Sermon:God's Calling

WHAT IS GOD'S CALLING FOR MY LIFE?

Your calling involves participating in the church's mission, using your gifts to serve others, and growing in your relationship with Christ and other believers.

○Roles in the Church: God has given different gifts, such as apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, to help guide and nurture believers.

- Ephesians 4:11,"And He Himself gave some to be apostles,some prophets,some evangelists,and some pastors and teachers."
○Equipping for ministry: The purpose of these roles is to equip the saints for the work of ministry.All believers have a role in serving and contributing to the church. 

-Ephesians 4:12,"For the equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry,for edifying of the body of Christ."
○Maturity in Faith:The aim is to help everyone grow in faith and knowledge of Christ, leading to spiritual maturity and unity.

-Ephesians 4:13,"Till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God,to a perfect man,to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. "

○Protection from deception: By growing in faith, believers are better equipped to recognize false teachings; they will not be carried about by wrong doctrine, and they will remain grounded in truth.

-Ephesians 4:14,"That we should no longer be children,tossed to and from and carried about with every wind of doctrine,by the trickery of men,in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting."

I'M I CALLED TO BE A PRIEST, PASTOR,
BISHOP, PROPHET, OR AN EVANGELIST? 
-Ephesians 4:11-12: "And He gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors, and teachers,to equip the saints for the work of ministry."

WHO IS A PRIEST?
 A priest serves as a mediator between God and people, offering sacrifices and performing religious rituals.
- Exodus 28:1,"Now take Aaron your brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister to me as a priest."
- Hebrews 5:1,"For every high priest taken from among men is appointed for men in things about God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins."

WHO IS A PASTOR?
A pastor shepherds a congregation, providing spiritual guidance, teaching, and care.
-Acts 20:28,"Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to Shepherd the church of God.
- 1 Peter 5:2,"Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers."

WHO IS A BISHOP?
 A bishop oversees multiple congregations, providing leadership and maintaining doctrinal integrity.
-1 Timothy 3:1-2,"If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work. A bishop then must be blameless."
- Titus 1:7,"For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God."

WHO IS A PROPHET?
A prophet speaks on behalf of God, delivering messages of warning, guidance, or prophecy about future events.
-Amos 3:7,"Surely the Lord God does nothing unless He reveals His secret to His servants, the prophets."
- Ephesians 2:20,"Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief cornerstone."

WHO IS AN APOSTLE?
An apostle is a messenger and leader in the early church, often recognized as having been sent directly by Christ.
-Acts 1:26,"And they cast their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. And he was numbered with the eleven apostles."
- Ephesians 2:20,"Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief cornerstone."

WHO IS AN EVANGELIST?
Evangelists are individuals who proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, often focusing on outreach and conversion. Their role involves sharing the message of Christ, nurturing new believers, and expanding the reach of the church.
-Acts 21:8,"Referring to Philip as the evangelist.
-2 Timothy 4:5,"But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

HOW TO KNOW GOD'S CALLING FOR MY LIFE
•Seek God through prayer: Ask God for clarity and guidance in your calling.
   - James 1:5,"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him."
•Read and meditate on scripture:The Bible provides wisdom and direction.
   - Psalm 119:105,"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
•Consider how your skills and interests align with serving others.
   - 1 Peter 4:10,"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."
•Seek counsel from others:Discuss your thoughts with mature believers who can provide insights.
   - Proverbs 15:22,"Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers, they succeed."
•Look for open doors:Pay attention to opportunities that God presents in your life.
   -Revelation 3:8,"I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one can shut."
•Trust in God's timing: Be patient as you wait for clarity about your calling.
   -Ecclesiastes 3:1,"For everything, there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven."
•Live a Life of obedience: Following God's commands can lead you to your calling.
   - John 14:21,"Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me."

THE CONDUCT OF A PRIEST, PASTOR BISHOP ACCORDING TO THE BIBLE

●PRIESTS:The conduct required for priests(Leviticus 21:6-7)

◇Holiness:A priest shall be holy to their God and not profane the name of God.

◇Moral purity:A priest should not marry a harlot,a defiled woman,or a divorced woman.

- Leviticus 21:6-7," They shall be holy to their God and not profane the name of their God. For they offer the offerings of the Lord made by fire, the bread of their God; therefore they shall be holy. They shall not take a wife who is a harlot or a defiled woman, nor shall they take a woman divorced from her husband; for the priest is holy to his God."

