What the Bible Really Says About Calling and Legacy | Jonathan Evans

The Importance of a Kingdom Legacy

Social Media and Personal Legacy

• The speaker addresses young people, emphasizing the foolishness of seeking validation through social media, which ultimately leads to a legacy built on unstable ground.

• They highlight that life is wasted when one focuses on superficial online presence rather than genuine blessings from God.

Divine Blessings and Purpose

• The speaker references God's promise to Abram, illustrating that true greatness comes from divine blessing rather than self-promotion.

• Emphasizes that one's legacy is rooted in God's plan; individuals do not need to strive for recognition as God will bless them abundantly.

Understanding True Blessings

• The speaker critiques the American cultural understanding of blessings, suggesting it often centers around personal gain rather than being a conduit for others.

• A true blessing involves receiving favor from God so it can flow through to others, reinforcing the idea that community impact is essential for a meaningful legacy.

Kingdom Legacy vs. Earthly Recognition

• The importance of pursuing a kingdom legacy over earthly applause is stressed; one should aim for heavenly acknowledgment instead of fleeting social media fame.

• Questions are posed about the value of living without leaving a significant mark or footprint in life, urging listeners to consider their ultimate goals.

Personal Anecdote: Training Camp Challenges

• The speaker shares an experience from 2006 while playing with the San Diego Chargers, highlighting the grueling nature of training camp and its challenges.

• Describes how players struggled under harsh conditions and began contemplating retirement due to overwhelming fatigue and difficulty during practices.

Marty Schottenheimer's Motivational Speech

The Tough Coach and His Expectations

• The coach, described as tough, creates an atmosphere of anticipation by pacing silently for five minutes, focusing on each player.

• He emphasizes that he did not randomly select players but handpicked them based on their potential contributions to the team’s success.

• Schottenheimer asserts his confidence in his choices, having reviewed game tapes to ensure each player's fit within the team's strategy.

• He provides players with resources (a book, coaching staff, practice field) and stresses the importance of maintaining integrity in their roles.

• The coach urges players to stop complaining about training camp and instead embrace it as a necessary step towards achieving greatness.

Understanding God's Promises

• The speaker draws parallels between the coach's message and God's promises, highlighting over 8,000 promises found in the Bible.

• Emphasizes that while God provides everything needed for success (like a uniform), individuals must uphold their responsibilities to experience these promises.

• Reflecting on personal experiences after leaving the NFL in 2009, he expresses feelings of being lost without direction or purpose post-career.

Divine Calling and Purpose

• The speaker recalls a moment of prayer where God reminded him of Schottenheimer's speech about being chosen for greatness.

• References Romans 8:29–30 to illustrate that those called by God are justified and glorified; if God is for you, no one can stand against you.

Biblical Examples of Calling

• Introduces Genesis 12 as an example where God calls Abraham to leave his comfort zone for greater blessings.

• Highlights that many miss out on divine promises due to a preference for comfort over calling; Abraham had settled into complacency before receiving God's command.

• Distinguishes between "settled" (indicating stagnation) and "camped" (suggesting ongoing movement), urging listeners not to anchor themselves in past situations.

Unsettling Comfort Zones

• Discusses how God's voice often challenges those who have become too comfortable or settled in their lives.

• Suggestion that true growth requires stepping out from familiar places into new opportunities presented by faith.

God's Call to Action: Are You Listening?

Understanding God's Voice and Our Desires

• The voice we often hear aligns with our own desires, leading us to believe it is God's will. However, true divine guidance may challenge our preconceived notions.

• God’s thoughts and ways are vastly different from ours; He aims to unsettle us when calling for significant changes in our lives.

• Biblical examples illustrate that God often asks individuals to step out of their comfort zones, such as Noah building an ark or Gideon leading a small army against many.

Resistance to Divine Guidance

• Many people resist what God has been telling them repeatedly over time, whether it's about jobs, relationships, or personal growth.

• Specific calls include improving family dynamics and taking responsibility within the household; these messages can be uncomfortable but necessary for spiritual growth.

• Logic can hinder obedience; feelings of inadequacy often arise when faced with God's call, similar to Moses questioning his ability.

The Importance of Action

• God emphasizes action before clarity—Abraham was instructed to "go" before being shown the destination. This highlights the necessity of faith in following divine direction.

• A thorough study on the word "go" reveals its straightforward meaning: take action rather than remain stagnant in your current situation.

Consequences of Inaction

• Failing to act on God's instructions can lead to missed opportunities and unfulfilled promises. Historical examples show how disobedience resulted in lost blessings for the Israelites.

• Fear is a common barrier; however, it is essential to recognize that fear does not come from God but from other sources.

Interpreting Scripture Correctly

• Proper biblical interpretation involves recognizing that action (going) precedes revelation (showing). Many expect clarity before they commit, which contradicts God's nature.

• Stagnation prevents understanding and receiving what God has planned; moving forward is crucial for experiencing His promises fully.

Personal Testimony: A Call to Change

• The speaker shares a personal story about their parents' journey influenced by divine guidance despite initial plans being set elsewhere. This illustrates how last-minute changes can align with God's purpose.

