RESOURCES — SHORT ARTICLES

 

SHORT ARTICLES BY TOM ELSEROAD
	2020-09-01	Is God Calling Me to Missions?
		Rom 12:2  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. So discerning the will of God assumes a renewed mind. The “will of God” here are not likely the clear commandments of Scripture, because you do not need a renewed mind to read those commands. Paul relates to us how Biblical teachings, and other relevant factors, help produce a direction for us that God approves. This renewal comes mainly through the Word of God and prayer. So soak your mind in God's Word. Out of this renewed mind the believer takes seriously several things. 1. The Renewed Mind Takes Seriously Your Spiritual Gifts. God is not calling you to do something He has not gifted you to do. 1Pe 4:10  As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. Rom 12:6  Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith Gifts are God's manifold grace flowing through humans which we steward for the good of others. 2. The Renewed Mind Takes Seriously The Needs That You See, and the Ones That Move You Most Deeply. Rom 12:6  Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; Rom 12:7  or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; Rom 12:8  he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. Every Christian is supposed to exhort, be generous, and show mercy. Yet Paul treats these things as gifts. This implies some people would study a need in the world, and a special compassion would be imparted to that person to meet that need. Take seriously, not only the objective needs in the world, but ask yourself, “How does that affect me?” 3. The Renewed Mind Takes Seriously Its Skills What practical skills do now have that God may use in a special way (finances, carpentry, etc). 4. The Renewed Mind Takes Seriously Recurrent and Growing Interest of a Place or a People When God is moving someone into missions He gives them a recurring and growing interest and awareness of a need. So what are you reading about? What are you investigating? What do you keep coming back to? 5. The Renewed Mind Takes Seriously the Growing Desire of the Heart for the Work of Missions 1Ti 3:1  This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work. This is a principle God uses to draw us into His work. “Do you find this work desirable?” “Is it becoming irresistible for you?” 6. The Renewed Mind Takes Seriously the Affirmation and Confirmation of the Local Church It is essential that you are part of a local church. What you experience in a local church is what you will carry to the mission field. Part of the purpose of the local church is to confirm our skills, desires, compassion, and spiritual gifts. Without this confirmation we may mistake God's leading. 7. The Renewed Mind Takes Seriously Wants to Glorify God Above Everything We want to see the glory of God celebrated in the world. In all things you are doing are you pursuing the glory of God? Do you see what you are being led to as something that will bring glory to God. Study God's Word and pray for His leading. If we take these things seriously we will know God's calling for our lives. Pastor Tom Elseroad

 

An Evangelical Free Church of America

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