Sermons

Home Sermons

Exemple

Want to be a Trailblazer? October 18th

October 19, 2026 The Greatest Gift

Want to be a Trailblazer?
Let me tell you how!

 

  1. Introduction
    1. I never really knew what a trailblazer was until I received Jesus as my own personal savior. They talked a lot about being a trailblazer at my church, Calvary,
    2. but little to my knowledge, I was oblivious to it. As time went on, and people came to the church, different speakers, missionaries etc.
    3. They would talk about this way of life called being a trailblazer. I now truly know what it means to be one. It’s one who is preparing and making a way for the Lord Jesus Christ in people’s lives.
    4. It’s so important that we take the gospel very seriously. When you are youthful, you don’t think much about mortality, or even when you’re middle-aged.
    5. But after 65, you begin to see another picture. One that’s getting close to our departure. Even then, people still don’t get the clue that Heaven’s door is just around the corner.
    6. That’s why it’s so important to be out soulwinning. The bible says in Proverbs 11:30: He that Winneth Souls is Wise. Going to church is not enough, Christians.
    7. You must be trained and equipped in God’s Word, led by your pastor and the church to encourage you to be talking to as many people as you possibly can,
    8. sharing your testimony at every chance you can, with the hope and prayer that as you’re blazing the trail, along the way many will receive Jesus Christ as their own personal savior.
    9. If your church is not training and equipping the saints for the work of the ministry, they are shaming the Lord! The people deserve better!
    10. When a pastor is hired his main focus should be training and equipping the saints, being the under-shepherd that he is called to be with the calling that he is given,
    11. and the main focus should be winning souls. To be a trailblazer, one must be focused.
    12. One must be studied up. One must be trained to understand how to minister the gospel effectively to anyone that you come in contact with.
    13. You should be equipped and ready to answer questions and carry your bible so it can be the witness to your conversation. It’s not easy blazing the trail.
    14. But if you’ll focus on studying God’s Word, knowing God’s Word and allowing His Spirit to lead you and guide you into all truth and understanding, you will be the trailblazer, and very successful.
    15. Now let us look into our message.

Want to be a Trailblazer?
Let me tell you how!

 

  1. There are stories of great men who were trailblazers. Who were they?
    1. Dietrich Bonhoeffer – A German theologian and pastor who was involved in the resistance movement against the Nazi regime during World War II.
    2. He wrote extensively on the topic of Christian ethics & was executed by the Nazis in 1945. His writings continue to inspire Christians around the world to this day.
    3. John Wesley – A minister who founded the Methodist movement in the 18th century. He’s known for his emphasis on personal holiness, evangelism, & social justice, & his influence can still be seen today.
    4. Martin Luther – A German theologian who played a key role in the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century. He is best known for his “95 Theses,” which challenged the practices of the Catholic Church at the time and sparked a movement that would reshape Christianity.
    5. And these are just a few examples. There are many more.

 

  1. Is your heart to study and know God’s Word?
    1. We are all called to study God’s Word so we are approved of God and can accurately share it with others. Here it comes! Wait for it! 2nd Timothy 2:15: Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth. This one verse encompasses everything that you and I are to do as Christians. The Great Commission is to go out into the highways and byways and compel the lost to come in, but it starts with studying, THEN we can rightly divide to others the Word of Truth.
    2. The more we study God’s Word, the more we know it, and know the God of the Word. Psalm 119:10-11: With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Are you studying? And are you meditating on His Word? If so, YOU can become the next trailblazer!

 

  1. Is your heart to be all you can be for Him? Or are we just sitting on our laurels waiting for the next big wave to come through when you could’ve been riding it.
    1. If your heart is to be all you can be for Jesus, you are obeying what Jesus said in Luke 9:23: And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. When we say “I do” to Jesus Christ, we are called to set aside our own personal agendas and pick up His.
    2. If you are just sitting on your laurels and waiting for the next big wave, James has a word for you. James 1:6: But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. You know, for years and years we have prayed for a great revival, but I think God is saying back to us, “You be the revival.” When we endeavor to be all we can be for Christ, revival comes. He will make you a spark of revival.

