“Now I hold with profound conviction that before a man selects the Christian ministry as his vocation he must have the assurance that the selection had been imperatively constrained by the eternal God. The call of the Eternal must ring though the rooms of his soul as clearly as the sound of the morning bell rings through the valleys of Switzerland, calling the peasants to early prayer and praise.” Dr. J.H. Jowett
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All Christians Are Called To Minister
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1.Ephesians 2:10, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”1 Peter 4:10, “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”
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2. In times past God has used special calls to prepare His servants: Moses at the burning bush; Samuel; Jeremiah; Isaiah in the Temple; Paul. Note: David anointed by Samuel. 1 Samuel 3:1-14 Romans 15:15-16, “Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that given to me of God, That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost” Ephesians 3:7, “Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.” Colossians 1:23-25, “If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; where of I Paul am made a minister; Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church: Whereof I am make a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God.”
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3. Ministry is not a job but a calling 1 Corinthians 3:9 “Labourers together with God”
Not our message but His Message
Not our work but His work
Not our ability but His 1 Corinthians 3:6 We answer directly to God as our box 1 Corinthians 4:3-4
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Dangerous Call
(Some pitfalls to avoid)
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1. Confusing a burden with a call
a) Entering Ministry for wrong reasons (Ill- Acts 8:18)
b) Failure to enter
c) Succumbing to pressure to quit
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Romans 11:29, “For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. There is a price you must pay. It is a lifetime call. Get busy now praying, planning and preparing. Luke 9:62, “And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, it for the kingdom of God.
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Discerned Call (Evidences)
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A. Feeling
B. Followers
C. Fruit
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