Moving with Urgency: Responding to God's Call
Summary
Today is a wonderful day to worship God, and I am grateful for the fellowship, the joy, and the opportunities He continues to give us as a church family. As we reflect on the blessings of recent gatherings and the vision for our church’s future, it’s clear that God is moving among us—both in the practical things we do and in the spiritual work He is calling us to. Whether it’s improving our facilities, launching new programs, or simply gathering together in worship, the Spirit of God is moving urgently, and the question before each of us is: are we moving with Him?
From the very beginning, as Genesis tells us, the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters, ready to bring order, life, and purpose. That same Spirit is still moving today, reaching out to heal, deliver, and empower. But only those who respond to His urgency become part of the work and receive the blessings that come with it. We live in a time where distractions are many—work, bills, family issues, and even our own routines can dull our devotion and make us lukewarm. Yet, God calls us to a living, vibrant relationship, not just a routine. He desires that we stay on fire for Him, putting aside distractions and making Him our first priority.
It’s easy to let life’s troubles, financial concerns, or even our own fears keep us from fully surrendering to God’s call. But the Spirit will not wait forever; God’s program moves forward, with or without us. If we delay, we risk missing out on the blessings and the purpose He has for us. Like Esther, we must recognize that we are called “for such a time as this,” and if we do not respond, God will raise up someone else. The urgency is real—not just for our own spiritual health, but for the sake of a world that desperately needs Jesus.
Now is the time to say yes to God, to move with the Spirit, to serve, to give, to pray, and to love. Whether it’s helping with a new ministry, supporting the church’s needs, or simply being present in worship and prayer, every act of obedience matters. Let’s not let routine replace relationship, or distraction replace devotion. The Spirit is moving—let’s move with Him, with urgency, faith, and joy.
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Key Takeaways
- The Spirit Moves with Urgency—So Must We
God’s Spirit is always active, seeking to bring life, healing, and purpose. But His movement requires our response. If we become complacent or distracted, we risk missing the opportunities and blessings He has prepared. The urgency of the Spirit is a call to action, not passivity. [36:21]
- Routine Must Not Replace Relationship
It’s possible to fall into the trap of religious routine—praying, attending church, or serving out of habit rather than love. God desires a living relationship, where our hearts are engaged and our devotion is real. When routine takes over, our spiritual fervor fades, and we lose the joy and power of true worship. [43:18]
- Distractions Dull Devotion and Lead to Drift
Life’s busyness, worries, and even good things can become distractions that dull our spiritual senses. When we allow these to take priority, we become lukewarm and start drifting from God’s purpose. Vigilance and intentionality are required to keep our hearts aligned with God and to prevent spiritual drift. [51:48]
- God’s Program Moves Forward—With or Without Us
God’s work will not be halted by our reluctance or delay. If we refuse to respond, He will raise up others to fulfill His purposes, and we will miss out on the blessing. Like Esther, we are called for such a time as this, and our obedience is both a privilege and a responsibility. [01:03:47]
- Now Is the Time to Say Yes to God
Delaying obedience or waiting for a more convenient time is spiritually dangerous. The Spirit’s invitation is for today, not tomorrow. Every act of surrender, service, and generosity matters—not just for our own growth, but for the sake of those God wants to reach through us. [01:08:22]
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Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[32:56] - Reflections on Fellowship and Blessings
[34:46] - The Spirit Moves: Genesis 1 and Urgency
[36:21] - The Wheat Field: Are You Moving with the Spirit?
[37:37] - The Spirit’s Work and Our Response
[38:41] - Signs of the Last Days and Urgent Call
[40:53] - Staying in Sync with the Holy Spirit
[41:43] - Sacrifice, Distraction, and Lukewarmness
[43:18] - Routine vs. Relationship with God
[49:35] - Examining Our Motives and Priorities
[51:48] - The Danger of Spiritual Drift
[53:41] - Serving God with Greater Zeal
[56:38] - The Rapture and Eternal Priorities
[57:17] - Losing Spiritual Fervor and the Need for Urgency
[01:03:47] - God’s Program Moves Forward
[01:08:22] - The Call to Respond Now
[01:12:59] - Trusting God’s Strength and Quickening
[01:14:45] - Overcoming Obstacles and Serving Faithfully
[01:15:54] - Giving, Tithing, and Putting God First
[01:21:43] - Church Improvements and Community Involvement
[01:23:58] - Celebrating Birthdays and Fellowship
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Moving with the Spirit’s Urgency
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### Bible Reading
Genesis 1:1-2 (ESV)
> In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.
Revelation 3:15-16 (ESV)
> “I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.”
