He Knew Who He Was Calling! | Herbert Fontnette | Sermon Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

He Knew Who He Was Calling!

Herbert Fontnette

Strong Tower Ministries • Oct 25, 2026 • 63 min

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Take this message with you through a journey of Scripture, reflection, and prayer.

Summary

In this encouraging message on Mark 3:13-19, Pastor Herbert Fontnette reminds believers that Jesus intentionally calls individuals fully aware of their past mistakes, flaws, and temperaments. Jesus appointed the twelve disciples first to be with Him before sending them out, highlighting that intimate relationship with God must always precede ministry work and responsibility. Rather than using polished or perfect individuals, God redeems our natural traits and past struggles, qualifying us to serve others and demonstrate His transforming grace.

Themes

Divine CallingRelationship Before ResponsibilityTransforming GraceRedemption of CharacterSpiritual AuthorityPurpose in Adversity

Key Points

1.
God does not wait for people to become a finished product before calling them; He calls individuals while knowing all their past mistakes and inconsistencies.
2.
Before giving believers ministry assignments or responsibilities, Jesus first calls them into a personal, intimate relationship to be with Him.
3.
Spiritual authority and power increase the longer a believer remains in deep fellowship and communion with Jesus.
4.
The indwelling Holy Spirit serves as a powerful restrainer, guarding a believer's mouth and keeping them from returning to old habits.
5.
Jesus intentionally selected flawed, everyday individuals with diverse temperaments rather than self-righteous religious elites.
6.
God redeems and redirects our natural character traits, turning past weaknesses or tendencies into instruments for Kingdom purpose.
7.
God allows difficult or oppositional people into our circles to refine our prayer lives and fulfill His divine sovereign plans.
8.
A believer's past storms and struggles do not disqualify them from service; rather, enduring them qualifies them to guide others to freedom.

Sermon Moments

“He did not call the finished product you. He called the you just as you were because he knew that once he put his hands on you, everything is going to change.”

“Before I give you a responsibility, there must first be a relationship.”

“You have more power the longer that you are with Him.”

“When you got the Holy Ghost, He is a restrainer that will handcuff your mouth from saying the wrong thing.”

“God took my nature that talked out of turn and turned it around so that when I really talk, I have something to talk about.”

“You ought to be glad He doesn't use perfect people, because if He did, none of us would be used.”

“Everybody in your circle may not have your best interest, but that doesn't mean God didn't send them to refine your prayer life.”

“Your past does not disqualify you; it qualifies you to help others through their storm.”

This Week

Prioritize your personal relationship with God above your tasks and duties by setting aside daily quiet time to simply be in His presence.

Thank God in prayer for calling you in spite of your past mistakes, flaws, and inconsistencies.

Yield your natural personality traits and temperaments to the Holy Spirit, asking God to redeem and use them for His glory.

Rely on the Holy Spirit as your internal restrainer to guard your tongue and reactions when facing difficult situations.

Reframe your perspective on oppositional or difficult people in your life, trusting that God can use them to refine your prayer life and character.

Use your past trials and redeemed struggles as a testimony to encourage someone going through a similar storm this week.

Extend grace to others in the church community, remembering that God uses imperfect people who are still being transformed.

Remember This

God intentionally calls imperfect, flawed individuals not based on their past or current perfection, but based on the divine transformation He works within them through personal relationship.

A Challenge for You

If you mess up, fess up and keep it pushing—go directly to the Lord for forgiveness and step into the greater divine purpose He has for your life.

These are personal sermon notes shared to help you remember the message — not a replacement for Scripture, your church, or your pastors.