Aligning with God’s Vision: God’s Will and Your Calling

Understanding God's Vision, Mission, and Calling for Our Lives

 

Join JT in this episode of 'Seen and Heard,' where he discusses the profound questions about God's will, mission, and vision for our lives and the world. I'll shares the importance of recognizing God's call to make disciples of all nations and unpack scripture from Revelation, Ephesians, and more to provide clarity and direction. By examining the mission given to Christians, I'll explain our role as ambassadors for Christ and emphasize living in alignment with God's will. Tune in to explore how we can comprehend and fulfill our divine calling in today's world.

 

00:00 Introduction to Seen and Heard

00:00 Introducing a New Tool

00:52 Understanding God's Mission and Vision

03:17 The Vision of God: Revelation Insights

06:44 The Mission: Making Disciples of All Nations

09:20 Biblical Foundations of God's Mission

14:23 The Will of God Revealed  

17:13 The Plan and Purpose of God's Will

21:49 The Purpose of Praise

22:52 Ephesians: Displaying God's Grace

24:04 The Eternal Purpose of the Church

25:10 Recap: Vision and Mission

27:10 Our Calling as Ambassadors

28:28 The Ministry of Reconciliation

31:37 The Parable of the Talents

40:49 Living in Alignment with God's Will

Episode Transcript

(00:05):
I am JT and this is Seen and heard.
Hey guys, welcome to the podcast.
This is the place where we just can't help but tell others of what we have seen and heard God do in our lives and in the lives of those around us. 4 00:00:33,574.979773058 --> 00:00:35,624.979773058 I'm really excited to share a new tool. 5 00:00:35,999.979773058 --> 00:00:38,599.979773058 That I was able to share last night with my nine month group. 6 00:00:39,74.979773058 --> 00:00:46,274.979773058 I know that there are a ton of things that I should go over with how the ministry's been going and all the updates, and we will get to that. 7 00:00:46,974.979773058 --> 00:00:51,574.979773058 But for time's sake, I'm going to jump right into this episode and share this tool. 8 00:00:54,549.146439724 --> 00:00:59,799.146439724 Sometimes we can feel like following Jesus is so confusing. 9 00:01:00,424.146439724 --> 00:01:19,865.813106391 What is he up to these days? wHat's the mission that God is on today? where are we going? What is his vision? And how have we been doing? Where are we at in that mission? And has the mission changed at all? And then on top of that, when's the last time you heard somebody ask you, man, I wonder what God's will is. 10 00:01:21,165.813106391 --> 00:01:31,390.813106391 And if I were to ask you that, I would probably get a hundred different answers from 50 different people because it's so confusing or I feel like it can be a time. 11 00:01:31,390.813106391 --> 00:01:46,715.81310639 So what is the will of God? What is his plan for your life? What is the purpose that he has for you? And, oh yeah, what's my calling? These can all be really confusing and daunting and can make you paralyzed at times. 12 00:01:47,890.81310639 --> 00:02:00,332.47977306 But what if we actually knew the answer to these questions? What if I could tell you the vision of God, like where we are going, the mission, what God saw as good and right. 13 00:02:00,607.47977306 --> 00:02:17,482.47977306 To achieve that vision where we're at in that, and again, what if I could tell you the will of God, his plan to achieve that, will the purpose of that plan and your role in that plan, that's what we're gonna tackle today on this episode of Seeing and Heard. 14 00:02:17,807.47977306 --> 00:02:19,257.47977306 And so let's get it. 15 00:02:19,357.47977306 --> 00:02:20,57.47977306 Let's go guys. 16 00:02:21,464.97977306 --> 00:02:34,781.64643972 Have you ever been driving knowing a general idea of where you're supposed to be going, but not using maps? And then not too long afterwards you recognize that you don't actually know where we're going. 17 00:02:35,406.64643972 --> 00:02:36,306.64643972 You get lost. 18 00:02:36,544.14643972 --> 00:02:39,719.14643972 You get turned around and really frustrated. 19 00:02:40,519.14643972 --> 00:02:44,619.14643972 You see it's really important, especially nowadays, we have a lack of sense of direction. 20 00:02:44,619.14643972 --> 00:02:47,394.14643972 It seems like we have to use our maps on our phone for everything. 21 00:02:47,944.14643972 --> 00:02:48,369.14643972 Maybe not. 22 00:02:48,394.14643972 --> 00:02:51,744.14643972 Maybe you're better than me, but that's the way it works for me. 23 00:02:51,869.14643972 --> 00:03:00,144.14643972 This morning I was headed to a place to get breakfast tacos with a friend, and about halfway there I realized I don't actually know my exit. 24 00:03:01,6.64643972 --> 00:03:05,106.64643972 And so I had to get my buddy to help me out, and we put in the maps, and here we are. 25 00:03:05,431.64643972 --> 00:03:07,281.64643972 We made it, and we had some great breakfast tacos. 26 00:03:07,639.97977306 --> 00:03:08,339.97977306 So that's the point. 27 00:03:09,114.97977306 --> 00:03:19,89.97977306 If you don't have a destination of where you're going to go, how do you know that you're there when you get there? That's what the vision of God is. 28 00:03:19,131.64643972 --> 00:03:26,937.47977306 Where are we going? What's it gonna look like when we get there, guys, this is so awesome. 29 00:03:27,187.47977306 --> 00:03:29,912.47977306 All right, I'm gonna start with one verse and then I'm probably gonna read a second one. 30 00:03:30,662.47977306 --> 00:03:33,587.47977306 Revelation seven, nine and 10 says this. 31 00:03:34,112.47977306 --> 00:03:44,162.47977306 After this I looked and there was a vast multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language, which no one could number standing before the throne and before the lamb. 32 00:03:44,712.47977306 --> 00:03:50,212.47977306 They were clothed in white robes and palm branches in their hands, and they cried out in a loud voice. 33 00:03:50,612.47977306 --> 00:03:56,287.47977306 Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne and to the lamb. 34 00:03:57,437.47977306 --> 00:04:00,937.47977306 Isn't that amazing? There is going to be a day. 35 00:04:01,874.97977306 --> 00:04:12,974.97977306 That's the destination where everyone from, every tribe, tongue, nation, people, we're all going to be praising and worshiping around the throne of God. 36 00:04:13,486.64643972 --> 00:04:18,203.31310639 The crazy thing is it says Every nation, tribe, and people. 37 00:04:19,428.31310639 --> 00:04:33,911.64643972 And so we begin to ask the question, are we there yet? As we're driving to our destination, how are we doing? But first, before, before we go there I just want to give you a little bit more of the vision of where we're going. 38 00:04:34,336.64643972 --> 00:04:38,61.64643972 Revelation 21 verses one through eight. 39 00:04:38,899.14643972 --> 00:04:45,199.14643972 It says, then I saw a new heaven and a new Earth for the first heaven, and the first earth had passed away and the sea was no more. 40 00:04:45,349.14643972 --> 00:04:53,74.14643972 I also saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God prepared like a bride adorned for her husband. 41 00:04:53,374.14643972 --> 00:04:55,699.14643972 Then I heard a loud voice from the throne. 