 

  1. People are desperate. People are discouraged. Many lives have been turned upside-down that need the love, grace & guidance to encourage them to continue to keep marching on.
    1. This is why the Church is so important. Paul speaks about this in Hebrews 10:24-25: & let us consider one another to provoke unto love & to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: & so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. When we all get together as the Church and decide to be all we can be for Jesus, we can encourage and help those that are in need.

 

  1. The bible is also filled with trailblazers (OT&NT)
    1. Abraham blazed a trail into the unknown for a nation that he would give birth to. Genesis 12:1-3: Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. Abraham obeyed and God blessed Him and the 2 nations he birthed are still on the earth today.
    2. Joseph was another trailblazer for the nation of Israel in that after being sold into slavery by his family, being accused of something he never did, God ultimately raised him up to save his people from a terrible famine. Genesis 41:46-48: And Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt. And in the seven plenteous years the earth brought forth by handfuls. And he gathered up all the food of the seven years, which were in the land of Egypt, and laid up the food in the cities: the food of the field, which was round about every city, laid he up in the same. Eventually the brothers that had sold him into slavery would come needing food during the eyears of famine, and Joseph would bring them to Egypt to ilve until Moses came to bring them home.
    3. Speaking of Moses, when we first meet him, he knows his calling, but tries to do it his own way and gets into trouble. Finally, his trailblazing starts at the burning bush. Genesis 3:3-5: And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt. And when the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I. And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.It was here that God called Moses to be the trailblazer that would lead the nation of Israel out of Egypt and on their journey to the promised land.
    4. Paul started out as a trailblazer for the enemy, but then this happened. Acts 9:2-4: And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? Paul went on to be the trailblazer for Christ who won countless souls to the Lrod and wrote 2/3 of the New Testament.

 

  1. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is one that is a trailblazer with numerous accounts of what he did.
    1. He drew attention to Himself with his knowledge and wisdom at the young age of twelve. Luke 2:45-47: And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. Little did they know that the one standing in front of them was the greatest trailblazer of all, the Lord Jesus Christ.
    2. He fed five thousand men with just five loaves & two fish. Luke 9:16: Then he took the five loaves & the two fishes, & looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude. Jesus multiplied the five loaves and two fish andthousands were fed. This happens here at the Little House every Sunday night.
    3. We talked about last week how he calmed the storm at sea. Mark 4:39: And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. One word from Jesus changed the whole situation, from rough and stormy, to calm and peaceful.
    4. He even raised a man from the dead, proving that He has the power over death. John 11:43-44: And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go. After Jesus was crucified on the cross, on the third day, he arose from the dead, showing the world that He had conquered death.  He was deadly serious about being a trailblazer, and he certainly arose to the occasion. 😊

 

  1. Where are you in this message?
    1. It is my prayer that this message has inspired you to press on and be all you can be for God. Philippians 3:14: I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Is this you? This is something to think about.

 

  1. Are you all set because you received Christ as your own personal savior?
    1. As we say all the time, it is not enough just to believe and say you are all set. James 2:19: Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. We must live out what we believe and be fruitful for the one who saved us.
    2. Have you done anything to bring glory to God? 1st Corinthians 10:31: Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. We were made for His Glory, and everything we do should be to give Him glory.
    3. Have you gone out into the highways and byways to compel people to come into the church? Luke 14:23: And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. God wants His House to be full! What are you doing to help fill this place? Are you our there complaining that there aren’t enough people, or are you out inviting them???
    4. Have you led anyone to the saving grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ? If not, this message is for you.

