The Upward Call of God Pt 1
Introduction To Know, To Live, To Give Pt 1
Mat 16:13-14
If- asked- man on the street who Jesus was- you would get a variety of answers as we see in this verse.
They had heard about Jesus, knew something about Him, but they did not personally know Him.
Mat 16:15-17
COTRM Mission Statement
Our Mission Statement as a church is three-fold-
Encounter God, Love People, Share Life
To have a supernatural Encounter with God so we can Love People, as God has loved us, and Share with others the Life God has given to us.Jn 10:27
Talk today about what it means to encounter God-
Encounter- come face to face with- experience God.
Encounter God- all about having- relationship w/God.
John 17:3 (NAS) “This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.
Know- to be aware of, to recognize.
John 10:27 (NAS) “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me
Encounter is about knowing God and God knowing us.
Encourage- bible reading, prayer, regular attend mtgs
In each- activities- opportunities to encounter God.
Mat 16:15 Who is God to you?
V17 Reveal-uncover/unveil, expose something hidden.
Something made known to the mind directly w/o process of learning/information gathering.
It comes out of- encounter w/God through- the HS.
Events in Paul’s Life
Illustrate this concept of encounter in the life of Paul-
Paul’s testimony before the Jews
Act 22:6-10 testifying about his encounter w/God
Appoint- cause to be under authority, assign a task.
Paul was a successful religious leader, but God interrupted Paul’s life and gave him His purpose.
I pray each of us has had/will have such encounters-
situations where God reveals Himself to us.
Paul’s defense before King Agrippa
Act 26:14-16
Appoint- chose in advance- God had a plan for Paul.
Have you been appointed by God as Paul was?
How you answer- question- CRITICAL as to whether you will live your life w/sense of eternal purpose.
Minister- servant, helper, one who attends to another
Witness- to testify to the worth and effect of faith.
Same word-martyr-to give witness about God w/death.
We are- live our lives sacrificially for God’s Kingdom.
V16 Jesus told Paul he would be a witness to-
those things he had already seen, and
things in which Jesus would appear to him.
Already seen- Paul’s study OT scriptures, Gamaliel.
Things in which I will appear to you-
opening up of God’s Word through revelation
discernment into the activity of God
(in a particular situation/someone’s life)
Act 26:17-18 We are to live sacrificially before others so they have an opportunity to turn from-
darkness to light,
dominion of Satan to God,
receive forgiveness of sins/godly inheritance.
There is a great need for us- study God’s Word/pray-
so we have-foundation to draw from, and a
basis to interpret revelation from God.
Paul’s voyage to Rome and ship wreck
Act 27:9-10
Perceive- to see, watch closely, to understand-
supernatural perception- God gave Paul
Paul had spiritual insight/revelation about the trip.
We also must perceive what God is saying/doing today
Act 27:11
Centurion listened to- voice of reason over revelation-
this is a real danger for us today as well.
In many ways our society- driven by human reasoning.
But because we have turned our back on God- even our reasoning has become demonically inspired.
1 Cor 1:20 Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?
Certainly this is an accurate description of today.
Act 27:21-25
God speaks to Paul through- angel about future events.
The angel may have come because of Paul’s prayers.
God was going to get Paul to Rome even if the ship sank and everyone drowned.
Paul prayed not only for his own life but for- lives of the others with him- he interceded/petitioned God.
We must also learn the power of intercession.
Act 27:25-26
Believe- to be persuaded, put confidence in, rely upon
(not mere credence-live life based on what we believe)
As w/Paul, we live in a precarious/dangerous season, and must have absolute confidence in God.
Conclusion
God is calling each of us into an encounter with Him,
one that will change-essence of who we are, and
how we live our lives.
It is the foundation of our walk w/God as-
individual believers, and
our mission as a church.
1 Peter 1:21, 23 (NLT)
21Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And you have placed your faith and hope in God because he raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory.
23For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God.
Since the day I was saved- 40 years ago- I have given my life to the mission of building God’s church.
Are you prepared to give your life to that mission?
Jesus did and He is asking us to do it as well.
I recognize, as a believer, I have been appointed by God to be a minister and a witness of His life.
There is nothing more important.
Will you join me in that mission? (Act 26:16, 18)
Together we can make a difference in our community and overseas.
