Family Bible Series for Nov. 18
FAMILY BIBLE STUDY:
God's call on a life can take a variety of forms
___ Acts 13:1-52; 14:26-27
___By Christine Hockin-Boyd
___Texas WMU, Dallas
___The word "call" is defined differently in the secular view and the biblical view. In the secular meaning, it can be used in a variety of ways whenever one needs or wants something.
___For example, think about the telephone--you received a call while you were out to lunch. Did the auto shop call leaving word that the car is ready for pick up? Your mom called and wants you to call her back. Your manager calls and wants to talk to you before the end of the day. The answering machine recorded a call from the siding salesp
erson. Your wife called and left a voicemail message that she would be home late from work. You could even say that e-mail is a form of calling in which messages are sent to and from a person.
___Now think about person-to-person--Lori please call your sister and tell her it is time to eat. Honey, can you come and see what is wrong with the dishwasher?
___In the biblical sense, the word "call" is defined as "summons or appointment from God to serve him in a specific way for a specific purpose; invite to become a follower of Christ--a Christian; invite his attention in prayer" (Holman Student Bible Dictionary). Christ calls us to be his followers. He also calls us to certain assignments. For some, it is to serve in public education, medicine, law, construction, engineering, ministry, finance, agriculture and so forth. Each area is as important as the other because God calls us to specific assignments to serve him. As Christians, we must ascertain what God's calling is upon our life and how and where we can serve him faithfully and obediently.
___Am I saying that God can call a Christian to serve in the secular world? Yes, most definitely. God can and will call his children to serve in many different ways. This may even involve moving to another place to serve him.
___Barnabas and Saul were called to do a special assignment for God. In verse 2, we are reminded of the Holy Spirit's role, as he impressed upon Barnabas and Saul's hearts that there was a special task at hand. Why them? Why not? Sometimes the least likely people are the exact ones God is going to do his mighty work through to reveal himself to others.
___Just imagine what it may have been like for the body of believers to be a part of this special time. As everyone is worshipping, fasting and praying, there is evidence of God's work in someone's life. Two of their fellow believers were spoken to, and they became part of the witnessing miracle of God at work. Have you ever heard God speaking to you and impressing upon your heart and mind something he wanted you to do for him? Have you ever felt his presence as you worshipped and prayed? What was he calling or asking you to do?
___Verse 3 reveals Barnabas and Saul completed their fasting and prayer time. This could mean several things. Possibly they wanted to hear more from God, affirming them in the work he was asking them to do. Or maybe they just wanted to humble themselves before the Father to praise and give thanks to him for calling them to a specific task.
___But when the fasting and prayer time was over, the body of believers surrounded the two men and had a special time of prayer and dedication for them. These two men were prayed over and lifted to the Father for continued blessing and heavenly use. I wonder if their friends didn't pray for things such as protection, physical strength, encouragement, decision-making skills, creativity and such.
___Nevertheless, they were not going to begin this special journey God had in store for them until they had been prayed over and encouraged by one another. This is exactly what we do today when someone senses a calling to the mission field or ministry. Can you imagine what it would be like if we prayed over every Christian as he or she discovers God's calling, whether it is to serve him in the secular or religious world?
___Barnabas and Saul obeyed the calling God had for them. They had no idea where they would go or what would happen to them. The most important thing was that they heard God speak, listened to his special plan for them and obeyed. The remaining verses give a record of some of their journeys along the way. What kind of journal could you create of God's work in your life? Hopefully many encounters.
___Finally, notice what Barnabas and Saul did upon their return (14:26-28). They came back to where they had been called to special service and sent off with a prayer of dedication. They shared and gave testimony about what God had done in their lives along the journey. What is your testimony of obedience to God's calling upon your life?
___Questions for discussion
___ What is the difference between having a calling and having an aptitude for a profession?
___ Are some callings more important than others? Do we treat them as if they are?
___ What might happen if God's call is ignored?
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