42 00:04:56,74.14643972 --> 00:05:01,299.14643972 Look, God's dwelling is with humanity, and he will live with them. 43 00:05:01,824.14643972 --> 00:05:07,749.14643972 They will be his people and God himself will be with them and will be their God. 44 00:05:07,824.14643972 --> 00:05:10,224.14643972 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. 45 00:05:10,374.14643972 --> 00:05:17,449.14643972 Death will be no more grief, crying, and pain will be no more because the previous things have passed away. 46 00:05:17,899.14643972 --> 00:05:22,524.14643972 Then the one seated on the throne said, look, I am making. 47 00:05:22,824.14643972 --> 00:05:23,874.14643972 Everything new. 48 00:05:24,24.14643972 --> 00:05:27,949.14643972 He also said these words are faithful and true. 49 00:05:28,399.14643972 --> 00:05:30,574.14643972 Then he said to me, it is done. 50 00:05:30,974.14643972 --> 00:05:33,974.14643972 I am the alpha and the omega. 51 00:05:34,124.14643972 --> 00:05:35,849.14643972 The beginning and the end. 52 00:05:35,999.14643972 --> 00:05:40,999.14643972 I will freely give to the thirsty from the spring of the water of life. 53 00:05:41,324.14643972 --> 00:05:46,999.14643972 The one who conquers will inherit these things and I will be his God and he will be my son. 54 00:05:47,724.14643972 --> 00:06:05,570.81310639 But the cowards, the faithless, detestable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their share will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death what an amazing verse. 55 00:06:06,470.81310639 --> 00:06:11,374.97977306 It says that God's dwelling is with humanity, and we will live with him. 56 00:06:12,720.81310639 --> 00:06:14,945.81310639 There'll be no more grief, crying and pain. 57 00:06:15,345.81310639 --> 00:06:16,370.81310639 No more sin. 58 00:06:16,695.81310639 --> 00:06:25,145.81310639 All those who have opposed God, like the cowards and the faithless and the detestable murders and on and on, they're not gonna be anywhere around. 59 00:06:26,70.81310639 --> 00:06:27,845.81310639 Everything will be made right. 60 00:06:28,670.81310639 --> 00:06:32,570.81310639 He will be our God and we will dwell with him as his people. 61 00:06:33,170.81310639 --> 00:06:35,320.81310639 What an amazing and beautiful thing. 62 00:06:44,728.97077373 --> 00:06:56,354.77165456 We know the vision of God, but how do we get there? What is God's mission to see? All tried tongue's, language, people, groups around the throne of God We know. 63 00:06:56,679.77165456 --> 00:07:03,604.77165456 Matthew 28, 18 through 20 it says, Jesus says, all authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. 64 00:07:03,892.27165456 --> 00:07:09,767.27165456 And he ends it by saying, and remember, I am with you always to the end of the age, so I'm gonna tell you what he says. 65 00:07:09,767.27165456 --> 00:07:14,67.27165456 But first, just know that Jesus has all authority and heaven and earth, and he's always with you. 66 00:07:14,342.27165456 --> 00:07:23,547.27165456 And he says, go, therefore made disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything that I've commanded you. 67 00:07:24,709.77165456 --> 00:07:30,284.77165456 And so I need you guys to understand there's no period in between the go and everything I've commanded you. 68 00:07:30,909.77165456 --> 00:07:32,584.77165456 It's one long sentence. 69 00:07:32,909.77165456 --> 00:07:39,834.77165456 And so after it says to make disciples, there's not a period that's not where the command ends. 70 00:07:40,359.77165456 --> 00:07:54,47.27165456 And so if we're doing what he said, but not where he said it, are we being obedient? If we're making a bunch of disciples here, which is an awesome thing, but we're neglecting parts of the world. 71 00:07:54,572.27165456 --> 00:07:58,130.60498789 Are we being obedient? It says, go, therefore make disciples of all nations. 72 00:07:58,263.93832122 --> 00:08:11,713.93832122 As Christians, our goal is to see his name among all nations, because when his name is among all nations, the Revelation seven, nine, and 10 can occur in every tribe, tongue, people, nation can be around the throne of God. 73 00:08:12,82.27165456 --> 00:08:16,807.27165456 But right now we know that about 40% of the world. 74 00:08:17,207.27165456 --> 00:08:20,757.27165456 40% of the world has little to no access to the gospel. 75 00:08:20,757.27165456 --> 00:08:22,19.77165456 That's over 3.4 76 00:08:22,19.77165456 --> 00:08:29,307.27165456 billion people will be born, live their life and die, and never, possibly, never even meet a Christian. 77 00:08:30,952.27165456 --> 00:08:41,552.27165456 In Matthew 24 14, it says, this good news of the kingdom will be proclaimed in all the world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. 78 00:08:41,852.27165456 --> 00:08:49,677.27165456 And so we know according to scripture that the end will not come until all nations are represented under the throne of God. 79 00:08:51,502.27165456 --> 00:08:54,2.27165456 And if we're right, 40%. 80 00:08:54,789.77165456 --> 00:08:59,414.77165456 Of the people groups in the world have no representation and so we got a lot of work to do. 81 00:08:59,514.77165456 --> 00:09:01,789.77165456 The mission has not changed. 82 00:09:01,964.77165456 --> 00:09:02,714.77165456 It's the same. 83 00:09:02,889.77165456 --> 00:09:06,809.77165456 We don't move on to something else if we didn't achieve the first mission. 84 00:09:08,643.10498789 --> 00:09:15,493.10498789 Okay, so we've identified the vision of God, where we're going, we know the mission and we know the status where we're at. 85 00:09:16,293.10498789 --> 00:09:20,343.10498789 But life is crazy and it's really easy to get distracted. 86 00:09:20,818.10498789 --> 00:09:27,318.10498789 And so I want to share with you some other verses to show you that the mission didn't actually start in Matthew 28. 87 00:09:27,668.10498789 --> 00:09:30,143.10498789 God has been pursuing All nations. 88 00:09:30,530.60498789 --> 00:09:31,480.60498789 From the beginning. 89 00:09:31,955.60498789 --> 00:09:37,227.27165456 Matthew 28 is just a continuation of Genesis one nine, Genesis 12. 90 00:09:37,702.27165456 --> 00:09:48,573.10498789 There's so many verses and passages in the Old Testament that point to all nations with our God, and so I just wanna bring up a few of those because it is just so important that we get these things in our gut. 91 00:09:49,210.60498789 --> 00:09:54,235.60498789 How do we live according to the mission of God, live in his will for our life. 92 00:09:55,360.60498789 --> 00:09:59,910.60498789 If we don't have it deep in our gut, we gotta digest this. 93 00:09:59,935.60498789 --> 00:10:01,960.60498789 It's gotta be a part of who we are. 94 00:10:02,860.60498789 --> 00:10:05,585.60498789 Okay, so I'm just gonna run through these real quick. 95 00:10:05,877.27165456 --> 00:10:10,52.27165456 maYbe a little commentary, but I'll just, I'll try and just run through these, but I think it's really important to share them. 96 00:10:10,839.77165456 --> 00:10:18,364.77165456 Starting in Genesis 1 26 through 28, it says, then God said, let us make man in our image according to our likeness. 97 00:10:18,714.77165456 --> 00:10:24,239.77165456 They will rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, the livestock, the whole earth, and the creatures that crawl on the earth. 98 00:10:24,439.77165456 --> 00:10:25,939.77165456 So God created man's own image. 