God's Calling
God's Calling12
I Kings 19:9
By Chuck Smith01KI 19:9Chuck Smith explores the profound question God posed to Elijah, 'What are you doing here?' highlighting how even the greatest servants of God can find themselves in despair and fear after significant victories. Elijah, fleeing from Jezebel, was in a place of discouragement, feeling isolated and overwhelmed by his circumstances. Smith emphasizes that God often speaks in a still small voice amidst chaos, urging us to recognize our true state and calling. Ultimately, God redirects Elijah towards a new mission, reminding him that he is not alone and that there is still work to be done.
Seven Marks of Service
By K.P. Yohannan0PSA 127:1ACT 27:22K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the seven marks of service in doing the Lord's work His way, assuring that what God initiates, He will sustain. He illustrates this with the example of Moses, who was faithful to God's calling despite challenges, highlighting that true ministry comes from a relationship with God and is fulfilled by Him. Yohannan warns against pursuing personal ambitions, stating that only what begins in God will endure. He encourages believers to remain committed to their calling, reminding them that hardships are part of the journey, but God's grace is sufficient. Ultimately, those who serve faithfully will receive their reward from the Lord.
Amos 7:14
By Chuck Smith0EXO 3:10ISA 6:5JER 1:6AMO 7:14MAT 4:19LUK 5:8ROM 8:281CO 1:272CO 3:51TI 1:15Chuck Smith emphasizes that God has a unique plan of service for each individual, highlighting that He does not redeem us merely to occupy space in a pew but to actively touch the lives of others. He points out that God uses ordinary people, like Amos, who may feel unqualified, to accomplish His work, and that many disqualify themselves based on their perceived ordinariness. Smith reassures that God's callings come with His enablements, and one does not need to abandon their current responsibilities to fulfill God's purpose. Ultimately, the sermon reflects God's deep love for the lost, as He continues to reach out to His people despite their shortcomings.
Brownsville Revival, Part 2
By David Ravenhill5552:241CH 16:8ACT 15:14David Ravenhill emphasizes the significance of God's calling on Israel and the church's role in reaching the nations. He explains that the tabernacle of David was not just about worship but also about bringing the nations to God. Ravenhill highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands, as seen in the lives of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and how the church, as the new Israel, is tasked with proclaiming the gospel to all nations. He draws connections between the Old Testament promises and their fulfillment in Christ, urging believers to recognize their responsibility in sharing God's wonders among the peoples.
Joshua 1
By Chuck Smith0JOS 1:1Chuck Smith emphasizes that to be used by God, one must first be faithful and willing to serve, as exemplified by Joshua, who was content in his role as Moses' minister. He highlights the importance of being called by God rather than seeking power for personal gain, and that true effectiveness comes from a deep relationship with God and a commitment to His Word. Smith encourages believers to embrace their training periods, as they prepare them for God's purposes, and to meditate on Scripture to strengthen their spiritual lives. Ultimately, he reassures that when God is ready, He will call those who are faithful and filled with His Word.
God Needs Gideons
By T. Austin-Sparks0JDG 6:14T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that God seeks individuals like Gideon, who embody humility, diligence, and a genuine concern for others, especially in times of spiritual decline. Gideon, despite his youth and the dire circumstances of Israel, was chosen by God because of his humble spirit and industriousness, working quietly to help his people. Sparks highlights that true spirituality is not defined by age but by one's heart and willingness to serve God's purposes. He also stresses the importance of personal integrity and the need to confront any complicity with evil in our lives before we can effectively serve God. Ultimately, God desires servants who are burdened for others and committed to restoring His honor in the world.
