How to Recognize the Call

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Behold

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At some point all Christians are curious about a certain aspect of Christianity.

"how does a person know if they are called into the ministry".

So, let me first tell you, that if you are born again, you definitely are called into the ministry, as all believers are ministers of and for The Lord Jesus The Christ.

We are all in His service, and because Jesus is God, we are of course talking about being enlisted by new birth into the work of God.

God's work for us has only 2 parts.

1.) "the work of God is that you Believe on the One whom He sent"

2.) Lead people to Christ.

Discipleship, is not a work, its a lifestyle..you are called to do as soon as you are born again.

You are called to pray, teach, witness, and if need be......... die for your Lord.

Believers in this world, died for Him today.....They die for him everyday, but you don't hear about this in your News Media, ........but you can know its a fact.

You are called to let the Light of God, which is the Truth of the Gospel, shine through you so that all who are in darkness can find their way out.
You are a living transmission device, and God is the transmitter.
You are an arrow that points to the "way" to Heaven...... and Jesus is THE Way........not "a" way. John 14:6
You are the only :body: of Jesus The Christ that an unbeliever is ever going to meet., as you and Christ are One, and Christ is in you, and you are God's body on this earth.

You are a living extension of God Himself, if you are born again.
But........what about that other thing. ??? That "5 fold" ministry thing......yeah, that one... are you that? Is that you?... How would you know?

Well, i'll show you a way to think about it, and to discern it for yourself.... or for someone else who has not quite understood it about themselves, just yet.
First, it will be God who chooses you for this, and if He does WILL this for you, then without a doubt and absolutely, He will confirm your "call" with circumstances and opportunities.
You will see them happen in front of your eyes , in your life. BUT, what God wont do, is step into your call for you. You have to do that. You have to take a baby step, and then another......... and allow the progress to keep confirming the reality of God's call in and on your life.

I was called into the Ministry when i was 26.
I was not looking for it.
I was not actively involved in "church going".
I was saved when i was 17, and i was your basic generic carnal christian.
I sang in church in the Choir and in a Trio, and i had played music all my life, but i didn't study the bible. In fact i hardly read it.
One day when i was 26 i was sitting in my living room looking at my senior yearbook and God started causing things to happen in front of my eyes.
This same happened for over a year. Signs, confirmations, miraculous things happening in front of my eyes.
I had studied Communication and Broadcasting in college and the next thing i knew... God opened a door and there i was suddenly working in a Christian Radio station as the Station Operator.
This happened.... "out of the blue".
Saint....I had never even thought about doing this.....and suddenly i have this 18 months of miraculous occurring in my Life, and now i find myself working in Christian Radio.
And during this time...God gave me a very strong desire to witness and teach....but He had to enable me to do it.
That's the thing about a Call .... if God Call's you, He then has to enable you to do it.
This took time, study, and the working IN of the Gifts so that i could do them effectively.
This took time.

I have a younger Brother who is in charge of World Missions for a big denomination.
He was called to be a missionary over 2 decades ago, one Sunday morning, during a church service. There was no doubt in his mind or heart that while he was listening to a missionary's story that morning, He was prompted by God the Holy Spirit, to become a missionary. Just like that. And just like that He went to Hewlett-Packard in Texas, the next Day, where he was a highly successful and highly paid manager, and gave them his "2 week notice", and left.
And i dont have to tell you that some of the Christian's who knew him were pretty much telling him that he was ether crazy, or just "emotionally caught up" or the usual stuff you hear when you decide to leave the world behind and really devote yourself to God and The Christ.
And now over 20 yrs later, he has built churches in Odessa Ukraine, Preaches, Teaches, has trained many missionaries, and became the head of the Mission to the World for his Denomination, and also met his wife on the mission field and had 3 children whom He raised in the Ukraine..
And all because he responded to God and surrendered in a pew, sitting by himself, on a Sunday morning, 20+ yrs ago.
He had no idea what was going to happen when He obeyed the call.
20+ yrs later, He's built churches, trained hundreds, Is The Director of Missions for his entire denomination, met his wife on the Mission Field, raised 3 girls, and it just keeps going and going.