99 00:10:25,939.77165456 --> 00:10:27,539.77165456 He created him in the image of God. 100 00:10:27,564.77165456 --> 00:10:29,539.77165456 He created them, male and female. 101 00:10:29,789.77165456 --> 00:10:30,764.77165456 God bless them. 102 00:10:30,764.77165456 --> 00:10:31,914.77165456 And God said to them. 103 00:10:32,877.27165456 --> 00:10:36,527.27165456 Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth and subdue it. 104 00:10:36,802.27165456 --> 00:10:41,602.27165456 Rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, and every creature that crawls on the earth. 105 00:10:41,727.27165456 --> 00:10:52,927.27165456 And so again, just to point this out from the beginning, the plan for Adam and Eve and for Noah and for Abraham is to be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth. 106 00:10:53,627.27165456 --> 00:10:56,2.27165456 As image bearers, we fill the earth. 107 00:10:56,402.27165456 --> 00:10:58,927.27165456 With his image, with the glory of God. 108 00:10:59,427.27165456 --> 00:11:00,677.27165456 Genesis nine, one. 109 00:11:00,852.27165456 --> 00:11:04,902.27165456 God bless Noah and his sons and said to them, be fruitful, multiply and fill the earth. 110 00:11:05,127.27165456 --> 00:11:11,277.27165456 Genesis 12, one through three, the Lord said to Abram, go from your land, your relatives, your father's house to the land that I will show you. 111 00:11:11,502.27165456 --> 00:11:13,2.27165456 I will make you a great nation. 112 00:11:13,2.27165456 --> 00:11:13,777.27165456 I will bless you. 113 00:11:13,952.27165456 --> 00:11:16,577.27165456 I will make your name great and you will be a blessing. 114 00:11:16,777.27165456 --> 00:11:23,227.27165456 I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse anyone who treats you with contempt and all the peoples on earth. 115 00:11:23,727.27165456 --> 00:11:24,902.27165456 Be blessed through you. 116 00:11:25,827.27165456 --> 00:11:26,302.27165456 Amen. 117 00:11:27,177.27165456 --> 00:11:41,877.27165456 There's so many times in the New Testament where they're actually quoting Genesis 12, and so you'll notice like Paul's never quoting Matthew 28, he's always saying, we are children of the promise of Abraham. 118 00:11:42,52.27165456 --> 00:11:43,802.27165456 He's all, he's going all the way back guys. 119 00:11:44,714.77165456 --> 00:11:58,239.77165456 Let's look at Isaiah 49, 5 and six it says, and now says the Lord who formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob back to him so that Israel might be gathered to him for I am honored in the side of the Lord and my God. 120 00:11:58,514.77165456 --> 00:11:59,289.77165456 Is my strength. 121 00:11:59,289.77165456 --> 00:12:05,389.77165456 He says, it is not enough for you to be my servant raising up the tribes of Jacob and restoring the protected ones of Israel. 122 00:12:05,614.77165456 --> 00:12:11,564.77165456 I also will make you a light for the nations to be my salvation to the ends of the earth. 123 00:12:11,564.77165456 --> 00:12:11,589.77165456 I. 124 00:12:13,854.77165456 --> 00:12:14,54.77165456 All right. 125 00:12:14,96.43832122 --> 00:12:17,246.43832122 Look at Psalm 46, verse 10. 126 00:12:17,496.43832122 --> 00:12:20,546.43832122 It says, be still and know that I'm God. 127 00:12:21,296.43832122 --> 00:12:25,896.43832122 And everybody just stops right there, right? That's on everybody's coffee mug, poster, whatever it is. 128 00:12:26,196.43832122 --> 00:12:29,71.43832122 That's where it stops, but that's not actually where it stops. 129 00:12:29,71.43832122 --> 00:12:30,271.43832122 There's a second half to that verse. 130 00:12:30,521.43832122 --> 00:12:31,96.43832122 It says. 131 00:12:32,408.93832122 --> 00:12:38,83.93832122 Be still and know that I'm God exalted among the nations, exalted on the earth. 132 00:12:39,692.27165456 --> 00:12:40,692.27165456 It's so important. 133 00:12:41,25.60498789 --> 00:12:49,769.49387678 We love the blessing of God, be still and know that I'm God take my yoke upon you for it's easy and gentle. 134 00:12:49,829.49387678 --> 00:12:52,271.05865456 Right? But why, we can't hoard the blessings. 135 00:12:52,271.05865456 --> 00:13:02,946.05865456 He told Abraham, I'm bless you, to bless others and so be still know that I'm God, I'm God is exalted among the nations and exalted on the earth. 136 00:13:03,321.05865456 --> 00:13:14,46.05865456 Habakkuk two 14 says, for the Earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord's glory as the waters cover the sea, and so the glory of the Lord. 137 00:13:14,621.05865456 --> 00:13:20,521.05865456 Covers the entire universe, but the knowledge of the glory does not. 138 00:13:21,71.05865456 --> 00:13:27,954.39198789 And so we need to take the gospel to every nook and cranny, crevice of this, earth to share the gospel. 139 00:13:28,154.39198789 --> 00:13:59,411.89198789 Romans 12 says, for everyone who calls on name of Lord will be saved, how then can they call on him? If they have not believed in, and how can they believe without hearing about him, and how can they hear without a preacher, and how can they preach unless they're sent as it is written? How beautiful are the feet of those who bring the good news, but not all obeyed the gospel for Isaiah said, Lord, who has believed our message? We need to get these verses in our hearts. 140 00:13:59,411.89198789 --> 00:14:05,736.89198789 He desires to see he name known in every people group, every tribe and nation. 141 00:14:07,511.05865456 --> 00:14:07,836.05865456 Okay. 142 00:14:07,836.05865456 --> 00:14:10,836.05865456 So we know the vision of God, we know where we're going. 143 00:14:11,361.05865456 --> 00:14:20,111.05865456 We know the mission, how we're gonna get there, and, and our status we're, we've got about 40% of the trip still left before we get there, right? Okay. 144 00:14:20,386.05865456 --> 00:14:21,611.05865456 So the mission hasn't changed. 145 00:14:21,611.05865456 --> 00:14:23,411.05865456 We still have the same, the same line. 146 00:14:31,705.39982928 --> 00:14:35,230.39982928 What is God's will, A lot of people can get bogged down with these questions. 147 00:14:35,655.39982928 --> 00:14:40,5.39982928 God's will, his plan purpose for my life, my calling. 148 00:14:40,505.39982928 --> 00:14:41,380.39982928 We're gonna answer those. 149 00:14:41,755.39982928 --> 00:14:49,380.39982928 So let's jump into Ephesians one and we're gonna start off by reading verses nine and 10. 150 00:14:51,388.56632032 --> 00:14:54,963.56632032 It says he made known to us the mystery of his will. 151 00:14:55,388.56632032 --> 00:15:01,963.56632032 Can I just stop right there? Did you just hear what Paul said? He said he just made known to us the mystery of his will. 152 00:15:02,213.56632032 --> 00:15:03,813.56632032 Paul's saying, I know the will of God. 153 00:15:04,838.56632032 --> 00:15:07,763.56632032 Isn't that wild? It reminds me of Romans 12. 154 00:15:08,138.56632032 --> 00:15:16,688.56632032 You know, it says that we're to be a living sacrifice, and at the end of verse two it says, so that we may know the good and pleasing and perfect will of God. 155 00:15:17,513.56632032 --> 00:15:22,763.56632032 Paul's saying that he knows the will of God and, and obviously the will of God is multifaceted. 