While we can have specific callings that pertain to our abilities, timing, and opportunities, all Christians have two very specific callings:
The first comes out of Mark 16:15:
"Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation."
This is the call to evangelize. Tell people the good news! Preach the gospel!
From a pulpit? Sure!
To your family? Of course!
To your friends? Certainly!
To the people you interact with in the marketplace? Yes!
From a street corner? Go for it!
To your people wherever they are, do as Jesus instructed the delivered man in the Gerasenes:
“Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” (Mark 5:19)
Your second calling comes out of Matthew 28:19-20:
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."
This is the call to make disciples.
Did you know you can make disciples of people who don't even know Jesus? You sure can! To disciple is to invite someone to follow you as you follow Christ. If you follow Christ, and you lead others, you will lead them right to Christ.
Paul said it this way in 1 Corinthians 11:1:
"Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ."
Yes, this requires you actually follow Christ. You will be held accountable for the way you live, not just before the Lord but because others are watching. Yet, you are given this assurance:
"surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)
Jesus will never leave you nor forsake you. He who has all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18) has asked you to make disciples. You can do it!
But isn't that my pastor's job? No.
Don't I need a better education for that? Not really.
Keep learning and growing, but hear how the Apostle John encouraged the Church:
"the anointing you received from him remains in you" (1 John 2:27).
You have the Holy Spirit, and He will help you!
"But what if God's calling me to something else right now?"
I don't buy it.
I think when Jesus gave us this Great Commission, He meant it.
One of the worst lies I've ever believed in my life is that I was to isolate and remain silent for a season...that I was too broken or shaken or whatever to make disciples.
No.
Preach the good news in season and out (2 Timothy 4:2). Disciple through the pain. Let God's power do in and through you what you cannot.
Read the book of Acts then ask yourself this question: What if Paul quit discipling others when he was beat up, locked up, and when they tried to shut him up?
We wouldn't have many of the New Testament letters written from situations just like that.
What is your calling?
Tell people about Jesus. Teach them to follow Him.
And hear this: Jesus will build His Church.
"I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it." (Matthew 16:18)
You don't have to build the Church!
Just be faithful to your calling, and Jesus will accomplish the rest!
Kimberlee
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