Category:

Calling All Christians

4/24/2015

2 Peter 1:10-13 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: (11) For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. (12) Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth. (13) Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance; (KJV)

The role of a teacher or preacher of the word of God is not only to answer their heavenly calling from above, but to also remind others how to make sure they are answering theirs as well; constantly being a reminder to others whether by example or words of encouragement. Your calling came from above; a spiritual calling that can only be answered by spiritual people who have ears to hear and their eyes of understanding enlightened to the truth.

John 6:63-65 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. (64) But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. (65) And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. (KJV)

As we talked about yesterday and alluded to, the fact that the more we keep ourselves out of the way with mans’ ideas, and seeking their approval, the more effective we are in answering our heavenly calling. God does not need our help or input. Rather the more we stay out of the way with our carnal thinking and reasoning the better off we are. Your calling and the gift of salvation came to us by our Father through the Son, and no man is able to operate in His realm or approach Him unless it is done according to His word.

Mark 11:27-33 And they come again to Jerusalem: and as he was walking in the temple, there come to him the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders, (28) And say unto him, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority to do these things? (29) And Jesus answered and said unto them, I will also ask of you one question, and answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. (30) The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? answer me. (31) And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him? (32) But if we shall say, Of men; they feared the people: for all men counted John, that he was a prophet indeed. (33) And they answered and said unto Jesus, We cannot tell. And Jesus answering saith unto them, Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things. (KJV)

Strong’s definition for authority:
1849 exousia (ex-oo-see'-ah); from 1832 (in the sense of ability); privilege, i.e. (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token of control), delegated influence: KJV-- authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength

Do you know who your source is and who you are receiving your calling and instructions from today? Is your authority based on the truth of God’s word and the strength you have in Christ, or are you waiting for someone to hand you a piece of paper or some other document from man that says you are approved? The Lord knew His calling and who He was answering to because He wasn’t seeking their approval or honor, but rather seeking the only honor that can come from above. Even though some of the people that were challenging His authority knew the truth, rather than acknowledge it, they were more concerned with what the others around them were thinking. And because John nor our Lord were operating within the perimeters of what others perceived as being godly, it was all the more reason for God to use them to preach His word. The letter of the law kills; it chokes the new growth and doesn’t allow the Spirit to have its way. Do you desire freedom, power and liberty? Then you will only find it in the realm of the Spirit. The truth will set you free, not some man-made doctrine or titles of man which many think they need to be approved. Do you desire to receive your heavenly Father’s reward? Then get out into His field and don’t be standing around idle with idle people waiting for some man to tell you what to do.

Titus 2:11-15 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, (12) Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; (13) Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; (14) Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. (15) These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee. (KJV)

Can it get any simpler, Church? The truth be known, the simpler we keep it the better off we are. Don’t let anyone despise you and your authority in Christ because they think you haven’t lived up to manmade standards, or are not operating according to mans’ standard procedure. One knows their calling and the liberty in the fact that they answer their call according to what the word of God says and not what others try to dictate. So whatever your calling is, and wherever the Lord is leading you, don’t be distracted by those that think you need mans’ titles of approval before you can be an effective minister of Christ.

John 4:35-36 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. (36) And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. (KJV)

Don’t be one of those that are standing around idle thinking somewhere down the road they will be more qualified to answer their calling. If the Lord has called you and asked you to go into His field, then let no man despise your calling, including yourself thinking you are not qualified. Most of what we see fashioned around us, and what man calls a church, is done according mans’ standards and not the Lord’s. So the less one gets caught up in these facades the better off they are, and the more effective they will be. You have a direct line of communication to our Father through His Son Jesus Christ; and the more you answer to Him the less concerned you will be about answering to anyone else. Our Lord is calling all Christians with a message of love and hope to all mankind. So keep the line open so that He doesn’t get a busy signal or a disconnected message.