156 00:15:22,913.56632032 --> 00:15:27,859.39965366 Dallas Willard talks about the will, the desire, his heart all being kind of wrapped up and won the same. 157 00:15:28,801.06632032 --> 00:15:31,476.06632032 What is the will of God? We're gonna, we're gonna read it right here. 158 00:15:31,476.06632032 --> 00:15:41,651.06632032 It says, according to his good pleasure, that he purposed in Christ as a plan for the right time to bring everything together in Christ, both things in heaven and things on earth in Him. 159 00:15:42,601.06632032 --> 00:15:47,276.06632032 Okay, It says that the will of God is that in Christ, he's gonna bring. 160 00:15:47,319.39965366 --> 00:15:56,606.06632032 Everything in heaven and earth together under the authority and kingship of Jesus, everything is pointing to this. 161 00:15:57,56.06632032 --> 00:16:04,31.06632032 The will of God is that all of heaven and earth would come to together, united under the authority and kingship of Jesus Christ. 162 00:16:04,606.06632032 --> 00:16:05,756.06632032 Man, what a great verse. 163 00:16:05,881.06632032 --> 00:16:16,781.06632032 In, in verse 20 through 23, it actually says he exercised this power in Christ by raising him from the dead and seating him at the right hand in the heavens, far above every ruler and authority, power in dominion. 164 00:16:16,781.06632032 --> 00:16:18,656.06632032 Every title given, not only in this age. 165 00:16:19,218.56632032 --> 00:16:25,543.56632032 But also in the one to come, and he subjected to everything under his feet and appointed him as head over everything. 166 00:16:25,593.56632032 --> 00:16:31,18.56632032 For the church, which is the body, the fullness of the one who fill all things in every way. 167 00:16:31,193.56632032 --> 00:16:33,343.56632032 Jesus is charge. 168 00:16:33,393.56632032 --> 00:16:41,593.5663203 Everything is subjected to Jesus, the will of God, everything under the authority and kingship of Jesus. 169 00:16:42,768.5663203 --> 00:16:50,543.5663203 Okay, so we now know the will of God, right? We know that God loved the world so much that he gave his son. 170 00:16:50,568.5663203 --> 00:17:00,793.5663203 We know that Jesus said he came to seek and save the lost and also says another verse that he is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to eternal life. 171 00:17:01,693.5663203 --> 00:17:02,668.5663203 We know the will of God. 172 00:17:02,693.5663203 --> 00:17:04,718.5663203 He loves, he loves us. 173 00:17:05,343.5663203 --> 00:17:06,843.5663203 And wants us to be together with him. 174 00:17:07,418.5663203 --> 00:17:11,493.5663203 So what's the plan to achieve that Will, right. 175 00:17:11,793.5663203 --> 00:17:14,993.5663203 What's the plan? Let's look at Ephesians one. 176 00:17:15,68.5663203 --> 00:17:27,268.5663203 You know right above that in verse three, it says, blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ, for he chose us, in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless and love before him. 177 00:17:27,268.5663203 --> 00:17:33,643.5663203 He predestined us to be adopted as sons through Jesus Christ, for himself, according to the good pleasure of his will. 178 00:17:35,31.0663203 --> 00:17:39,281.0663203 To the praise of his glorious grace that he lavished on us in the beloved one. 179 00:17:39,856.0663203 --> 00:17:44,22.732987 Okay, so I'm just gonna summarize this, with other scripture in mind as well. 180 00:17:44,397.732987 --> 00:17:49,472.732987 But before the foundation of the world began, God chose us. 181 00:17:50,622.732987 --> 00:17:55,647.732987 He predestined us to be with him in and through Jesus. 182 00:17:56,272.732987 --> 00:17:58,47.732987 Jesus is the plan. 183 00:17:58,872.732987 --> 00:17:59,972.732987 Jesus is the plan. 184 00:17:59,972.732987 --> 00:18:05,722.732987 He came and revealed the nature and the attributes of God to us. 185 00:18:06,360.232987 --> 00:18:09,85.232987 Because he knew that God has kind of passed our understanding. 186 00:18:09,85.232987 --> 00:18:12,835.232987 So he revealed who he was to us and and the nature of God. 187 00:18:12,910.232987 --> 00:18:18,385.232987 And he lived not only sinless life, but he was perfectly obedient and submissive to the Father. 188 00:18:18,610.232987 --> 00:18:24,310.232987 The Bible tells us that he was even unto the point of death, so he died for our sins. 189 00:18:24,310.232987 --> 00:18:26,410.232987 He is the perfect high priest. 190 00:18:26,785.232987 --> 00:18:28,760.232987 Bible tells us that our sins are forgiven. 191 00:18:28,985.232987 --> 00:18:29,710.232987 He died. 192 00:18:29,710.232987 --> 00:18:30,810.232987 He was raised from the dead. 193 00:18:30,810.232987 --> 00:18:38,35.232987 Three days later, he has the keys to, to life and death and, and hell, and, and he offers us his forgiveness. 194 00:18:39,210.232987 --> 00:18:50,735.232987 Okay? So Jesus came and he told the Father, he said, I finished the work that you called me to do, and on the cross, he said, it is finished Now, let me ask you a question. 195 00:18:51,785.232987 --> 00:18:56,410.232987 Is, is the plan finished? Well, no, the plan's not finished. 196 00:18:56,410.232987 --> 00:19:05,351.8996537 40% of the world still don't even know a Christian, and so no, the plan's not finished, but we'll come back to that. 197 00:19:05,901.8996537 --> 00:19:06,151.8996537 Okay. 198 00:19:07,1.8996537 --> 00:19:13,464.3996537 What is the purpose of the plan? The overall purpose of the plan? Okay. 199 00:19:13,464.3996537 --> 00:19:17,481.0663203 The purpose of the plan in verse six, we'll back up into five. 200 00:19:17,481.0663203 --> 00:19:27,731.0663203 He predestined us to be adopted as sons through Jesus Christ, for himself according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he lavished on us in the beloved one. 201 00:19:28,506.0663203 --> 00:19:28,706.0663203 Okay. 202 00:19:28,706.0663203 --> 00:19:32,806.0663203 As you catch that according to the good pleasure of his will. 203 00:19:34,131.0663203 --> 00:19:37,456.0663203 Right to the praise of his glorious grace. 204 00:19:38,6.0663203 --> 00:19:41,431.0663203 Why? To praise of his glorious grace. 205 00:19:41,581.0663203 --> 00:19:42,6.0663203 Check it out. 206 00:19:42,6.0663203 --> 00:19:49,893.5663203 Verses 11 and 12, it says in him, we have received an inheritance because we were predestined according to the plan. 207 00:19:51,568.5663203 --> 00:20:03,723.5663203 According to the plan of the one who works out everything in agreement with the purpose of his will, so that we who had already put our hope in Christ, might bring praise to his glory. 208 00:20:04,448.5663203 --> 00:20:12,748.5663203 So to catch that in verse six is to the praise of his glorious grace in verse 12, that we might bring praise to his glory. 209 00:20:13,636.0663203 --> 00:20:15,836.0663203 Look at 13 and 14 in him. 210 00:20:16,111.0663203 --> 00:20:18,711.0663203 You also were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit. 211 00:20:18,711.0663203 --> 00:20:29,511.0663203 When you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and when you believed the Holy Spirit is the down payment of our inheritance until the redemption of the possession to the praise of his glory. 212 00:20:29,727.732987 --> 00:20:37,427.732987 So what is the why? What is the purpose of the plan? The purpose is to the praise of his glory. 