The Christian Journey - The Calling

Christian Journey definition:  starting point = spiritual birth - journey continues until physical death.
The Christian journey  = a) journey continues after death, ie:  Christian hope  b)  (in a sense) precedes spiritual birth.

The Christian Journey begins with a Calling
Word 'calling' comes from Greek word - verb kaléō = to call, invite, summon.  Very common word, very common usage - Matt. 20:8, 25:14

but in the New Testament it's often used of A DIVINE SUMMONS   Eph. 1:18, 1 Cor. 1:9, 1 Thess. 2:11-12

noun form = A CALLING - Heb. 3:1, 2 Thess. 1:11

adjective form = A CALLED PERSON, A CALLED GROUP (people) - Jude 1, Rom. 8:28, Rev. 17:14 - His called,  His chosen

Therefore, ekklēsía (from ek, "out from and to" and kaléō, "to call")  ekklésia - the called out ones - "the church".

Can see why such a common word became an integral part of the Christian life.

I.  WHO CALLS?  God - Acts 2:39 - (Father?  Son?  Holy Spirit?  the drawing is attributed to all 3)

II.  HOW DOES HE CALL?  
Generally through a combination of:  1)  external, Word - verbal or printed form
                                                        2)  internal, Holy Spirit - speaking to heart, mind, conscience
Therefore:  often/commonly through PREACHING - Example:  the sermon @ Pentecost - preaching + Word + Holy Spirit - Rom. 10:13-14
Your calling will be:  1)  DIVINE - when God truly speaks to your heart
                               2)  Personal
          (somewhat)   3) Unique - not necessarily different from anybody else's call but uniquely personal for a particular person.

III.  TO WHAT DOES HE CALL US?
Repent?  Salvation?  reconciliation?  discipleship?  service?  task?  office?

Yes ... BUT  #1.  to Himself - most important one
                    #2.  to His Son - Rom. 1:6 - this is a Christian call
                    #3 - to a Christian lifestyle - Rom. 1:7, 1 Cor. 1:2, 2 Tim. 1:9 - called to a holy life
Calling = out of worldly lifestyle that is opposed to Scripture, into one that is according to Scripture.
(These three = UMBRELLA under which all callings fit.)

IV.  WHY DOES HE CALL US?  
1)  He loves us, He values us - John 3:16 - we are precious to God
And because 2) redemption, reconciliation are found only in Him - no other way.
3)  through us He glorifies Himself and draws other men to Him.  Eph. 3:10 - shows His character, attributes through us.
Your calling is not just about you!!!  He calls for the sake of others.

V.  WHO DOES HE CALL?  (all?  the elect? - the debate can distract from the point - ie:  Your Call!!)

a)  a few may not have yet received the call (little ones)
b)  a few may be denying, ignoring the call
BUT
c)  most know you've been called
d) some of your know you are being called

NOTES: 
 #1.  the Calling of God is:  more than a request, but less than a demand
it = an urgent request, a passionate appeal - but He will not force you.
It = an incredible privilege - Heb. 9:15

#2. the call does not cease at Salvation (continues throughout life) - will be multiple calls

#3.  the call needn't always be felt - with maturity comes knowledge
I (now) know to what I'm called, I don't need His Voice!!  Already know what to do, give up, etc.

Invitation = Respond to Him & His call to you.... to come.  Rev. 22:17