IMPACT Recap

Conditional Use Christians

February 25, 2024 · 0:53:56

ObediencePurposeFaith

Recap

Pastor Travis Hearn opened his message by drawing a parallel between real estate zoning and the Christian life. He introduced the concept of a 'conditional use permit' (CUP), where a property can only be used under specific conditions, and applied it to our walk with God. He challenged the congregation, stating that many are 'conditional use Christians' who give God permission to use them only with exceptions, limitations, and restrictions. He declared that such conditional commitment renders a believer useless for God's purposes, because God is not a situational Savior and does not need our conditional approval. The heart of the message was a call to move from conditional, fine-print faith to becoming a fully available, 'no strings attached' disciple. Pastor Travis pointed to Isaiah 6:8 as the model response: 'Here am I. Send me.' He shared vulnerably from his own 31-year journey following Christ, testifying to both the incredible mountaintops and deep valleys that came from praying a dangerous prayer of total availability. He emphasized that true discipleship, modeled in Luke 9:57-62, costs everything and often calls us away from comfort. He clarified that the title 'Christian,' first used in Acts 11:26, was given to proven disciples facing persecution, not to casual club members. The sermon culminated in a bold invitation for individuals to stand if they were willing to pray the terrifying yet rewarding prayer of total surrender, giving God a 'blank check' for their lives to be used 'however, whenever, wherever, for whatever, to whomever.' He also extended an invitation for salvation, referencing Romans 10:9, for those ready to begin their journey with Christ.

Main Points

  • God does not use 'conditional use Christians' who serve Him only with exceptions, limitations, and restrictions; He seeks fully available, 'no strings attached' disciples.
  • The most dangerous and rewarding prayer a believer can pray is one of total surrender: 'God, use me however, whenever, wherever, for whatever, and with whomever.'
  • True discipleship, as modeled by Jesus in the Gospels, is costly and calls us to follow Him unconditionally, even when it means leaving comfort and security behind.

Verses Mentioned

  • Isaiah 6:8 - "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"" (NIV)
  • Luke 9:57-62 - "As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, "I will follow you wherever you go." Jesus replied, "Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head." He said to another man, "Follow me." But he replied, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father." Jesus said to him, "Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God." Still another said, "I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family." Jesus replied, "No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God."" (NIV)
  • Acts 11:26 - "and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch." (NIV)
  • Romans 10:9 - "If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." (NIV)

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