ALPHA MAAMA (A.M.)

Thursday February 9, 2017

“The ‘Called’ ones”

among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ;

To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. –

Romans 1:6-7

Called by God

A.        The Call of God

            1.  Old Testament Background

B.        General Calling

C.        Effectual Calling

A trivia question I like to ask people is about the origin of the word “Christian.” Where in the Bible was the word Christian first used? If you know it, good for you. If not, Google may come in handy. Followers of Christ were also known as people of “The Way.” Another one ties in with our current topic; the CALLED ones.

The believers in Rome (Romans 1:6,7); Corinth (1 Corinthians 1:2); Galatia (Galatians 1:6); Ephesus (Ephesians 4:1, 4); Philippi (Philippians 3:13 – 14); Colosse (Colossians 3:15); Thessalonica (2 Thessalonians 1:11) are all “called ones.” In each case it is obvious that God summons achieved its purpose. With these two callings in view, how do we reconcile the two? There is a call which comes to all men from God through the many evidences he has left of his presence in the world (General calling). But there are also times when God sends notices of demand (Effectual calling) rather than reminders when he comes personally, knocking at the door rather than sending a letter.

There is a mystery involved in these experiences. We know what it is to hear God addressing as powerfully and personally, through a passage in the Bible or sermon we hear. But when we discuss the passage or sermon with others we discover that it has different effects on them. We may not be able to say why God has spoken in this clear way to us and not to others. We only know that it is his sovereign wisdom he has. We know that two people can listen to the same evangelistic sermon and one way hear the voice of Christ calling him to faith while the other hears only the words of the preacher. We do not know why this happens. We are at a loss as to why the difference between a general calling and is powerful effectual call. We only know that the difference is real.

Challenge:

While it is a mystery that God calls all with a general call and some with an effectual call, if you are reading this and you have a conviction (witness in your spirit) that you are “His”, give thanks for His grace. I also understand that some may read this and feel a bit confused. Don’t let your feelings or emotions have the best of you. Trust God’s promises that He has called you and by “responding” (a receptive heart) by living day-to-day to please Him, you are confirming your calling.

This Day in Christian History:

February 9, 356 – Athanasius of Alexandria was attacked by 5000 soldiers while he was leading worship in his church. He escaped but he will always be remembered as a champion of the faith for standing against heretics, like the Arians, who denied the deity of Christ.

Memory Verse:

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; - 1 Peter 2:9

Ka ko kimoutolu ko e ha‘a fili, ko e tu‘unga taula‘eiki fakatu‘i, ko e kakai tapu, ko e fa‘ahinga ‘oku ma‘ane me‘a tonu, koe‘uhi ā ke mou ongoongoa atu ‘a e ngaahi lelei ‘o ‘Ene ‘Afio, ‘a ia na‘a ne ui mai kimoutolu mei he po‘uli ki he maama fakaofo ‘a‘ana: - 1 Pita 2:9

Bible Reading Plan: (52 weeks; 5 days a week)

Week 6 – Exodus 28-31; Phil 2