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

Ses s i on 1: I nt roduc t i on

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, kaleo

Derived from the root kal-- , whence Eng. “call” and “clamor” (see B and C, below), is used (a) with a personal object, “to call anyone, invite, summon,” e.g., Matt. 20.8; Matt. 25.14; it is used particularly of the Divine call to partake of the blessings of redemption, e.g., Rom. 8.30; 1 Cor. 1.9; 1 Thess. 2.12; Heb. 9.15; cp. B and C, below; (b) of nomenclature or vocation, “to call by a name, to name;” in the Passive Voice, “to be called by a name, to bear a name.” Thus it suggests either vocation or destination; the context determines which, e.g., Rom. 9.25-26; “surname,” in Acts 15.37, AV, is incorrect (RV, “was called”). ~ Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary, New Testament wordsearch software edition

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F. The Sufficiency Principle of the call of God

1. The principle stated: God never calls a person or a group to be or do anything without providing them with the gifts, resources, provisions, and opportunity to accomplish that call, Phil. 2.12-13 (ESV) – Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, [13] for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

2. The principle applied to God’s leaders: Moses and Joshua and leaders of the New Testament

3. The principle applied to God’s people: the nation of Israel and the Church

4. Everyone in the Church of God (members and leaders) has been called together to represent the reputation, interests, and purpose of God in their lives.