Message: “Accepting The Call” from Pastor Joe

Accepting the Call Lesson Objective:  To identify who is called to be a minister and look at the role of the minister in upbuilding the kingdom of God. Scripture:  Romans 10: 14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? Matthew 28: 19-20 Definition of a minister (preacher) Ephesians 4: 11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors, and teachers Subsections of Ministers Apostle The term apostle comes from the Greek word “apostolos” meaning “messenger”. Apostles mean the “sent forth ones.” Some accept only the definition found in Acts 1: 20-21 Christ is spoken of as an Apostle Hebrews 3: 1 Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus, Examples 12 Disciples Paul  Acts 9: 15 Ananias told in a vision that Paul would carry the gospel to the Gentiles Evangelist a person who seeks to convert others to the Christian faith, especially by public preaching 2 Timothy 4: 2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 2 Timothy 4: 5 But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. Teachers Someone who explains and helps others to understand a certain topic. Usually in small group settings or one on one James 3: 1 Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. Acts 8: 31-32 Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked . How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me? So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching,29 because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law. A prophet is defined as those who bring the word of God directly from  God thru Divine Intervention. Many can prophesy at some point of time in their lives but that does not mean that they are prophets. Joel 2: 28-32 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions….. Numbers 11: 25 Then the LORD came down in the cloud and spoke to him, and He took of the Spirit who was upon him and placed Him upon the seventy elders. And when the Spirit rested upon them, they prophesied. But they did not do it again Numbers 11: 29 But Moses said to him, “Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the LORD’S people were prophets, that the LORD would put His Spirit upon them Unlike some who are led to believe the primary role of the prophet is not to tell the future but to exalt the word of God This is a Church appointed position thus prophets should be accountable to a Church The pastor serves as the head of the Church or multiple Churches Shepherd of the flock Not called—selected by the Church 1 Timothy 3: 1 Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. Criteria identified for the selection process quite similar to the selection of the first deacons by the Apostles Examples: Titus and Timothy Summary All Christians have been called to be a minister We should evaluate our gifts that we each receive through the Holy Spirit to determine which ministry most fits our gift However, always be ready to step in where the need arrives.  

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