Pastor Andy · 05 July 2026
Sermon — "No Partiality: Everyone is Called"
Drawing from 1 Samuel 16:7, Ephesians 4:11-13, James 2:1-9, Acts 10:34-35, Romans 2:11, Galatians 3:28-29, 1 Corinthians 6:17, 1 Corinthians 12:13, and 1 John 2:20, 27, the key themes were:
God looks at the heart, not the outward appearance — from 1 Samuel 16:7, God said to Samuel regarding David: "For the Lord does not see as man sees; man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." God chose David not because of his stature or appearance, but because of his heart. In the same way, God does not choose people for ministry based on how they look, where they come from, or what their background is.
No prejudice or partiality in the house of God — from James 2:1-9, the pastor warned strongly against favoritism, discrimination, and snobbery in the church. He illustrated this with a powerful story of a well-known minister who dressed as a homeless person and came to a church, only to be rejected and ignored by the congregation — yet the moment his identity was revealed, everyone wanted to be near him. The pastor's challenge: "That is the effect of what we do on people." James 2:9 warns that showing partiality is sin.
God shows no favoritism — from Acts 10:34-35, Peter declared: "Most certainly I understand now that God is not one to show partiality to people... but in every nation the person who fears God and does what is right is acceptable and welcomed by Him." And Romans 2:11 confirms: "God does not show favoritism." Every person — regardless of race, culture, wealth, or background — is equally welcomed by God.
Everyone is called — from Ephesians 4:11-13, God gave the church apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers "to fully equip and perfect the saints for the works of service, to build up the body of Christ." The pastor made clear that this calling extends to every member, not just those in leadership. He challenged the congregation: "I am called for much greater." He shared how his own journey to the pulpit came through years of faithful service — Sunday school teacher, youth leader, cell church leader — and that God promotes those who serve faithfully.
No spiritual superiority — from Galatians 3:28-29: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, neither slave nor free, neither male nor female, for you who believe are all one in Christ Jesus." Nobody can claim spiritual superiority. No one has arrived. There is only one more obedient than another — but no one is better.
You are anointed — from 1 John 2:20 and 27, the pastor declared that every believer has received the anointing of the Holy Spirit. God's anointing is not reserved for a special few — it rests on every obedient, trusting child of God. He shared his first miracle testimony — a woman in a wheelchair who stood up and walked — as evidence that God uses ordinary, available people.
United with God in one Spirit — from 1 Corinthians 6:17: "The one who is united and joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him." When you are joined to God in spirit, you become a spiritual force the enemy fears. The pastor encouraged early morning prayer as the moment the Spirit moves most powerfully, unhindered by distraction.
God promotes the faithful — the pastor shared how God has supernaturally provided for the church — sound equipment worth nearly R200,000 donated freely, computers, offices furnished, and an insurance crisis resolved — all because they stood on God's word and trusted Him when circumstances looked impossible.