213 00:20:38,77.732987 --> 00:20:46,252.732987 But that phrase can make little to no sense if we don't know what glory is, right? It's kind of a ambiguous word. 214 00:20:46,277.732987 --> 00:20:49,827.732987 It's like glory to God in the highest right. 215 00:20:50,515.232987 --> 00:20:52,765.232987 But in Isaiah it says, holy, holy, holy. 216 00:20:52,765.232987 --> 00:20:55,940.232987 The whole earth is filled with his glory. 217 00:20:56,215.232987 --> 00:21:04,881.8996537 Right? John Piper says in one of his podcasts, and I can add that into the show notes, but a link to that podcast 'cause it is absolutely amazing. 218 00:21:04,881.8996537 --> 00:21:13,81.8996537 But he explains and shows that glory is the, the physical manifestation. 219 00:21:13,644.3996537 --> 00:21:15,344.3996537 The beauty of his holiness. 220 00:21:16,469.3996537 --> 00:21:18,902.732987 Holiness is what we can't see. 221 00:21:18,902.732987 --> 00:21:20,727.732987 And so glory is the manifestation. 222 00:21:20,727.732987 --> 00:21:24,902.732987 It's the realization of his holiness. 223 00:21:26,102.732987 --> 00:21:27,152.732987 It's kinda like beauty. 224 00:21:27,802.732987 --> 00:21:36,127.732987 And so even this, even in reading scripture or in worship or in prayer or in sharing your faith or anything. 225 00:21:36,440.232987 --> 00:21:43,765.232987 Where you believe that God just revealed himself to you, that revealing is him showing you his glory. 226 00:21:43,890.232987 --> 00:21:48,740.232987 He's showing you the beauty of his nature, which is holiness. 227 00:21:49,365.232987 --> 00:22:00,240.232987 Okay? So whenever it says that his will is to bring all of heaven and earth together under the authority and kingship of Jesus and his plan before the foundation of the world to send Jesus. 228 00:22:00,715.232987 --> 00:22:08,290.232987 Death, Barrow and resurrection sit at the right hand of the Father to what purpose? To the praise of His glory. 229 00:22:08,290.232987 --> 00:22:10,90.232987 So to the praise of His glory. 230 00:22:10,90.232987 --> 00:22:15,40.232987 It means to the praise of him continually revealing himself to us. 231 00:22:15,115.232987 --> 00:22:20,165.232987 And as he reveals himself to us, we are in awe and in worship, and we praise him. 232 00:22:21,65.232987 --> 00:22:26,115.232987 And then he reveals himself to us and we return again and again and again. 233 00:22:26,940.232987 --> 00:22:29,490.232987 So this isn't, it's not so that Oh. 234 00:22:29,490.232987 --> 00:22:34,852.732987 So that we'll sit around and praise him because he's like a worship hungry God. 235 00:22:35,177.732987 --> 00:22:42,677.732987 We worship him because he is a generous God and he is giving more of himself to us, continually, and thus. 236 00:22:42,927.732987 --> 00:22:45,102.732987 We praise him continually. 237 00:22:53,557.6728829 --> 00:23:01,857.6728829 Okay, let's look a little bit more about that purpose of the praise of his glory in Ephesians two verses like five through seven. 238 00:23:01,857.6728829 --> 00:23:04,432.6728829 You can read the whole thing and it's amazing, but I'm just gonna start. 239 00:23:04,795.1728829 --> 00:23:14,145.1728829 I'm gonna start in verse four, but God, who's rich in mercy, because of his great love that he had for us made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses. 240 00:23:14,420.1728829 --> 00:23:15,920.1728829 You are saved by grace. 241 00:23:15,970.1728829 --> 00:23:17,520.1728829 Verse six and seven is the point. 242 00:23:17,670.1728829 --> 00:23:22,595.1728829 He also raised us up with him and seeded us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus. 243 00:23:23,245.1728829 --> 00:23:23,995.1728829 So that. 244 00:23:24,332.6728829 --> 00:23:35,707.6728829 Okay, follow this so that this is the purpose, so that in the coming ages, he might display the immeasurable riches of his grace through his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 245 00:23:36,57.6728829 --> 00:23:43,232.6728829 Okay, so that in the coming ages, who's he gonna display it to? I mean, to be honest, he's going to display it. 246 00:23:43,632.6728829 --> 00:23:52,507.6728829 To all the powers and principalities, all the heavenly beings, we are going to be a kind of show and tell for the glory of God. 247 00:23:53,57.6728829 --> 00:23:58,384.3395496 We are going to be on display to show them the immeasurable riches of his grace. 248 00:23:58,384.3395496 --> 00:23:59,634.3395496 Through Jesus Christ. 249 00:23:59,961.0062162 --> 00:24:04,844.3395496 How awesome is that? If that doesn't get you excited, I really don't know What would. 250 00:24:05,254.3395496 --> 00:24:09,304.3395496 Let's look at Ephesians three and let's kind of continue, let's drill down a little bit more on this. 251 00:24:09,304.3395496 --> 00:24:12,54.3395496 On this theme, it says in chapter three, verse eight. 252 00:24:12,237.6728829 --> 00:24:14,837.6728829 This grace was given to me, the least of All Saints. 253 00:24:15,287.6728829 --> 00:24:25,887.6728829 To proclaim to the Gentiles, the incalculable riches of Christ and to shed light for all about the administration of the mystery hidden for ages in God who create all things. 254 00:24:27,162.6728829 --> 00:24:30,112.6728829 You ready? This is so that verse 10. 255 00:24:30,312.6728829 --> 00:24:32,37.6728829 This is so that. 256 00:24:32,412.6728829 --> 00:24:33,62.6728829 Here's the why. 257 00:24:33,137.6728829 --> 00:24:39,12.6728829 What's the purpose? God's multifaceted wisdom may now be made known. 258 00:24:39,425.1728829 --> 00:24:43,475.1728829 Through the church to the rulers and authorities in the heavens. 259 00:24:44,100.1728829 --> 00:24:49,100.1728829 This is according to his eternal purpose, accomplished in Christ Jesus. 260 00:24:49,150.1728829 --> 00:25:01,475.1728829 Our Lord guys, isn't that amazing? This is the eternal purpose, so that we would display God's multifaceted wisdom. 261 00:25:02,550.1728829 --> 00:25:08,875.1728829 To the authorities and the rulers in the heavens, that is a part of the purpose of the church. 262 00:25:10,50.1728829 --> 00:25:10,275.1728829 Okay. 263 00:25:10,275.1728829 --> 00:25:12,250.1728829 I know you've heard me do this and maybe you're sick of it. 264 00:25:12,250.1728829 --> 00:25:13,775.1728829 You can fast forward, do whatever you want. 265 00:25:14,175.1728829 --> 00:25:21,500.1728829 But just to recap, the vision is every tribe, tongue, nation, around the throne of God, the vision is heaven and earth brought together. 266 00:25:21,975.1728829 --> 00:25:24,0.1728829 And it says that God dwells with his people. 267 00:25:24,325.1728829 --> 00:25:32,150.1728829 Right? The mission is the great commission, Matthew 28, where Jesus says He has all authority and he's always with us and to go make disciples of all nations. 268 00:25:32,150.1728829 --> 00:25:33,450.1728829 And he tells us how to do that. 269 00:25:33,925.1728829 --> 00:25:38,75.1728829 And we know the status that 40% of the world still has little to no access to the gospel. 270 00:25:38,750.1728829 --> 00:25:50,800.1728829 Okay? We know the will of God, which is that all of heaven and earth would come together under the authority and the kingship of Jesus, and that it says at the end of Ephesians one that Jesus. 271 00:25:51,575.1728829 --> 00:25:52,650.1728829 Has all authority. 272 00:25:52,675.1728829 --> 00:25:57,850.1728829 Everything is underneath his feet, every ruler, every principality and authority. 