Now, what if he had listened to his Step Dad when his Step dad was telling him...>"well, i think this is maybe kinda crazy, and im not going to support you with $$$$$$, so, you do what you want, but you do it YOURSELF"""""""" blah, blah, blah,...>.
Yeah, that's how it can be when you know what you know, and God is not telling everyone else what's He's shown you......just yet. :)

But see, God didnt call the Step Dad, .. he called my willing and dependable Brother.

If God calls you, He will confirm your call. He will open doors, create situations, and produce opportunities, and you will SEE IT HAPPEN.
God does it. It will be miraculous.
 
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mjrhealth

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So, let me first tell you, that if you are born again, you definitely are called into the ministry,
Now that is a lie, it is Christ who calls, not all are called just because they are "christian". remember that bit I never knew you.
 

Scoot

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So, let me first tell you, that if you are born again, you definitely are called into the ministry,

Now that is a lie, it is Christ who calls, not all are called just because they are "christian". remember that bit I never knew you.

@mjrhealth - are you saying that those who Jesus said "I never knew you" towards are actually born again?

That doesn't fit right with me. Is there any reference in the bible where Jesus will cast away those who are born again to back up what you say? (The verse you state above does not state that they were born again, just that they were performing signs and wonders. I would take by Jesus saying he never knew them to mean they were never born again, otherwise wouldn't He say something such as "I once knew you but don't know you now"?

My understanding is that anyone who is truly born again is called into ministry. That may not be as a occupation as in an ordained pastor - but we are all different members of one body (1 Cor 12:27) - and the body uses all it's members and suffers when a member is sick or not working. The converse of this seems to be that some Christians are called to do nothing - are useless to Christ and His kingdom in this earth, and I can't recall any scripture that says a true believer would fit into this category.

If I have misrepresented your point - I apologize in advance and would welcome clarification.
 
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mjrhealth

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@mjrhealth - are you saying that those who Jesus said "I never knew you" towards are actually born again?

That doesn't fit right with me. Is there any reference in the bible where Jesus will cast away those who are born again to back up what you say? (The verse you state above does not state that they were born again, just that they were performing signs and wonders. I would take by Jesus saying he never knew them to mean they were never born again, otherwise wouldn't He say something such as "I once knew you but don't know you now"?

My understanding is that anyone who is truly born again is called into ministry. That may not be as a occupation as in an ordained pastor - but we are all different members of one body (1 Cor 12:27) - and the body uses all it's members and suffers when a member is sick or not working. The converse of this seems to be that some Christians are called to do nothing - are useless to Christ and His kingdom in this earth, and I can't recall any scripture that says a true believer would fit into this category.

If I have misrepresented your point - I apologize in advance and would welcome clarification.
Something to do with this,

Luk 17:7 But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat?
Luk 17:8 And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?
Luk 17:9 Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not.
Luk 17:10 So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.
Not all are called as for ministry, well men that is a religion thing, you know, come out of her my people, christians are supposed to be led by the Spirit, not men or there heads. What has Christ got to do with mens religions...
 

Behold

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Now that is a lie, it is Christ who calls, not all are called just because they are "christian". remember that bit I never knew you.

If you are born again, you are called to be a Light in a dark world.
That you think otherwise, is unfortunate for you, isn't it.
 

Behold

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@mjrhealth - are you saying that those who Jesus said "I never knew you" towards are actually born again?

Heretics have their favorite verses, Scott. They have their favorite chapters, and their favorite 3 Epistles.
Notice that 99% of Heretics live in : Hebrews... Matthew....James.
Heretics tend to live on Forums to try to deny the Grace of God and replace it with their self righteous idea that they are in control of their redemption.
This is why all they talk about is "how i can lose it, how you can lose it, and lets all endure and abide and keep commandments""".
Works works works , self self self.......
Never will they give ALL CREDIT do Christ alone for saving them and keeping them saved.
And of course all heretics try to use the "depart i never knew you" as their workhorse of deception to try to prove that this verse is talking about the born again.
But if we just think about this verse, logically, we dont even have to try to rightly divide it or spiritually discern it to realize that the heretic is clueless when they try to twist this verse..