Abram Genesis 12
By John Nelson Darby0GEN 12:1John Nelson Darby emphasizes the significance of God's call to Abram in Genesis 12, illustrating how it marks a pivotal moment in God's dispensations. He explains that this calling is rooted in grace and is a demonstration of God's sovereign purpose, contrasting it with the previous dispensations of creation and government. The sermon highlights the necessity of obedience to God's call, which requires separation from worldly ties and a trust in God's promises, even when circumstances seem dire. Darby also reflects on Abram's subsequent actions in Egypt, showcasing the consequences of unbelief and the importance of maintaining faith in God's guidance. Ultimately, the message encourages believers to recognize their calling and the need for faithfulness in their walk with God.
God’s Special Forces
By David Wilkerson01SA 10:26ISA 40:31DAN 11:32EPH 6:10David Wilkerson emphasizes that God is assembling a spiritual elite unit, akin to the U.S. Army's Special Forces, made up of dedicated volunteers who have been called and touched by God. This army, consisting of individuals from all walks of life, has been training in prayer and intimacy with Jesus, preparing to engage in spiritual battles against the enemy. Wilkerson draws parallels to biblical examples, such as Saul’s militia, highlighting that these warriors are being prepared for significant exploits in the name of Christ. He assures that although their work may currently be covert, it will soon manifest powerfully as God's Word prevails. The sermon encourages believers to recognize their strength in knowing God and to trust in His promise of renewal and empowerment.
God's Response to a World in Crisis
By David Wilkerson01SA 12:92CH 7:14PSA 65:4ISA 40:31JER 29:13MAT 5:14ACT 13:22ROM 12:1HEB 11:321PE 2:9David Wilkerson addresses the church's role amidst chaos, emphasizing that while it is filled with religious activity, much of it is superficial. He asserts that God has a remedy for a troubled world: raising up chosen individuals who are transformed and called to submit to His will. These servants, like Samuel, are equipped with urgency and divine authority to deliver God's message. Wilkerson encourages believers to step away from the distractions of life and seek a deeper communion with God, reminding them that those who wait on the Lord will find renewed strength.
Tamed by the King of Kings
By Erlo Stegen0PSA 118:26ISA 62:11ZEC 9:9MAT 21:1MRK 11:9LUK 19:29JHN 1:12JHN 12:13ROM 12:2Erlo Stegen emphasizes the significance of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, highlighting how He chose a young, untamed colt instead of a more experienced donkey, symbolizing God's ability to use the seemingly unqualified. He warns against allowing human reasoning to obstruct God's calling, particularly in the context of parents and their children. Stegen encourages listeners to recognize and respond to the personal arrival of the King of Kings in their lives, urging them to worship and honor Him. He contrasts the joyful reception of Jesus by the crowds with the envy and rejection from the religious leaders, reminding us of the importance of acknowledging those who come in the name of the Lord. Ultimately, he reassures that just as the colt was calmed by Jesus, so too can our wild hearts be transformed by His touch.
Take No Thought for Your Life
By A.B. Simpson0MAT 5:111CO 1:27HEB 13:13A.B. Simpson emphasizes that God often uses those who are despised and unpopular, reminding us that true recognition comes from God rather than man. He encourages believers to embrace their calling, even in the face of misunderstanding and prejudice, as many of God's greatest blessings lie beyond societal acceptance. Simpson asserts that the Holy Spirit is not ashamed to work through those who are marginalized, and that seeking God's will and glory should be our primary focus. He calls for courage to follow Christ, even when it means bearing reproach, assuring us that God will ultimately honor those who serve Him faithfully.
Session 8: John 17
By Joseph Carroll2541:35GEN 24:1Joseph Carroll emphasizes the significance of fulfilling God's calling in our lives, drawing parallels between Abraham's servant's mission to find a wife for Isaac and the Holy Spirit's role in leading believers to Christ. He stresses that even the smallest tasks given by God hold eternal importance, contrasting them with worldly pursuits that may seem grand but lack lasting value. Carroll encourages listeners to die to their worldly ambitions and desires, highlighting that true fulfillment comes from serving God's purpose. He illustrates this with examples of missionaries who chose humble paths over worldly success, ultimately pointing to Jesus' sacrifice as the ultimate model of selflessness and obedience to God's will.