God's Call to You

Matt. 24: 14 For many are called, but few are chosen.

2 Chr. 16:9 For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.

INTRO: Today I want to look at God's call to us. What do we do when He sends a request our way? How does He call? Special invitation? What are we waiting on? Where are we looking for His requests? What does He want us to do???????
 

First we must know that…

  1. God is in the calling business - examples

    2.  
    1. GOD Called: Adam and Eve
      1. To: acknowledge sin
      2. When: After introduction of sin
      3. Excuse: The woman thou gavest me…
      4. Action needed: God sees my sin, do I run or turn to Him?

        5.  
      We see God is aware of our accomplishments and failures
       
    2. GOD Called: Moses
      1. To: lead
      2. When: after 2/3 of his life was over - 80 year old
      3. Excuse: Too old, inadequate, etc.
      4. Action needed - Take God's staff and head towards "Egypt"

        5.  
      We see God has someone to fill the bill
       
    3. GOD Called: Samuel
      1. To: Serve
      2. When: as a child
      3. Excuse: None - just had trouble hearing
      4. Action needed - be willing to learn from the Lord

        5.  
      We see that youngsters that surrender to the call of God can be of great use!
       
    4. GOD Called: Gideon Judges 6
      1. To: serve where he felt unable - he hid his wheat for fear
      2. When: Others are in trouble
      3. Excuse: Poor and least of his father's house
      4. Action needed put on the battle gear

        5.  
      We see that God will fight our biggest battles if we but take part!
       
    5. GOD Called: Abraham
      1. To: Follow God's ways in another land
      2. When: In a time of prosperity and comfort
      3. Excuse: He went where God sent
      4. Action needed Pack up and go

        5.  
      We see God can use us if we leave behind self, self-absorption, self-contentment, self-fulfillment, etc. behind
       
    6. GOD Called: Disciples
      1. To: do the work of Jesus
      2. When: at a time of preparation
      3. Excuse: reluctance more than excuses, no doubt felt to uneducated, poor, unworthy, etc.
      4. Action needed follow Him

        5.  
      We see God uses all kinds if they will but answer the call He puts to them. He uses the weak things of the world to confound the wise.
       
    7. GOD Called: Christ
      1. To: fulfill His plan
      2. When: the time is right - He will call and send Him again soon!
      3. Excuse: NONE
      4. Action needed Do the Father's Work!

        5.  
    We see Christ as the only answer for our sinful world. Is He the answer for you today????
     
     
After looking at all these examples, let us examine …
  1. The call of God in our lives we see:
    1. The call will be made
    2. The call needs to be heard
    3. The call must be obeyed

I also want to look at some…
  1. Reasons why we will not accept His call in our lives:
    1. Fear of the unknown
    2. Fear of failure
    3. Pride
    4. Lack of love for the Lord

Another question that arises is…
  1. How does He call?
    1. He calls all to know His Son through the Holy Spirit and His Word.
    2. He calls all who knows His Son to show Him to the world.

      3.  
And most seriously…

WHAT will you do with the call He sends your way?

Is He calling you to turn to Christ?

Is he calling you to a closer walk with and for Him?

Is He calling you to serve Him in a larger capacity?

Is He satisfied with the walk you now have?

Is He calling you to keep some unkempt promises you have made in the past about service for the LORD?

Is …He…Calling???????

Gary Marcum - East 38th Street FWB - 061399am