Current Series: “Awaken a Generation” Main Thought: God calls but it is up to us to answer. The Word: Isaiah 6:8, Ephesians 2:10, Joshua 1:9
Message Explanation: We live in a culture of Noise. (Emotional, mental, physical, spiritual). How can we answer something from God when our ears are full of noise?
Most ask, “How will I die” but the better question is, “How will I LIVE until I die.” Living the safest life possible is not the goal of following Christ.
Recap: Isaiah wrote his book nearly 2,800 years ago and it still speaks to us today! I love the story of Isaiah. If you haven’t read the book of Isaiah, I urge you to check it out! Although he was a leader in a dark time during Israel’s history, he stepped up to God’s call. The story in Isaiah 6 explains his experience with God in the temple. Isaiah was awakened to the holiness of God. He realized that God was on His throne despite the pain of life. Isaiah was humbled by God’s presence and responded.
Isaiah 6:8 “Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?” I said, “Here I am. Send me.”
How do we answer God’s Call?
Teaching point #1. Trust Christ (Proverbs 3:5-6). “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”
Explanation of teaching point: God’s will is found when we decide to be courageous about following Jesus. Isaiah heard God’s voice once and trusted Him!
Trusting Jesus is the first step to understand all of life. Here is where the rubber hits the road. For you to go anywhere in your journey in following Jesus, you have to go through being shaped by God. At this point, I shared a monologue story between God and me.
Teaching Point #2. Listen to His Word.
If this is the only time you read your Bible, you are starving spiritually.
Ephesians 2:10 Ephesians 2:10:“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”
Teaching Point #3: Be Available.
Explanation of teaching point: Remember what Isaiah responded with to God’s call. Isaiah 6:8 “Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?” I said, “Here I am. Send me.”
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9.
Story: That monologue between God and the person is similar to the conversation I have with God. It is the story of how I was awakened to God's call on my life.
God’s call is not a destination, it is an ongoing obedient response to God's call Everyday. In the good and the tough times. Sometimes the road seems uncertain but we serve a God who leads us through every step of the way.
God is doing something in you so that He can do something through you.
Answering the call is by saying “yes” to whatever God says!
- Isaiah was awakened to who God was - Isaiah responded in humility to God - Isaiah was changed by God - Isaiah was ready to say “yes” to God’s call on their life!
Are you listening to His call? It is up to you to respond.
Element of Fun: We played a version of "Hot potato" but with onions. Yes. It was gross. The middle school students passed it around and when the music stopped they had to take a bite of it. If not, they were out. It was hilarious and gross. Just the way middle schoolers like it. We had mints available!
Music: We are the Free, One Thing Remains, Your Love Never Fails, Forever Reign, Go (closing).
Favorite Moment: A first time student let me know that he was responding to God's call on his life. He felt broken and God spoke to Him that night! Praise God!
Planning Center:
