God Calls

Paul called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, I Corinthians 1:1 (KJV)

Called is the Greek word ikletos, meaning to call, called, invited, welcomed, appointed. The called ones are those who have received the divine call, those who have accepted God’s invitation to be His children through his Son, Jesus. There are multiple calls:

• The call of the Gospel

• Called to be saints

• The divine call to the five-fold ministry (Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor, Teacher)

According to I Corinthians 1:1, Paul was called by God to be an apostle. God still calls men and women to all five of the five-fold ministry offices today, including apostles and prophets (Ephesians 4:1).

God calls all people to be saved, but one must answer the call to make it a reality. After salvation, God calls us saints, not sinners. At the very moment we receive Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord, we go from sinner to saint, or from sinner to righteous. As we answer the call of the Gospel to be saved, we become God’s saints, His holy ones set apart to do and be all He called us to.

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. II Corinthians 5:17 (KJV)

 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. II Corinthians 5:21 (KJV)

God calls us by His Will, according to His plans and purposes. When God calls, He anoints, equips, and empowers us for that specific calling. He does it by His Spirit, Word, and gifts.

So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. I Corinthians 1:7-8 (KJV)

As we wait for Christ to return, we come behind in no gift from God. This tells us that God gifts and calls us until the return of Jesus (Romans 11:29). He confirms us, keeping us strong until that time, so we will remain blameless until Jesus comes for His bride, the church.

Each person must hear, answer, and obey or fulfill God’s call. He will call us by placing certain desires in our hearts and by confirming it with His Word. His call will lead us and let us know who He wants us to be and what He wants us to do. For example, if you are called by God to preach, then go preach wherever you can, letting God open doors for more preaching opportunities.

 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. I Corinthians 1:26-31 (KJV)

Never forget that God calls and chooses the least of us, so the calling to because of God and not us, so that God gets the glory. The minute we attribute our success in our calling to ourselves; we can be assured that it will be just a matter of time before things go downhill for us. In our calling, we must give our all and maintain pure motives. We do it to honor Christ. Because Christ is made unto us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption, we are equipped to all God calls us to do.

For many are called, but few are chosen. Matthew 22:14 (KJV)

There are many called, but few choose to answer the call. God calls us all to bring His plan to pass. As we receive and answer His call, doing our part, we will see God do great things for us individually.