Faith, Purpose, and the Assurance of Eternal Life

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we had the privilege of welcoming Bob and Esther McCauley, a couple whose lives have been a testament to God's grace and purpose. Their journey is a remarkable story of faith, resilience, and divine encounters. Bob, a former military engineer and missionary pilot, shared his profound near-death experience, offering us a glimpse into the reality of heaven and the peace that surpasses understanding. Esther, a devoted servant of God, has stood by Bob through numerous adventures and challenges, embodying the strength and grace of a woman of faith.

Bob and Esther's story is not just about their accomplishments but about their unwavering commitment to serving God and others. They have been instrumental in missionary work, including starting the first seminary in Moscow and opening numerous churches. Their lives are a testament to the power of listening to God's call and acting upon it with faith and courage. Bob emphasized the importance of discerning God's voice in our lives, cautioning against impulsive decisions made without divine guidance.

One of the most compelling parts of their story is Bob's near-death experience, where he encountered the peace and joy of heaven. This experience has reinforced the truth that for believers, death is not something to fear but a transition into the presence of God. Bob's testimony serves as a powerful reminder that our faith in Christ assures us of victory over death and the promise of eternal life.

As we reflect on their journey, we are encouraged to live with purpose and faith, knowing that God has a unique plan for each of us. Bob and Esther's lives inspire us to trust in God's timing and to be open to His leading, even when it takes us on unexpected paths.

Key Takeaways:

1. Faithful Service and Divine Encounters: Bob and Esther McCauley's lives exemplify the power of faithful service to God. Their story reminds us that when we commit our lives to God's work, we open ourselves to divine encounters and experiences that deepen our faith and understanding of His kingdom. [15:43]

2. Discerning God's Voice: Bob emphasized the importance of discerning God's voice in our lives. It's crucial to seek God's guidance and confirmation before making significant life decisions. Acting on a whim without divine direction can lead to unnecessary challenges. [22:02]

3. Victory Over Death: Bob's near-death experience offers a profound insight into the reality of heaven. For believers, death is not to be feared but embraced as a transition into eternal life with God. This assurance gives us peace and confidence in our faith journey. [36:33]

4. Living with Purpose: The McCauleys' story encourages us to live with purpose and intentionality. By aligning our lives with God's will, we can make a significant impact in the world and fulfill the unique calling He has for each of us. [38:30]

5. The Power of Testimony: Sharing our experiences and testimonies can inspire and strengthen others in their faith. Bob and Esther's willingness to share their journey provides hope and encouragement, reminding us of the transformative power of God's love and grace. [42:05]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [06:21] - Introduction to Bob and Esther McCauley
- [11:35] - Bob's Military and Engineering Background
- [15:43] - God's Call and Discernment
- [22:02] - Missionary Work and Divine Guidance
- [24:26] - Establishing the First Seminary in Moscow
- [29:12] - Near-Death Experience in Liberia
- [36:33] - Victory Over Death
- [38:30] - Living Without Fear
- [42:05] - Encouragement for Those Fearing Death
- [45:00] - Continuing Missionary Work
- [48:00] - Closing Remarks and Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

1. John 14:1-3 - "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."

2. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 - "Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him."

3. Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

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Observation Questions:

1. What were some of the key experiences that Bob and Esther McCauley shared about their journey of faith and service? [06:21]

2. How did Bob describe his near-death experience, and what impact did it have on his understanding of heaven? [36:33]

3. What role did Esther play in supporting Bob throughout their missionary work and challenges? [24:26]

4. How did Bob emphasize the importance of discerning God's voice before making significant life decisions? [15:43]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does Bob's near-death experience align with the biblical promise of eternal life found in John 14:1-3? What insights does it provide about the Christian perspective on death? [36:33]

2. In what ways does the McCauleys' story illustrate the principle of trusting in the Lord as described in Proverbs 3:5-6? How did they demonstrate this trust in their lives? [15:43]

3. How might Bob and Esther's commitment to missionary work and church planting reflect the hope and assurance mentioned in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14? [42:05]