Esther 4:14 (ESV)
> “For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
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### Observation Questions
1. In Genesis 1:2, what was the Spirit of God doing at the very beginning of creation? How does the sermon connect this to God’s activity today? ([34:46])
2. According to Revelation 3:15-16, what does God say about being lukewarm? How did the pastor describe what it looks like to be lukewarm in our daily lives? ([41:43])
3. In the story of Esther, what warning does Mordecai give her about not responding to God’s call? How did the pastor use this story to talk about our own choices? ([01:03:47])
4. The pastor mentioned that God’s Spirit is moving urgently. What are some practical examples he gave of how people can miss out on what God is doing? ([37:37])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the Spirit of God is described as “hovering” or “moving” in Genesis 1:2? What does this say about God’s nature and His desire to bring order and life? ([34:46])
2. What are some reasons people become “lukewarm” in their faith, according to the sermon? How does routine or distraction play a part in this? ([43:18])
3. The pastor said, “God’s program moves forward—with or without us.” What does this mean for someone who hesitates or delays in responding to God’s call? ([01:03:47])
4. How does the urgency of the Spirit challenge our normal way of living? What might it look like to “move with the Spirit” instead of just going through the motions? ([38:41])
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### Application Questions
1. The pastor talked about how easy it is to let distractions—like work, bills, or routines—dull our devotion to God. What is one specific distraction in your life that keeps you from being “on fire” for God? What step can you take this week to put God first? ([41:43])
2. Have you ever found yourself just “going through the motions” in your faith—praying, attending church, or serving out of habit rather than love? What would it look like for you to rekindle a real relationship with God? ([43:18])
3. The sermon mentioned that if we don’t respond to God’s call, He will raise up someone else and we may miss out on the blessing. Is there something God has been nudging you to do—serve, give, reach out, or pray—that you’ve been putting off? What’s holding you back? ([01:03:47])
4. The pastor used the story of Esther to remind us that we are called “for such a time as this.” Where do you see a need in your church or community that you could help meet right now? ([01:04:59])
5. When was the last time you said “yes” to God in a way that stretched you or made you uncomfortable? What happened as a result? ([01:08:22])
6. The pastor encouraged everyone to be present in worship and prayer, not just physically but with their whole heart. What is one way you can be more intentional in your worship or prayer life this week? ([50:33])
7. The sermon talked about giving, serving, and supporting the church’s needs as acts of obedience. Is there a practical way you can step up to serve or give in this season? What’s one small step you can take? ([01:15:54])
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God to help you recognize where His Spirit is moving in your life and in your church, and to give you the courage and urgency to say “yes” to His call—today, not tomorrow.
Devotional
Day 1: The Spirit of God is Moving Urgently—Are You Responding?
The Spirit of God is actively moving in our midst, reaching out to heal, deliver, and empower, but the real question is whether we are moving with Him or allowing distractions and complacency to hold us back. God’s Spirit is not waiting for us to get ready; He is already at work, inviting us to join in His purpose with a sense of urgency. Now is the time to open our hearts, surrender our will, and respond to His call, for the opportunity to be part of His work is available today, not tomorrow. Let us not delay or make excuses, but instead, let us move in step with the Spirit, ready to receive the blessings and purpose He has for us. [36:21]
Genesis 1:1-2 (ESV)
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you sense God urging you to act or change, but you have been putting it off? How can you respond to His Spirit’s prompting today?
Day 2: Avoiding Lukewarmness—Staying On Fire for God
It is easy to let the busyness and distractions of life dull our devotion, causing us to become lukewarm in our faith—neither hot nor cold, but simply going through the motions. God calls us to be passionate and intentional in our worship and service, not letting routine replace relationship or allowing our love for Him to grow cold. When we prioritize everything else above God, we risk losing the fire and excitement that once marked our walk with Him. Let us examine our hearts, put aside distractions, and rekindle our zeal, so that our lives reflect a genuine, vibrant relationship with Christ. [41:43]
Revelation 3:15-16 (ESV)
“I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.”
Reflection: What distractions or routines have been dulling your passion for God, and what specific step can you take today to rekindle your spiritual fire?
Day 3: Urgency in Seeking God—Now Is the Time
The call to seek God is not for a distant future but for this very moment; delaying our response to Him can mean missing out on His blessings and even risking our spiritual well-being. The world is full of distractions, worries, and excuses, but God’s Word urges us to seek Him while He may be found and to call upon Him while He is near. The Spirit is moving with urgency, and the opportunity to draw near to God and be part of His work is open now, but it will not remain open forever. Let us not let fear, pride, or the cares of this world keep us from saying “yes” to Jesus today. [38:41]
Isaiah 55:6 (ESV)
“Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near.”
Reflection: Is there a decision or commitment to God you have been delaying? What would it look like to say “yes” to God without hesitation today?
Day 4: Routine vs. Relationship—Giving Earnest Heed to Our Walk
It is possible to fall into a pattern where our faith becomes a matter of routine rather than a living relationship with God, causing us to drift away from the things that once brought us close to Him. Without vigilance and intentionality, we can let the most important aspects of our spiritual life slip, losing our sensitivity to the Spirit and returning to old habits or sins. God calls us to give earnest heed to our walk, to stay current in our relationship with Him, and to remain connected to the body of Christ through prayer, worship, and service. Let us examine whether we are merely going through the motions or truly living in relationship with God, and let us renew our commitment to stay close to Him. [51:48]
Hebrews 2:1 (ESV)
Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.
Reflection: In what ways has your relationship with God become more about routine than genuine connection, and how can you intentionally renew your walk with Him this week?
Day 5: Saying Yes to God’s Call—Don’t Miss Your Blessing
God’s program is moving forward, and He invites each of us to participate in His work, whether it’s serving, giving, or reaching out to others. If we hesitate or refuse, God’s work will still be accomplished—He will simply use someone else, and we will miss out on the blessing and purpose He intended for us. Like Esther, we are called “for such a time as this,” and our willingness to say “yes” to God can make an eternal difference. Let us not let fear, excuses, or busyness keep us from stepping into the opportunities God places before us, but instead, let us respond with faith and obedience, trusting that He will empower us for every good work. [01:04:59]
Esther 4:14,16 (ESV)
“For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” … Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai, “Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.”
Reflection: What is one specific way God is calling you to serve or step out in faith right now, and what is holding you back from saying “yes” to Him?
Quotes
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