 

  1. Story: Bonhoeffer, a German Trailblazer.
    1. We mentioned Bonhoeffer earlier in the message as an example of a trailblazer. Here is a little bit more information on what he did in the World War 2 era.
    2. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German pastor and theologian, lived a life of profound faith and courage during the Nazi era.
    3. He initially opposed the Nazi regime’s ideology and its influence on the church, eventually joining the German resistance and participating in plots to assassinate Hitler.
    4. His commitment to justice and his unwavering faith led to his arrest and execution by the Nazis in 1945.
    5. Bonhoeffer, born into a prominent family, chose theology over aristocracy, entering a path that would lead him to confront the evils of Nazism.
    6. He became a vocal critic of the regime, particularly its persecution of Jews, and established a seminary that resisted Nazi influence. When war began, Bonhoeffer struggled with the moral implications of fighting for Hitler, eventually choosing to engage in resistance activities.
    7. e joined the German Military Intelligence, which served as a cover for the resistance movement. He helped Jews escape to Switzerland and attempted to negotiate peace with Britain,
    8. but his efforts were unsuccessful. In 1943, Bonhoeffer was arrested for his involvement in the resistance and spent the next two years in prison.
    9. During his imprisonment, Bonhoeffer wrote extensively, producing works like Letters and Papers from Prison, which explored themes of faith, discipleship, and the nature of a world come of age.
    10. His writings have become influential texts in Christian theology and continue to inspire reflection on faith and action.
    11. In the aftermath of the failed July 20, 1944, assassination attempt on Hitler, Bonhoeffer was implicated and executed in Flossenbürg concentration camp on April 9, 1945, just weeks before the war’s end.
    12. His martyrdom, along with his theological insights, has solidified his place as a hero of faith and resistance against tyranny.
    13. Over the years, I’ve heard this man mentioned on the radio and it is said that out of all of the Christians living in Germany at the time, he was one of very few who spoke out against the Nazi movement. He was a trailblazer. Let’s you and I become the few that will speak out for the cause of Jesus Christ.
  1. Conclusion
    1. Has this message made you think of who you are and what God has made you to be?
    2. Is it enough to say that you’re saved and then do nothing else? Do you know the rewards are great on the earth and heaven for the things you’ve done
    3. Are you a trailblazer? If you are not, you ned to be.
Read More →

It’s A Shady Sunday: October 25

October 26, 2026 The Greatest Gift

It’s a Shady Sunday

 

  1. Introduction
    1. I recently had the opportunity to attend a service that brought me to a conclusion and the title for this message, A Shady Sunday.
    2. All of the upbringing and biblical training and perseverance in pursuing God’s Word seemed to be vanishing away in the hearts & minds of people.
    3. People are being taught in a way that dissolves the integrity, courtesy, & respect for God’s Word.
    4. Subtilty, pastors are changing the story that’s captivated the hearts and minds and souls of those who diligently are trying to understand and serve God in the best way they know how.
    5. It appears that pastors are going in a different direction. They’re becoming more liberal in their thinking & Jesus is becoming less of the focus in people’s minds..
    6. No matter how many people we have in our church, we’re going to preach, teach, train and equip the saints for the work of the ministry, with no compromise.
    7. I’ve said it in our services many times. If it’s just brought down to my wife, my friend mike, his fiancé and I, so be it.
    8. At least I’ll know that I stayed true to God’s Word with no compromise. We’re living in the Laodicean Church Age the civil rights of common people,
    9. where everyone thinks they have the right to say and do whatever they want.
    10. In God’s Word, there is order. There’s freedom of speech that we have in our country. Freedom to preach the Gospel. Is the Gospel being preached,
    11. or is it twisted and turned? Paraphrased and opinionated with no direction, and most of all, no understanding?
    12. Those teachers in the seminaries that teach and supposedly preach the principles and standards of God’s Word, may need to be taught themselves again
    13. and may need a complete overhaul and restoration process. Because a person has power, and authority doesn’t make them always have credibility or become credible.
    14. God’s Word is the same today as it was yesterday. God has never changed. The only ones that do the changing are you and me.
    15. I can tell you at The Greatest Gift’s Little House of Hope & Prayer, the gospel that is being preached there, is the same yesterday and will stand today, and tomorrow if it should come.
    16. In Luke 14:23: & the lord said unto the servant, go out into the highways & hedges, & compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.
    17. We’re called to preach the gospel in season and out. 2nd Timothy 4:2: Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.
    18. I don’t see anything about “Judge not lest ye be judged” here. I see here that we are to preach the gospel. We’re to be in season and out.
    19. We’re to reprove & rebuke those who don’t come sound to the doctrine of faith. The book isn’t a spiritual book only. It’s a doctrinal book that’s filled with true facts & justifies its own actions.
    20. It interprets itself because there’s no private interpretation. It says what it says and means what it says when it says it. The problem is that people must believe it. Trust in it without compromise.
    21. 2nd Peter 1:20: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
    22. If you’ll adhere to 2nd Timothy 2:15, study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth there won’t be a heavy cloud or any shady Sundays!
    23. Now let’s look into our message today,