273 00:25:58,500.1728829 --> 00:26:05,525.1728829 Okay? We know that the plan to achieve the will of God is that before the foundation of the world. 274 00:26:06,275.1728829 --> 00:26:16,341.8395496 He was gonna send his son and the likeness of, of human flesh to be like us so that he could reveal his nature and who he is to us. 275 00:26:17,629.3395496 --> 00:26:19,104.3395496 He died on the cross for our sin. 276 00:26:19,104.3395496 --> 00:26:21,54.3395496 He was buried and rose again. 277 00:26:21,254.3395496 --> 00:26:22,379.3395496 Three days later. 278 00:26:22,454.3395496 --> 00:26:24,179.3395496 He said that he finished the work. 279 00:26:24,179.3395496 --> 00:26:31,779.3395496 He said on the cross that it is finished, but we know that the 40% are still out there and they need the gospel. 280 00:26:31,779.3395496 --> 00:26:34,904.3395496 They're living in a world right now. 281 00:26:34,929.3395496 --> 00:26:37,304.3395496 They're living in utter darkness. 282 00:26:38,216.8395496 --> 00:26:40,541.8395496 Okay, so we know the will. 283 00:26:40,541.8395496 --> 00:26:51,841.8395496 We know the plan and the purpose is to reveal the nature and the beauty of God's holiness to the world, the purpose to the praise of His glory. 284 00:26:52,566.8395496 --> 00:27:01,66.8395496 We saw that we're going to not only do that purpose here on earth, but we're going to show, the heavenly beings the multifaceted wisdom. 285 00:27:02,79.3395496 --> 00:27:05,79.3395496 Of God throughout eternity by doing this. 286 00:27:10,25.2519307 --> 00:27:15,475.2519307 And so what's our calling? We want to finish the plan and also insert our calling. 287 00:27:16,675.2519307 --> 00:27:21,600.2519307 Let's look at Ephesians four and I'll start in verse one. 288 00:27:23,228.5852641 --> 00:27:28,878.5852641 Therefore I, the prisoner and the Lord urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received. 289 00:27:29,628.5852641 --> 00:27:32,828.5852641 With all humility and gentleness, with patience bearing with one other in love. 290 00:27:33,53.5852641 --> 00:27:36,78.5852641 Make every effort to keep the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace. 291 00:27:36,303.5852641 --> 00:27:38,178.5852641 There is one body and one spirit. 292 00:27:38,178.5852641 --> 00:27:41,878.5852641 Just as you were called to one hope at your calling. 293 00:27:42,741.0852641 --> 00:27:47,216.0852641 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God, and Father of all who is above all and through all. 294 00:27:47,541.0852641 --> 00:27:48,466.0852641 And in all. 295 00:27:49,116.0852641 --> 00:27:55,541.0852641 Okay, I dunno if you caught that, but it said, uh, it said it in in verse one. 296 00:27:55,541.0852641 --> 00:27:58,141.0852641 It says, free to walk worthy of the calling you received. 297 00:27:58,391.0852641 --> 00:28:06,916.0852641 So that's past tense received, and it says in verse four, then it says, there is one body and one spirit, just as you were called to one hope. 298 00:28:07,516.0852641 --> 00:28:08,366.0852641 At your calling. 299 00:28:09,166.0852641 --> 00:28:21,391.0852641 Okay, so the hope is the gospel, right? The hope is the return of Jesus, the the Heaven and Earth coming together and says that when we receive that, we received our calling. 300 00:28:22,116.0852641 --> 00:28:30,516.0852641 Okay, so what is that calling? What is a calling that is for all believers? Let's go to Second Corinthians five. 301 00:28:31,216.9185974 --> 00:28:35,103.5852641 And this is gonna, come close to rounding up our time here, two Corinthians five. 302 00:28:36,78.5852641 --> 00:28:38,703.5852641 We'll start in verse, we'll start in verse 17. 303 00:28:39,953.5852641 --> 00:28:43,828.5852641 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he's in new creation. 304 00:28:43,928.5852641 --> 00:28:46,528.5852641 The old has passed away and see the new has come. 305 00:28:46,778.5852641 --> 00:28:55,253.5852641 Can I just stop right there? Doesn't everybody love that? When you enter into the family of God, you are a new creation. 306 00:28:56,128.5852641 --> 00:28:59,203.5852641 The old is passed away, and you are new. 307 00:28:59,878.5852641 --> 00:29:02,278.5852641 We all love this part, right? Let's keep going. 308 00:29:02,278.5852641 --> 00:29:09,53.5852641 Verse 18, even everything is from God who has reconciled us to himself. 309 00:29:09,391.0852641 --> 00:29:13,641.0852641 Through Christ and has given us the ministry of reconciliation that is in Christ. 310 00:29:13,866.0852641 --> 00:29:22,691.0852641 God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and he has committed the message of reconciliation to us. 311 00:29:22,691.0852641 --> 00:29:25,766.0852641 I'm gonna stop right there and just break that down real quick. 312 00:29:26,291.0852641 --> 00:29:29,766.0852641 Everything is from God and through Christ. 313 00:29:30,103.5852641 --> 00:29:32,28.5852641 He's reconciling everything to himself. 314 00:29:32,28.5852641 --> 00:29:51,661.9185974 Doesn't that match up with our definition in chapter one of Ephesians, right? All of heaven and earth coming together under the authority and kingship of Jesus, right? And so everything and was reconciled through Christ and it says, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation. 315 00:29:52,836.9185974 --> 00:29:58,261.9185974 God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and he is committed to us. 316 00:29:58,261.9185974 --> 00:30:00,536.9185974 This message of reconciliation, verse 20. 317 00:30:00,886.9185974 --> 00:30:03,811.9185974 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ. 318 00:30:04,286.9185974 --> 00:30:09,861.9185974 Just as God is making his appeal through us, we plead on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. 319 00:30:10,136.9185974 --> 00:30:14,11.9185974 So guys, just as we like to say, I am a new creation. 320 00:30:14,886.9185974 --> 00:30:24,411.9185974 If we say that, if we believe that we are in Christ today, we must also believe that we are ministers of reconciliation and we are ambassadors for God. 321 00:30:25,236.9185974 --> 00:30:28,86.9185974 You're a new creature and you are an ambassador. 322 00:30:28,236.9185974 --> 00:30:29,861.9185974 You can't have one without the other. 323 00:30:30,336.9185974 --> 00:30:31,761.9185974 There is no graduating. 324 00:30:32,599.4185974 --> 00:30:50,699.4185974 When you come into the hope that is in Jesus, you come to your calling, which is to be a minister of reconciliation, to be an ambassador, okay? It says even in verse 20, this needs to sit a little bit heavy, okay? You need to accept this responsibility that has been given to you. 325 00:30:50,724.4185974 --> 00:30:52,299.4185974 We're gonna read verse 21 more time. 326 00:30:54,226.9185974 --> 00:31:00,951.9185974 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ since God is making his appeal through us. 327 00:31:01,476.9185974 --> 00:31:02,76.9185974 Let's stop right there. 328 00:31:03,301.9185974 --> 00:31:14,701.9185974 Do you hear that God is making his appeal through us? Okay, so the plan of God to achieve the will of God, Jesus coming, death barrel, resurrection. 329 00:31:14,951.9185974 --> 00:31:16,501.9185974 See it at the right hand of God. 330 00:31:16,851.9185974 --> 00:31:17,951.9185974 We have a problem. 