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1.2 What Is Calling?
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Yes, I absolutely believe that God has anointed people and set them apart for a distinct calling, role or gift within the Body of Christ. I believe the specifics of the five fold ministry speak to that – Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor & Teacher. And while some may not be called to full-time vocational ministry, others definitely are. I really like how Chris put it that we are called by God to God. It really helps to remind us that the priority is God, not gifting.
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As believers, we are all part of the royal priesthood. All of us are ministers of the most High God, called to edify and build one another up in our faith in Jesus Christ. I am quite passionate about this, yearning that all believers catch the vision of God’s great mission and that they live out their faith in God, who they are meant to be in Christ (in the power of the Holy Spirit)– no matter where they are (e.g. at work, school, the gym; on a plane) and no matter what they do as a day job (truck driver; farmer; doctor; teacher; fisher; tax collector; tentmaker). However, a great majority of believers still have no idea that God is calling them more and more to Himself and that each one of us has vast, vast potential (in the LORD) to do great things—wonderful and sometimes surprising things. Of great importance, though, is the fact that we are a corporate Body of believers. We need to move and work together. Therefore, God has wisely placed particular ministries (e.g. anointed pastors, teachers, apostles, prophets, evangelists, Eph 4.11) among His people in order to ensure that His people can be shepherded, taught, guided, encouraged, and guarded. Such ministries are essential for the Body of Christ to be healthy, strong, and united in their vision and purpose of fulfilling God's great mission on Earth.
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Years ago I wrote a mission statement to provide light for children in dark – my life – my testimony, taking courses and abiding in Christ has helped me daily grow in this role. As the church body we all have many roles that we step into – I have learned allot from elders that have mentored me- but I also have a role to play in being an ‘elder’ (older person) mentor. Thankful that Jesus guides me as I abide in him.
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I do believe that God has appointed people and set them apart for a distinct calling, role, or gift within the Body of Christ and His church as you stated firstly by calling them to Him but also according to their life experiences.
We all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Rom. 3:23. He uses those many times we "fall short" for His purpose and I believe through those life lessons and redemption we are strengthened by gifts that surface through that adversity.
Additionally, when we do submit and accept His love and salvation we are opening our hearts and minds to all that He had planned for us in His original design as He saw it when He knew us before the foundations of the earth were made.
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