The Biblical Path of Life

Tag: Called

  • Called to be Saints

    “Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:”

    1 Corinthians 1:2

    We most often call people who have trusted in Jesus for salvation “Christians”. This implies that the one who has given that heart and life to Jesus has become Christ-like. Did you realize that in the New Testament, the name “Christian(s)” is only used three times? (“… And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch” Acts 11:26b.) Another name given for those who have chosen to follow Christ is “disciple”. They are called “disciple” (or disciples) thirty times. Two times they are called “Believers”. However, the most prevalent name is “saints”. We should remember when the Lord sent Ananias to speak to Saul (the persecutor of the new followers of Christ). “Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem” (Act 9:13). Those in Jerusalem who had trusted in Jesus were called “saints”. Many of the letters in the New Testament are addressed to the “saints.” (See Romans, 1 Corinthians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians.) Saints means “holy, set apart, sanctified, consecrated; its fundamental ideas are separation, consecration, devotion to God; separated morally.” Even more interesting, the name “saint” is interchangeable with the word “holy” in several verses. In these verses, the meaning for saint and holy are the same. It is this definition of the word “saint” or “holy” that each Christian should attain.

    Why is it important to understand that those we call Christians are also known as “saints”? There are specific instructions to those called “saints” or “holy”. Because of this, it is important to know what these instructions are so that we can follow them.

    Paul wrote a letter to the Christians in Rome. “To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 1:7). Take notice that the declared that they were “called to be saints”. He does this again in 1 Corinthians. “Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours” (1 Corinthians 1:2). Notice again that Paul declares that “all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ” are “called to be saints”. Called means “called, invited, welcomed, appointed.; the called ones are those who have received the divine call having conformed to God’s saving purposes.” What is one who has been called to be a saint (holy) to do? “1. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:1-2). Note Paul wrote, “holy, acceptable unto God”. Remember, this means “holy, set apart … its fundamental ideas are separation, consecration, devotion to God; separated morally.” This kind of life is acceptable unto God. How is one to do this?

    Peter gave us instructions. “14. As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: 15. But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16. Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:15-16). Remember, this “holy” is the same word as “saint”. Conversation means “behavior, lifestyle.” Once one has been called to be holy (a saint), that life is to change from the old lifestyle and be holy (live a life in devotion to God) in all behavior.

    Paul wrote instructions to the saints (holy) in the letter to the Colossians. “12. Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13. Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. 15. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. 16. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him” (Colossians 3:12-17). This is a great listing for us as “Saints” today to use to transform our hearts and lives. This will produce a Christ-like lifestyle. We can then be Christians (Christ-like). It will allow us to be able to encourage other Christians as well. Paul gives a great listing to help us understand what kind of life Christ wants us to live and why (“see Ephesians 4:12-32).

    Have you been called to be a saint?

    Do you then choose to live a life that is changed, holy and acceptable unto God?

    Find out how to become a “Saint”.

  • Disciples

    “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.”

    2 Peter 3:18

    Jesus called twelve men to be His special disciples. We now call them Apostles. Each of these men were different from the others. These men had particular qualities and character traits that we can recognize about them. Why do you think that Jesus called such a diverse group to begin the spread of the Gospel message to the world?

    Many children memorize the names of Jesus’ twelve disciples in a Sunday School Class. Do you remember their names, or even much about them? Read one listing of these men: “And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James” (Acts 1:13). In this listing, Judas Iscariot (which also was the traitor) is noticeably missing (see why in Matthew 27:3-5; and Acts 1:16-18). Almost everyone remembers about Judas Iscariot. Jesus knew Judas Iscariot would betray Him (see Matthew 26:21-25 and John 6:64).

    Consider a few of the disciples:

    • Peter was called Cephas (which meas “a stone) by Jesus (see John 1:42). Peter mostly seemed to be bold, yet sometimes he appeared afraid (see Matthew 14:22-33). When Jesus asked His disciples who they said He was, Peter was the first to declare: “And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). Jesus blessed him for this (see Matthew 16:17). Peter is famous for proclaiming he would never deny Jesus. However, Jesus warned Peter that he would deny Him that very night. And he did.
    • James and John were brothers: “And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder” (Mark 3:17). Apparently, they were a bit fiery and defensive of Jesus when He was rejected by the Samaritans: “And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?” (Luke 9:54).
    • Andrew (Peter’s brother), was the first to follow Jesus, and he brought his brother, Peter, to meet Jesus (see John 1:40-42).
    • Philip, brought Bartholomew (Nathanael) to Jesus (see John 1:45-46).
    • Thomas will probably always be known as “doubting Thomas” (see John 20:24-29).
    • Bartholomew (Nathanael) was an honest man who was skeptical when he first heard of Jesus, but immediately recognized who Jesus is. “Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel” (John 1:49).
    • Matthew (also called Levi, the son of Alphaeus) left all and followed Jesus, however Jesus ate at his house first. “And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him” (Mark 2:15).
    • James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James about whom not much is known.

    Was there anything special about these men? They appeared to be average men. Peter, Andrew, James and John were fishermen. Jesus called them from catching fish to becoming “fishers of men.” Jesus taught them to go tell others how to know Jesus. However, the same thing can happen to people today. One may not see Jesus walking down the road, calling an individual to follow Him, but one can understand the call upon the heart when hearing the Bible preached and taught. It is then that each individual who hears that call upon the heart should respond in affirmation. Yes! I will follow Jesus!

    After Jesus resurrected and appeared to His disciples, He took time to speak personally with Peter, who had denied Jesus three times just before His death. Jesus wanted Peter to understand that even though he had failed in one area at that point in His commitment to Him; Jesus still had mighty plans for Him – if Peter was willing to do what Jesus asked of Him (see John 21:14-19). Even when a Christians fails, falling short of what Jesus would expect, if that one will return as Peter did (remember he was the first disciple to run to the tomb, and the first to jump out of the boat swimming to shore to see Jesus), Jesus can still use a repentant Christian. Peter grew in his Christian life. “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen” (2 Peter 3:18). Peter encouraged Christians to continue to grow.