The Journey of Faith and Church Growth

The Initial Struggle and Decision

• The speaker reflects on a pivotal moment when their father faced a decision about attending Dallas Theological Seminary, influenced by external opinions despite his initial resolve.

• After applying late, the family was accepted to the seminary but placed on probation, leading to increased uncertainty about their future.

• While studying at the seminary, Tony Evans initially planned to return to the East Coast as an evangelist rather than becoming a pastor.

A Shift in Direction

• Two men from the Bible study encouraged Tony Evans to start a local church instead of pursuing his original plan, highlighting the need for a kingdom worldview in Dallas.

• This suggestion created internal conflict for Tony and his wife Lois as they debated whether to stay in Dallas or fulfill their original calling on the East Coast.

Establishing the Church

• Ultimately, they decided to start a church in their home on June 6, 1976, driven by faith and community interest in their teachings.

• The church quickly outgrew their home setting and moved first to Bridegate Apartment Complex due to increasing attendance and demand for teachings.

Expansion Challenges

• As attendance continued to grow, they transitioned from Bridegate Apartments to a Lutheran church that offered space for gatherings.

• Eventually moving again due to growth pressures, they found temporary accommodation at Adele Turner Elementary School but faced challenges with school board opposition.

Miraculous Interventions

• During critical moments of potential eviction from Adele Turner, divine intervention occurred when key members missed an important vote due to traffic issues.

• This allowed them time to find another location while affirming that God supports those who follow His path amidst struggles.

Future Prospects

• After successfully staying at Adele Turner longer than expected, they began searching for permanent facilities as growth continued unabated.

• They identified an affordable building previously occupied by another church but faced financial constraints; this marked another challenge in their journey.

The Journey of Faith and Miracles

The Building Conundrum

• The speaker's father faced a challenge in securing a $200,000 building for their community, feeling divinely inspired to pursue it.

• During a private conversation about the building, an unexpected individual intruded, causing initial frustration for the father.

• This stranger began asking questions about the building and the father's vision, leading to an unexpected turn of events.

Divine Intervention

• The stranger wrote a check for $200,000 on the spot and left without further interaction, illustrating how God provides when one steps out in faith.

• The speaker reflects on his father's journey of faith and encourages others to read Hebrews 11 for inspiration regarding faith-driven actions.

Understanding Faith

• Key verses from Hebrews 11 highlight various biblical figures who acted by faith despite uncertainty (e.g., Abel, Noah, Abraham).

• The speaker emphasizes that true faith requires action regardless of feelings or circumstances; discomfort is often part of God's calling.

Legacy and Identity

• God promises to take care of one's legacy when they step out in faith; individuals should not seek validation through social media or fleeting fame.

• True positioning comes from God rather than self-promotion; reliance on divine guidance leads to lasting significance.

Real-Life Application

• A personal story involving the Dallas Cowboys illustrates how sudden tragedy can shift focus towards spiritual matters and community support.

• In moments of crisis, such as a player's death before a game, the importance of providing comfort through prayer and gospel teachings becomes paramount.

Reflection on Legacy and Purpose

The Impact of Silence and Transition to Football

• A significant moment occurred when players who rarely attended chapel came together, resulting in about 10 accepting Christ. This highlights the potential for spiritual awakening in unexpected circumstances.

• The transition from honoring Jerry Brown Jr. with a brief moment of silence to immediately playing football raised concerns about the depth of remembrance versus the fleeting nature of fame.

The Reality of Fame and Legacy

• The speaker reflects on how quickly people are forgotten after their contributions, emphasizing that even Hall of Famers will only receive a short acknowledgment before being replaced by the next star. This serves as a critique of society's focus on transient fame rather than lasting impact.

• Questions posed include: "Who are you living for?" and "What is your purpose?" These questions challenge individuals to consider whether they seek temporary recognition or something more enduring.

Kingdom Legacy Through Abraham

• The concept of a kingdom legacy is introduced through the story of Abraham, whose obedience led to blessings for all families on Earth, illustrating how individual actions can have far-reaching consequences across generations.

• The lineage from Abraham to Jesus Christ is highlighted, showing that without Abraham's faithfulness, salvation would not be accessible to many today, particularly Gentiles. This underscores the importance of obedience in fulfilling God's promises.

Living for Something Greater

• Emphasizing that true greatness comes from being connected to Jesus Christ rather than seeking personal glory or fame; one's life should reflect this connection through actions and words alike. This calls for authenticity in living out one’s faith daily.

• Building a kingdom legacy does not require public recognition; it can manifest quietly through everyday actions within one's sphere of influence, reinforcing that everyone has a role regardless of visibility or status.

Encouragement for Future Generations

• A hopeful vision is presented where future generations will remember individuals as part of a larger legacy—"so and so had many sons," indicating an ongoing impact beyond one's lifetime. This encourages steadfastness in pursuing God’s work without immediate recognition or reward.

• A prayer concludes with an appeal for focus amidst distractions, urging individuals to live out their faith actively while trusting in God's plan for their lives and legacies moving forward.