"THE CALL OF GOD"
I. GOD HAS A PLAN OF SERVICE FOR EACH OF US.
A. He did not redeem us that --
1. We might be as a beautiful ornament, just filling a
pew.
2. His interest in you goes far beyond redemption.
3. God desires to use your life to touch others.
B. God uses human instruments to accomplish His work here on
earth.
1. He could work completely apart from us.
2. He has chosen not to.
C. The men God uses are plain ordinary men.
1. I was no prophet, not even the Son of a prophet. Just
an herdsman, picked figs.
2. Elijah was a man of like passions.
D. Many times, men try to give off the impression that they are
something special.
1. That they possess special powers or abilities.
2. There are always those poor gullible souls ready to
believe them.
3. This is especially true of politicians.
4. Sadly, it has infiltrated into the leadership -- of the
church.
a. I am closer to God than you.
b. You can't understand what God meant, so don't
try. I will tell you.
c. For a fee, I will get you special favors.
(Again, the house of God is made a den of
thieves.
II. (THE RESULT IS) MOST PEOPLE DISQUALIFY THEMSELVES FROM SERVING GOD.
A. On what basis?
1. I'm just an ordinary person.
2. I'm just a herdsman.
3. I'm just a fig picker.
4. I'm just a janitor.
5. I'm just a tax man.
6. I'm just a fisherman.
7. I'm just a tent maker.
B. We think God uses only perfect people.
1. Isaiah said, "Woe is me, I am a man of unclean lips."
2. Peter said, "Depart from me Lord, for I am a sinful
man."
3. Paul claimed the title of chiefest of sinners.
C. God's callings are God's enablings.
1. Whatever He has called you to do, He will equip you for
it.
2. 1 must not think of the task in the light of my
ability.
III. WHEN GOD'S CALL CAME.
A. Shall I quit my job and just wait for God to call me?
1. A strong, definite "no"!
2. Many will be able to fulfill God's call while remaining
at their present employment.
B. "As I followed the flock, the Lord said to me, go."
1. As Matthew was sitting at the receipt of customs.
2. As Peter and John were mending their nets.
3. None had quit their jobs in anticipation of the call,
or hoping for a call.
IV. BEHIND ALL OF THIS IS GOD'S GREAT HEART OF LOVE FOR THE LOST.
A. He sent Amos to "My people Israel."
1. He still claimed them though they had forsaken Him.
2. He was still calling though they had long since ceased
to answer.
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Chuck Smith (1927 - 2013)
Pastor Chuck was used in the Jesus People revival where he was used along with others to minister to the hippy young people. They saw a work of the Spirit where many were added to the church and discipled. He has raised up many pastors who are a part of the Calvary Chapel movement now and where he pastors the large Costa Mesa church in California.The Calvary Chapel movement is based of simple principles that Chuck Smith taught over the years such as: The priority of agape love, Simple fellowship amongst the saints, the breaking of bread, the teaching of God's word chapter by chapter and verse by verse. And lastly and most importantly the principle not by might nor by power but by my spirit saith the Lord.