Called By God

Likewise, my brothers, you also have died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you may belong to another, to him who has been raised from the dead, in order that we may bear fruit for God. 

Rom.7:4

In last week's newsletter, I wrote that all of us are called by God.  Not all of us hear, but we are all called. This week, consider that if you have heard that call and responded, that there is something special that you have been called to. Let's consider some scriptures:

1.) 1 Pt. 2:9  But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

• We are chosen - to be royalty, to be holy, to be God's
• We are chosen in order that we might proclaim - to announce the wondrous excellency of the God who has called us out of darkness into light.

2,) 2 Ti 1:9  who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,

• Again, we are called to a holy calling
• This calling is according to God's purpose and Grace, made available in Christ

In Eph.4:1-16, Paul wrote extensively that each of us has abilities that God has given us for the benefit of the saints. Not to elite "clergy" or classes of people, but to everyone! He did this so that the body of His people might work together in love to accomplish His purposes in Christ. Something that every part supplies, not just a select few. Everyone working together in love to accomplish and proclaim the excellency of He who has called us out of darkness, so that people may see the wonder of Christ in us.

We may have thought, that being called by God was something only missionaries, pastors, preachers or the experienced. But the Bible says every Christian is called to the service of God(Ephesians 4:4 –14; 1:6–7; 8:28–30; 1 Cor.1:2, 9, 26; 7:17; Ph'p 3:14; 1 Pt. 2:9; 2 Pt.1:3). We take what God has given us, and use them to help others. In this, we fulfill our calling, we proclaim God's excellency in our lives, and we work to build the body. 

Are you using what God has given you? 

Jim