CHOSEN SERIES pt. 3 : Chosen To Lead

What does it mean to be chosen? 

God chooses people who’s life is not perfect, they are not perfect. God does not choose prideful or arrogant people. Faith is not the bases of God choosing a person, but the result of it.

John 15:16 NIV

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and I appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit - fruit that will last - and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.”

When we are chose to bear fruit, the Bible talks about fruit that will last. How to make grape last, by turning it to wine. The longer the wine has been preserved, the more valuable it is. But before grape turns into wine, the chosen has to go through crushing. 

Our first fruit was Jesus Christ, and He was crushed for our inequities and His blood poured out for us. When Jesus died on the cross and rose again, He gave us the grace for ever lasting life.

From my last two sermons we learned that God does not choose the obvious person to lead:

1. When Sameul came to Jesus’ house, he had six big and strong sons lined up. Samuel chose David.

2. To lead the Israelites out of Egypt, God chose Moses. Moses stuttered in his speech, and he needed his brother Aaron to communicate with people. The great leader does not stand alone at the top. 

As a body of Christ, I am surrounded with people who are talented and equipped to make this church better. 25 years ago I did not think I would be in front of people leading this church, but God chose me. 3 years ago i did not think I would be doing the podcast with Hal, and here we are. God has chosen me and helped me grow. “God’s leaders are those who believe in the impossible.” Gideon thought little of himself, but God called him a mighty warrior. When we don't believe in ourselves, we believe and trust God more. David did not believe in himself, but he believed in the God he served. That is why he did not care how big Goliath was. As young as David was, he believed in his God so much, he killed the giant with one stone.

God’s leaders believe in the impossible. 

God’s leaders are there to accomplish God’s purposes.

What did God call Zechariah and Elizabeth to be?

They are the parents of John the Baptist. Zechariah was a priest, and he was old. His wife Elizabeth was barren. When the angle of God came to Zechariah, he did not believe he was going to be a father, he was in shock, and the angel muted him. Elizabeth became pregnant and did not tell anyone for five months. God heard their prayers and gave them a son. God told Zechariah his son will be a way maker and gave instructions on how to raise his son. The same angel that came to Zechariah also came to Mary and told her to go see Elizabeth. Zechariah and Elizabeth had a crucial purpose. Because of Elizabeth, Mary was filled with the Holy Spirit. When Mary came to see Elizabeth, the baby in Elizabeth’s womb jumped with joy (John the Baptist). Mary got filled with the Holy Spirit and started singing a song. Mary gave birth to Jesus and John the Baptist prepared the way for His ministry. It is important tot know that you are chosen for a purpose, regardless of how it looks, what we do, our role in life is important.

Continued Sharing by Susanna

Before we become a leader, we are followers. Before we become a parent we are somebody’s child. God places us in an environment for a purpose. Before you become a good teacher, first you have to be a good student. Today we have a baby dedication. 

We need to know 5 principles”

1. Children are a gift from God and are a life long commitment.

2. We have to make sure Lord Jesus knows us by having a personal relationship with Him.

How can we tell if our children have good behaviors or a holy character? We look at the children’s hearts. 

3. Punishing bad behavior and rewarding good behavior is not enough. We need to encourage them to have character and to know Jesus deeply.

4. Proverbs 22:6 - “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old will not depart from it.”

Need to teach children action has consequences. Husband and wife need to help each other to raise children with holy character

5. Healthy parenting comes from your identity in Christ.

Galatians 5:22-23 - “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. Against such thing is no law. 

When the character shows love, then the child has a holy character.