The Call Of God Discussion Guide
Summary
Pastor Paul Newsham delivered a powerful message about the call of God on every believer's life. He emphasized that all Christians are called to ministry, not just those in paid positions, and that God often calls ordinary, reluctant people to partner with Him in His mission. Using Moses as the primary example, Pastor Paul showed how God prepares people through their circumstances and experiences, even when they don't realize it. He challenged the congregation to recognize that their current roles, professions, and passions could be the very areas where God wants to use them for His kingdom purposes.
The message addressed common excuses people make when feeling God's call - inadequacy, fear of rejection, and poor communication skills - showing how God responds to each concern with His presence and provision. Pastor Paul concluded by encouraging everyone to surrender to God's call on their lives, emphasizing that true fulfillment comes only through following God's purpose, and that He has prepared each person uniquely for the work He has called them to do.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before You with open hearts, ready to receive what You have for us today. As we gather together to discuss Your word and Your calling on our lives, we ask that You would speak to each of us individually. Help us to set aside our preconceived notions and fears, and give us ears to hear what You want to say to us. Open our minds to understand Your purposes and plans for our lives. We pray that through our discussion today, You would stir our hearts and help us to recognize the unique calling You have placed on each of our lives. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Ice Breaker
If you could have any job in the world for just one day, what would it be and why?
Key Verses
Exodus 3:1-10
Revelation 5:10
Romans 8:28
Ephesians 4:11-16
Hebrews 11:24-25
Questions
Pastor Paul mentioned that all Christians are called to ministry, not just those in paid positions. How does this change your perspective on your current role in life?
Moses spent 40 years in the palace learning leadership and 40 years in the wilderness learning the geography before God called him to lead Israel. What experiences in your life might God be using to prepare you for His calling?
What are some areas of life or issues that particularly move your heart or stir your passion? How might these be connected to God's calling on your life?
Moses made several excuses when God called him (Who am I? What if they don't believe me? I can't speak well). Which of these excuses do you most relate to, and how does God's response to Moses encourage you?
Pastor Paul shared examples of ordinary people like Lydia the businesswoman and the Ethiopian treasurer who served God in their everyday roles. How can you serve God more intentionally in your current circumstances?
The message emphasized that God calls us to partner with Him in His mission. What do you think God's mission looks like in your community or workplace?
Pastor Paul mentioned that some people feel a 'stirring' in their hearts about their life direction. Have you experienced anything like this? How do you discern if it's from God?
What would it look like for you to surrender more fully to God's calling on your life? What might you need to give up or step into?
Life Application
This week, spend time in prayer asking God to reveal His calling on your life. Look for opportunities to serve Him in your current role - whether as a parent, employee, student, or community member. Choose one specific way you can be a witness for Christ in your everyday environment and commit to acting on it this week.
Key Takeaways
All Christians are called to ministry and to be witnesses for Christ, not just those in paid church positions
God often uses our current circumstances, experiences, and passions as preparation for His calling on our lives
The call of God comes to ordinary people in ordinary moments, and He equips us with His presence to fulfill His purposes
Our inadequacies and excuses don't disqualify us from God's calling - He provides what we need to accomplish His will
True fulfillment comes only through surrendering to and following God's call on our lives
Ending Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for speaking to us today about Your calling on our lives. We acknowledge that You have a unique purpose and plan for each one of us. Help us to have the courage to step out in faith, even when we feel inadequate or uncertain. Give us wisdom to recognize the opportunities You place before us to serve You in our everyday lives. We surrender our fears, our excuses, and our own plans to You, and ask that You would use us mightily for Your kingdom purposes. Help us to be faithful witnesses wherever You have placed us. We trust that You will equip us and be with us every step of the way. In Your precious name we pray, Amen.