4. What lessons can be learned from Bob's caution against making impulsive decisions without seeking divine guidance? How does this relate to the concept of living with purpose? [22:02]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt God's call in your life. How did you discern His voice, and what steps did you take to follow His guidance? [15:43]

2. Bob's near-death experience brought him peace about the afterlife. How does your faith influence your perspective on death and eternity? [36:33]

3. Consider the role of testimony in your faith journey. How can sharing your experiences with others strengthen their faith and your own? [42:05]

4. Bob and Esther's story encourages living with purpose. What specific actions can you take to align your life more closely with God's will? [38:30]

5. How can you cultivate a deeper trust in God, especially when facing unexpected challenges or changes in your life? [22:02]

6. Identify a decision you are currently facing. How can you seek God's guidance and confirmation before proceeding? [15:43]

7. Bob and Esther have been instrumental in starting churches and seminaries. How can you contribute to your community or church in a meaningful way? [24:26]

Devotional

Day 1: Faithful Service Opens Doors to Divine Encounters
Bob and Esther McCauley's lives are a testament to the profound impact of faithful service to God. Their journey illustrates that when individuals dedicate their lives to God's work, they become open to divine encounters and experiences that deepen their faith and understanding of His kingdom. The McCauleys' commitment to missionary work, including establishing the first seminary in Moscow and opening numerous churches, showcases the transformative power of listening to God's call and acting upon it with faith and courage. Their story encourages believers to remain steadfast in their service, trusting that God will use their efforts to further His kingdom and bring about divine encounters that enrich their spiritual journey. [15:43]

"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." (1 Corinthians 15:58, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you commit to serving God more faithfully this week, and how might this open you to new divine encounters?


Day 2: The Importance of Discerning God's Voice
Discerning God's voice is crucial for making significant life decisions. Bob McCauley emphasized the importance of seeking God's guidance and confirmation before acting, cautioning against impulsive decisions made without divine direction. This discernment process involves prayer, reflection, and seeking wise counsel to ensure that one's actions align with God's will. By prioritizing God's voice, believers can avoid unnecessary challenges and align their lives with His purpose. This practice not only leads to more fulfilling decisions but also strengthens one's relationship with God, as it fosters a deeper reliance on His wisdom and guidance. [22:02]

"And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, 'This is the way, walk in it,' when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left." (Isaiah 30:21, ESV)

Reflection: What decision are you currently facing that requires God's guidance? How can you actively seek His voice in this situation today?


Day 3: Embracing Victory Over Death
Bob McCauley's near-death experience offers a profound insight into the reality of heaven, reinforcing the truth that for believers, death is not to be feared but embraced as a transition into eternal life with God. This assurance provides peace and confidence in the faith journey, reminding believers that their faith in Christ assures them of victory over death and the promise of eternal life. By embracing this truth, individuals can live without fear, knowing that their ultimate destination is secure in God's presence. This perspective encourages believers to focus on living purposefully and intentionally, with the hope of eternal life guiding their actions and decisions. [36:33]

"For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." (2 Corinthians 5:1, ESV)

Reflection: How does the assurance of eternal life with God change your perspective on daily challenges and fears?


Day 4: Living with Purpose and Intentionality
The McCauleys' story encourages believers to live with purpose and intentionality, aligning their lives with God's will to make a significant impact in the world. By trusting in God's timing and being open to His leading, individuals can fulfill the unique calling He has for each of them. This purposeful living involves seeking God's direction in all aspects of life, from career choices to personal relationships, and being willing to follow His guidance even when it leads to unexpected paths. By doing so, believers can experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from living in alignment with God's plan and making a meaningful difference in the world. [38:30]

"Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established." (Proverbs 16:3, ESV)

Reflection: What steps can you take today to align your life more closely with God's purpose for you?


Day 5: The Transformative Power of Testimony
Sharing personal experiences and testimonies can inspire and strengthen others in their faith journey. Bob and Esther McCauley's willingness to share their story provides hope and encouragement, reminding believers of the transformative power of God's love and grace. Testimonies serve as powerful reminders of God's faithfulness and the ways He works in individuals' lives, offering encouragement to those who may be struggling or doubting. By sharing their own stories, believers can build a sense of community and support, helping others to see the evidence of God's work in the world and encouraging them to trust in His promises. [42:05]

"And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death." (Revelation 12:11, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life could benefit from hearing your testimony of God's work in your life, and how can you share it with them this week?