Look at it... "i never KNEW YOU = DEPART">

Now ask yourself......If you are the Temple of the Holy Spirit....If Christ is IN YOU. If you are "seated in heavenly places IN CHRIST....If you are an "heir of God", and a "joint heir with Christ".....If you are a "Brethren"....If you are "as Christ is so are the born again in this world........Ask yourself, could all that be TRUE and Christ know KNOW YOU?
If God is in you, does Christ not KNOW YOU?

So, the heretic is not only spiritually ignorant, they are also incapable of even being logical.
 

mjrhealth

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If you are born again, you are called to be a Light in a dark world.
That you think otherwise, is unfortunate for you, isn't it.
One thing to be a light another thing to be a minister.Men have this incredible audacity to step into rolls never given to them and than expect to be blessed, you know that bit about ,I never knew you". or that bit with the demons, This Jesus we know, Peter we know but who are you.
 

Behold

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One thing to be a light another thing to be a minister.Men have this incredible audacity to step into rolls never given to them .

Most denominations are built on the foundation of "men who stepped into the Pulpit who were never called by God to do so".
Take the POPE... for example.
 
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101G

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Maybe the topic could be, How to Recognize what is "Given". for it is he who is in us that is GIVEN. for there is only one PREACHER in the Church of God, and that's the Lord Jesus himself. we're to, Romans 12:1 "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."

as for recognizing the "GIFT" only you will know it, there is no set handbook on how, and when the Lord may used you. YOU WILL KNOW.

PICJAG.
 

Behold

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Maybe the topic could be, How to Recognize what is "Given". for it is he who is in us that is GIVEN. for there is only one PREACHER
PICJAG.

Below, is a verse for you to discover.

1st, if you think there is only one "preacher", be sure to tell your Pastor that if you ever go back to church.

Also,

"""""
11 And GOD gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers""

= This is Ephesians 4.

You might read it sometime and notice this part..... "for the PERFECTING of the BELIEVERS-Saints (born again).".

So, that is why these are called, and they are gifted by the Holy Spirit to be able to do, this particular ministry.

These believers are called INTO this service, and anointed to DO this work.

Called then enabled.
 

101G

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Below, is a verse for you to discover.

1st, if you think there is only one "preacher", be sure to tell your Pastor that if you ever go back to church.

Also,

"""""
11 And GOD gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers""

= This is Ephesians 4.

You might read it sometime and notice this part..... "for the PERFECTING of the BELIEVERS-Saints (born again).".

So, that is why these are called, and they are gifted by the Holy Spirit to be able to do, this particular ministry.

These believers are called INTO this service, and anointed to DO this work.

Called then enabled.
I'm glad you gave that scripture, for "PASTORS" are "GIVEN". which is a gift, who is God. supportive scripture, Jeremiah 3:15 "And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding." just as prothets are a gift, for without the Lord Jesus a prophet have nothing to say, as well with "PREACHERS". for it is not you who speak, but your heavenly Father who speak throught you.

and yes, THERE IS ONLY ONE PREACHER INT THE CHURCH OF GOD. and if you think that you're the pastor that's why many congregations are in trouble today, because fleshly men are preaching. it is God who speak through you, and not you who speaks. for we're ambassador of Christ, and an ambassador don't speak his or her own mind, but the mind of him who sent them, be ye him or her. so it's not your sermon, but it suppose to be the Lord Jesus sermon who speak it to you. that's why so many congregations are in trouble today, THEY CAN'T RECOGNIZE THEIR GIFT.

PICJAG.
 