It’s A Shady Sunday

 

  1. What does the word shady mean?
    1. We have the following definitions for the term Shady.
    2. Producing or affording shade.
    3. sheltered from the sun’s rays
    4. of questionable merit: uncertain, unreliable. Disreputable. This is the definition that applies best to what we are talking about this evening.

 

  1. In the introduction, can you see how this may apply in the world we live in today?
    1. In the introduction, I said that, pastors are changing the story that’s captivated the hearts & minds & souls of those who diligently are trying to understand & serve God in the best way they know how. The Old Testament predicted this in Jeremiah 10:21: For the pastors are become brutish, and have not sought the Lord: therefore they shall not prosper, and all their flocks shall be scattered. This is what is happening in church after church, as they are closing their doors one after another.
    2. I also said in the introduction that we are living in the Laodicean Church Age, the civil rights of common people. Let’s take a look at Revelation 3 verses 14 to 18 and we’ll break it down a bit.
    3. In verses 14 and 15 we have the diagnosis of the condition: And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. Have you ever drunk out of a water fountain that did not have a cooler, and the water was lukewarm. You wanted to get away from it as fast as you could. That’s the way much of today’s church has become.
    4. Verse 16 shows that our Lord has the same reaction. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Now it is important that Jesus is not talking to individual people. He is not going to spew born-again Children of God out of His Mouth. He is talking about the church as a whole.
    5. Verse 17 shows another issue with the church age we are in. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: Oh I don’t need to pay attention to the gospel. I have everything I need already. What’s God going to do for me? I’m sure you have loved ones that think this way.
    6. Here’s what Jesus says to those folks in verse 18. I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. Are you rich in the things that matter? Eternal life, the Word of God, the peace, love & presence of God? That’s the antidote.

 

  1. The Changing of God’s Word:
    1. Maybe you’ve heard the gospel being preached in other churches that have watered down and diminished the Word of God to make it say something it doesn’t mean at all. Ephesians 4:14: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; As we travel around and visit different churches in the morning, we see this happening more and more.
    2. Maybe you’ve been engaged in conversation with someone,& started scratching your head saying where in the world is this in the bible? 1st Timothy 1:4: Neither give heed to fables & endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. There are a lot of fables out there, but if you’re studying God’s Word, you’ll know how to steer clear of them.

 

  1. What does it mean to be lovers and boasters of oneself according to scripture?
    1. The scriptural reference for this is 2nd Timothy 3:1-2: This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy. This is from a passage that describes perfectly the time we live in.
    2. People are caught up in their own world, boasting about what they are doing, and not looking on the things of others. Philippians 2:4: Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. This is the cure for what ails many Christians in this age

 

  1. We’re living in a day & age according to God’s Word that men are;
    1. proud, and they are blasphemers of God’s Word as we read a minute ago in 2nd Timothy 3:2: For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

Most are unthankful. It’s hard to find true, holy people nowadays. Kids are very disobedient to parents.  

  1. Great men are boasting of their achievements giving God no credit at all. 2nd Timothy 3:4-5: Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. It is God that made them, skilled them and talented them for every effort, and they don’t glorify Him with what He gave them. This is the day and age we are in.
  2. Do you know people like this?

