Destiny and Direction

Introduction

• Speaker: Larry BR (LB), pastor at Elevation Church
• LB and his wife were among the original eight families to start Elevation Church 18 years ago
• Shares a personal story about the birth of his firstborn son, Corbin Charles BR
• Highlights the role of children's ministry volunteers

Mark 1: 16-17

• Passage: Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee, saw Simon and Andrew fishing, and called them to follow Him
• Key Themes:
  • Destiny
  • Direction

Main Message

Destiny

• Jesus choosing ordinary people to follow Him
• Establishing Kingdom culture over worldly culture
• Jesus comes to us and picks us despite our flaws

Peter’s Transformation

• Simon became Peter
  • Knows the significance of this name change
  • Illustrates the duality in everyone: 'Simon' (the old self) and 'Peter' (the transformed self)
• Peter’s last words: Grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus
  • Reflects on life’s wisdom and spiritual maturity
• 2 Peter 3:18: Emphasizes growing in both grace and knowledge

Role of Jesus in Our Lives

• Savior: Determines our destiny
• Lord: Directs our path
• Progressive Revelation: Our understanding of Jesus evolves over time

Peter’s Confession

• Matthew 16:13-17: Who do you say I am?
• Identity: Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the Living God
  • Saves us from our sins
  • Importance of confessing Jesus as Lord and Savior

Audience Engagement

• Calls for audience to place faith in Jesus
• Invitation for salvation

Concept of Direction

• Trusting Jesus with the direction of our lives
  • Daily denials of self
• Connection to the feeding of the 5,000
  • Disciples’ frustration vs. Jesus’ compassion
• Mark 6: Finding rest and the true definition of it
• Importance of aligning our definition with Jesus’ direction

Peter, the Denier to the Leader

• Luke 22:31-34: Jesus predicts Peter’s denial
  • Strengthen your brothers after repenting
• John 21: Jesus restores Peter
  • Do you love me? Feed my sheep
  • Signifies Peter’s role in feeding others

Practical Takeaways

• Daily Self-Denial: Key to following Jesus
• Upgrading our definition of grace and direction
• Personal Reflection: Identifying areas where we need to deny ourselves and follow Jesus

Conclusion

• Emphasis on making Jesus both Savior and Lord
• Encourages practical steps towards daily self-denial
• Invitation to further engage with Elevation Church through online platforms