Behold

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I'm glad you gave that scripture, for "PASTORS" are "GIVEN"..

All ministers who are called as the "ministry of the 5 fold", are given by "call".
This is a spiritual "separating unto".
Including the ONE you are discussing.
This call is not ..."many are called but few are chosen".... as that VERSE is defined by this verse from Romans..
""" For if through the offense of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.""""
And that verse is the context of this verse.... John 3:16
 

101G

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All ministers who are called as the "ministry of the 5 fold", are given by "call".
as said, they are separeted for a work. a person is call, but the gift is given.
This call is not ..."many are called but few are chosen"....
let's get something clear here. Pastoring is a "GIFT, who is JESUS the Holy Spirit. as a matter of fact, the very first Gift on the list in 1 Corinthians 12:8 is the Pastoral GIFT. JESUS is the Gift.

understand, Pastoring, prophecy, and teaching are all Gifts. even Paul as an apostle is a Pastor, which is a gift. we're call to a work. and God do his work in or through us. IT'S NOT ABOUT "US", BUT ALL ABOUT "HIM".

PICJAG
 

Behold

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understand, Pastoring, prophecy, and teaching are all Gifts. even Paul as an apostle is a Pastor, which is a gift. we're call to a work. and God do his work in or through us. IT'S NOT ABOUT "US", BUT ALL ABOUT "HIM".

PICJAG

Did you actually read this ????

-
""""""Well, i'll show you a way to think about it, and to discern it for yourself.... or for someone else who has not quite understood it about themselves, just yet.
First, it will be God who chooses you for this, and if He does WILL this for you, then without a doubt and absolutely, He will confirm your "call" with circumstances and opportunities.
You will see them happen in front of your eyes , in your life. BUT, what God wont do, is step into your call for you. You have to do that. You have to take a baby step, and then another......... and allow the progress to keep confirming the reality of God's call in and on your life.
If God calls you, He will confirm your call. He will open doors, create situations, and produce opportunities, and you will SEE IT HAPPEN.
God does it. It will be miraculous.""""

The reason i ask...., is that you are talking about the call of God and my Thread has described what its like to be called.
I used the example of myself and my younger brother.
Im showing how God does it, in our case, but in another's case it wont be exactly the same, YET< it will be supernatural, and you will not be in control of it.

All believers have a ministry, but that is not the same as having a specific call into a ministry, as this is a specific "setting aside" or anointing that God does for someone He is putting into a leadership position.
 

101G

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All believers have a ministry, but that is not the same as having a specific call into a ministry, as this is a specific "setting aside" or anointing that God does for someone He is putting into a leadership position.
Ministry is a service to another.

PICJAG
 

Behold

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Ministry is a service to another.

PICJAG

God is Love.
God's power works through Love.
Jesus is the Heart of God, expressed as Love and Sacrifice, Blood and Death.
Love is Sacrifice......its not just a word....Its the giving of YOU to God so that God can love through you, into this World's pain.
Love is not soft sounding words.....Love is not a gentle Spring Rain.
Love is GIVING....
For God so LOVED = HE GAVE... John 3:16
See that?
Thats real love, thats Agape` Love.
 

mjrhealth

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He will confirm your "call" with circumstances and opportunities.
It is not circumstance at all, that is what gets so many into trouble, you will know because He will tell you so, anything else is self. If it it not Him telling you, than you have not being called.
 

Behold

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It is not circumstance at all, that is what gets so many into trouble, you will know because He will tell you so, anything else is self.

You dont know what you are talking about.
Listen,
When God calls, He then CONFIRMS.
And Because He is GOD, He confirms in the Supernatural.
He will cause you to see and hear what He is only showing YOU and telling, as HIS confirmations.
 

mjrhealth

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You dont know what you are talking about.
Listen,
When God calls, He then CONFIRMS.
And Because He is GOD, He confirms in the Supernatural.
He will cause you to see and hear what He is only showing YOU and telling, as HIS confirmations.
Really, are you so sure of youself...