 

  1. Who in the bible had set the stage for a lot of shady Sundays, only to later realize that their sins had found them out. Only those who serve and love God will be sustained throughout eternity.
    1. Peter denied he even knew the Lord. Matthew 26:74: Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew. Jesus had warned Peter that before the cock crew twice, he would deny the Lord three times.
    2. Peter later went on to lead many souls to Christ. Acts 2:41: Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: & the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. Peter was instrumental in launching the 1st century church.
    3. Paul started out persecuting Christians. Acts 9:1-2: And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. When we first meet Paul, then named Saul, he was the worst nightmare of the church.
    4. But Then Paul went on to have a great impact for the Lord. It all started in Acts 9:4-6: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. The Great Adventure begins for Paul here, and as we know, he wrote 14 out of 27 books of the New Testament.
    5. Moses started out on his own strength, killing an Egyptian and then having to leave his country. Exodus 2:13-15: And when he went out the second day, behold, two men of the Hebrews strove together: and he said to him that did the wrong, Wherefore smitest thou thy fellow? And he said, Who made thee a prince and a judge over us? intendest thou to kill me, as thou killedst the Egyptian? And Moses feared, and said, Surely this thing is known. Now when Pharaoh heard this thing, he sought to slay Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and dwelt in the land of Midian: and he sat down by a well. Moses had to stay in the strange land for 40 years before he was ready for what God had for him.
    6. Then 40 years later, Moses was able to go back and lead his nation out of Egypt. His journey starts in Exodus 3:1-3: Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb. And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed. And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt. We know the story, how Moses had every excuse you could think of, but finally did go to Egypt.

 

  1. Does the son shine in your heart when the world rains on a shady Sunday?
    1. Do you have the spring in your step and the attitude to endure and the foundational strength to adhere to God’s Voice and Word?
    2. The cloud hangs over this world, but you who are born-again and truly serve God until the end, will never end up in a shady Sunday.

 

  1. Story: The Crossroads of Life
    1. If you are under the dark cloud and experiencing a shady Sunday, this story is for you.
    2. I stand at a crossroads in my life, wondering which direction I am supposed to take. So many things have come to an end recently.
    3. So many transitions have occurred to bring me to this point; changes that demand a reaction, an adjustment in the course of my life.
    4. One road looks safe & familiar, with easy resistance. It’s well-lit & I can see it is more or less a continuation of my past, an avenue of my day-to-day living.
    5. As I ponder that choice closer, I find myself wondering if it would be living, really living; or if it would be just existing.

 

 

  1. There’s no fear in this choice, because I’ve lived on this road for most of my adult life, with various side trips that all ultimately led me back to the same safe existence.
  2. It seems to me that to just carry on from day to day, would not be living. It would be sitting in the same box, watching each day pass from my sight, safe and secure but with no real eternal value.
  3. I turn and look in the other direction and I feel an uneasy fear begin to take hold.
  4. This road is not lit with familiarity. It is full of twists and turns and upward climbs that hide what is ahead of me.
  5. I cannot see the outcome or where I would end up on the other side. I cannot see the potholes and stumbling blocks that litter that path.
  6. It is definitely outside my comfort zone. It is outside the safe box from which I have watched my life go by.
  7. I weigh my choices, knowing that I have to choose. I cannot go back, I must go forward.  But to go forward, I must make the choice of which direction to go.
  8. I pause, trying to see down that road, groping blindly for some sense of direction into the unknown.
  9. I take my options and hold them up to the Lord, asking for His wisdom and guidance, asking for His will in this decision.
  10. I am reminded of Paul’s letter to the Colossians and I begin to pray his prayer for myself. “Show me Your will.
  11. Fill me with knowledge and spiritual understanding so I can walk within Your will, and walk worthy of You and bring You glory.
  12. Help me to be fruitful in all that I do, to give thanks for the hope that is in me.
  13. Deliver me from the power of darkness, guide me as I step forward into the rest of my life.”
  14. And then I see it. A tiny light coming through the darkness.  It grows steadily and I feel hands reaching out to take mine; hands that still bear the scars made by nails.
  15. As those hands grip mine, a peace and joy fill my soul and I hear Him whisper, “Follow Me. Do not lean on your own understanding.”
  16. I want to ask questions, but He tells my heart, “Follow Me. Do not be afraid. I will be with you all the way.”
  17. I feel the pull of those hands as he urges me to follow Him; and I step forward.
  18. Question: Which road would you take?

