The preacher uses the Genesis 25 story of Esau and Jacob to introduce the idea of calling - both individual callings and a corporate calling to Nashville and Way Church. He warns that good gifts from God (like a birthright or a calling) can be slowly twisted by the enemy until we despise them, and lays out a practical pathway for staying faithful: believe your calling, value it, protect it, and keep it. He quotes Jeremiah and Paul to affirm that God appoints people before birth and that present struggles are working toward eternal glory. The message includes concrete examples from Way Church (baptisms, outreach, partnerships) and a call to protect personal time with God, fight for unity, and persevere through expected challenges in 2025.
“If you don't believe you're called you won't value your calling. If you don't value your calling you won't protect your calling. If you don't protect your calling you won't keep your calling. And if you don't keep your calling you'll despise your calling.”
Take it with you
Remember the four-step practice for your calling: believe it, value it (set it apart), protect it (guard your time with God and prioritize preparation), and keep it through hardship. Serve your local community intentionally - practical outreach (schools, homeless care) and committed small-group discipleship are ways to live this out. If God calls you elsewhere, leave in good terms trusting his sovereignty.
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