January 13th, 2025
by Joel Sosa
by Joel Sosa
The Call to Go: Embracing Our Divine Mandate
The Call to Go: Embracing Our Divine Mandate
In a world filled with distractions and conflicting messages, there's a call that echoes through time, urging us to action. It's not a suggestion or a mere option—it's a divine mandate that challenges us to our core: "Go into all the world and preach the good news to everyone."
This simple yet profound command from Jesus carries immense weight. It's not just about geographical movement; it's about a spiritual awakening, a call to action that should stir our hearts and propel us forward. But why does this matter so much?
The urgency of this call becomes clear when we consider the words of Romans 10:13-15:
"For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent?"
These verses illuminate the critical chain of events that lead to salvation. It starts with someone going, someone preaching, someone hearing, someone believing, and finally, someone calling on the name of the Lord. We are that crucial first link in the chain. Our willingness to go and share the good news can set in motion a transformation that echoes into eternity.
But how do we prepare ourselves for this monumental task? It starts with a commitment to personal growth and discipleship. Here are four key steps to deepen our faith and equip ourselves for the journey ahead:
1. Commit to Reading God's Word
The foundation of our faith and our ability to share it with others lies in our knowledge and understanding of God's Word. Challenge yourself to read the Bible from cover to cover this year. Did you know it only takes about 40 hours to read the entire Bible? That's less time than many of us spend watching a single season of our favorite TV show!
As you read, try the SOAP method:
- Scripture: Write out a verse that stands out to you.
- Observation: Jot down what you notice about the passage.
- Application: Consider how this applies to your life today.
- Prayer: Respond to God's Word in prayer.
Remember, Jesus said, "You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings." (John 8:31) It's through abiding in His Word that we come to know the truth that sets us free.
2. Listen to Sermons and Sound Teaching
In a world where our ears itch for messages that cater to our desires, we must intentionally seek out sound, biblical teaching. As 2 Timothy 4:2-4 warns us, there will be times when people reject truth in favor of myths. By consistently exposing ourselves to solid biblical preaching, we arm ourselves against deception and grow in our understanding of God's truth.
3. Be Discipled
Discipleship is not just about gaining knowledge; it's about imitating Christ and growing in maturity. As the Apostle Paul urged, "Imitate me, just as I imitate Christ." (1 Corinthians 11:1) This year, challenge yourself to move beyond the basics. Instead of constantly starting over, press on towards maturity in your faith.
Consider this definition of discipleship: staying current with what God wants to do in your life. It's about aligning our desires with God's desires, allowing Him to shape our dreams and ambitions. This might mean tackling long-standing issues in your life through focused 40-day journeys of prayer, study, and application.
4. Go Fishing for People
Jesus called fishermen to become fishers of men. Similarly, He's calling us to shift our focus from merely pursuing our own interests to actively seeking to bring others into God's kingdom. This is where all our preparation bears fruit—in the lives of those we touch with the gospel.
As we consider these steps, it's crucial to remember that this isn't about what we should do or even what we could do. It's about what we must do. The urgency is real. As the book of Revelation reminds us, Jesus is coming soon. Our response must be swift and decisive.
This call to "go" isn't just for a select few—it's for all of us who claim to follow Christ. It's a call to move beyond our comfort zones, to stop making excuses based on our past failures, and to embrace the adventure of faith that God has for us.
Imagine a church fully awakened to this call—a community of believers committed to growing in their faith and actively sharing the good news with others. Picture the ripple effect as lives are transformed, families are restored, and communities are renewed by the power of the gospel.
The question is, will we answer the call? Will we commit to deepening our faith through consistent Bible reading, sound teaching, and intentional discipleship? Will we step out in faith to share the hope we have with a world in desperate need?
The choice is ours. We can continue to live in the shallows of faith, or we can dive deep into the adventure God has for us. We can make excuses, or we can make disciples. We can hesitate, or we can go.
As we stand at the threshold of a new year, let's draw a line in the sand. Let's choose to go deeper in our faith and farther in our reach. Let's embrace the divine mandate to go into all the world, starting with our neighborhoods, workplaces, and social circles.
Remember, it's not about our ability, but our availability. God doesn't call the qualified; He qualifies the called. And He's calling you today. Will you answer? Will you go?
