Transforming LIVES!

Introduction:

If you could make a difference with one particular type of people, who would that be?

Acts 16:6–10 NIV

Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.

a. A General Call to Know and Follow Christ

Begin with Your General Call to Know and Follow Christ

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

NIV

He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

Develop your Specific Call to Serve a Particular People with your Life

Galatians 2:9 NIV

James, Cephas and John, those esteemed as pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me. They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcised.

Gal 2

Discover your Call

Paul:

Culture - Present situation and environment

Community - family of origin and important people

Communion - your relationship with God

Conflict - Is there a struggle that draws you in?

Commonplace - finding God in joy and beauty

Moses

Culture - Egypt, shepherding and leading

Community - born a Hebrew, became an Egyptian

Communion - walked close to God and was transformed

Conflict - struggled against Pharoah on behalf of the Hebrews

Commonplace - desert experiences

David

Culture - Israel moving towards statehood

Community - shepherding, youngest

Communion - a man after the heart of God

Conflict - Saul and Israel’s enemies

Commonplace - desert experiences, times in nature

Discover your Call

Passions come from different sources:

when you see a need in others

when you see a strength in you

when you experience a deep wound

Aspects of the Call (McNeil, A Work of Heart)

Culture - Present situation and environment

Community - family of origin and important people

Communion - your relationship with God

Conflict - Is there a struggle that draws you in?

Commonplace - finding God in joy and beauty

Moses

Culture - Egypt, shepherding and leading

Community - born a Hebrew, became an Egyptian

Communion - walked close to God and was transformed

Conflict - struggled against Pharoah on behalf of the Hebrews

Commonplace - desert experiences

David

Culture - Israel moving towards statehood

Community - shepherding, youngest

Communion - a man after the heart of God

Conflict - Saul and Israel’s enemies

Commonplace - desert experiences, times in nature

Discover Your Gifts

Pray. ()

• Know what the gifts are and how they operate. ()

• Look for the gifts to be displayed in others.

• Desire to know your gifts by delighting in the Lord. (; )

• Get involved in ministry even if you have not confirmed your gifts.

• Be available to serve.

• Ask others to confirm your gifts.

• Honestly evaluate your joy and effectiveness in ministry settings.