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

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An Authent i c Ca l l i ng: Represent i ng Chr i s t and Hi s Ki ngdom through the Chur ch

2. The call of God to suffer : an authentic call expressed with a willingness to sacrifice, struggle, and persevere at any cost in order to fulfill God’s will

C. Identify and understand God’s call on all of our lives , as well as his special call on those called to equip and edify his people

1. The special call of God and the five-fold equipping ministry of Ephesians 4 : apostles, prophet, evangelists, pastors and teachers

2. Men and women of God’s own choosing and revelation

3. Endowments and gifts of God’s own provision and presence

D. The Sovereign Lord of the universe is calling a people to himself, and calling persons to be his representatives.

1. He purposed this calling before the world began , 2 Tim. 1.9 (ESV) – 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.

2. It is a shared and heavenly calling , Heb. 3.1 (ESV) – Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession.

3. Our responsibility is to so live as to make our calling and election sure to our own hearts , 2 Pet. 1.10 (ESV) – Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.