331 00:31:17,976.9185974 --> 00:31:22,476.9185974 There's still a lot of people that don't have access, and so the plan isn't finished. 332 00:31:23,251.9185974 --> 00:31:27,76.9185974 The plan before the foundation of the world isn't finished. 333 00:31:28,176.9185974 --> 00:31:39,301.9185974 This isn't a plan B, this is the plan of God that he is making his appeal to the world through us, through you. 334 00:31:39,864.4185974 --> 00:31:44,589.4185974 You are the plan of God to see every tribe, tongue, nation reached. 335 00:31:45,264.4185974 --> 00:31:46,514.4185974 You are the plan of God. 336 00:31:46,889.4185974 --> 00:31:56,964.4185974 Have you ever thought of that? How many times we prayed, Lord, would you just speak to my fill in the blank? Lord, would you talk to my neighbor or my friend? Or blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. 337 00:31:57,914.4185974 --> 00:32:01,364.4185974 What he's saying here is I'm gonna talk to them through you. 338 00:32:02,464.4185974 --> 00:32:03,589.4185974 I'm gonna speak to them through you. 339 00:32:03,589.4185974 --> 00:32:05,664.4185974 I'm gonna make my appeal to them. 340 00:32:05,664.4185974 --> 00:32:06,764.4185974 I'm gonna beg them. 341 00:32:06,939.4185974 --> 00:32:09,164.4185974 I'm gonna plead with them through you. 342 00:32:10,339.4185974 --> 00:32:19,289.4185974 And so Paul goes on to say, so we plead on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God again. 343 00:32:19,464.4185974 --> 00:32:22,289.4185974 What a wild and crazy statement. 344 00:32:24,189.4185974 --> 00:32:24,864.4185974 I'm here. 345 00:32:25,326.9185974 --> 00:32:30,276.9185974 On behalf of the King, I am the ambassador the king has sent me. 346 00:32:30,751.9185974 --> 00:32:31,751.9185974 It's for his name. 347 00:32:31,751.9185974 --> 00:32:37,151.9185974 It's for his sake on his behalf that I am telling you to be reconciled to God. 348 00:32:38,626.9185974 --> 00:32:40,151.9185974 This is your mantle. 349 00:32:40,726.9185974 --> 00:32:41,301.9185974 To put on. 350 00:32:41,326.9185974 --> 00:32:43,376.9185974 This is your responsibility, Christian. 351 00:32:43,701.9185974 --> 00:32:45,176.9185974 You are a new creation. 352 00:32:45,326.9185974 --> 00:32:46,826.9185974 All things have become new. 353 00:32:47,51.9185974 --> 00:32:49,976.9185974 You are accepted and loved and cherished. 354 00:32:50,226.9185974 --> 00:32:51,676.9185974 By God, he delights in you. 355 00:32:51,676.9185974 --> 00:32:52,701.9185974 Absolutely. 356 00:32:52,975.2519307 --> 00:32:54,525.2519307 But you are also his ambassador. 357 00:32:55,750.2519307 --> 00:32:58,725.2519307 We are in the world as ambassadors. 358 00:32:58,950.2519307 --> 00:33:01,675.2519307 We need to identify with our king. 359 00:33:02,362.7519307 --> 00:33:08,679.4185974 And we need to make his appeal for him and we need to plead on Christ's behalf. 360 00:33:09,829.4185974 --> 00:33:20,729.4185974 In this world that we live where our foundation seems like it's quicksand, not only does it not hold us, but it feels like we're going down. 361 00:33:21,179.4185974 --> 00:33:26,79.4185974 Our culture can tell us that, you can have your truth and I can have my truth. 362 00:33:26,79.4185974 --> 00:33:37,496.0852641 And I believe that it's infiltrated the church as well where we can look at scripture, we can behold where it says that this is the will of God, this is his plan and purpose. 363 00:33:37,496.0852641 --> 00:33:38,571.0852641 And you have a calling. 364 00:33:39,871.0852641 --> 00:33:48,246.0852641 I can show that to you and in general, we can look at a scripture that we don't like and say, ah, think about it a little bit differently than that. 365 00:33:48,821.0852641 --> 00:33:59,246.0852641 I interpret that differently, and surely there are different interpretations and I'm, I understand that, but this one seems really simple to me. 366 00:34:00,171.0852641 --> 00:34:05,108.5852641 God has showed us, we put the final destination in the map. 367 00:34:06,500.2519307 --> 00:34:09,225.2519307 He's given us a mission, he showed us how to get there. 368 00:34:10,487.7519307 --> 00:34:18,387.7519307 He's told us when all the tribe sungs, the nations are represented around my throne, then the end's gonna come and we see that 40% don't have that. 369 00:34:19,162.7519307 --> 00:34:22,237.7519307 How can we say, ah, I don't read it that way. 370 00:34:24,512.7519307 --> 00:34:39,662.7519307 Guys, when we read that, that the will of God is that everything would come together under the authority and kingship of Jesus, that God is gonna dwell with his people, that the knowledge of the glory of the Lord's gonna cover the earth as the water's covered the sea. 371 00:34:40,87.7519307 --> 00:34:44,137.7519307 It's gonna be obvious and beautiful, and all is gonna be made right and there will be no grieving. 372 00:34:45,787.7519307 --> 00:34:51,279.4185974 He tells us his plan to send his son and that actually we're a part of that plan to be his ambassadors. 373 00:34:52,279.4185974 --> 00:34:56,329.4185974 How can we say, yeah, I don't, I don't really read it that way. 374 00:34:57,629.4185974 --> 00:35:03,979.4185974 How can we say that? How can we say, well, that's your gift, that's for you. 375 00:35:05,304.4185974 --> 00:35:06,754.4185974 But I, I ain't really called to that. 376 00:35:07,779.4185974 --> 00:35:08,729.4185974 I don't think that's for me. 377 00:35:10,454.4185974 --> 00:35:37,729.4185974 If we are giving the scriptures an honest reading, if we can stop and reflect and be be honest with ourselves, is the word of God not telling us that we are new creation and ambassadors? Is it not telling us that if you are creation, a new creation today, is it not telling you that you are also a minister? A minister of reconciliation, an ambassador. 378 00:35:37,904.4185974 --> 00:35:39,254.4185974 That's yours, brother. 379 00:35:39,379.4185974 --> 00:35:40,304.4185974 That's your sister. 380 00:35:40,779.4185974 --> 00:35:41,679.4185974 You are an ambassador. 381 00:35:43,416.9185974 --> 00:35:46,266.9185974 First or second Peter, it talks about the priesthood of believers. 382 00:35:46,541.9185974 --> 00:35:51,516.9185974 You have been empowered by the gifts of the Holy Spirit to go and proclaim the good news. 383 00:35:52,66.9185974 --> 00:35:59,791.9185974 We need to stop hoarding the gospel, the good news, the gifts of God that have been given us to benefit the whole world, and we need to go tell 'em. 384 00:36:00,266.9185974 --> 00:36:11,856.9185974 Who cares if they make fun of us? Who cares if they think that that we're narrow minded? How do we read the word of God and say, that ain't for me. 385 00:36:14,181.9185974 --> 00:36:16,881.9185974 It's kind of like Joshua said in the Old Testament. 386 00:36:17,781.9185974 --> 00:36:19,856.9185974 He said, you choose this day who you're gonna serve. 387 00:36:21,631.9185974 --> 00:36:22,556.9185974 You get to choose. 388 00:36:22,631.9185974 --> 00:36:23,531.9185974 You get to pick. 389 00:36:23,656.9185974 --> 00:36:25,156.9185974 The Lord gave you that option. 390 00:36:25,836.9185974 --> 00:36:29,336.9185974 As for me in my house, we are going to serve the Lord. 391 00:36:30,941.9185974 --> 00:36:31,591.9185974 It's okay. 392 00:36:32,55.2519307 --> 00:36:32,680.2519307 It's okay. 393 00:36:34,780.2519307 --> 00:36:39,480.2519307 There's so many times in I'll read scripture and I brush past it because I just don't want to hear it. 394 00:36:40,30.2519307 --> 00:36:40,930.2519307 I don't wanna listen. 