old self is buried and a new life begins. How does this understanding of baptism go beyond just a symbolic act? ([01:01:42])
4. The Holy Spirit was given to empower ordinary people to live victoriously and be witnesses. Why is it important that the Holy Spirit is for everyone, not just “spiritual elites”? ([50:50])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon said following Jesus is a daily surrender, not a one-time decision. What is one area of your life where you find it hard to surrender your own plans to God? What would it look like to lay that down this week? ([43:03])
2. Repentance is described as a real turning point that leads to change. Is there a specific area where you sense God calling you to turn away from something and turn toward him? What step could you take this week? ([56:42])
3. If you have been baptized, how did that experience impact your sense of identity in Christ? If you haven’t, what questions or hesitations do you have about taking that step? ([01:01:42])
4. The sermon talked about the Holy Spirit empowering us to live with purpose and courage. When was the last time you sensed the Holy Spirit helping you in a specific situation? How can you invite his help more intentionally? ([50:50])
5. Being “planted” in a local church is essential for growth and mission. What does being truly planted look like for you? Are there ways you could be more connected or involved in your church community? ([01:06:19])
6. The pastor shared about living each day in light of eternity and being ready to hear “Well done, good and faithful servant.” How does thinking about standing before Jesus one day affect your priorities or choices right now? ([01:09:01])
7. The early church was always moving, growing, and sending. Is there a way you sense God might be calling you to step out, serve, or be “sent” in a new way? What would it take to say yes? ([39:15])
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Devotional
Day 1: Surrendering Your Way for Christ’s Way
To truly follow Jesus means laying down your own plans, desires, and vision for your life, and embracing His call—even when it requires sacrifice or stepping into the unknown. Jesus invites each of us to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and trust that His way leads to true life, even when it challenges our instincts to “follow our heart” or do things our own way. The journey of discipleship is not a one-time decision but a continual surrender, trusting that God’s version of your life is better than anything you could design for yourself. [43:03]
Matthew 16:24-26 (ESV)
Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?”
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are still holding onto your own way instead of surrendering to Jesus? What would it look like to lay that down today?
Day 2: The Power and Purpose of the Holy Spirit
God never intended for you to follow Jesus in your own strength; He promised the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit to give you power to live as an overcomer and to boldly share your faith. Just as the early disciples waited for the promised gift and were filled with supernatural power on Pentecost, you are invited to receive the Holy Spirit’s fullness so you can live victoriously and be a witness for Christ in your world. The Holy Spirit transforms fear into boldness, weakness into strength, and gives you the ability to make an eternal impact. [50:50]
Acts 1:8 (ESV)
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Reflection: When was the last time you relied on the Holy Spirit’s power to share your faith or serve others? Ask God to fill you afresh with His Spirit today.
Day 3: Repentance—The First Step to New Life
Repentance is more than feeling sorry; it is a decisive turning from sin and self toward God, resulting in a changed heart and transformed behavior. This is the first and most crucial step in following Jesus, marking a clear moment when you say “yes” to Him and allow His grace to change your life. No matter your past or how many times you’ve stumbled, God’s mercy is new every morning, and He invites you to turn to Him and experience true freedom. [56:42]
Romans 10:9-10 (ESV)
Because if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.
Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you need to repent and turn back to God? What step can you take today to make that turn?
Day 4: Baptism—Buried with Christ, Raised to New Life
Water baptism is a powerful, public declaration of your faith in Jesus, symbolizing your old life being buried and your new life beginning in Christ. Through baptism, you identify with Jesus’ death and resurrection, and you are set free from the power of sin to live as a new creation. This step is not just a ritual but a supernatural moment where God marks you as His own and invites you to walk in the freedom and victory He has provided. [01:01:42]
Romans 6:3-7 (ESV)
Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin.
Reflection: If you have been baptized, how does remembering your baptism inspire you to live differently today? If you haven’t, what is holding you back from taking this step?
Day 5: Living Ready to See Jesus Face to Face
The ultimate goal of following Jesus is to be ready to stand before Him, face to face, and hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” This eternal perspective shapes every decision, motivates you to serve, give, and reach others, and keeps your heart focused on what truly matters. Life is short, and the only thing that will matter in the end is your relationship with Christ and how you lived for Him—so live each day with the anticipation of seeing your Savior. [01:12:04]
2 Corinthians 5:9-10 (ESV)
So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.
Reflection: If you knew you would see Jesus face to face soon, what would you want to change about the way you are living today?
Quotes
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