Understanding your Calling to CHANGE History

Hudderfield Christian Fellowship 11th August 2010

Introduction

Question: Do you have goals or dreams? Do you think have a vision of what God will do through you? Who wants to CHANGE history? If were not sure then lets remember - Jesus was a history changer. He came to earth to change the way things were going forever. And we are called to follow him to change the part of history that we find ourselves.
Overview

A Heavenly Calling to Change History Errors in Fulfilling our Calling Attributes of a History Changer Successfully Fulfilling our Calling & Potential in Christ Becoming a History Changer & Practical Pointers Summary

A History Changer

Matthew 11:12 From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it. Changer = One that changes something Oxford English Dictionary Be a changer not just a maker Anyone can make history: History Happens Remember us and turn His face towards us Quote: The world has yet to see what God will do with, and for, and through, and in, and by, the man who is fully consecrated to Him. Henry Varley Quote: By Gods help, I aim to be that man. D.L. Moody
A Heavenly Calling

Calling = vocation or profession Oxford English Dictionary Kaleo = to call or to invite o to call by name

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o to be called i.e. to bear a name or title (among men) Kletos = called to (the discharge of) some office o divinely selected and appointed for purpose Klesis = a call, invitation to: o to a feast o of the divine invitation to embrace salvation of God

Biblical definition of calling and being called: Hebrews 3:1 [ Jesus Greater Than Moses ] Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess. 2 Timothy 1:9 Who has saved us and called us to a holy lifenot because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 1 Peter 1:15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 1 Peter 5:10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. Galatians 1:15-16 But when God, who set me apart from birth[a] and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not consult any man, Romans 8:28 [ More Than Conquerors ] And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 2 Peter 1:10 Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, Ephesians 4:1 [ Unity in the Body of Christ ] As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Matthew 22:14 For many are invited, but few are chosen. Quote: The beginning of greatness is to be little; the increase of greatness is to be less; the perfection of greatness is to be nothing. DL Moody Quote: The more I know of myself, the less I like of myself. DL Moody

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Quote: I have had more trouble with myself than with any other man I have ever met! DL Moody Tonight we are going to look at three characters that had a calling and understood they were created to do GREAT things for the Lord. But their paths took a strange root as the Lord tempered their characters until they were ready for the purpose that they were made for. Were going to look at 2 main errors of a calling: o Understanding / communicating it o Taking it in to our own hands

Quote: Your call to salvation included your call to service. They are the same. Regardless of your job or career, you are called to full-time Christian service. Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life Life is a journey not a destination Error 1. Understand & Communicate a Calling Understanding and communicating our calling can be easily mistaken. We get a vision or a prophecy from God about what we are called for and we completely misunderstand when and how the Lord will use us and bring it about.

Explore a man with a dream over his life: 1.1 Background of Joseph Genesis 36-37 Born in old age to favourite wife of Jacob; passive Father Jacob gave him a coat; didnt have to work - Joseph at 17? Bright young man, obedient, honest and diligent The bible never mentions any weakness in Joseph unlike his family. This was different to his fathers and brothers Jacob, Isaac, Abraham were all crafty and shrewd. He had a transparency but also was blunt in his communication. God had favoured Joseph in every situation, he was probably captain of the school football team, all the girls liked him, all the boys wanted to be him! Nice clothes, the car, rich family. Everything he put his hand to turned to gold. He was favoured in everything by the Lord - godly heritage, gifted in management and business. Given a Huge Vision and Calling Joseph dreams and spoke badly of his brothers to his father. Genesis 37:5-9 given two divine dreams Thus many people think that life will be prosperity and pleasure, and never dream of trouble. Joseph could have been like that. Misinterpreted his Calling Thought it was for his not HIS glory? Joseph was an anointed business man; Everything he did turned out well. Perhaps he thought he could work his way to the top? Perhaps he would be noticed and he would reach his calling through that Didnt Communicate it Wisely Genesis 37:5-10 hated him all the more because of his dream AND what he said

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He spoke of his dreams to his brothers and father which infuriated them provoked them to anger. He knew his calling but made a mistake in how he thought it would come to pass -> they were already annoyed with him and he was too blunt about his dream and calling. Joseph was a prophet not a politician, else he would have kept this to himself, when he could not but know that his brethren did already hate him and that this would but the more exasperate them. Observe, Joseph dreamed of his preferment, but he did not dream of his imprisonment. After his communication of his dreams he was sold into slavery to the Ishmaelite -> they represent the fleshy / wrong fulfilment of Abrahams promise from the Lord. People wanted to do him harm but God used it for his good. Its interesting here to note that Joseph was given rule in the free household and in the prison household God would later use this in the years of plenty and of famine as Prime Minister of Egypt.

