Sermon Series: Guest Preacher Presents Biblical Traits of “The Person God Uses”

November 26, 2025

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Olivet University’s Riverside campus welcomed Pastor Bob Reece of Anza Baptist Church as the special guest speaker for its monthly Sermon Series during Wednesday’s chapel service. Preaching from 1 Corinthians 1:24–29, Pastor Reece delivered a message titled “The Person That God Uses,” centering on the extraordinary ways God works through individuals whom the world may overlook. He reminded the congregation that God’s resources, knowledge, and vision far surpass human understanding, allowing Him to use anyone wholly surrendered to His purposes.

Throughout the sermon, Pastor Reece explored eight qualities essential for those seeking to be effective in Christian ministry. He began by emphasizing the necessity of having a clear and singular purpose aligned with God’s heart, drawing on the examples of John the Baptist and the Apostle Paul as models of unwavering commitment. He then spoke about the importance of removing hindrances—such as sin, complacency, and distraction—that can impede a believer’s service, noting that only by God’s grace can these obstacles be overcome.

Pastor Reece highlighted the central role of scripture in shaping a servant of God, urging attendees to be diligent students of the Word in accordance with 2 Timothy 2:15. He underscored the transformative power of submitting to God’s will, pointing to Isaiah 6 as a vivid illustration of how God refines and commissions those who surrender fully. Prayer, he stressed, is indispensable for advancing God’s kingdom, referencing the steadfast examples of Daniel and the persistent widow in Luke 18.

The message continued with a call for believers to share a living and vital testimony of the Gospel, marked by genuine passion for the life-giving power of Christ. Pastor Reece also spoke of the necessity of unshakeable faith—trusting completely in God’s goodness despite trials—and concluded with the reminder that true ministry requires empowerment by the Holy Spirit. He recounted the story of the preacher Moody, who learned to rely on the Spirit’s guidance in proclaiming God’s Word, illustrating the difference divine empowerment makes.

As the service drew to a close, Pastor Reece encouraged the congregation to grow continually in grace and knowledge, to support one another, and to pray earnestly for the body of Christ. The gathering ended with a communal prayer led by Olivet University representative Ezra Bartovic, who prayed for Pastor Reece, the visiting friends from Anza Baptist Church, and all those present in the chapel.

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