Becoming
Acts 2:42–47; 2 Corinthians 3:17–18
We live in a time when everyone is certain. But certainty is not the same as discernment.
In this final sermon of the series on hearing God’s call, we explore Paul’s words about the veil that can cloud our vision—and the promise that whenever we turn to the Lord, the veil is lifted. Discernment isn’t about being right. It is about being transformed into Christ’s image.
Acts 2 gives us a glimpse of what that transformation looks like: a community devoted to God and to one another, marked by generosity, shared life, and glad hearts. As we prepare to enter Lent, we are invited to turn again—not toward argument, but toward communion.
(Acts 2:42–47; 2 Corinthians 3:17–18)
We live in a time when everyone is certain. But certainty is not the same as discernment.
In this final sermon of the series on hearing God’s call, we explore Paul’s words about the veil that can cloud our vision—and the promise that whenever we turn to the Lord, the veil is lifted. Discernment isn’t about being right. It is about being transformed into Christ’s image.
Acts 2 gives us a glimpse of what that transformation looks like: a community devoted to God and to one another, marked by generosity, shared life, and glad hearts. As we prepare to enter Lent, we are invited to turn again—not toward argument, but toward communion.
The moment God calls your name
Pastor Paula Dallas explores the call of God through the story of Saul’s encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1–15). Saul believed he was serving God, yet his life was redirected when Christ met him and revealed a new purpose. His transformation shows that God can use every part of a person’s story—strengths, failures, and experiences—for the sake of the gospel.
Drawing connections to figures like Rosa Parks and McKendree’s own BJ Griffith, the message emphasizes that God’s call is not reserved for a few extraordinary people. Ordinary lives, lived in faith and obedience, can shape communities and change the world. Each person is called by God and equipped with gifts that matter. When God calls, get up and go.
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Prayer Walk Handout
Pastor Paula Dallas explores the call of God through the story of Saul’s encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1–15). Saul believed he was serving God, yet his life was redirected when Christ met him and revealed a new purpose. His transformation shows that God can use every part of a person’s story—strengths, failures, and experiences—for the sake of the gospel.
Drawing connections to figures like Rosa Parks and McKendree’s own BJ Griffith, the message emphasizes that God’s call is not reserved for a few extraordinary people. Ordinary lives, lived in faith and obedience, can shape communities and change the world. Each person is called by God and equipped with gifts that matter. When God calls, get up and go.
Sermon Handout
Prayer Walk Handout
Everyone has a part to play
Discerning God’s will isn’t about certainty. It’s about relationship. Drawing on 1 John 4, this sermon explores how discernment grows over time and how love for people, not fear, is the guide that helps us recognize God’s voice.
Pentecost reminds us that the Spirit is poured out on everyone—no one is left out. This sermon reflects on spiritual gifts as part of discernment, asking not what gifts we have, but how love takes shape through them. With scripture, lived examples, and wisdom from Trevor Hudson, we are invited to notice what God has already placed in our hands and how those gifts might build up others.
Sermon Handout Page 1
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Prayer Walk Handout
When Love Is the Test
Discerning God’s will isn’t about certainty. It’s about relationship. Drawing on 1 John 4, this sermon explores how discernment grows over time and how love for people, not fear, is the guide that helps us recognize God’s voice.
Discerning God’s will isn’t about certainty. It’s about relationship. Drawing on 1 John 4, this sermon explores how discernment grows over time and how love for people, not fear, is the guide that helps us recognize God’s voice.
Sermon Handout
Prayer Walk Handout
Listening for the Heart of God
What we believe about God shapes everything—how we listen, how we love, and whether others can hear good news through us. In this sermon on Acts 2:4–13, we explore how Pentecost is less about extraordinary gifts and more about transformed hearts. When God’s love becomes relationship rather than idea, it becomes audible to the world.
What we believe about God shapes everything—how we listen, how we love, and whether others can hear good news through us. In this sermon on Acts 2:4–13, we explore how Pentecost is less about extraordinary gifts and more about transformed hearts. When God’s love becomes relationship rather than idea, it becomes audible to the world.
Sermon Handout
Prayer Walk Handout
God Names and Claims Us
This sermon explores Jesus’ baptism and the gift of the Holy Spirit as signs of God’s deep desire to be with us. Pastor Cyndi reflects on baptism as God’s declaration of love—not something we earn—and on prayer as a turning toward God in trust. As part of a series on discerning God’s call, the message invites listeners to return to the water, remember who they are, and listen for God’s presence.
Matthew 3:13-17
Acts 2:1-4 CEB
This sermon explores Jesus’ baptism and the gift of the Holy Spirit as signs of God’s deep desire to be with us. Pastor Cyndi reflects on baptism as God’s declaration of love—not something we earn—and on prayer as a turning toward God in trust. As part of a series on discerning God’s call, the message invites listeners to return to the water, remember who they are, and listen for God’s presence.
Matthew 3:13-17
Acts 2:1-4 CEB
Sermon Handout
Prayer Walk Handout
Good News! God has a unique calling for you
In this introduction to the series, we begin with what scripture says (and doesn't say) about whether each person has a unique call.
Recommended reading:
In Search of God’s Will by Trevor Hudson
Handout for week 1: includes notes from the sermon, a summary of Chapter 1, and a listening exercise from Chapter 1.
Too often people wonder whether God has a unique and personal call for them. And if so, how do we discern God’s call? Over the coming weeks, we will use Scripture and Trevor Hudson’s book, In Search of God’s Will, to listen for God’s call—together, prayerfully, and with active participation.
We begin with what scripture says (and doesn't say) about whether each person has a unique call.
The handout for week 1 includes notes from the sermon, Chapter 1 of the book, and include a listening exercise from Chapter 1.