Error 2. Taking our Calling in our Own Hands A second error that can occur with our calling is that we take it in to our own hands. I want to look at Moses. 2.1 Background of Moses He was taken at a young age from his Hebrew family and brought up in the palace of pharaoh as a PRINCE. Acts 7:20-25 - educated, powerful in speech and action he even led the army out to war! A battle warrior Exodus 2:10-11 - he went out to his own people 2.2 Had a seed of the Calling in his Heart Hebrews 11:24-26 he chose to be mistreated Acts 7:23 it came to his heart to look upon his nation; he thought he would help them Moses was trained in the things of Egypt but he tried to force his destiny. The seed was in his heart to do what he knew what God was going to do in his life. He understood the way God would use him however he put it into practise in the wrong manner. He did an Abraham. He fulfilled his own promise. He knew that the LORD had a special purpose on his life. We can understand how God will use us but its at this point that we must maintain a right relationship with him to bring it to pass. Acted Independently of God to Fulfil his Believed Calling Exodus 2:11-14 - he killed the Egyptian Acts 7:24-25 - he thought the Hebrews would realize that he would rescue them Moses decision challenged and changed his life. In saving the Hebrew from a cruel beating he slew an Egyptian who was beating him. He murdered someone but still was a FRIEND of God. This led him into 40 years of personal wilderness as the Lord stripped away everything that Moses had confidence in. God was going to strip Moses of all his Egyptian wisdom and begin to mould him for the task that only Gods wisdom could accomplish through him. Moses had already tried once to deliver his people in his own might abut had failed o 40 years in the wilderness of Midian before God appeared to him o 40 years walking in the desert o Never rested in the promised land o Moses appears 803 times in the bible, God appears 3930, Jesus appears 1276, David appears 970

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If our character is not ready for the calling that God has for us then we will be tested and often taken through a prison or stripping process like Joseph & Moses so dont give up Pure Gold will come forth. DL Moody History Changer Quote: There are many of us that are willing to do great things for the Lord, but few of us are willing to do little things. DL Moody Quote: We can get one man to read the bible, but we can get a hundred to read you and me. DL Moody Quote: Next to the might of God, the serene beauty of a holy life is the most powerful influence of good in all the world. DL Moody Quote: I believe the family was established long before the church, and my duty is to my family first. I am not to neglect my family. DL Moody D.L. Moody preached the gospel to more than 100 million people in the pre-television era: In 1854, he became a clerk in Holtons Shoe Store. April 21, 1855, a Sunday school teacher, Edward Kimball told him about Jesus as he wrapped shoes. In 1858 he created the largest Sunday School in Chicago, reaching 1,500 kids weekly. Made a vow to tell somebody about Jesus each day. London Crusade 1875 - 2.5 million people and 5,000 came to Christ. Brooklyn Crusade 1875 - Over 2,000 converts. Evan Roberts History Changer Account of Evan Roberts encounter with God: For thirteen years I had prayed for the Spirit, and this is the way I was led to pray. I said to myself: I will have the Spirit. And through all weather, and in spite of all difficulties, I went to the prayer meetings. Many times, on seeing other boys with the boats on the tide, I was tempted to turn back and join them. But, no. Then I said to myself: Remember your resolve to be faithful, and on I went. Prayer meeting Monday evening at the chapel; prayer meeting Tuesday evening at Pisgah (Sunday School branch); Church meeting Wednesday evening; Band of Hope Thursday; class Friday evening-to these I went faithfully throughout the years. For ten or eleven years I have prayed for a revival. I could sit up all night to read or talk about revivals. It was the Spirit that moved me to think about a revival. Evan Roberts saw a vision of the Lord changing his nation and he set about making it happen: Born on June 8, 1878, began work in the mines when he was just nine years old. In the ages of 13-25 he attended church prayer meetings most nights of the week. At 26, he was visited each night for weeks by God and he saw a vision of Wales being lifted up to heaven. On October 31, 1904, he went to his pastor to ask permission to hold services for young people. Within two weeks the first of 100,000 young people began streaming to the Lord. Attributes of a History Changer - Joseph 1. Became Dependent on God! Joseph changed his dependence from himself to God

