K.P. Yohannan emphasizes that the foremost agenda in Christian life and ministry is to intimately know the Lord, as this relationship undergirds all effective gospel work. This sermon shares a personal experience of seeking God's guidance at a significant age, expecting a grand blueprint for world evangelism, but instead receiving a profound message to know God intimately. The speaker reflects on a vision or dream where God invites him to walk and witness a sunset, leading to a realization of the urgency in sharing the gospel with billions of people. The core message emphasizes the importance of deepening one's relationship with God above all other plans or agendas.
Full Transcript
When I turned 50, I know I look 30. That was 13 years ago. Decided that I would spend that day trying to, you know, hear from the Lord what he will have to say about, you know, the future.
And you must know from the age of 17, I've just been on this one track, following the Lord and struggles and learning and repenting and all that. But, you know, the best I know, you know, I have very few regrets in my life, honestly, because there's nothing I'm holding on to and make every decision in the light of eternity, the best I know. And being involved in world missions and responsible for, you know, 10-15,000 missionaries scattered throughout many nations and all that.
With my busyness, I was expecting for the Lord to give me some whole new blueprint about world evangelism and, you know, next 10 years, this is what you should do and all these amazing things. And late, late into the afternoon, I had this interesting but strange experience. I'm not a spooky person looking for neon lights in the ceiling.
If anything I'm looking for is in and out hamburger shop, which unfortunately you don't have it here. But, you know, it was, was it a vision? Was it a dream? I just can't say it. But it was as though the Lord said, come and walk with me.
And we keep walking. I said, Lord, where are we going? And finally, we got all this kind of a hilly area and really beautiful green grass. And from the plateau, he said, look what you see.
And it was sunset. And 14 kilometers from where I was born and raised in southern tip of India, we had the ocean. So watching sunset was not a strange thing.
And I said, Lord, the sun is setting. And it was very clear. He said, son, a few more days left.
Get to know me. And I was stunned because I go to bed every night with a clear conscience and talking to him. I didn't know what else he wanted.
And all of a sudden, I realized two billion people wait to hear the gospel. And they're desperate. And if any blueprint, any idea, agenda, and things I must do, he said, know me better.
Be with me. And my brother says, that's my encouragement to you. And so whatever we do with that perspective, I tell you, it will survive time.
It will not be destroyed. And you are given an incredible privilege to understand these truths. And I'm blessed to be here.
But there's one area of our ministry. Pastor.
Sermon Outline
I
Personal reflection on following the Lord since youth
Life decisions made in light of eternity
Responsibility for global missions
II
Seeking the Lord's guidance on the future
Unexpected encounter with the Lord's message
The vision of walking with the Lord
III
The Lord's call to 'know me better'
The urgency of the gospel for two billion unreached people
The importance of relationship over plans
IV
Encouragement to prioritize intimacy with God
The lasting impact of ministry rooted in knowing God
The privilege of understanding these spiritual truths
Key Quotes
“Know me better. Be with me.” — K.P. Yohannan
“Two billion people wait to hear the gospel. And they're desperate.” — K.P. Yohannan
“Whatever we do with that perspective, I tell you, it will survive time.” — K.P. Yohannan
Application Points
Prioritize daily time spent in personal relationship with God above all ministry plans.
Remember that effective evangelism flows from a deep knowledge of the Lord.
Make life decisions with an eternal perspective to ensure lasting impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the main message K.P. Yohannan received from the Lord?
He was told to focus on knowing the Lord better rather than seeking new ministry blueprints.
Why does Yohannan emphasize knowing God over plans?
Because an intimate relationship with God ensures that ministry efforts will endure and be effective.
How does Yohannan describe his life journey?
He has been on a single track following the Lord since age 17, making decisions in light of eternity.
What is the urgency Yohannan highlights in the sermon?
Two billion people are waiting to hear the gospel, making the call to know God and share His message urgent.
How can listeners apply this sermon to their lives?
By prioritizing personal intimacy with God as the foundation for all ministry and daily living.
(Clip) The Lord's Agenda of Knowing Him
K.P. Yohannan
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3:39
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