Denying Oneself for a Purpose – Teaching Points by Mike MacIntosh
During the November 2025 Calvary Chapel Association (CCA) International Pastors Conference, experienced leaders delivered powerful teachings to build up and encourage attendees fulfilling the legacy left by Pastor Chuck Smith. Featured here is one from Mike MacIntosh, CCA regional leader and founder of the U.S. Prayer Force. View the archived teaching at the end.
“There's a great danger to think more highly of yourself than you should. We think that we're important. But [King] David taught us that he'd rather be a doorkeeper in the house of the Lord than to dwell in the tents of the wicked.”
Using various teaching points, Pastor Mike MacIntosh shared godly wisdom with pastors and leaders encouraging them in their mission as followers of Jesus.
*On Teamwork: “Whoever desires to come after Me [Jesus], let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” Mark 8:34b.
“This guiding principle of the Navy SEALs reflects the extreme commitment of putting the mission and the team success above individual needs. That’s a good definition for a minister,” announced Pastor Mike MacIntosh. Speaking to hundreds who came from around the world, Mike continued, “We can say we all belong to a Calvary, ... but as far as a team, that’s where success comes. Be inspired to contribute to something greater than yourself. Pick up your cross, deny yourself, follow after ... Jesus. A purpose.” Urging believers that spiritual gifts are to be shared among the brethren, he said, “We need each other. The minute you lose sight of that—that you’re part of something, a team--[then] your ego is bigger than your Gospel [message]. We have got to be very careful about that, because the end [of the age] is right in front of us.”
*On the Spirit of God: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts. Zechariah 4:6
Sharing three things that are common among those in leadership: strength, power, and spirit, Mike pointed out, “Do you know that Spirit is mentioned ... twice as much as having power or strength? It made me think of Zechariah, Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit. That’s what we’re missing ... knowledge by experience.”
*On Knowing God’s Word: Jesus answered and said to them, “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God. Matthew 22:29
Mike expressed concern over America’s direction while the church seemingly has no strength to alter the nation’s course. Drawing from Matthew 22:29, he expounded, “I took that thought—you are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures. You can read the Scriptures; you can study the Scriptures, but do you know what they’re really trying to get across? Our cities are ripe for the taking because we hold the power of God through his Word. And He lifts His Word above His name.” He asked rhetorically, “Do you err because you prepare a sermon, but you don't really apply it to your life, but it’s for everybody else? We need to drop our lives, pick up our cross, and follow [Jesus] so we’re not ignorant of the scriptures, not ignorant of the power that’s available for us to win souls.”
*On God’s Glory: ‘Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord which He will accomplish for you today.’ Exodus 14:13
Explaining how God would gain the glory over Pharaoh, over all his army, so that the Egyptians and Israelites may know that He is the Lord, Mike described, “These people [Israelites] start complaining, ‘Oh, God, this and oh God, that and we're out in the wilderness.’ But when you look at it, they're headed home. They're going to a land they've never seen before. And when you think of it, we're headedhome. So, we don't want to live in the past. We are to let the Lord do with His church, not what we want to do, but what He has planned to do so that he will get the honor. It’s all about the Lord’s plan not ours.”
*On Repentance: So rend your heart, and not your garments; return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness; and He relents from doing harm. Joel 2:13
“We won’t make any country great again. I’m sorry if you have a hat,” Mike quipped. He implored, instead, “But we must rend our hearts. We must tear them open and say, "Please go in and do that surgery, Lord. Once we do as we're commanded, then God's going to pour out blessings.”
Ending in heartfelt prayer, Mike asked the Lord,
Our Father, in Jesus' name, we pray that Your hand would stay upon all of us to keep us from the evil one. Bring the Scriptures alive to us that we're not just studying or preparing, but we understand the impact that it's always about people and You. It's all about You reaching people. Help us to explode as one of the sweetest groups of churches in America. Let us wake up unto righteousness and sin not in Jesus' name. Amen.
Thank you for reading! If this story inspired you, we invite you to partner with us in continuing the ministry God started over 26 years ago. We appreciate your prayerful consideration in joining us to reach more souls for Jesus.
SPONSOR MESSAGE: Sign up for the Prayer Force! And be a part of the prayer team that’s changing the world for Jesus Christ through prayer, organized by Pastor Mike MacIntosh. Visit MikeMacIntosh.com
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