Living with Eternal Purpose: Embracing Our Call
Summary
Today we celebrated the powerful work of God in the lives of believers through baptism, rejoicing in the transformation from death in sin to new life in Christ. Baptism is not just a ritual, but a public declaration of faith and a testimony to the grace, mercy, and forgiveness found in Jesus. It’s a reminder that we are part of a larger family, the body of Christ, and that each step of obedience is a reason for celebration.
Turning to Acts 1:6-11, we reflected on the disciples’ question to Jesus about restoring the kingdom to Israel. Their focus was still on earthly concerns, even after witnessing the resurrection. Jesus redirected their attention from temporal, national hopes to the eternal mission of being His witnesses to the ends of the earth. He reminded them—and us—that God’s plans are far greater than our own, and that our calling is to live with an eternal perspective, not just for our own comfort or security, but for the sake of the gospel.
We often get caught up in the anxieties and distractions of this world, worrying about things we cannot control. Yet, God’s sovereignty invites us to rest in Him, trusting that He is in control and that our lives are meant for a purpose beyond ourselves. The Holy Spirit empowers us, not just to believe, but to act—to step out of our comfort zones, to share the good news, and to be witnesses wherever God has placed us.
The call is clear: we are not to stand idly by, gazing into the sky, waiting for Jesus’ return while doing nothing. Instead, we are to engage the world around us, praying for boldness, seeking opportunities, and faithfully sharing the hope we have in Christ. Whether in our own city, our region, or to the ends of the earth, God has sovereignly placed us where we are to make an eternal impact. The question is not whether we are called, but whether we will be faithful to that call.
Key Takeaways
- Eternal Perspective Over Earthly Concerns
It’s easy to focus on the immediate worries and ambitions of this life, but Jesus calls us to lift our eyes to eternity. When we live with an eternal perspective, our priorities shift from self-preservation and comfort to sacrificial service and gospel impact. The American dream pales in comparison to the call of Christ to reach the lost and invest in what lasts forever. Let’s examine whether our lives are shaped more by earthly anxieties or by the hope of eternity. [41:23]
- God’s Sovereignty Frees Us From Anxiety
We often crave control, but any sense of control we have is an illusion—God alone is sovereign. Trusting in His authority allows us to rest, even when we don’t know the details of the future. True peace comes not from knowing the plan, but from knowing the One who holds the plan. Faithfulness means letting go of our need to control and embracing God’s perfect wisdom and timing. [44:51]
- The Holy Spirit Empowers Ordinary People
The same Spirit who empowered the apostles at Pentecost now indwells every believer. Our effectiveness in sharing the gospel doesn’t depend on our eloquence or personality, but on the Spirit’s power working through our obedience. God delights to use those who step out in faith, even when it feels uncomfortable or scary, to accomplish His purposes. The question is not about our ability, but our willingness to be used. [53:08]
- Faithfulness Means Moving Beyond Comfort
It’s not enough to know the truth or to gather with other believers; we are called to action. Many of us are content to “stare at the sky,” waiting for Jesus’ return, but the call is to get to work—praying, seeking, and sharing the gospel with those around us. Our knowledge must translate into passion and impact, or we risk missing the very purpose for which we were saved. [58:28]
- God Has Placed You Where You Are For a Reason
Whether you’re in your hometown or far from where you started, God has sovereignly positioned you to be His witness. Your background, your story, and your current circumstances are not accidents—they are opportunities for gospel influence. The mission field is wherever you are, and God calls you to intentional living, trusting that He will use your faithfulness to change lives for eternity. [56:18]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Baptism Celebration and Instructions
[03:00] - Tessa’s Baptism and Family Involvement
[06:00] - Tanya’s Baptism and Obedience
[09:00] - Invitation to Baptism and Prayer
[12:00] - Worship and Transition
[13:41] - Introduction to Acts 1:6-11
[15:00] - The Disciples’ Earthly Expectations
[18:00] - Jesus Redirects to Eternal Mission
[20:54] - Resting in God’s Sovereignty
[23:51] - Living With an Eternal Perspective
[26:06] - Trusting God With Our Resources
[28:11] - Sacrifice and Kingdom Impact
[31:38] - The Power and Role of the Holy Spirit
[35:08] - Stepping Out in Faith and Obedience
[38:28] - The Call to Be Witnesses Everywhere
[41:40] - Moving From Knowledge to Action
[44:40] - Invitation to Respond and Pray
[47:53] - Announcements and Dismissal
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
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### Bible Reading
- Acts 1:6-11
So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, are you restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time?” He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” After he had said this, he was taken up as they were watching, and a cloud took him out of their sight. While he was going, they were gazing into heaven, and suddenly two men in white clothes stood by them. They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up into heaven? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come in the same way that you have seen him going into heaven.”
