Gods Guidance Series

Series: Action [#34]

GOD’S GUIDANCE

Acts 16:6-15

Introduction:

Today is a special day- We are going to license Prem and Ray to the Gospel Ministry. These sermons always happen right when we need them. While talking with Prem about what God is doing in his and his family’s life; the question came up, “How do you know if you are doing the right thing”? How do you know what God is calling you to do?

Acts 16:6-8

When you are seeking God’s guidance…

1. Commit yourself to the Lord.

There is something very important to notice here- They were traveling from place to place in a specific region. The Holy Spirit did not allow them to preach in Asia. As they travelled, they had to be committed to following the Holy Spirit. Most likely, they did not know when and where they were going next. When they tried to go to Bithynia, God would not allow them to go in; so, they passed by and went to the next city. Often times, God does not give us much notice or information before we are to act. Only a person who is committed to serving God can keep moving forward or stop on the spot.

Ray is an example of committing himself to the Lord. God put on his heart many years ago that Hobbs needed a local Christian radio station. Ray has had to learn many things through the years when things break or when there is some controversy. I am sure that Ray has questioned the amount of money and time he has spent to make KROZ work; but he did it anyways. Also, Ray went from working heavily in Spanish churches to serving here at Bel Aire in the English service. He has preached, led worship, worked with the kids, taught musicians, etc… He has been faithful to serve in whatever ways he needs to.

Prem is also an example of committing yourself to the Lord. Prem moved his family 8,220 miles from Kathmandu, Nepal to Hobbs, NM. He had no job, no place to live, no transportation, no Church home; but he moved here because God led him to do so. God has provided for him and his family over and over again; and just as they are getting used to Hobbs, God is moving them 1,420 miles to Charlotte, NC to help pastor a new Nepali congregation.

Acts 16:9-10

When you are seeking God’s guidance…

2. Listen to Him.

Often times, we are frustrated with God because we don’t feel like He is answering our prayers; but He is speaking, and we just are not listening. God speaks to us in many ways.

He speaks to us through…

* Preaching and teaching.

* Prayer.

* Bible Study.

* Circumstances.

* Other Christians.

* Dreams and visions.

Acts 16:11-15

When you are seeking God’s guidance…

3. Focus on the Gospel of Jesus.

They were traveling again, and they ended up in the district of Macedonia, where God had given Paul a vision to go. In the vision, Paul heard a man asking them to come and help them. They could have easily focused on finding this man; but instead they went outside of the city to pray. They sat down and began to talk to some of the women from the city. These women were worshipers of God; but they had not yet heard the Gospel message. On that day, they were saved.

Prem, Ray, and I all have something in common- We have all left good paying jobs to go into Ministry. We also had many people tell us how stupid we were. When asked why I would do this, my answer is always, “Because it is about Jesus Christ”. Everything we do as Christians should be about the Gospel of Jesus.

Conclusion:

This sermon is not just for those that are being recognized today. This sermon is for every Christian in the room. Let God guide you.