An Authentic Calling: Representing Christ and His Kingdom through the Church

Ses s i on 3: A Ca l l to Ho l i nes s

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Common Misconception

Biblical Rebuttal

Euodia and Syntyche, laborers with Paul (Phil. 4.2) No one is competent in and of themselves (2 Cor. 3.4-5) God elects on the basis of his will, not personality (2 Cor. 10.7) Some water and plant, but God gives the growth (1 Cor. 3.6) Ignorant, uneducated persons may receive an apostolic call (Acts 4.13) God’s power trumps good speaking (1 Cor. 2.1-5) Christ’s power is perfected in weakness (2 Cor. 12.9-10) God of the second (and twenty-second) chance (Acts 15.35-40 with 2 Tim. 4.11)

God calls only men to serve him

Called people are spiritual super persons Only certain outgoing personalities need apply

Called people are responsible for fruit

Formal, accredited, academic education is a necessity for specific callings Eloquence and polish are critical for special calls Persistent weakness automatically disqualifies The Call of God, Romans 11.29

Once fallen, forever sidelined

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II. Responding to the Call

A. Implications for urban ministry

1. You do not belong to yourself any longer; God is both your Owner and your Manager (holiness is about owner ship and dedication), Rom. 12.1-2 (ESV) – I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. [2] Do not be con formed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.