God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

A Heavenly Calling

4/23/2015

Matthew 23:1-5 Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, (2) Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: (3) All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. (4) For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. (5) But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, (KJV)

What we see going on here in Matthew 23 is quite similar to what still takes place today. We have people that have exalted themselves to positions of authority within the Church, or what they envision a church to be. And we see those that are more concerned with outward appearances and pleasing people rather than building up the people; they are just building up their own egos. With many of these people they preach messages and tell people how they should be living a godly life of laying down their lives for the brethren; basically all the things they themselves are not willing to do. Although they are quiet adept at pointing out the faults and shortcomings of others, all the while at the same time they have a closet full of skeletons they think they are hiding.

Matthew 23:6-12 And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, (7) And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. (8) But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. (9) And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. (10) Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. (11) But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. (12) And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. (KJV)

You don’t need a title or mans’ approval to share the gospel or live a godly life. You are the written epistle known and read of all men. So don’t wait around for some title of man before you get out into the field which the Lord said is already ripe for harvest. The church of God is not just limited to some building or some group of believers that are under the authority and rule of someone with mans’ title of ordination. After all who would have been more qualified for this title himself but our Lord and He didn’t take it, so why do others? Masters, Rabbi, all refer to honor, respect, or revered, which if it isn’t coming from our Lord then it’s a waste of time. In fact if you are seeking approval from man anyway, then you are already headed in the wrong direction. The Bible is very specific to point out that if they hated our Lord then they would hate those that imitate Him also. The Lord was trying to put a stop to this stuff long ago so that mankind wouldn’t be looking up to people and putting them on pedestals, but rather that those in position of authority would be more of a servant than expecting to be served. Respect, honor or approval is something that we should be seeking from our Father above, and not lowering ourselves to the standard of man.

John 5:41-44 I receive not honour from men. (42) But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you. (43) I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive. (44) How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only? (KJV)

Many limit God and their calling because they don’t have a title to back them up. Then you have those that base their foundation on the fact that they have a title from man and therefore they must be legit. The Lord Himself knew His calling and didn’t wait around for mans’ approval to fulfill His calling. Thank God He didn’t, otherwise we would still be waiting for a savior to bring a plan of reconciliation to mankind. In fact He instructs us just the opposite; mans’ titles are subject to man’s rules which will limit you from doing what He is asking.

Ephesians 4:11-12 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; (12) For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: (KJV)

Those that are answering their heavenly call know their place in the body of Christ and will do all things decently and in order. They don’t need a t-shirt or a neon sign that says they are an apostle or prophet, but know their place and calling in the body and carry it out in humility, serving and building up the saints instead of trying to build themselves up. Remember people, a church is not a building, it is the people that are the Church; like the Lord Himself said, ‘where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them’. So quit looking to outward things or titles of man to seek your approval or win the congregation over, but teach sound doctrine that will edify them in Christ.

1 Timothy 3:1-5 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. (2) A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; (3) Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; (4) One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (5) (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) (KJV)

Here’s a test for you, how well do you run your own home? If your own home life is a mess what business do you have trying to tell others how to live? Bishops, elders, deacons are all chosen to help the congregation and to lead by example. To whom much is given, much is expected; and these are the people that have walked with the Lord and are living proof by example to the younger Christians on how to live and walk in the Spirit. So whatever your calling is, being that it is the Lord calling, feel free to answer it, and don’t wait around for mans’ approval or title, but rather get to work.

Matthew 20:6-7 And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle? (7) They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive. (KJV)

If you read this chapter it refers to the parable of the vineyard. The owner of the vineyard, our Lord, keeps finding people standing around idle because they are waiting for some man to tell them what to do. When our Lord returns again someday to check out His spiritual vineyard where will He find you? Are standing around idle waiting for mans’ approval or title before you go to work, or will you answer your heavenly calling and receive the reward of inheritance?