---
### Observation Questions
1. What question did the disciples ask Jesus before He ascended, and what does it reveal about their expectations?
[[37:09]]
2. How did Jesus redirect the disciples’ focus from their question about the kingdom?
[[38:54]]
3. According to Acts 1:8, what does Jesus say will happen when the Holy Spirit comes upon the disciples?
[[49:38]]
4. What were the disciples doing as Jesus ascended, and how did the angels respond to their actions?
[[58:28]]
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the disciples were still focused on earthly concerns, even after seeing the resurrected Jesus? What does this say about human nature and our own priorities?
[[38:54]]
2. Jesus tells the disciples that it’s not for them to know the times or dates the Father has set. How might this challenge our desire for control or certainty in life?
[[42:20]]
3. The sermon mentioned that the Holy Spirit empowers ordinary people, not just the “gifted” or “eloquent.” What does this mean for how we view our own ability to share the gospel?
[[53:08]]
4. The angels asked, “Why do you stand looking up into heaven?” What does this question imply about the kind of life Jesus wants His followers to live while waiting for His return?
[[58:28]]
---
### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenged us to examine whether we are living with an eternal perspective or an earthly one. What are some specific ways you find yourself focused on temporary concerns rather than eternal ones? How could you shift your focus this week?
[[41:23]]
2. Are there areas in your life where you struggle to trust God’s sovereignty and instead try to control the outcome? What would it look like to “let go” and rest in God’s authority in those areas?
[[44:51]]
3. The Holy Spirit empowers us to be witnesses, even when we feel unqualified or afraid. Can you think of a recent situation where you sensed God prompting you to step out in faith? What held you back, or what helped you move forward?
[[53:08]]
4. The sermon talked about moving beyond comfort and not just “staring at the sky.” What is one practical step you could take this month to move from knowledge to action in sharing your faith?
[[58:28]]
5. God has placed each of us where we are for a reason. Who is one person in your current circle (work, neighborhood, family) that you sense God might be calling you to reach out to? What is one way you could intentionally build a relationship or share hope with them?
[[56:18]]
6. Baptism was described as a public declaration and a step of obedience. If you have been baptized, how does your baptism continue to shape your daily life and witness? If you haven’t, what questions or hesitations do you have about taking that step?
[[22:44]]
7. The sermon encouraged us to pray for boldness and opportunities. What is one specific prayer you can pray this week for courage to be a witness where God has placed you?
[[55:20]]
---
Close in prayer, asking God to give your group an eternal perspective, boldness through the Holy Spirit, and faithfulness to the mission He has given each of us.
Devotional
Day 1: Living with an Eternal Perspective
God calls us to shift our focus from temporary, earthly concerns to the eternal impact of our lives. While it’s easy to get caught up in the anxieties and distractions of daily life—worrying about finances, politics, or personal comfort—Scripture reminds us that our true citizenship is in heaven. When we live with eternity in mind, our priorities change: we become more willing to serve, to sacrifice, and to invest in what truly matters—the salvation and discipleship of others. Resting in God’s sovereignty frees us from anxiety and empowers us to live boldly for His kingdom, knowing that the ultimate victory belongs to Christ and that our lives can have an impact that lasts forever. [41:23]
Colossians 3:1-2 (ESV)
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
Reflection: What is one earthly concern that has been dominating your thoughts this week, and how can you intentionally shift your focus to God’s eternal purposes today?
Day 2: Trusting God’s Sovereignty and Letting Go of Control
We often desire to know every detail of God’s plan and to maintain control over our lives, but Jesus reminds us that the times and seasons are set by the Father’s authority alone. Any sense of control we have is an illusion; God alone is truly in control. This truth can be unsettling, especially for those who like to have everything planned out, but it is also deeply freeing. Trusting God’s sovereignty means surrendering our anxieties and embracing the adventure of faith, knowing that God’s plans are always for our good and His glory—even when we don’t understand them. [44:51]
Acts 1:6-7 (ESV)
So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority.”
Reflection: Where in your life are you struggling to let go of control, and what would it look like to trust God with that area today?
