The_Call_-_John_1_35_-_51_30_March_2025.txt

Devotional

Day 1: Aligning with God's Will Through Prayer

Prayer is a powerful tool that connects us to the heart of God. It is not merely a ritual or a list of requests but a profound expression of our relationship with the Creator. Through adoration, we acknowledge God's greatness and sovereignty. In confession, we bring our sins before Him, seeking His forgiveness and cleansing. Thanksgiving allows us to recognize His blessings and express our gratitude, while supplication is our opportunity to present our needs and the needs of others before Him. As we engage in these aspects of prayer, we align ourselves with God's will, seeking His guidance and expressing our dependence on Him. Prayer reminds us of our need for His grace in every aspect of our lives and helps us to live in a way that honors Him.

"Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison." (Colossians 4:2-3, ESV)

Reflection: How can you incorporate a more intentional time of adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication into your daily prayer life this week?

Day 2: Rooted in Scripture Amidst Modern Challenges

In a world where modern ideologies and philosophies often challenge traditional Christian beliefs, it is crucial to remain steadfast in the teachings of the Bible. The Reformed Evangelical movement emphasizes the importance of adhering to Scripture as the ultimate authority. This means that our faith should be rooted in the truth of God's Word rather than swayed by cultural trends or personal preferences. By staying true to biblical teachings, we ensure that our beliefs and actions are aligned with God's will. This steadfastness requires discernment and courage, as we navigate a world that often contradicts the values and principles found in Scripture.

"But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus." (2 Timothy 3:14-15, ESV)

Reflection: What specific modern ideologies or philosophies challenge your faith, and how can you equip yourself with Scripture to stand firm against them?

Day 3: Embracing the Call to Evangelism

Evangelism is not just the responsibility of church leaders but of every believer. We are called to share the gospel with others, proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ to a world in need. This involves living out our faith authentically and courageously, trusting that God will use our efforts to draw others to Himself. Evangelism is about more than just words; it is about demonstrating the love and grace of Christ through our actions and interactions with others. As we embrace this calling, we become vessels through which God can work to bring others into His kingdom.

"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." (1 Peter 2:9, ESV)

Reflection: Who is one person in your life that you can intentionally share the love and message of Jesus with this week, and what steps can you take to do so?

Day 4: Recognizing and Embracing Our Unique Calling

Each of us has a unique role in God's overarching plan, and it is essential to recognize and embrace our calling. Whether in full-time ministry or as laypeople, we are all part of the household of God, called to live lives that reflect His holiness and love. By understanding our purpose, we can live with intentionality and impact the world for Christ. Recognizing our calling involves seeking God's guidance and being open to His leading, trusting that He has equipped us with the gifts and abilities needed to fulfill our role in His kingdom.

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10, ESV)

Reflection: What unique gifts and abilities has God given you, and how can you use them to serve Him and others in your daily life?

Day 5: Living a Life That Glorifies God

The ultimate goal of our lives is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. This means living in a way that honors Him, seeking to please Him in all that we do. As we strive to be faithful servants, we look forward to the day when we will hear the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant," and enter into the joy of our Master. Living for God's glory involves making choices that reflect His character and values, prioritizing His kingdom above our own desires, and seeking to make a positive impact in the world around us.

"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." (1 Corinthians 10:31, ESV)

Reflection: In what specific area of your life can you make changes to ensure that your actions and decisions are bringing glory to God?

Sermon Summary

of the Sermon:**

The sermon focused on the importance of prayer, the role of the church, and the calling of individuals to serve God. It began with a time of adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication, emphasizing the need for personal and communal prayer. The sermon highlighted the visit of Reverend Dr. Steven Tong, who shared insights on the future of the Reformed Evangelical movement and the importance of staying true to biblical teachings amidst modern challenges. Dr. Tong emphasized the need for evangelism and the role of the church in spreading the gospel. The sermon also included a reading from the Gospel of John, focusing on the calling of the first disciples and the significance of following Jesus. The pastor encouraged the congregation to recognize their calling as part of God's overarching plan and to live lives that glorify God.

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Key Takeaways

1. time ministry or as laypeople, we are all part of the household of God, called to live lives that reflect His holiness and love. By understanding our purpose, we can live with intentionality and impact the world for Christ.
5. Living for God's Glory:
The ultimate goal of our lives is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. This means living in a way that honors Him, seeking to please Him in all that we do. As we strive to be faithful servants, we look forward to the day when we will hear the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant," and enter into the joy of our Master.

Bible Study Guide

**Bible Reading:**

John 1:35-51 (Jesus Calls the First Disciples)
Matthew 4:18-22 (Jesus Calls the First Disciples)
Ephesians 2:10 (We are God's Workmanship)

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**Observation Questions:**

In John 1:35-51, what was the initial reaction of the two disciples when John the Baptist identified Jesus as the Lamb of God?
How did Andrew respond after meeting Jesus, and what does this tell us about his character?
According to Matthew 4:18-22, what was the immediate response of Simon Peter and Andrew when Jesus called them?
In Ephesians 2:10, what does it mean to be created in Christ Jesus for good works?

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**Interpretation Questions:**

What might have motivated the disciples to leave everything and follow Jesus immediately upon His call?
How does the concept of being "God's workmanship" in Ephesians 2:10 influence a believer's understanding of their purpose in life?
How does the calling of the first disciples illustrate the importance of evangelism in the life of a believer?
What does the sermon suggest about the role of the church in staying true to biblical teachings amidst modern challenges?

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**Application Questions:**

Reflect on your own prayer life. How can you incorporate adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication more intentionally in your daily routine?
In what ways can you stay true to biblical teachings in your personal life, especially when faced with modern ideologies that challenge your faith?
Identify one person in your life who does not know Christ. What steps can you take this week to share the gospel with them?
Consider your unique role in God's plan. How can you better recognize and embrace your calling, whether in full-time ministry or as a layperson?
What specific actions can you take this week to live a life that glorifies God and reflects His holiness and love?
How can you ensure that your life is aligned with the ultimate goal of glorifying God and enjoying Him forever?
Think of a situation where you can be an instrument of God's work. How can you actively participate in God's plan in that context?

Sermon Quotes

"God has chosen the human being as His primary tool to reveal His will and eternal plan. We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand."

"The true Christian should believe in the redeeming Christ. Redemption is more important than miracles; it's the inner change of your heart to be renewed and regenerated."

"A church that does not want to evangelize is committing suicide. We should share our faith with others, preach to non-Christians, and defend the faith of Christianity."

"God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; what is weak to shame the strong. This ensures that no human being might boast in the presence of God."

"Christ has no body now on Earth but yours. Yours are the eyes with which He looks out His compassion to the world, the hands with which He blesses us."

"The purpose of our life is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever. May we hear from Him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant,' when we meet our Lord."

"We are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, called out of darkness into His marvelous light."

"God is among His people. If His people choose to do nothing about something right before their eyes, the probability is that God will let it be."

"The call of God is not confined to special people like the apostles. Every single one of us, if we belong to Jesus Christ, has been called by Him."

"When you ask, 'Where is God?' the answer is God is among His people, and His people will be the instrument to come and comfort you."

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