A High Calling of God
“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.” (Philippians 3:13-17 KJV).
Do these words of God resonant with you? I admit I have not apprehended (or have taken possession of; acquired) but I try to forget the past self-centered nature and reaching forth unto the Gospel of Jesus Christ which lies before me. I am pressing in toward the mark, the mark of a higher calling to be Christ-like, the call in which God calls each one of us in Christ Jesus. I try to place the mind of Christ in my thoughts Philippians 2:5 says, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:” We are to be pure as He is pure. Holy as He is Holy. Righteous as He is righteous. He sanctified Himself so we would do the same. Do these words resonant in your heart?
The high calling of God in Jesus Christ overwhelms my heart. As men and women in the Christian Mission and Alliance our hearts should be stirred up to be fellow workers of God’s higher calling in Christ Jesus.
And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. (Matthew 24:14 KJV)
Do you want to help usher in the Kingdom of God? Then be a witness unto all nations. The C & MA is calling men and women to be leaders.
Ordination is the Church’s public recognition of the call from God, distinct from human vocational choice, to men for a lifetime ministry, through speech and exemplary lifestyle, of preaching and teaching the Word of God, protecting God’s people from spiritual enemies and doctrinal heresies, overseeing and promoting the spiritual development of God’s people, and equipping God’s people to fulfill the Great Commission to “make disciples of all nations” for the purpose of knowing and glorifying God by obeying His will and building His Kingdom. The occasion for setting men apart for such ministry is the Church’s affirmation of the candidate’s faithful completion of preparation for ordination through approved education, in-service training, field experience with mentoring for a minimum of two years, and examination by a qualified council of peers.
Do these words resonant with you? Is the Holy Spirit tugging at your heart? Remember God qualifies the called.
In Christ,
Greg