Chosen to Be Holy, Sent for the Lost
February 5, 2025 · 1:49:27 · Watch on YouTube ↗
Summary
This midweek service fell during a week of fasting and opened with a call to sanctification from Psalm 73. The pastor reminded the church that God is good to the pure in heart and that the Holy Spirit quietly convicts, guides, and comforts us even when no one else can see. Our deepest desire, like Asaph's, should be God Himself: whom have I in heaven but You, and with You I want nothing on earth.
A second message urged believers to number their days, echoing Moses' prayer, and to stay faithful to gathering with God's people. Using Ruth and Orpah, the preacher showed how Orpah turned back partway while Ruth pressed on into blessing, and pointed to Genesis 17:1 and Ephesians 1:4: God chose us before the foundation of the world to walk before Him holy and blameless. From Abraham to Anna the prophetess, a long line of faithful saints proves that anyone who truly wants to serve God will be helped by Him.
Missionaries Waldemar and Heidi then shared. Heidi told how, though raised in church, she met the living Jesus only after marrying and moving to Mosul, when an American believer told her she needed Christ in her heart; she repented in tears and went on to serve as a missionary in India. Waldemar preached Luke 15 - the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son - reminding everyone that Jesus receives sinners and leaves the ninety-nine to seek the one. The service closed with a call to come home, prayer for persecuted believers including an imprisoned pastor, and prayer for healing.
Key Points
- Sanctification begins in the heart, and the Holy Spirit convicts us even when no one else can see.
- Like Asaph, make God Himself your highest desire: with You I want nothing else on earth.
- Number your days and keep gathering with God's people - do not turn back partway like Orpah.
- God chose you before the foundation of the world to walk before Him holy and blameless.
- Anyone who simply says yes to God will be equipped and used, regardless of training or ability.
- Jesus receives sinners and leaves the ninety-nine to go after the one who is lost.
- Like the prodigal, come to yourself and return - the Father is waiting, not the older brother.
Devotional
Pause tonight and let the Holy Spirit search your heart, asking what still needs to be made clean. Remember that you were chosen before the world began, not for carelessness but for holiness, to walk before God blameless. And remember that the same Father who holds you also runs to meet the one who turns toward home. Will you let Him find you again, and then go out with Him to seek those who are still lost?
“Whom have I in heaven but You, Lord? With You I want nothing on earth.”
“Jesus receives sinners - and once He received me.”
“He left the ninety-nine to go after the one that was lost.”
