The following is a short excerpt from Pastor John Randal, from a teaching recorded for the East Coast Pastor’s Conference, which was cancelled, but Pastor Joe Focht went ahead and had the pastors that were scheduled send recordings for pastors and the teams that would have joined them. I would say that these teachings are NOT ONLY for those we see as part of the formal leadership, but for any men wanting to grow in the knowledge and understanding and service to our Lord, Jesus Christ.
I haven’t even listened to all of them yet, but I encourage you guys to give a listen. We may listen to some of these or parts of some of these in our men’s Bible study over the next several meetings.
This is just one excerpt that resonated with me in a big way. Just a short 2 to 3-minute excerpt. Then at the end is the link to Calvary Chapel of Philadelphia’s ECPC page where you can navigate down and find this teaching by Pastor John Randal.
At this time, we cannot be controlled, or programmed, or manipulated by fear. We must walk in faith. Jesus exhorted us, He said, “Do not fear those who kill the body, but cannot kill the soul.” Paul was also an example when he said, “To live is Christ; to die is gain.” It’s a win-win for the believer in Jesus Christ. And for some reason folks, the Lord saw fit for us to be here at this critical moment in history.
What will we do? How will we respond? What will be said of us in times to come? Listen. God has given to each one of us here today, a stewardship of a life that is to be lived. God has opened up opportunities for you and for me to leverage things for the Kingdom of God. He didn’t place us here so we could remain in lock-down. He placed us here, where ever we are, because we’re in the midst of a battle; we’re in the midst of a war; and we’re in the midst of a conflict involving good versus evil. It’s easy to get caught up in our own agenda; in our own wellness; in our own kingdom, and miss an assignment.
Pastor John Randal, was expounding upon Esther’s calling, for such a time when the same evil raged against God’s plans and purposes, as is raging against Him and His people today. But God raised Esther and Mordecai to answer that call to save His people, and I believe his is calling us, followers and disciples, of Jesus Christ, His son, for such a time as we live in today!
Will we answer that call?
Link to the ECPC teachings page: http://www.ccphilly.org/ecpc/