 

  1. Conclusion
    1. Does the shady cloud hang over your head? Can you see how the world is going today and the bright & beautiful Sunday morning, the rise of victory through God’s Word, and the love we have for people that God loves?
    2. What can you do and what will you do to avoid the cloud that looms over the distant and complex world we live in?
    3. If the day is bright for you every day, what can you testify and say to someone else who’s living under the shady cloud to brighten up their days?
Read More →
Exemple

I Have A Calling

November 2, 2026 The Greatest Gift

I Have a Calling.
Why do I feel It’s Been Delayed?

 

  1. Introduction
    1. When I first started in ministry, I didn’t really understand what a calling was all about.
    2. As time progressed on I began hearing my pastor talk about the calling one has in his life, and the need to be patient and wait on God’s Moving,
    3. while preparing yourself for when He’s ready to move so that you’ll understand, and those that you are involved with will see the evidence of the call of God on your life.
    4. God makes the call. He gives you a vision and a glimpse of your potential, your talent and skill to move forward. He prepares you like no other.
    5. He utilizes the God-given gifts that he’s instilled in you for a lifetime. Though there are many different types of things when you’re young that you want to do,
    6. think that you need to do, it takes time and patience to come to the conclusion of what you ‘re really good at and the God-given talent that’s been instilled in you to bring forth your calling.

 

 

  1. I wanted to be a rock singer before I became a Christian. God was grooming me in the music, writing, singing, playing, being involved in groups at a very young age. All leading up to the vision & calling that he had for my life.
  2. I didn’t know that God was going to grab ahold of me, change my life, but as he drew me, I listened and received a miracle called salvation.
  3. From there, my eyes were opened, and the scales fell from my eyes as I began to see what truth was, and how God all along was formulating my destiny & how I might benefit His Plan with the call that He gave me.
  4. Now after 40 years of staying faithful and consistent, He not only gave me my heart’s desire, but allowed the music that I wrote to lead many people to the Saving knowledge of Christ.
  5. I had another heart’s desire to be a pastor after I became a Christian. I felt the calling, the desire and the willingness to adhere to the call.
  6. Though this also took 40 years to achieve, I’m now the pastor of The Greatest Gift’s Little House of Hope & Prayer, The Greatest Gift gospel music group & Little School of Hope.
  7. It’s been quite an adventure. It’s been a long life journey, but I felt I’ve stayed true & faithful to the call that I received through the inspiration of the Spirit and the knowingness from God’s Word that I was called.
  8. One must be patient. One must pursue ones vision and dream, and God will turn it into the calling that he intended for your life.
  9. I’m grateful and thankful. God also blessed me with the ability of business and finances
  10. I’ve been in business and had my own construction company and built many since I was 17 years old.
  11. God used this vehicle to pay for my calling, passion and desire to see my calling through. I’m now retired.
  12. I’m still doing a few things here and there with construction, but the calling that God put on my life is truly evident. I know it. Everyone else knows it.
  13. Everyone can see it. They can believe it and they will support it. Thank you Lord for giving me the calling that I listened to, planned for, studied for was trained & equipped for such a time as this,
  14. to give what you’ve given me. It may have been delayed, but I patiently pursued. 40 years is a long time but when God has given you a call, vision, plan, strategy, and execution, you must continue on.

 

 

  1. That’s why I was called into the life of a Christian. Now let us look into our message.
  1. I Have a Calling.
    Why do I feel It’s Been Delayed?

 

  1. Has God called you?
    1. God has thoughts, hopes and plans for every one of us as it says in Jeremiah 29:11: For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. God has created you. He chose you to be in His Family, and He has hopes and dreams for what you can become in this life for Him.
    2. If you are born again, and love God, you are one of the called according to His Purpose. Romans 8:28: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. You are called according to His Purpose. He created you, saved you, and is preparing you for the purpose He has for you.

