Gateway Church Live | "He Found Me" by Earl McClellan | January 6
Jan 30, 2025
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Pastor Earl McClellan brings warmth and wisdom to his sermon, emphasizing that Jesus embodies both servant and king. He humorously shares insights from his family life while exploring biblical stories, like that of Jeremiah, to reveal how divine purpose emerges from adversity. His discussion on grace highlights how imperfect individuals can play crucial roles in healing others. McClellan passionately encourages listeners to embrace their roles as ambassadors of Christ, calling them to serve their communities and transform lives through humility and divine mercy.
God's calling transcends personal insecurities, as His power equips individuals to fulfill their divine purpose despite fear.
The story of Ebed-Melech underscores the vital role of community support, demonstrating how compassion can uplift those in distress.
Deep dives
The Call to Action
The message emphasizes that individuals often feel called to do something significant by God, despite their insecurities and fears. The speaker reflects on Jeremiah's initial reluctance to be a prophet, feeling too young and inadequate, paralleling that with common excuses people make when faced with God's calling. The underlying principle is that God's calling does not depend on personal ability but on His power working through individuals. Consequently, this message uplifts listeners, affirming that they are not in this alone, as God equips them for their purpose.
Jeremiah's Struggles
Jeremiah's experience of being thrown into a pit for speaking God's truth highlights the difficulties that can accompany living righteously. In his situation, the prophet represents many who find themselves struggling despite trying to do the right thing. The speaker encourages individuals to empathize with Jeremiah's predicament, as they may have faced similar challenges in life while remaining faithful to their commitments. This discussion prompts reflection on how perseverance is often required when navigating life's hardships, even when aligned with divine purpose.
Ebed-Melech's Role
The character of Ebed-Melech serves as a powerful symbol of support and advocacy, demonstrating how someone can intervene in another’s life during their lowest moments. His act of convincing the king to rescue Jeremiah signifies the importance of allies who care and act on behalf of those in dire situations. By using old rags and worn-out clothes to help Jeremiah, Ebed-Melech symbolizes how God often utilizes imperfect or humble means to achieve great acts of service. This story illustrates that true support may come from unexpected places or people, emphasizing community and compassion.
Servants of the King
The concept of being 'servants of the king' encompasses the responsibility of individuals to act compassionately toward others in their communities. Individuals are encouraged to extend help to those who are struggling, highlighting the importance of proactive service rather than passive attendance in faith-based environments. The discussion challenges listeners to consider how they can embody the principles of servanthood in their daily lives, actively seeking opportunities to uplift others. Ultimately, this call to action highlights that everyone can play a significant role in spreading hope and grace.
This evening, Pastor Earl McClellan continues F1RST with a message to remind the Gateway family that Jesus came as both servant and king. He finds us, cleans us, and sends us out to do the same!
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