●PRIESTS:The priest was to marry a woman who was pure, specifically a virgin.(Leviticus 21:13-14)

-Leviticus 21:13-14,"And He shall take a wife in her virginity. A widow or a divorced woman or a defiled woman or a harlot-these he shall not marry."

 

●BISHOPS/CHURCH LEADERS

The qualifications for Bishops and church leaders are outlined in Titus 1:7-8

◇Blamelessness:They must be above reproach in character and actions.

◇Self-control:They should be temperate, self-controlled, and not easily angered.

◇Integrity:They must avoid greed, drunkenness, and violence.

◇Hospitality:They should be welcoming, showing kindness and care for others.

◇Virtue:They are expected to love what is good, be just, and display holiness

-Titus 1:7-8,"For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled."

●BISHOPS/OVERSEERS 

The qualifications of Bishops and overseers are outlined in 1 Timothy 3:2-4.

◇Moral Uprightness:They must be faithful, self-controlled, and gentle.

◇Family Leadership:A bishop is expected to manage his household well.

◇Ability to Teach:Teaching is a key responsibility, and the leader must be able to instruct others in the faith.

-1 Timothy 3:2-4,"A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence."

●PASTORS/CHURCH LEADERS 

The attitude and heart which church leaders should shepherd God's people are outlined in 1 Peter 5:2-3.

◇Willing service:They should serve God’s people willingly, not out of obligation or for personal gain.

◇Modeling Christ:They should lead by example, not Lording over others but serving humbly.

◇Integrity in motivation:Leadership should be motivated by a desire to serve, not for financial gain or personal advantage.

-1 Peter 5:2-3,"Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock."

PRAYER OF REPENTANCE 

Lord Jesus, I repent of my sins and ask for your forgiveness. If I have strayed from your ways without realizing it, please have mercy on me and forgive me. Let the blood of Jesus, shed on the cross, wash away my sins and cleanse me from all my unrighteousness. In Jesus' name, Amen.

PRAYERS
1)Lord,help me, to hold fast to the word of  God and to always preach the sound doctrine in Jesus' name.
2)Heavenly father,may I be holy in all my conduct,as you are Holy.Help me to reflect your character in every aspect of my life in Jesus' name.

3)Almighty God,help me to fulfil the Holy calling you have placed upon my life,not according to my works but according to your grace in Jesus' name.

4)Strengthen me,O Lord,to press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call in Christ Jesus in Jesus' name.

5)Lord,I place my confidence in you, knowing that you are faithful to complete the work you have begun in me in Jesus' name.

6)Lord,strengthen me to remain steadfast in my service to you.May my heart remain loyal,and may I serve you with all my strength,love,and devotion,in Jesus' name.

7)Lord,grant me courage to proclaim your gospel to all creation in Jesus' name.

8)Teach me to live my life in such a way that I will find peace and purpose where you have placed me in Jesus' name.

9)Father,may those who aspire for leadership in your church be found above reproach, reflecting your character in Jesus' name.

10.O Lord,help me to shepherd the flock willingly and eagerly,seeking the best for those entrusted to my care in Jesus' name.

11)Lead us,Lord,to establish elders who are blameless and devoted to sound doctrine in Jesus' name.

12)Heavenly father,empower me to serve the body of Christ,fulfilling the unique role you have designed for me in Jesus' name.

13)Father,may we honour and esteem those who labour among us,recognizing their calling and dedication in Jesus' name.

14)O Lord,create in me a loyal heart that serves you wholeheartedly. Help me to be faithful in all things,to honor you with an undivided and sincere heart in Jesus' name.

15)Lord,grant wisdom to leaders as they guard the church against false teachings in Jesus' name.

16) Lord, help me to seek Your Kingdom with all my heart and mind. Grant me boldness to preach Your word with courage and clarity, and empower me to be a witness of Your truth. May I be filled with a passion for Your work and a heart to spread the good news to all. In Jesus' name.

17)Lord,mold me into an instrument of righteousness,equipped for every good work.May I serve you with a heart full of devotion and be a reflection of your glory in all that I do in Jesus' name.

18)Lord Jesus,impact to me the wisdom needed for my spiritual journey ,that I may discern your will in my life in Jesus' name.

19)May I be steadfast in my commitment to share the good news,knowing that you are with me always,to the very end of age in Jesus' name.

20)Thank you Lord,for choosing me for your service and calling me into fellowship with you.May I carry out your mission with diligence and joy in Jesus' name.

Thank you Lord,for answering my prayers, in Jesus' name.Amen