 

  1. Do you feel that your call has been delayed? Do you feel that you’ve failed along the way?
    1. If you feel your calling has been delayed, remember that God works everything out in His Timing, not ours. Ecclesiastes 3:11: He hath made everything beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end. There’s a chorus that says this. In his time, in his time, he makes all things beautiful in his time. Lord please show me every day as you’re teaching me your way, that you do just what you say in your time. Your call may seem delayed, but it’s right on time.
    2. Have you failed along the way? We all have from time to time. Romans 3:23: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; We’ve all failed but we get back up again and press on. As the old chorus says, failure isn’t final with the master. Press in to be all you can be for Jesus.

 

  1. Are you pursuing your vision and dream with hope for your calling?
    1. Here is what God’s Word says about pursuing your vision & dream. Habakkuk 2:2-3: And the Lord answered me, & said, Write the vision, & make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, & not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. Are you writing the vision down and making it plain to people around you that can help bring it about? For those that feel their calling is delayed, it is for an appointed time. Keep taking steps toward it, and God will see it come to pass.

 

  1. Have you given up? Been discouraged? Say like most have said, “I’m just waiting on God to move.” But you’ve never done anything to have God move?
    1. You should never give up and be discouraged. There will always be ups and downs, but keep going! Galatians 6:9: And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. That’s a promise you can take to the bank! If you persevere in your calling, God will see you soar and achieve great things!
    2. If you’re one who says you’re waiting for God to move, God says this. James 4:8: Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. You take a step toward God, and He’ll take 2 steps toward you. He works when you and I co-labor with Him. As we obey, He makes a way!
    3. A calling is given by inspiration through prayer. It doesn’t fall from the sky.

 

  1. Heaven has its destination for all of us. Are you destined to your call?
    1. Are you diligent in prayer, living every day to fulfill your calling until He takes you home? 2nd Peter 1:10: Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: Spend time in prayer every day, studying God’s Word, and taking steps to fulfill the vision and calling, and you will succeed.
    2. Remember that if you have received a calling from God, He’s not going to change His Mind about it. Just like He’s not going to change His Mind about your salvation. Romans 11:29: For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. He is never going to take away my ability to sing, write songs, and play music. He’s never going to take away my preaching ability. He’s not going to remove your gifts and callings either.

 

  1. All the examples Jesus gave in his teaching to his disciples are a treasure chest of examples for us to fulfill our callings as they did.
    1. Jesus called the disciples and us to be fishers of men. We see this in Matthew 4:18-19: And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. This is what Jesus is saying to you and me today. We are called to bring the fish to the master.
    2. Do you say that you don’t know what God’s Will is for your life? If you are born-again, you are His Friend, and He makes known the father’s will to us. John 15:15: Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. God’s Will is not hidden from those who diligently seek Him in prayer and studying the Word. He will reveal His Will and Purpose for your life.
    3. Jesus calls us to be the servant of all, looking on the things of others more than ourselves. James and John were in a dispute over who was the greatest disciple when Jesus said this. Mark 10:43-45: But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. Jesus was the prime example of a servant. He left the glories of heaven, came as one of us, & gave his life to save us from our sin. Our calling is to be other-centered.

 

 

  1. And here is the ultimate calling that the disciples obeyed, and you and I are to obey also. Matthew 28:19-20: Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. That is the calling of every one of us. It’s God’s Will for your life. Don’t say I’m not an evangelist. We’re all called to do the work of an evangelist. No exceptions and no excuses!

 

  1. Jesus was the perfect example of a calling. He was called to train & equip the disciples for the work of ministry, and His Calling was to die for all mankind.
    1. Jesus’ Calling, and what He came to do was foretold centuries before He came. Isaiah 9:6: For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. This verse is a prophecy of His Birth, His Ministry, and the kingdom that is to come.
    2. He also fulfilled his calling to die on the cross for your sins and mine. Isaiah 53:6-8: All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken. Jesus fulfilled His Calling and continues to do so, as He is at the right hand of the father, making intercession for you and me.

