  |
The high calling of Christ’s Church Song: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.” (Romans 8:28-29). “And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ. To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: “To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours:” ( 1 Corinthians 1:2 ). “Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth.” ( 1 Corinthians 1:26 ). “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” (Ephesians 4:1). “Encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.” (1 Thessalonians 2:12). “who has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,” (2 Timothy 1:9). “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” (1 Peter 5:10). Church – ecclesia- called out people In the write-up, I will be looking these points:
God is not looking for super-beings. He is not looking for ‘experts and saints’. But he is looking for people who are willing to be used by Him: “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." (Luke 5:32). “For troubles without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart fails within me.” (Psalm 40:12). God has called you out of sin to repentance, from darkness to light and to Kingdom of God from the world: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9). Do not be afraid, God who has called you will protect you from all the troubles in this present transient world: “I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.” (John 17:14-16). “Encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.” (1 Thessalonians 2:12). “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,” (Colossians 1:13) “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,” (Romans 14:17). “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ.” (Galatians 1:6-7). God has called you into glory and virtue: “God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.” (1 Corinthians 1:9). “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” (2 Peter 1:3). “Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess. He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in all God's house.” (Hebrews 3:1-2). “Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall,” (2 Peter 1:10).
God can use persecution to fulfil his purpose for calling you and burning out your own useless purposes: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.” (Romans 8:28-29). 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36As it is written: And here is the p ractical purpose of our calling: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” ( Romans 8:29 ). 21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. 22"He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth." (1 Peter 2:21-22). “For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.” (1 Thessalonians 4:7). 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy." (1 Peter 1:15-16). “But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” (1 Timothy 6:11-12). 9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 10For,
“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:” (Philippians 2:5). “I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” (John 13:16-17). You’ve been called to serve humanity in healing and curing their infirmity, making people save: “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost." (Luke 19:10). Jesus replied, "Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come." (Mark 1:38). "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." (Matthew 4:19). 15 He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.” (Mark 16:15). 13 So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. 'Put this money to work,' he said, 'until I come back.' (Luke 19:13). God bless you Evang. Oseh John B. |