Day 3: Empowered by the Holy Spirit to Be Witnesses
Jesus promises that His followers will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them, enabling them to be His witnesses locally and globally. This power is not reserved for a select few; every believer is indwelt by the Holy Spirit and called to share the good news of Jesus. It’s not about natural ability or personality type—God delights in using ordinary people who step out in faith and obedience. When you pray for open eyes and boldness, God will provide opportunities and the courage to speak, and the Holy Spirit will do the heavy lifting in changing hearts. [55:20]
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: Who is one person in your life that you sense God prompting you to share the gospel with, and how can you take a step of faith toward that conversation this week?
Day 4: Moving from Knowledge to Action
It’s possible to know all the right answers, attend church faithfully, and still miss the call to action that Jesus gives. The disciples were caught gazing into heaven, but the angels challenged them to stop waiting and start working. Likewise, we are not called to be passive spectators but active participants in God’s mission. The knowledge of Christ’s return should motivate us to get to work—praying, serving, and intentionally reaching out to those who need to hear the gospel. Don’t let your faith become stagnant; let it move you to make an eternal difference in your community. [01:04:40]
James 1:22 (ESV)
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
Reflection: What is one practical way you can move from simply knowing about Jesus to actively living out your faith in your neighborhood or workplace this week?
Day 5: Praying for Boldness and Faithfulness in Witness
The call to share the gospel is not just for pastors or missionaries—it’s for every believer. God places people in your path—neighbors, coworkers, friends, and family—so that you can be His witness to them. Begin by praying for God to put specific people on your heart and for the courage to share with them. As you seek God’s face and step out in faith, trust that He will honor your obedience and use your witness to bring others into His kingdom. [01:06:21]
Ephesians 6:19-20 (ESV)
And also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
Reflection: Who are three people you can begin praying for by name today, asking God to give you boldness and opportunities to share the gospel with them?
Quotes
There is something sweet about being able to turn the news off and completely rest in the knowledge that God is in control of everything. And it doesn't matter who makes what decision. It doesn't matter, it doesn't matter tariff percentage. It doesn't matter if Walmart raises its prices. It doesn't matter if blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, fill in the blank. Whatever, whatever is, is causing anxiety in your spirit, whatever it is, realize in most of those situations, one, you have no control. Two, God has total control. [00:39:40]
If we can rest comfortably in the sovereignty of God, knowing that he is God and we are not, he knows all things, he's all powerful, he's ever present, he's in all places at all times, we can rest knowing that he is God and he's got it covered. He's got it covered. And the ultimate end of all things is going to be the return of Jesus Christ and the restoration of the heavenly kingdom. Like we know this is what's coming. We know we win. [00:40:20]
The things that we face, the difficulties that we face, the struggles that we face in our day -to -day life, I'm not trying to downplay them or diminish them. Sometimes life stinks and it kicks you in the teeth and that's just the reality of it. But we can take comfort and rest in the fact that we know that ultimately we win. Ultimately, God has the last word and we get the victory. [00:40:54]
Are you living with an eternal perspective or are you living with a earthly human perspective? And here's why I think that matters. Because if we, if ultimately we can say that we're living with an earthly human perspective, then we're, we're not going to serve and sacrifice the way that scripture calls us to. We're not going to live out the gospel the way that scripture calls us to. [00:41:29]
The American dream is all about your 401k and your retirement plan and the size of your house and how many cars you have. And, and the American dream has nothing to do with the eternal destination of billions of people. But God's plan for us, as we'll see today, is about us being the hands and feet of Jesus, being the mouthpiece for the gospel and reaching people with the good news of Jesus Christ. [00:42:04]
You have none. You have none. Any control that you think you have is an illusion. God controls everything. He might allow you, he might allow you to make decisions. It's kind of like when, when you're a parent and you look at your kids and you say, hey, would you like green beans or broccoli? Right? Like, like you're giving, there's no, there's not a chance that they're going to say, man, I really wanted asparagus. Or can we just swap that out for french fries? Because potatoes are a vegetable, you know? Like, no. The answer is no. We're giving them the illusion of control because they got to make a decision, but the reality is it was already going to be one or the other of these two things. God is completely 100, 100 % in control. [00:44:10]
If you knew what God could do in your life, if you knew what faithfulness looked like in your life, if obedience in your life to the gospel, if you knew what that looked like, it would scare the pants off of you. If you knew what God could do in and through you, if you were completely all in to what he wanted to do, it would, it would blow your mind. [00:45:05]
