Unstoppable Faith: Called to Something Greater
Group Leader Guide
Sermon Recap 🎬
What if God's whispering your name right now, calling you from where you are to something bigger? Paul heard Jesus on the Damascus road—transforming from church destroyer to gospel preacher in an instant. Pastor John Mark reminds us that God specializes in using the "wrong person heading the wrong direction for the wrong purpose," as shown in Paul's immediate preaching, showing that we don't need perfect preparation to start serving. Whether through Scripture, prayer, or circumstances, God is calling everyone to something. Don't spend another day warming up in the bullpen—step onto the field now!
Ice Breaker 🧊
If you could have dinner with any fictional character, who would it be and why?
Discussion Questions 💬
Pastor John Mark shared that God called Paul through Acts 9:15-16, where God said Paul was 'a chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.' What does it mean to be God's 'chosen instrument,' and how might this apply to regular believers today?
In the sermon, Pastor John Mark explained that Paul received a specific calling from God to preach the gospel to non-Jewish people (Gentiles). God told Ananias that Paul was chosen for this mission, even though Paul had been persecuting Christians.
If you truly believed God had chosen you as His instrument for something specific, what fears or doubts would you need to overcome to say yes to that calling?
Pastor mentioned five ways God speaks to us today: through His Word, prayer, the church, circumstances, and through our pain. Which of these ways do you think you're most likely to recognize God's voice, and which might you be missing?
Pastor John Mark explained that while God spoke through burning bushes and visions in the Old Testament, today He primarily speaks through more accessible means like reading the Bible, praying, being part of a church community, life circumstances, and even through difficult experiences.
Think about a recent difficult situation in your life. How might God be trying to speak to you or call you to something through that experience?
Paul faced serious opposition and suffering for his calling, including beatings, imprisonments, and shipwrecks (2 Corinthians 11:23-27). Why do you think following God's call sometimes leads to hardship rather than an easy life?
The sermon emphasized that Paul's calling wasn't easy - he suffered greatly for preaching the gospel. Pastor John Mark pointed out that God told Ananias that Paul would suffer for Jesus' name, showing that answering God's call doesn't guarantee a comfortable life.
What kind of 'pushback' or challenges might you face if you fully committed to what you sense God calling you to do? How would you prepare yourself to handle that opposition?
Pastor John Mark said that Paul 'started preaching what he knew' immediately after his conversion, rather than waiting until he knew everything. What's the difference between being prepared and being over-prepared when it comes to answering God's call?
The sermon highlighted that Paul began preaching 'at once' in Acts 9:20, teaching about Jesus being the Son of God even though he was still learning. Pastor John Mark encouraged people to stop 'warming up in the bullpen' and start serving with what they already know.
What's one step you could take this week to act on what you already know God wants you to do, even if you don't feel completely ready or equipped?
The sermon listed several things everyone is called to: salvation, baptism, joining a church, repentance, serving others, leading, giving, going, and speaking out. Which of these areas feels most challenging for you right now, and what would it look like to take a step forward in that area?
Pastor John Mark emphasized that God doesn't just call pastors or church staff - He calls everyone to different aspects of following Him and serving others. He provided a comprehensive list of ways all believers are called to respond to God.
If you were to pick just one of these calling areas to focus on growing in over the next month, which would have the biggest impact on your relationship with God and others?
Prayer 🙏
Before we begin, does anyone have any prayer requests they would like to share?
Ask God to help us recognize His call in our lives, no matter where we are in our faith journey.
Pray for the courage to overcome any crises of faith and to say "yes" to what God is asking of us.
Seek strength and patience to endure any suffering or challenges as we walk in God's path for us.
Request God's guidance in making necessary adjustments in our lives to align with His will.