Quotes

"Number one, they did not ask to be up here. I asked them to be up here with me, okay? That's number one, okay? Their heart, we have some books, if you'd like, in Peru, they will have them, you have a sign -up list and everything. If you would like to have one of their books, you're more than welcome to it. But here's the deal, everybody. They did not come to sell books. That's not their heart. Their heart is to be a blessing." [00:02:43] (22 seconds)


"You know, you got to know you hear God when you do these things. And Bob wanted me to make sure I press on this idea today that please do not do that. You do it if God tells you to do it. You don't do it because you get a whim or you get an idea. I've heard of people just train wrecking their lives, thinking they're following God when they weren't following God. They were just being silly in their zeal. They did silly things. This is following God though." [00:20:06] (28 seconds)


"So the pilot has passed away. Terrible crash. And now you're there. You're building his headstone. Now let's take it into the story of when you passed, Bob. So what was going on? You guys get that? I mean, he's dying, and you always wonder, how's it going to be? And he said, this is what really kind of provoked... We were at dinner a year ago, whenever we met, and we were talking about this, and he said, when I was there, it was the most wonderful thing." [00:29:28] (0 seconds)


"I mean, that is victory. That is victory over death, no doubt about it. So, okay, so, as you're experiencing that, did you ever, when you were in that moment, how did you fit, like, if someone was facing death, what would you tell them? What would you, what would be, what was the feelings? Were you scared? Were you nervous? Did you feel any anxiety?" [00:36:36] (27 seconds)


"But what Bob is saying is that there is no fear in that. I mean, to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord, just like the Bible says. And death has been defeated. For the believer, we go immediately into the presence of God, and there's nothing to fear when it comes to serving God and loving God. And I tell you, Christianity is the only place you find that. It's the only place in the world. That's why it's so real, and it's so authentic, and it's just so powerful." [00:38:46] (29 seconds)


"I mean, it's amazing how anybody you talk to that's a believer, that has these encounters, for the believer, it's nothing bad. It's all good. It's all good. Would you agree with that, Bob? And I mean that. I know you do. I know. I think it's fabulous. You know what I mean? I do think it's fabulous. So, so let me ask you this. If there was someone here who is struggling, or maybe fearing death, what would you just speak directly to them?" [00:40:31] (38 seconds)


"Yeah, they've actually had, they've had churches call them that have older congregations to get Bob and Esther to go and, like, stir them up. Is that, is that right, Bob and Esther? I mean, they... To get them to, because, you know, the truth of the matter is, they are still absolute, and let me just say this. If you're looking for a place to sow seed and make a difference and all that, they are still involved. You started, actually, it was yesterday, you opened the 43rd church, is that right?" [00:42:31] (36 seconds)


"Now, listen, everybody. This is something we want to make sure we say, and this is something I know Bob is passionate about too. Please understand that God spoke to Bob that, okay? And it's very important that you understand that to every person that God calls to do something, he speaks something different. Do not sell all your stock, sell your house, sell your car, because you heard a message from Bob." [00:19:42] (24 seconds)


"Tell me God isn't good. You know what I'm saying? Which, which really kind of, we'll go, we'll go right into the near death right here. So, so tell me how you ended up in, well, first of all, they do a ton of work still missionary wise. Okay. But, but let me say this. All right. So the way Bob ended up having this encounter is he was in." [00:22:04] (21 seconds)


"Absolutely. It's so good. It's so good. I can't even imagine calling up, hey, we're going to be together in a while. don't even love you. Yeah, I don't love you either, but I think God's in it, you know. Can't even imagine. Okay, so now, let's press into, okay, Bob, so we're going to lead up to whenever, or the near -death experience and all that, but kind of set the stage, because here's what I want people to, I want people to know that these are not like, these are great people." [00:15:14] (34 seconds)


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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?