The world is waiting. The harvest is plentiful. The time is now. Let's go.
Listen to the full sermon here: /media
In a world filled with distractions and conflicting messages, there's a call that echoes through time, urging us to action. It's not a suggestion or a mere option—it's a divine mandate that challenges us to our core: "Go into all the world and preach the good news to everyone."
This simple yet profound command from Jesus carries immense weight. It's not just about geographical movement; it's about a spiritual awakening, a call to action that should stir our hearts and propel us forward. But why does this matter so much?
The urgency of this call becomes clear when we consider the words of Romans 10:13-15:
"For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent?"
These verses illuminate the critical chain of events that lead to salvation. It starts with someone going, someone preaching, someone hearing, someone believing, and finally, someone calling on the name of the Lord. We are that crucial first link in the chain. Our willingness to go and share the good news can set in motion a transformation that echoes into eternity.
But how do we prepare ourselves for this monumental task? It starts with a commitment to personal growth and discipleship. Here are four key steps to deepen our faith and equip ourselves for the journey ahead:
1. Commit to Reading God's Word
The foundation of our faith and our ability to share it with others lies in our knowledge and understanding of God's Word. Challenge yourself to read the Bible from cover to cover this year. Did you know it only takes about 40 hours to read the entire Bible? That's less time than many of us spend watching a single season of our favorite TV show!
As you read, try the SOAP method:
- Scripture: Write out a verse that stands out to you.
- Observation: Jot down what you notice about the passage.
- Application: Consider how this applies to your life today.
- Prayer: Respond to God's Word in prayer.
Remember, Jesus said, "You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings." (John 8:31) It's through abiding in His Word that we come to know the truth that sets us free.
2. Listen to Sermons and Sound Teaching
In a world where our ears itch for messages that cater to our desires, we must intentionally seek out sound, biblical teaching. As 2 Timothy 4:2-4 warns us, there will be times when people reject truth in favor of myths. By consistently exposing ourselves to solid biblical preaching, we arm ourselves against deception and grow in our understanding of God's truth.
3. Be Discipled
Discipleship is not just about gaining knowledge; it's about imitating Christ and growing in maturity. As the Apostle Paul urged, "Imitate me, just as I imitate Christ." (1 Corinthians 11:1) This year, challenge yourself to move beyond the basics. Instead of constantly starting over, press on towards maturity in your faith.
Consider this definition of discipleship: staying current with what God wants to do in your life. It's about aligning our desires with God's desires, allowing Him to shape our dreams and ambitions. This might mean tackling long-standing issues in your life through focused 40-day journeys of prayer, study, and application.
4. Go Fishing for People
Jesus called fishermen to become fishers of men. Similarly, He's calling us to shift our focus from merely pursuing our own interests to actively seeking to bring others into God's kingdom. This is where all our preparation bears fruit—in the lives of those we touch with the gospel.
As we consider these steps, it's crucial to remember that this isn't about what we should do or even what we could do. It's about what we must do. The urgency is real. As the book of Revelation reminds us, Jesus is coming soon. Our response must be swift and decisive.
This call to "go" isn't just for a select few—it's for all of us who claim to follow Christ. It's a call to move beyond our comfort zones, to stop making excuses based on our past failures, and to embrace the adventure of faith that God has for us.
Imagine a church fully awakened to this call—a community of believers committed to growing in their faith and actively sharing the good news with others. Picture the ripple effect as lives are transformed, families are restored, and communities are renewed by the power of the gospel.
The question is, will we answer the call? Will we commit to deepening our faith through consistent Bible reading, sound teaching, and intentional discipleship? Will we step out in faith to share the hope we have with a world in desperate need?
The choice is ours. We can continue to live in the shallows of faith, or we can dive deep into the adventure God has for us. We can make excuses, or we can make disciples. We can hesitate, or we can go.
As we stand at the threshold of a new year, let's draw a line in the sand. Let's choose to go deeper in our faith and farther in our reach. Let's embrace the divine mandate to go into all the world, starting with our neighborhoods, workplaces, and social circles.
Remember, it's not about our ability, but our availability. God doesn't call the qualified; He qualifies the called. And He's calling you today. Will you answer? Will you go?
The world is waiting. The harvest is plentiful. The time is now. Let's go.
Listen to the full sermon here: /media
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