In this episode, we continue our series on "Lessons from a Life of Ministry" with Pastor Bruce Aubrey. In the eighth lesson, we will consider the topic of calling. Join us for the discussion.

Lessons from a Life of Ministry

To Our Northside Team

Lesson #8 Answering the Call

Biblical Backdrop

And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ. Ephesians 4:11-12, ESV

The Call to Ministry

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It is from the Lord.

And say to Archippus, ‘See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.’ Colossians 4:17, ESV

It is all about the gospel.

Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God. Romans 1:1, ESV

The call of God is clear and continuous.

For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. Romans 11:29, ESV

The call of God was not based upon human ability.

For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. 1 Corinthians 1:26, ESV

It is a holy calling.

Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began. 2 Timothy 1:8-9, ESV

It Is from God, for God and with God.

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations. Then I said, ‘Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.’ But the LORD said to me, ‘Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the LORD.’ Jeremiah 1:5-8, ESV

What God begins He will finish.

As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. 2 Timothy 4:5, ESV

Key Reminder

This work is not about us but all about Him.
This work was not procured by us but given by Him.
This work is all about the gospel of the grace of God.
This calling may come over time or in a moment but is undeniable.

But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. Acts 20:24, ESV

Theological Truth

The one who called you us will enable us and empower us to serve Him.

Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart. 2 Corinthians 4:1, ESV