God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Call Waiting

3/5/2015

2 Timothy 1:9-10 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, (10) But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: (KJV)

A heavenly calling has gone forth to all mankind, and the question is, who will answer. The Lord’s plan of salvation was drawn up before the foundation of the world, knowing that mankind would fall, and what it would take to bring about the restoration. Did you ever realize that this peace you now experience in your life, is a result of you answering the call of God, and now walking in His plan of salvation, a personal blueprint that was drawn up for you before the this world began? It brings a whole new meaning to trusting in the Lord with all our heart and not leaning to our own understanding. You begin to realize that nothing in your walk happens because of luck or chance, or some strange coincidence, but it is actually a divine plan of salvation for you to walk in. So are you answering the call this day, or are you putting the Lord on hold?

Romans 8:28-31 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (29) For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. (30) Moreover, whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. (31) What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? (KJV)

Did you know that God was for you, making a plan of salvation before the foundation of the world? And not only for you (the fact that He is no respecter of people and doesn’t play favorites), but a Saviour was sent for the whole world. Some think that predestination means that God chose only certain people, whether they wanted to follow Him or not, they have no choice, God decided they were going to inherit His kingdom. The truth be known Church, salvation is like a telephone call to give directions; one has to take the time to receive the message and then follow the instructions. Even though at times we may get blown off course by winds of doctrine, by redialing our heavenly Father, reestablishing an open line of communication, it can get us right back on course. So the more you keep the line of communication open, the more familiar you will become with the voice giving the directions, the clearer the path of escape will become. The more you choose to follow the Lord, the more He will reveal Himself to you.

Mark 4:24-25 And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given. (25) For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath. (KJV)

God made the call, now who is answering, who will make the Lord a priority; His message being the determining factor in all our decisions, which simply put is either life or death. Your choice this day, right now, is the determining factor of which way you are going. Are you growing closer to the Lord and able to hear His voice clearer, or are you wandering off on your own and not following a predetermined path of life which leads to our heavenly Father? God would that none should perish but that all would come to repentance, and follow a path of life chosen just for them; the same spiritual path Jesus Christ walked to lead us home to victory. So before you go blame God, or claim He only picks and chooses certain individuals, remember that you have the opportunity to answer the call just like anyone else written in the Bible; and the reason people are used of the Lord is because they respond to His calling.

Romans 10:11-13 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. (12) For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. (13) For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (KJV)

The Lord made a calling to all mankind, sending the Son to heal us and deliver us from all our destructions. Now He is waiting with open loving arms to see who will answer the call and return His message of love. Don’t be taken in by those that claim only certain special people or denominations are chosen of God, or even those that specify a certain number of individuals that God chooses as well. The simple fact is that I consider myself a ‘whosoever’, so that gives me a right to respond to the message delivered by Christ, and to walk in the plan He designed for me before the foundation of the world; no ifs ands or butthead doctrines of man are going to separate me from the love of God in Christ Jesus.

Romans 5:8-9 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (9) Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. (KJV)

Please stop for a moment and take the time to see these verses in a different light. When you see a word like ‘we’ start seeing your own name there, and look at the word of God as more of a personal letter of love from the Father to you. Realize that if you were the only one on planet earth, and had fallen from grace, God would have still sent the Son on your behalf so that you would have access to His plan of reconciliation.

1 John 2:1-3 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: (2) And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. And by this we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. (KJV)

Christ died to the sins of the whole world, not just for a certain few that think they have certain rights and privileges with God based on their own man made doctrines and interpretations that fit their lifestyle and not a spiritual one. So are you taking the message to heart; personally sent from God through Jesus Christ this day so you too can partake of the heavenly calling, and give the answer of salvation to any that would ask? Remember, the call is free. The charges against us have been dropped, so there is no excuse for not dialing a toll free direct line to the Father through Jesus Christ. Your outcome is based on how well you listen to the message of truth and allow it to set you free from doubt and confusion. The simple truth is this; God is calling all that would like to partake of His free gift of salvation which has been sent to all the world. Will you answer His call?

God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

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