What are You Called?

In his sermon, Pastor Hilton explores the profound significance of what we are called—by God, by others, and especially by ourselves—drawing from Judges 6:12 and Isaiah 43:1. He notes that in Bible times, names carried deep meaning and purpose, with God often directing mothers to name children for specific roles (Ishmael, Isaac, John, Jesus) and renaming individuals to reflect their divine calling: Abram became Abraham, Jacob became Israel, Simon became Peter, Saul became Paul. The central illustration is Gideon, whom the angel of the Lord called "mighty man of valor" while he was hiding in fear. Despite Gideon's protests—his family was poor, he was the least—God repeated the call, showing that His word does not change. Pastor Hilton emphasizes that what others call us (like Joseph's brothers calling him "dreamer" or Daniel's captors renaming him insultingly) does not define us; what matters is what God says. He warns against self-labeling, as Naomi did when she asked to be called Mara (bitter) instead of Naomi (pleasant). The sermon's climax is the reminder that believers are chosen, friends, and sons and daughters of God (1 Peter 2:9-10, John 15:14-16, 2 Corinthians 6:18). Pastor Hilton urges the congregation to align with God's calling, reject negative self-perceptions, and embrace their identity as those God has redeemed and called by name.