395 00:36:41,251.0852641 --> 00:36:48,534.4185974 But can we just stop and be honest with ourselves and honest before God and say, I haven't really taken ownership of that lately. 396 00:36:50,109.4185974 --> 00:36:52,184.4185974 I don't really see myself as an ambassador. 397 00:36:52,734.4185974 --> 00:37:00,676.0852641 I'm really just looking for the blessings of God to pour on me so I can hoard them in my barnhouse, right? As Americans, we're the richest. 398 00:37:00,951.0852641 --> 00:37:02,826.0852641 We're the richest that the world has ever known. 399 00:37:04,651.0852641 --> 00:37:08,101.0852641 Translation to that is that we're a bunch of camels, y'all. 400 00:37:08,576.0852641 --> 00:37:09,576.0852641 We are camels. 401 00:37:10,737.7519307 --> 00:37:11,787.7519307 That should concern us. 402 00:37:12,562.7519307 --> 00:37:17,812.7519307 The Bible tells us that it's easier for a camel to go through a eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 403 00:37:19,137.7519307 --> 00:37:34,257.7519307 Why doesn't that concern us guys? We're more worried about our retirement plan than we are about seeing the kingdom in every tribe and nation and people group. 404 00:37:34,938.5852641 --> 00:37:39,88.5852641 So the point isn't that every single person is to go overseas. 405 00:37:39,88.5852641 --> 00:37:45,888.5852641 The point isn't that you sell everything and become the poor person that you're trying to help. 406 00:37:45,888.5852641 --> 00:37:46,238.5852641 Right. 407 00:37:46,563.5852641 --> 00:37:48,288.5852641 That's not what I'm trying to get at. 408 00:37:48,338.5852641 --> 00:37:49,888.5852641 What I'm saying is that I. 409 00:37:50,163.5852641 --> 00:37:55,846.9185974 If the church would accept their responsibility as the ambassadors of God. 410 00:38:02,243.9751317 --> 00:38:04,268.9751317 Okay guys, I have one more thing to share. 411 00:38:05,18.9751317 --> 00:38:06,218.9751317 Matthew 25. 412 00:38:06,718.9751317 --> 00:38:10,668.9751317 In Matthew 25, it talks about the parable, the talents. 413 00:38:11,118.9751317 --> 00:38:12,43.9751317 We know the story. 414 00:38:12,768.9751317 --> 00:38:23,10.6417983 Three different servants we're given some talents and different values, and the master goes away and he doesn't tell 'em how to multiply those talents. 415 00:38:23,735.6417983 --> 00:38:24,435.6417983 They just. 416 00:38:24,735.6417983 --> 00:38:26,760.6417983 Understand that that's what they're, they're told to do. 417 00:38:26,760.6417983 --> 00:38:37,585.6417983 But it says that in verse 24, the man who had received one talent also approached and said, master, I know you, you're a harsh man reaping where you haven't sewn and gathering where you haven't scattered seed. 418 00:38:37,585.6417983 --> 00:38:40,985.6417983 So I, I was afraid and I went off and hid your talent in the ground. 419 00:38:41,710.6417983 --> 00:38:45,310.6417983 See, you have, what is yours? A master reply to him, you evil, lazy servant. 420 00:38:45,310.6417983 --> 00:38:48,510.6417983 If you knew that I reaped where I haven't s sewn, gathered where I haven't scattered. 421 00:38:49,260.6417983 --> 00:38:56,210.6417983 Then you should have deposited my money with the bankers and I would have received my, my money back with interest when I returned. 422 00:38:56,210.6417983 --> 00:39:01,385.6417983 And the point is, the servants weren't told what to do. 423 00:39:02,85.6417983 --> 00:39:02,773.1417983 They could do anything. 424 00:39:03,743.9751317 --> 00:39:05,468.9751317 They knew the agenda. 425 00:39:06,368.9751317 --> 00:39:11,593.9751317 Take these talents that the masters are giving them and multiply them for a greater return. 426 00:39:14,102.308465 --> 00:39:27,277.308465 Jesus isn't telling you necessarily exactly what to do if you should go to Bangladesh or, or if you should keep that job that you love in Austin, right? He's not telling you that. 427 00:39:28,352.308465 --> 00:39:31,677.308465 What he's saying is here, here's the talents that I've given you. 428 00:39:32,2.308465 --> 00:39:41,952.308465 What do you want to do to multiply my kingdom? What is the most strategic thing that you could do with your life to see the kingdom advance? You have a creative initiative. 429 00:39:42,252.308465 --> 00:39:42,902.308465 Do Willard calls it. 430 00:39:43,152.308465 --> 00:39:46,477.308465 You have a creative initiative, this autonomy and ownership. 431 00:39:47,227.308465 --> 00:40:02,406.4751317 What do you want to do? What gets you excited to serve God? So when we take this parable, the talents, not the harsh task master, but rather he's generous. 432 00:40:05,156.4751317 --> 00:40:14,606.4751317 And we take our creative initiative and we apply it to the mission and vision of God to the will plan, purpose, and calling when we filter it through there. 433 00:40:16,206.4751317 --> 00:40:17,31.4751317 You can do anything. 434 00:40:18,156.4751317 --> 00:40:18,981.4751317 I don't care what you do. 435 00:40:19,931.4751317 --> 00:40:24,531.4751317 Use your life to strategically advance the kingdom. 436 00:40:26,556.4751317 --> 00:40:28,856.4751317 Don't hoard the good gifts of God. 437 00:40:29,231.4751317 --> 00:40:31,106.4751317 Don't be the rich man. 438 00:40:31,131.4751317 --> 00:40:34,606.4751317 Don't be the one that builds up storehouses. 439 00:40:34,606.4751317 --> 00:40:38,31.4751317 And the Bible says, you fool tonight, your soul is required of you. 440 00:40:38,31.4751317 --> 00:40:42,106.4751317 Let's live our lives entirely for Jesus. 441 00:40:43,543.9751317 --> 00:40:47,318.9751317 So you have a freedom and a joy to do what you want to do. 442 00:40:47,740.6417983 --> 00:40:49,340.6417983 Okay we're gonna wrap it up there. 443 00:40:49,840.6417983 --> 00:40:51,415.6417983 I hope that this tool is helpful. 444 00:40:51,940.6417983 --> 00:41:08,265.6417983 It's meant to be helpful to live in accordance with the will and calling of God on their lives as a means to, as a way to look through the vision and mission and will plan purpose and calling and to just make sure that. 445 00:41:08,578.1417983 --> 00:41:10,928.1417983 What we're doing with our lives line up. 446 00:41:11,648.1417983 --> 00:41:20,821.4751317 It's not to tell you to go overseas or do any one specific thing, but instead to live in accordance with and in alignment to. 447 00:41:21,473.1417983 --> 00:41:29,138.1417983 Again, in this world today, people are constantly questioning what truth is and making up their own. 448 00:41:29,875.6417983 --> 00:41:31,775.6417983 Truths, so to speak. 449 00:41:32,562.308465 --> 00:41:35,787.308465 We need to stop arguing with the word of God. 450 00:41:36,137.308465 --> 00:41:39,312.308465 We need to start submitting our lives to this. 451 00:41:40,37.308465 --> 00:41:47,312.308465 Let's submit our lives to the word of God and watch him multiply for his kingdom and his glory. 452 00:41:48,924.808465 --> 00:41:50,291.4751317 Alright this is jt. 453 00:41:50,766.4751317 --> 00:42:01,366.4751317 Thanks for listening to Seeing and Heard the podcast where we just can't help but tell others about what we have seen and heard God do in our lives and in the lives around us. 454 00:42:02,466.4751317 --> 00:42:02,912.308465 See you next time.