Christ Who Calls | January 2026
Watch video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WafziG1d1yk
Program Transcript
Christ Who Calls | January 2026
Mike Rasmussen
Jesus tells his disciples, “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.” John 10:14-15
Early in our walks with Jesus, we can easily feel like God and Jesus are far off. They may seem distant — so holy, so far above our human experience — that we struggle to relate. But that is not what the scriptures say, nor is it what Jesus came to proclaim so loudly in his actions.
The truth is, the Father sent Jesus to come and live with and among us as his creations. He put on flesh (the miracle of the incarnation) and moved into our neighborhood to dwell with us. Jesus proclaims that he is for us, he is with us, he lives in us, and he also tells us if we have seen him, we have also seen God the Father, because they are one.
So, this feeling of separation and distance is not the reality of the relationship we have with God through Jesus. It is true — our sins make us feel distant and cut off from God at times — that is what sin does. But even in those moments, God draws near. The reality is God comes to live right here, right now, for each of us through his Son Jesus and by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit who is sent by the Father and Jesus.
Because of this truth, we must change our ways of thinking and receive the reality of our relationship with God, his Son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. It does not stop there — with his acceptance, his forgiveness, and his love. Out of that love flows a calling. God calls us to live sent — just like he sent his Son to live for others. God calls us to love others just as the Father and Jesus have loved us.
For decades, I’d pridefully wait for people to come to me but God has changed my heart. I am now convicted to go to them and meet them where they are. To love them as Jesus has loved me and then watch what the Holy Spirit does in this fertile soil of love. I cannot fix or change anyone, but I can love them and let the Holy Spirit do what only he can do. And that is to change hearts and minds, and he is so good at it.
18 Then Jesus came to them and said, all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations (in other words build real, genuine, and loving relationships – with everyone you come in contact with), baptizing them in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
Matthew 28:18-20
Jesus calls his disciples, his beloved children, you, and me, to live sent — just as he did, and to love our neighbors — as he modeled loving and caring for each of us. This isn’t a calling reserved for the few or the gifted; it’s the invitation extended to every follower of Christ.
It is not always easy, but it is something we are commanded to do – not on our own strength, but by his power and for his glory.
As we walk in this calling, may we be reminded that the same Spirit who sent Jesus into the world sent us too. Just as Jesus laid down his life for others, we are invited to lay down our pride, our comfort, and our fears — so that others may know the love of God through us.
This is the heart of Kingdom Living — joining Jesus in his ongoing work of love and reconciliation. It is a life of presence, of purpose, and of peace
May we be a people who live into what it means to join Jesus in this wonderful way of life we call KINGDOM LIVING!
He knows us by name, he calls us his own, and he goes before us in love.
I love you all!
Program Transcript
Christ Who Calls | January 2026
Mike Rasmussen
Jesus tells his disciples, “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.” John 10:14-15
Early in our walks with Jesus, we can easily feel like God and Jesus are far off. They may seem distant — so holy, so far above our human experience — that we struggle to relate. But that is not what the scriptures say, nor is it what Jesus came to proclaim so loudly in his actions.
The truth is, the Father sent Jesus to come and live with and among us as his creations. He put on flesh (the miracle of the incarnation) and moved into our neighborhood to dwell with us. Jesus proclaims that he is for us, he is with us, he lives in us, and he also tells us if we have seen him, we have also seen God the Father, because they are one.
So, this feeling of separation and distance is not the reality of the relationship we have with God through Jesus. It is true — our sins make us feel distant and cut off from God at times — that is what sin does. But even in those moments, God draws near. The reality is God comes to live right here, right now, for each of us through his Son Jesus and by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit who is sent by the Father and Jesus.
Because of this truth, we must change our ways of thinking and receive the reality of our relationship with God, his Son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. It does not stop there — with his acceptance, his forgiveness, and his love. Out of that love flows a calling. God calls us to live sent — just like he sent his Son to live for others. God calls us to love others just as the Father and Jesus have loved us.
For decades, I’d pridefully wait for people to come to me but God has changed my heart. I am now convicted to go to them and meet them where they are. To love them as Jesus has loved me and then watch what the Holy Spirit does in this fertile soil of love. I cannot fix or change anyone, but I can love them and let the Holy Spirit do what only he can do. And that is to change hearts and minds, and he is so good at it.
18 Then Jesus came to them and said, all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations (in other words build real, genuine, and loving relationships – with everyone you come in contact with), baptizing them in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
Matthew 28:18-20
Jesus calls his disciples, his beloved children, you, and me, to live sent — just as he did, and to love our neighbors — as he modeled loving and caring for each of us. This isn’t a calling reserved for the few or the gifted; it’s the invitation extended to every follower of Christ.
It is not always easy, but it is something we are commanded to do – not on our own strength, but by his power and for his glory.
As we walk in this calling, may we be reminded that the same Spirit who sent Jesus into the world sent us too. Just as Jesus laid down his life for others, we are invited to lay down our pride, our comfort, and our fears — so that others may know the love of God through us.
This is the heart of Kingdom Living — joining Jesus in his ongoing work of love and reconciliation. It is a life of presence, of purpose, and of peace
May we be a people who live into what it means to join Jesus in this wonderful way of life we call KINGDOM LIVING!
He knows us by name, he calls us his own, and he goes before us in love.
I love you all!
Thank you for this great theological and practical message. You have set a good example and challenge for all of us.