Until Heaven is Full: Your Story Matters (Worship 10/19/25)

God’s story is one of invitation—a call to belong, to be known, and to be part of something far greater than ourselves. Each of us is woven into this story not by accident, but by divine design. Through Jesus, every person is invited into a relationship with God, and when our story becomes part of His, we find purpose and meaning that transcends our own lives. But this invitation is not just for us to receive; it is also a call to action. There is someone who needs you—someone who needs to see your faith lived out, to hear your story, and to encounter God’s story through you.

Faithfulness is not about having all the answers or being perfectly equipped. God equips those He calls, giving us the power of the Holy Spirit to be His witnesses right where we are—at home, in our neighborhoods, workplaces, and beyond. The call to “go and make disciples” is not a distant or abstract command; it is a daily invitation to pour into those around us, starting with our own families. The time we have with those closest to us is precious and fleeting, and our first ministry is often to those under our own roof.

Yet, the mission does not stop at home. As we go about our lives, we are called to share our story and God’s story with all people, even those we might find difficult to love or understand. The world is full of competing narratives—false stories that promise fulfillment but ultimately lead to emptiness and destruction. We are not fighting against people, but against spiritual forces that seek to distort truth and steal hope. Our response is to stand firm, clothed in the armor of God, connected to His power, and ready to share the hope we have.

Your story matters. It is unique, powerful, and irrefutable. People may argue about theology or Scripture, but they cannot argue with the transformation God has brought in your life. Whether your story is dramatic or seemingly ordinary, it is a testimony to God’s faithfulness. There is someone who needs to hear it. There is someone who needs you to step up, to reflect your faith, and to live on mission until heaven is full. This is not a call for a select few, but for every follower of Jesus, regardless of age or background. When we lean in, we become part of God’s ongoing, redemptive story—changing lives and shaping eternity.

Key Takeaways

• 1. You Are Needed in God’s Story Every person is invited into God’s unfolding story, and each of us has a unique role to play. There is someone who needs your faith, your story, and your willingness to step up. Your life can be the bridge that connects another to God’s love and truth, making an eternal impact that you may never fully see on this side of heaven. [31:08]
• 2. Faithfulness Begins at Home The first and most important mission field is often within our own families. The time we have to influence our children and loved ones is limited and precious—statistics show that most of our time with our kids is spent before they turn 18. Pouring into those closest to us is not just a duty, but a sacred opportunity to shape lives for eternity. [37:18]
• 3. God Equips Those He Calls God does not expect us to fulfill His mission in our own strength. He gives us the Holy Spirit to empower us, equipping us to be faithful witnesses wherever we go. Our job is not to fill others’ cups, but to faithfully empty ours—sharing what God has done in us, trusting Him to do the rest. [34:17]
• 4. Stand Firm Against False Narratives The world is full of competing stories that distort God’s truth and lead people astray. Our struggle is not against people, but against spiritual forces that seek to deceive and destroy. By putting on the armor of God and staying connected to Him, we can stand firm, resist these lies, and offer a better story—God’s story—to those around us. [46:12]
• 5. Your Story Is Powerful and Irrefutable No one can argue with the reality of what God has done in your life. Whether your journey has been dramatic or steady, your testimony is a living witness to God’s faithfulness. Be ready to share your story, knowing that it may be exactly what someone else needs to hear to take their next step toward Jesus.
  
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Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [06:14] - You Belong Here
• [06:49] - Fall Festival Invitation
• [08:10] - Welcoming Stephanie, Our New Kids Minister
• [09:56] - Prayer for Stephanie
• [29:13] - The Resurrection and God’s Invitation
• [31:08] - Someone Needs Your Story
• [32:12] - The Great Commission: Make Disciples
• [34:17] - Empowered by the Holy Spirit
• [35:39] - Faithfulness Starts at Home
• [38:46] - Living on Mission as You Go
• [41:41] - The Consequence of Silence
• [45:22] - Competing Narratives in Our Culture
• [46:12] - Our True Enemy and Spiritual Battle
• [49:12] - Standing Firm in God’s Power
• [51:39] - Be Ready to Share Your Hope
• [53:01] - The Power of Your Story
• [57:03] - The Call to Step Up
• [58:17] - Prayer and Response

Bible Reading

Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV) — > And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

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.

Ephesians 6:12-13 (ESV) — > For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.

Observation Questions

1. In Matthew 28:18-20, what specific instructions does Jesus give to his followers? What promises does he make to them?
2. According to Acts 1:8, what is the source of power for being Jesus’ witnesses, and where are they called to go?
3. In Ephesians 6:12-13, who or what does Paul say we are really fighting against, and what does he say we need to do to stand firm?
4. The sermon said, “God doesn’t call the equipped. God equips the called.” What does this mean in the context of the passages we just read? [[34:40]]

Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon emphasized that “faithfulness begins at home.” Why do you think the home is described as the first and most important mission field? How does this relate to the idea of “Jerusalem” in Acts 1:8? [[35:39]]
2. The world is described as being full of “competing narratives” that can lead people away from God. What are some examples of these false stories, and why are they so powerful? [[45:22]]
3. The sermon said, “Our job isn’t to fill their cup. It’s simply just to empty ours.” What does this mean about our responsibility in sharing our faith? [[39:56]]
4. Why is your personal story of faith described as “powerful and irrefutable”? How does this help when sharing with someone who may not believe the Bible? [[51:51]]

Application Questions

1. The sermon said, “There is someone who needs you—someone who needs to see your faith lived out, to hear your story, and to encounter God’s story through you.” Who is one person in your life right now who might need to see or hear your faith? What is one step you could take this week to reach out to them? [[31:08]]
2. When you think about your own family, what is one intentional way you could “pour into” your spouse, children, or those closest to you this week? Is there a conversation, prayer, or action you’ve been putting off? [[37:18]]
3. The sermon talked about not shrinking back from the call to be a witness, even if it feels scary or uncomfortable. What is one fear or hesitation you have about sharing your faith? How could you ask God to help you overcome it? [[40:11]]
4. Are there any “false narratives” or lies from the world that you find yourself struggling with? What would it look like to “stand firm” and put on the armor of God in that area of your life? [[46:12]]
5. The pastor shared that people can argue about the Bible, but they can’t argue with your story. What is one part of your story with God that you feel comfortable sharing? Is there a part you feel hesitant to share? Why? [[53:01]]
6. The sermon said, “God equips those He calls.” Is there a place in your life where you feel unqualified or not ready to serve or share? How might you trust God to equip you as you step out in faith? [[34:40]]
7. The time we have with those closest to us is “precious and fleeting.” What is one practical way you can make the most of your time with your family or friends this week, so that your faithfulness leaves a lasting impact? [[37:18]]