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

the call of God, both on the Church and her leadership. Further, we will closely examine what it means to fulfill one’s special calling by representing with honor and integrity Jesus Christ and his Kingdom through the Church. As a result of taking this course, each student should be able to: • Quote, interpret, and effectively use select scriptural texts which outline and explain the elements and responsibilities associated with an authentic call of God. • Distinguish between the concepts of the general call over against the special call of God to leadership in the Church. • Recite and explain the nature of the call of God related to salvation, holiness, freedom, and community. • Provide Scriptures and arguments to explain the dual responsibilities of servanthood and suffering associated with the call of God. • Give outline to the steps to understanding and authenticating a true instance of a special call of God. • Discuss and give evidence of your personal call to ministry, and specify what you now believe God’s call on your life to be, whether in the Church or in a particular leadership role in the Church as an official representative. • Memorize a selected Scripture passage on the call of God. The decisive factor in discipleship and ministry is identification of one’s call in Jesus Christ. As Lord and Master, he and he alone is calling men and women, boys and girls from every country, culture, and clan to himself, to be separated unto him and his Kingdom, to be used as a slave and prisoner for his glory and Gospel. To give one’s all to Christ is to simultaneously receive his all from him, and with that call, eternal life. May the Lord grant you his grace and ears to hear his clarion voice, and his bold and inviting call to a life of discipleship, service, and witness to him and his Kingdom.

~ Don Davis