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1.1 Kept a Good Attitude When it Didnt Happen Straightaway Genesis 39:2-6 - he was placed in charge of everything in the free household Genesis 39:7-12 - he had integrity Genesis 39:21-23 - he was again placed in charge of everything in prison Genesis 40:23 chief cupbearer forgot him 1.2 Allowed God to Change Him and was Promoted to Prime Minister Genesis 37:6-7 Listen to this dream I had: We were binding sheaves of grain out in the field when suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright, while your sheaves gathered around mine and bowed down to it. Genesis 37:9 Listen, he said, I had another dream, and this time the sun and moon and eleven stars were bowing down to me. Genesis 39:8-9 With me in charge, he told her, my master does not concern himself with anything in the house; everything he owns he has entrusted to my care. No one is greater in this house than I am. My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God? Genesis 40:8 Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell me your dreams. Genesis 41:16 I cannot do it, Joseph replied to Pharaoh, but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires. Genesis 41:41-49 in charge of the whole land of Egypt the superpower of that time. Attributes of a History Changer - Moses 2. Became Humble in Spirit Moses gained a true humility to be used by God 2.1 2.2 Went Through a Stripping Process and Allowed God to Shape Him Hebrews 11:27 - he persevered through faith Exodus 2:21-22 - became an alien in a foreign land Exodus 3:1 - he led the flock to the far side of the desert Exodus 3:11-4:18 - who am I that I should go? God Called him the Most Humble Man on Earth Numbers 12:3 - more humble than anyone Numbers 12:6-8 - God saw him as faithful and spoke clearly to him, face to face Exodus 33:11 - the LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a friend Hebrews 3:5 - faithful as a servant

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Attributes of a History Changer - Daniel Someone who was named by God as one of the three top examples of purity and righteousness. I want to explore Daniel and use him as the example of following the Lord throughout his life and being in a right relationship with Him to fulfil the calling and potential on his life. His purity allowed him to be a shining light for the Lord and his mature character meant that he didnt waste any time and served for many years under four different kings. 3.1 He was Fit for Greatness in Body, Mind and Spirit Daniel 1:3-4 - physically fit, handsome, with aptitude, well informed, quick witted Daniel 1:17 - he could understand visions and dreams Daniel 5:11-12 - spirit of the holy gods was on him, keen mind, knowledge and understanding Daniel 6:3-4 - distinguished, exceptional, trustworthy, neither corrupt, nor negligent Ezekiel 14:14 even if these three menNoah, Daniel and Jobwere in it, they could save only themselves by their righteousness, declares the Sovereign LORD That Daniel was a favourite with the prince of the eunuchs (Daniel 1:9), as Joseph was with the keeper of the prison; he had a tender love for him. Daniel deserved it, and recommended himself by his ingenuity and sweetness of temper (he was greatly beloved, Daniel 9:23); and yet it is said here that it was God that brought him into favour with the prince of the eunuchs, for everyone does not meet with acceptance according to his merits. Things to know about Daniel: o Known even to God as one of the most righteous men to walk the earth: o Wise: Ezekiel 28:3 Are you wiser than Daniel ? Is no secret hidden from you? o Prophetic: Matthew 24:15 So when you see standing in the holy place the abomination that causes desolation, spoken of through the prophet Daniellet the reader understand He Had a Real Fear of the Lord and Understood His Calling Daniel 1:5, 8 - he resolved not to defile himself AND asked permission not to defile himself Daniel 2:23 - praised God and gave Him glory Daniel 6:7-10 - giving thanks to his God He is a great example of living a consecrated life in the world, pure, favoured, loved by his boss. He set himself apart to follow wholeheartedly from a young age.

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Quote: Temptations are like tramps. Treat them kindly, and they will return bringing others with them. DL Moody 3.3 3.4 He Would not be Moved from His Commitment to the Lord Daniel 1:8-14 - nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink Daniel 6:7,8-10 7 he prayed just as he had done before His Devotion to the Lord was Unwavering Daniel 6:10 - three times a day, he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.

Quote: The Christian on his knees sees more than the philosopher on tiptoe. God sends no one away empty except those who are full of themselves. DL Moody Daniel 1:8 Daniel, resolved not to defile himself

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Through His Relationship with The Lord He was Able to Have Great Influence Daniel 2:47-49 - high position and lavished many gifts on him Daniel 5:29 - again made third highest ruler in the kingdom Daniel 6:26-28 - Darius believes in God!

