University of the Word
Introduction
When you respond to the
call of God, you are going to offend someone. Such is life! Ultimately John
feared displeasing one person. The one whom John says was the true light coming
into the world. He dare not displease him. The one he was preparing the way for.
He dare not anger him. The one whose sandals he was not worthy to untie. He dare
incur his wrath. John understood you can always find someone who will tell you
how to do it better but you dare not provoke the Lord.
We refer to the
Pastoral ministry as a calling to
distinguish it from other types of jobs and occupations. The sense of call is
what separates the ministry as a work from the Lord and for the Lord.
From a Pentecostal viewpoint, and from a ministry viewpoint, we emphasize
the divine aspect of a call to specific ministry.
1. God sovereignly
chooses based on _______________________________. Acts 1:24-26
2. God's choice is with
very_______________________ ________________________.
Acts 13:2
3. God's choice
evidenced by ________________________________Acts 16:6-10
4. God's choice is
without _____________________________from anybody. - A. Paul's testimony
about his call. See 1 Tim 1:12; Acts 9:15; Acts 26: 15-20; Col: 1:25
5. Congregational
choice based on observable qualifications.
E.g. The Seven. Acts 6:1-6; Qualification texts in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and
Titus.
Apostolic choice.
Titus, Timothy, and others directly appointed.
Apostle John selecting a leader, telling the elder to train him.
6. Apostolically
empowered successors based on observable qualifications - Titus 1:5-9
7. God's choice
based on the
________________________________________________________________________Matthew
9:36-38.
8. Ministry based on
person's desire
9. The Heavenly
Vision-- "The incredible call of an inadequate man to an impossible task,
for an indefinite time." Text: Acts 26:15-20.
TO BE COMPLETED NEXT WEEK