 

  1. Who in the bible started off with a calling, felt discouraged but moved forward in the end and received the greatest reward and blessing one could have?
    1. Last week we read about King David, his sin, and the consequences that he had to live with all his life. He knew how to move forward, putting his hope in God. Psalm 42:5: Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. Is this your prayer during difficult times? Do you purpose in your heart to trust God and put your hope in Him?
    2. Moses was pretty discouraged when he tried to free his Hebrew brothers and sisters on his own strength. We find this in Exodus 2:13-15: And when he went out the second day, behold, two men of the Hebrews strove together: and he said to him that did the wrong, Wherefore smitest thou thy fellow? And he said, Who made thee a prince and a judge over us? intendest thou to kill me, as thou killedst the Egyptian? And Moses feared, and said, Surely this thing is known. Now when Pharaoh heard this thing, he sought to slay Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and dwelt in the land of Midian: and he sat down by a well. After 40 years went by, Moses has the burning bush encounter, and goes on to fulfill his calling, not by his might or power, but by the Spirit of the Lord.
    3. Peter had his ups and downs, denying the Lord, and having to be rebuked by Paul, but he won a great harvest of souls. Acts 2:41: Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. For a man who walked on water, wavered in his faith, and denied he even knew the Lord, this was a big accomplishment. You can accomplish great things if you persevere in your faith and in your calling.

 

 

 

  1. Story: Keeping Focused
    1. Here is a story that will bring home the importance of being diligent and obedient to your calling.
    2. General Bradford was definitely an unusual general. He was known far and wide for both his infinite patience and love as well as for His justice and wrath.
    3. His soldiers loved him dearly—and for good cause. His orders were always good, and he personally found a way to care for each of the soldiers who volunteered for his little band.
    4. Michael had recently joined the general’s band, and was now quite anxious to prove himself a good soldier. His first task was to learn to march.
    5. “The key to marching is to stay focused and to listen for my commands constantly,” the general explained. “See that distant horizon?
    6. Fasten your eyes fifteen degrees above the horizon line. Don’t let them wander to the circumstances or people around you.
    7. Keep your eyes focused above the horizon, and your ears tuned to my voice. You’ll find that many, many things will try to distract you.”
    8. Michael couldn’t imagine anything distracting him from the horizon or the general’s voice.
    9. He’d soon find out, however, just how easily he could get distracted.
    10. The first time Michael actually had the opportunity to march, he lifted his knees up nearly to his chest each step in an effort to look like a good marcher.
    11. He desperately wanted to do a good job to please the general!
    12. The general shook his head and gently admonished the young private, “Don’t let your desire to show off distract you.
    13. True marching isn’t about lifting those knees in show; it’s about putting one step in front of the other in sync with my commands.”
    14. Michael hung his head. He had allowed the thought of what others would think to distract him from really doing his job.
    15. Michael tried again, this time not worrying about how he looked. Yet he had such a hard time keeping his eyes above the horizon!
    16. His eyes seemed to constantly wander to the things or people around him. Then he’d catch sight of the general and remember his command to look above the horizon. Would he ever learn?

 

 

  1. “George,” Michael called reprovingly, “your step is a little fast, and wipe the grin off your face. And Scott, loosen up your arms and let them swing a little more natural and—”
  2. “I said flight halt!”
  3. Only after walking several paces in front of the rest of the troop did Michael finally hear the command.
  4. He didn’t think he could ever forget the general’s reproof, “Cadet, fall back in line. Keep your own eyes and ears attentive and let me take care of the others.”
  5. Michael stepped back in line. He was beginning to realize that keeping focused would be a moment-by-moment battle. It was SO easy to get distracted!
  6. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6:12.
  7. In the Christian world we can easily lose focus and get distracted. God has given us a studious pastor who is bringing us the truth and our marching orders.
  8. Are we stepping in line with him and following his lead, or are we being distracted?

 

  1. Conclusion
    1. Do you have a calling from God? Do you know what a calling is?
    2. Did God give you a vision and dream with plans and direction? Spiritual insight and a knowing, but you let it go by the wayside?
    3. If God gave you a calling, are you fulfilling it?
Read More →

Copyright 2024