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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. 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. Isaiah 46:10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: (KJV)
GPS navigation systems are installed in vehicles to help the people navigate to their destination. The coordinates are predetermined and set to give instructions from an above satellite so that one could get from a starting point to their destination. God’s personal salvation will do the same thing; seek spiritual instructions from above so that you too can walk a path of life predetermined for you before the foundation of the world. So now the question is, are you dialed into the right frequency to receive your instructions, and are you following through on your commitment to make it to your destination? If you make a wrong turn or end up on a dead end, you can quickly tap into your source from above, and get back on the road you need to take. However, just like with a satellite communications, which works for anyone who knows how to access the information and follow the instructions, if one doesn’t make it to their destination it is not the fault of the communication system, but rather the person that didn’t follow the predetermined correct path. Some try to take short cuts; others get sidetracked with what they think is an easier road to follow; while some just give up and quit moving forward, or settle for the path of least resistance following the crowd on a dead end trail. Ephesians 1:5-6 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, (6) To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. (KJV) You have a spiritual navigation system in heaven, ready to be tapped into with the coordinates to show you the way to the kingdom. You have access to this by the name of Jesus Christ, so that you too can follow the same path that He walked to an eternal inheritance. Are you taking the time on a daily basis to hear the instructions and then follow this path that leads to life, or are you waiting for someone else to show you the way? Will you step out in faith, letting the Lord confirm His word with the right road signs assuring you that you are still on the correct path? So, just like a navigational satellite system with the coordinates predetermined and locked in, this will work for whosoever is willing to call upon the name of the Lord and follow the instructions set forth in the Bible. Galatians 3:3-4 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? (4) Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain. (KJV) Many start out on the right path with good intentions, only to end up way off course and shipwrecked. Is your system still operational, or have you shut it off and are now on what you consider auto pilot, letting your own desires and lusts take over? They that are in the flesh cannot please God, and will most certainly not inherit His kingdom. Even though it is our Father’s will that none would perish, it’s not His fault if we don’t follow His spiritual course set out for us before the foundation of the world for any and all that are willing. Ephesians 1:11-12 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: (12) That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. (KJV) Jesus Christ is the author and finisher of our faith. He has been there, done it, having wrote the book on how to follow His Father’s instructions, being led by the Spirit and not the flesh. He is the firstborn, the first one to enter God’s kingdom to ransom us back to an inheritance so that we too can be adopted into the family of God, following the example of His Son. Are you tuned in this moment, not taking thought for tomorrow, and yesterday is now behind us, but looking forward and taking your next step of faith leading you to your heavenly destination. Ephesians 1:17-18 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: (18) The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, (KJV) Your calling is a divine invitation; you as well as all mankind have been invited into the kingdom of God to partake of His spiritual inheritance, and find the joy and peace for all of His children. Are you learning to walk by faith; not by what your outward vision would dictate, but rather by what the inward eyes of your understanding are now showing you, and the direction the Lord is pointing you in? Or are you still holding fast to what the old man feels comfortable in, not willing to leave your comfort zone? Do you know if the directions you are following this day are coming from above, and not some stranger’s voice that would try to lead you astray, or what you perceive as being the right way? 2 Peter 1:10-11 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. (KJV) The kingdom of God is up and operational; the line of communication is wide open to any that would call upon His name. Are you tapped into His navigation system, letting His spirit lead and guide you, allowing the peace of God to rule in all your decisions this day? If you make sure of this, you need not fall short of the glory of God or His reward. 1 Peter 1:7-9 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: (8) Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: (9) Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. (KJV) In my many years of truck driving I had faced all kinds of weather and road conditions which could change quickly. I would have to navigate through these in order to make it to my destination, sometimes in conditions that were blinding. Like with truck driving, unless the load made it to its destination, there would be no reward of a paycheck. Though at times the storms in life may make it seem hard to see the victory, or the purpose of the Lord in those particular situations, you need to grab the steering wheel with both hands and don’t let go until you reach your goal as well. At the end of our spiritual path on this earth is the salvation of our soul, an eternal destination, a reward promised to all that would follow His course set in motion before the founding of this world, and ready to be revealed to all that would call upon His name. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 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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