His example, like Joseph, was such that he caused the Kings to honour God too. That is the result that we should have in our workplace / college, etc. Becoming a History Changer Five main attributes of a history changer: 1. Have no confidence in the flesh Genesis 41:16 Joseph, I cannot do it! Exodus 4:10 Moses, I am slow of speech Daniel 2:27-28 Daniel, there is a God in heaven Philippians 3:1-11, Romans 8:26, 1 Corinthians 1:25, 1 Corinthians 2:3, 2 Corinthians 11:30, 2 Corinthians 12:9 2. Humble in spirit Numbers 12:3 Moses, most humble man Daniel 9:3 Daniel, in fasting, sackcloth and ashes 2 Samuel 22:28, Psalm 18:27, Psalm 25:9, Psalm 147:6, Psalm 149:4, Proverbs 3:34 Quote: The beginning of greatness is to be little; the increase of greatness is to be less; the perfection of greatness is to be nothing. DL Moody 3. Wholly consecrated to Him Genesis 39:12 Joseph, left his cloak in her hand & ran Exodus 34:29 Moses, not aware his face was radiant Daniel 1:8 Daniel, resolved not to defile himself Exodus 19:22, Leviticus 11:44, Leviticus 20:26, Ephesians 5:3, 1 Peter 1:15 4. Bold and forceful in Him Genesis 41:16 Joseph, God will give the answer Exodus 7:10 Moses, did just as the LORD commanded Deuteronomy 31:6, Joshua 1:6-9, 1 Chronicles 28:20, Exodus 14:8, Acts 19:8, Acts 28:31, Acts 14:3, Acts 14:3 5. Intimate with the Lord Daniel 6:11 Daniel, asking God for help Exodus 3:4 Moses, God called to him from within the bush & Exodus 33:9 the LORD spoke with Moses The LORD said to somebody appears 252 times of which Moses was 149 of those times Job 29:3-5, James 2:23 AND REMEMBER: God looks at faithfulness not success
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He is sovereign and we cannot force a move of God it is in His timing Practical Pointers Learn to become a history CHANGER: Do not defile yourself be separate, holy, consecrated Move away from the things you know are going to tempt you to sin. NO COMPROMISE Keep a Prayer Journal - ideas, prayers, dreams, visions, prophecy Stir up the gift Daily Prayer / Worship Time - intimacy with the Lord Continually!!! On Knees - act of submission Quote: The Christian on his knees sees more than the philosopher on tiptoe. God sends no one away empty except those who are full of themselves. DL Moody Regular Fasting - act of surrender Lifestyle of worship and sacrifice The Nation is Ripe for a Change This nation is ripe for a spiritual revolution: 708,711 UK live births (2008) & 195,296 UK legal abortions (2008) - 21.6% of all pregnancies are killed Office for National Statistics puts national debt at 4 trillion. Everybody is carrying 65,000 of state debt The unemployment rate stands at 2.47 million - 7.8% in the UK in July 2010 (US 9.7%, EU 9.6%) 66% - 32.2 million people have no connection with any religious group or church Still 71.6% of people in the UK count themselves as Christian but there are 15.5% with no religion Die for Jesus? Spiritual and physical sacrifice... Summary Live for the LORD not our calling Confidence in HIM not ourselves Wait for HIS appointed time Fulfil potential ONLY through intimacy with GOD We must be holy as HE is holy

Prophecy: If you want to be History Changers and not just history makers then I am asking for greater sacrifice. I am asking you to quieten the world around you. To refocus your attention on me. To turn off the TV, not because its a temptation but because it is taking up your time. Stop reading those papers because I desire your time with me. Revival will come about through your holiness and your lifestyle. I am asking you to come to a higher level, a level that would seek my presence on a daily basis. A level that would consider my ways in every step you take. I plan to use you to reach the community around you. But it is not through meetings or worship or community activities or even through telling others about me. Changing history through reviving my holiness in this generation. I am calling you to holiness through intimacy with me. I am calling this house to deep spiritual sacrifice to know me intimately and passionately. The real history changers of this generation will be found on their knees in their quiet place. In deep communion with my Spirit. I am calling you to purity and holiness and to know me deeply. Run into my presence and dwell richly in me. 25th November 2008

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