As the church we are called in many ways. This series titled “Called” explores the different callings we have as Christians.
Called To Love One Another
By: Joel Mathew
This past weekend we started a new series titled ‘Called’. By examining the passage from 1 John 3:11-24, we recognize that we are ‘Called to love one another’. Understanding this dividing line between a professing Christian and a true Christian, we learned of the assurances we have as believers and the testimony we bear as a family of God when we obey this calling.
Called To Love God
By: Joel Mathew
Continuing our “Called” series, we look at the first and great commandment: Love God. Often times, we as believers can slip into a state of complacency such as “I am content with what I know about God, and it doesn’t affect my salvation” or a state of pride “I know everything there is to know about God and my salvation.” However, those who are born again aren’t content and must continually study, learn and know God from His Word as the first step towards loving Him and avoid such mindsets! To love God also means that in the midst of priorities, dreams and goals, we as Christians are Christ-centred and continually find our greatest joy in Him. In John 14:15, Jesus shows the mark of those who love Him, obedience; true believers of the Gospel can’t continue to live as passive Christians but be in active pursuit of His righteousness. Understanding our calling to Love God and the lifestyle that flows from our new identity in Christ, we rest in the assurance that those who love God are known by Him.
Called By God
By: Joel Mathew
For the third sermon in our series, we systematically unpack the nature of the call we have been called by as Christians. It is a call that came from above; a good and perfect gift. This facet of our calling helps us to distinguish Christianity from the plethora of world religions and belief systems that are embraced by many. The guarantee of this call from above is sure life, eternal life! An effectual call for those whom God foreknew and predestined before the world began; a call for His people. It isn’t just any call that yields potential for a person to believe. But as found in 1 Corinthians 1:24 and Romans 8:30, it is a call by God that will save sinners! While holding firmly to that truth, we are commanded to share the good news to the world. No Christian can ‘convert’ a person to Christianity or make them believe in Jesus. It is a sovereign act of God alone that works in the heart of a sinner to repentance and surrender; the work of God, a true miracle! God effectually calls a multitude of people from every nation, tribe and tongue through the preaching of the person and work of Jesus Christ, the Gospel.
Called For His Glory
By: Joel Mathew
Last session we closed of our series “Called”. Reading through passages, we can see the undeniable testimony of God’s word that God is ultimately about and for Himself, His name and His glory. We saw that creation and everything in it exists for the sole purpose of glorifying God; yes even the bad things. While God has never been or ever will be the author of sin, evil still bends its knee to proclaim the holiness and righteousness of God. All things whether good or bad, fulfil the sovereign plan of God. We also learned that the Gospel is about Jesus Christ and not about us! While those who believe enjoy salvation and are part of the redemptive thread that runs through the pages of scripture, salvation has always been for His name, His glory. God is for Himself, therefore He is for us; not the other way around. To feel uncomfortable and not joyous at that truth reveals how much we’ve deviated from the true Gospel message. On these foundational truths, we looked to 1 Corinthians 10:31. We understood that nothing adds to the intrinsic glory of God but that all things should be ascribed to His glory; in everything we do, small or big, we are called to glorify Him!