Locations & Times

What if the most unlikely person in the room is exactly who God had in mind?

Nacho Libre is not just a comedy. It is based on the true story of Father Sergio Gutierrez Benitez, a Mexican priest who became a professional wrestler to fund his orphanage. His story raises three questions that every believer eventually has to wrestle with: Am I qualified enough for what God is asking of me? Is the conflict I am feeling a sign that I am on the wrong path? And am I performing for an identity I already have?

In this message, we unpack what this unlikely story reveals about how God works, how He calls people, and how He defines who we are.

Three things you will walk away with: First, God consistently chooses people the world overlooks, and Scripture backs this up from Abraham to Moses to Peter. Second, the tension you feel when pursuing God's purpose is often confirmation, not contradiction. Third, you were never meant to fight for your identity. You fight from it.

Whether you are feeling unqualified, burned out, or unsure of your calling, this message is for you.

Jim Burgen
May 31st, 2026

// Bible References: 1 Cor 1:25-29; Rom 7:15, 18-19, 24-25; Col 3:17; Eph 2:8-10

// Community Question: If you could have your life play out as a movie, what genre would it be and why?"

// Discussion Questions

1. The real-life priest Sergio said he 'wanted to become the priest that I needed earlier in my life but couldn't find.' How does Sergio’s early experience with the church affect how we interact with others in need? Think of a difficult person in your life, how might God be asking you to demonstrate His love for them this week?
   
   
2. Jim taught that 'pursuing God's purpose for your life sometimes feels like conflict.' What's the difference between conflict that comes from following God versus conflict that comes from sin? Have you ever felt tension or conflict while trying to follow what God is calling you to do? How did you work through that, and what did you learn?
   
   
3. The sermon emphasized that 'you don't fight FOR identity, you fight FROM identity.' How would your daily choices change if you truly believed your identity was already secure in Christ? In what areas of your life are you still trying to 'earn' your worth or prove yourself?
   
   
4. Going Deeper: Read 1 Cor 1:27. Jim mentioned that God chose 'what is foolish in the world to shame the wise'. Why do you think God often chooses unlikely people like Abraham, Moses, David, and Peter to accomplish His purposes? What areas of your life make you feel 'unqualified' to serve God? How might God want to use those very weaknesses or past experiences for His glory?
   
   
   

// Challenge: Jim challenged us to live our God given purpose, by getting rid of sin in our lives, or using our past experiences to better reflect God’s work in us. Which of these resonates the most to you? What is one step you can take this week to more fully embrace God’s purpose for your life?