    As one reads the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), one can understand the growth of these men as they walked with Jesus. When Jesus ascended back into heaven after His resurrection, He entrusted these men to go forth, preaching the Gospel Message. When you read Acts, their growth continued as they understood how to live as disciples of Jesus. They were not the same men that we were introduced to when Jesus called them. It is because of their faithful witness (and many more like them) that we can know the Gospel Message, too. Although we may not know much about these men, we understand enough in that they followed Jesus to the end.

    Christians should learn much from these men. None of them were perfect. None of them were known – until they responded in affirmation to the call of Jesus upon their lives. As Jesus called them, one by one, they each chose to follow Jesus.

    Have you met Jesus, and then chosen to grow in your Christian life?

    Want to know what one must do to be saved?

  • The Wedding Garment

    “For many are called, but few are chosen.”
    Matthew 22:14

    Jesus told many parables. It is important to know that a parable is a “heavenly story with an earthly meaning.” Because our earthly minds cannot understand heaven or the things of God, Jesus often told parables to the people, particularly to help his disciples understand what He was trying to teach them.

    One such parable was about a marriage and a wedding feast. “2. The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, 3. And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. 4. Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. 5. But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: 6. And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them” (Matthew 22:2-6). First, understand that the King is God and His Son is Jesus. The marriage (the wedding) was for the King’s Son, Jesus, to the Christians (all those who belong to Jesus through His Salvation). When salvation through Jesus was offered to the Israelite people, the Israelites overwhelmingly rejected Jesus. This is pictured when those were “bidden to the wedding: and they would not come.” When the King sent other servants, they made light of it a first, but they eventually treated the King’s servants “spitefully, and slew them.” What did the King do? “But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city” (Matthew 22:7).

    When they rejected the King’s Son, Jesus, salvation was then made available to the Gentile people. This is pictured when the King spoke again to His servants. “8. Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. 9. Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage” (Matthew 22:8-9). The servants went out to tell any and all to come to the marriage supper with the King’s Son, Jesus. “So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests” (Matthew 22:10). Any who received the invitation came.

    Read what happens next: “11. And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: 12. And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. 13. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 14. For many are called, but few are chosen” (Matthew 22:14). No one can join the wedding without a wedding garment. Any not clothed with the righteousness given by Jesus will be cast “into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

    We can understand: “If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked” (2 Corinthians 5:3). Remember how to be clothed? “I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels” (Isaiah 61:10). Salvation by faith in Jesus is the only way to be clothed in righteousness. Read how Peter described himself and others who obtained this righteousness. “Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:1).

    We can also remember the picture of Joshua when Satan accused him before the Lord. Jesus (his Advocate) defended Joshua. “3. Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel. 4. And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment” (Zechariah 3:3-4). Jesus took away Joshua’s iniquity (his sin) and clothed him with the righteousness only found in Jesus Christ.

    Will you be found without a wedding garment,

    or

    Will you be clothed by Christ’s righteousness?

    How to be Saved

  • Those Who Love God

    “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
    Romans 8:28

    Have you ever had something bad happen to you? According to Romans 8:28, if we are Christians (have Jesus in our hearts and lives), and are living according to God’s Word doing what God wants us to do with our lives, everything will work out for good – even if it seems like something bad at the time. There is a great picture of this lived out in the life of Elijah. Even when the king and queen wanted Elijah dead, God provided for him and took care of him.

    In Elijah’s day, the nation of Israel had already divided into two kingdoms, Israel and Judah. The kingdom of Israel never had a good king. The worst was King Ahab. God called Elijah to speak to wicked King Ahab. God sent Elijah to tell the king there would be no rain in the land; and there was a drought for over three years. God provided for Elijah during the drought. He sent Elijah to the brook Cherith where he had water. God sent ravens to bring him food. When the brook dried up, God sent him to Zarephath where a widow woman took care of him until the end of the drought. After over three years, God sent Elijah back to King Ahab with a great challenge. Elijah told him to have all of Israel to meet on top of Mount Carmel. He called for a decision from the people. Choose who the true God is. After Elijah’s great victory when fire fell from heaven and consumed his offering, the people declared, “The Lord, He is the God.” Because Elijah had all of the false prophets killed, Queen Jezebel, Ahab’s wicked wife, wanted him dead. Elijah ran for his life. We learn that God had not forgotten Elijah, for He showed Himself to Elijah in a still small voice. Elijah thought he was the last one who loved and served God. But God told him that there seven thousand others that had not served the false gods. Therefore, Elijah was not alone. However, more than this reassurance, he gave Elijah a helper – Elisha. Through all of this, we can learn that even though the nation as a whole had forsaken God and turned to idol worship, there were still those who had not forsaken God. Elijah was a great example of God providing for one who was willing to give his life wholly to serve God, obeying His every command. We should remember the encouragement God gave to Elijah when he was greatly discouraged – and even fearful for his life (see 1 Kings 17-20). Remember Romans 8:28: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Especially that all things will work together for good if one is living the life God would have them to live. It is important to trust that God will provide for our every need.

    During days where there are trying times and all seems to be going wrong, stop and look at your heart and life. Seek God to see if you are where you should be, doing what you should be doing. If you seek Him with all of your heart, you can find Him. “11. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. 12. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. 13. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. 14. And I will be found of you, saith the LORD …” (Jeremiah 29: 11-14a).  

    If we will obey God, God will provide for us and take care of us – no matter what.

    Are you living for God, trusting that He will work all things together for good?