If we are living with an eternal perspective, if we are willing to live with eternity as that's what we're gunning for. We're not gunning for earthly treasures. We're not, striving for, or reaching for earthly things. We are literally pouring our lives out so that others may hear and live. We are literally living our lives and using our resources and our time so that we can expand the kingdom of God, make more disciples, and see God glorified around the world. [00:48:14]
It seems mighty shady to me that somebody would say, I trust in the sacrifice that Jesus made for me on the cross to forgive my sins and the power that he showed in rising from the grave on the third day to defeat sin and death so that I can live comfortably and let everyone around me go to hell. I don't see how in the world, and you say, well, I would never say that. No, you don't say it, but are you living it? [00:49:17]
You may not say I'm comfortable with people going to hell, but have you shared the gospel? Have you told somebody how to get to heaven? You may not be, you may not say it because we're too nice. We're too good people. We're too polite to say it, but do we care enough to live it? [00:49:44]
For us, at the point of your salvation, the Holy Spirit doesn't come upon you. The Holy Spirit indwells you, lives in you. We know from Ephesians chapter 1 that we've been sealed by the Holy Spirit as a sign of our inheritance, of our future inheritance in Christ. We have the Holy Spirit that indwells and lives in us as believers. [00:52:15]
Some of the most dynamic moments that I have seen doing evangelism were not from people like me who could just naturally talk to anybody. It was from the people who were scared. It was from the people who you could tell stepped out of their comfort zone, and they were way out of their comfort zone when they started talking to people about Jesus. And they saw as Jesus, I got to see as Jesus worked through them. [00:53:14]
If the Holy Spirit doesn't show up, they're not going to get saved. It's that simple. Because it's not you that calls them to salvation. It's God that calls them to salvation. So when we step out in faithfulness and we share the good news of Jesus Christ, that he loved us, that he cares for us, that he died for us, that he rose again to defeat sin and death, and we could have victory over sin and death with him. When we share the gospel plain and simple, the Holy Spirit does the heavy lifting because none of us, none of us can lead anybody to Jesus without the Holy Spirit. [00:54:38]
You can literally be the instrument that God uses to move that person's eternal direction from going to hell to going to heaven because you were faithful, because you were willing to step out of your comfort zone and let God use you. [00:56:27]
It's not by accident. It's intentional living for us. It's when we intentionally live out the gospel every day in the places that we go. And you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in Judea, in Samaria, and to all the ends of the earth. You will be my witnesses. [00:57:14]
God has sovereignly moved you and placed you right where you are for a reason for you to be used by him and it doesn't matter where you're from it doesn't matter what your background is it doesn't matter what matters is that you are a part of the body of Christ you have been saved by the same Jesus that we've been saved by we're all together in this we're all one big family and we have a job to take the gospel of Jesus Christ to those who have never heard. [01:00:33]
Many of us are still we're still staring at the sky man we come to church we come to church every Sunday we go to Bible study we're part of a life group we do all the we do all the churchy stuff we speak church in ease and man we love Jesus man we've got the t -shirts to prove it you know we've got the bracelets the bumper stickers the whole nine we love Jesus but here's what we're doing we're staring at the sky ain't nobody getting saved because you're staring up at some clouds and that's what we do right we're stuck in this holding pattern and we're just waiting for Jesus to come back let me tell you brothers and sisters it's time for us to get to work it's time for us to get to work. [01:03:04]
What would happen if we all sought God's face for who he wants us to share the good news with and then we're all faithful to it, we're all faithful to reach out and to do exactly that which God has called us to do? [01:04:22]
It starts with us trusting the Lord. It starts with us trusting that God wants to use us in the way that He talks about in His Word. As we pray, as we seek God's face, and we pray for the people that God wants us to reach, let's also pray for courage that we would have the boldness to share that good news with others. [01:05:40]
I want to encourage you guys always to worship through your giving as god leads you to give again give intentionally knowing that god is going to use those gifts to expand the kingdom to make to send missionaries to plant churches to revitalize churches to make disciples if god's calling you to be a part of that work and to be a part of that work through giving you can drop something that boxes in the back or you can give online at bethesda clayton .com slash give. [01:19:52]
Lord God as we go out today I pray that you would put people in our path like it you would tug on our hearts so strongly that we know that we are called to be your witnesses and in the places that we go lord I pray that you would that you there would be people in your kingdom next week uh because of the brothers and sisters in christ before me today lord we love you jesus we praise you pray these things your name amen. [01:20:21]
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