DO I HAVE GOD'S CALL FOR MISSIONS
Six Keys to Affirming God's Call to Missions (Part 3 of 3)
[continued from last month's article]
In the last two installments we have considered the importance of what the Bible teaches regarding God’s call to salvation and ministry. We also focused on the fact that the church plays a central role in identifying potential missionaries--those whom God may be calling. The church serves along with the Holy Spirit as co-senders of those whom God places in missionary ministry. This segment will emphasize the affirmation of God’s call. Since every individual is unique so is the process God takes them through in affirming His call. However, there are some definite things that are part of this general process. Here are six keys to affirming God’s call to Missions.
- Bible Study
Without Bible study we are making our own way through life. Interaction with God’s Revelation brings light and reveals not only God but His will for our lives as well. (Heb. 4:12; Ps. 119:105)
- Prayer
Listening is a vital part of prayer. God does speak to man and in doing so provides guidance and direction. (Acts 9:11; Ps. 25:4)
- The Ministry of the Holy Spirit
When we are “walking in the Spirit” (Gal. 5:25) and being “led by the Spirit” (Rom. 8:14), God brings us to the place of service He has for us.
- Human Instrumentality
Paul gives us an example of how God uses others to give us direction. After his dramatic Damascus Road experience Paul was sent into the city of Damascus where Ananias was used to reveal God’s call to him. (Acts 9:6,10f; 22:10). Sometimes God will use a missionary to communicate a sense of his own call and burden to another believer as part of the process of his call to missions.
- Circumstances
Very often circumstances involve receiving and processing information about what God is doing through His Church in various parts of the world and how it is possible for us to become involved in His work. This kind of information may be communicated through missions conferences and reports as well as through personal involvement in field visits or short-term mission trips.
- The Church
Within the context of the Church, individuals are saved, instructed, and called by God. It is the place where much of our personal spiritual growth occurs and where much of our service takes place. The church is central to all of God’s dealings with men and is the living organism which He uses to provide personal guidance and direction for our lives. It is impossible to overemphasize the importance of the church in the process of God’s call. (Acts 13:1-3; Prov. 11:14)
Adapted from The Call
by Dr. David Haag -- Director of Tri-M
Available on www.ebm.org/resources
