Woe is me if I do not preach the gospel! —1 Corinthians 9:16
Beware of refusing to hear the call of God. Everyone who is saved is called to testify to the fact of his salvation. That, however, is not the same as the call to preach, but is merely an illustration which can be used in preaching. In this verse, Paul was referring to the stinging pains produced in him by the compelling force of the call to preach the gospel. Never try to apply what Paul said regarding the call to preach to those souls who are being called to God for salvation. There is nothing easier than getting saved, because it is solely God’s sovereign work— “Look to Me, and be saved . . .” (Isaiah 45:22). Our Lord never requires the same conditions for discipleship that he requires for salvation. We are condemned to salvation through the Cross of Christ. But discipleship has an option with it-”If anyone . . .” (Luke 14:26).
Paul’s words have to do with our being made servants of Jesus Christ, and our permission is never asked as to what we will do or where we will go. God makes us as broken bread and poured-out wine to please Himself. To be “separated to the gospel” means being able to hear the call of God (Romans 1:1). Once someone begins to hear that call, a suffering worthy of the name of Christ is produced. Suddenly, every ambition, every desire of life, and every outlook is completely blotted out and extinguished. Only one thing remains— “. . . separated to the gospel. . . .” Woe be to the soul who tries to head in any other direction once that call has come to him. The Bible Training College exists so that each of you may know whether or not God has a man or woman here who truly cares about proclaiming His gospel and to see if God grips you for this purpose. Beware of competing calls once the call of God grips you.
Journal 2 2 11 DJR
Good morning Lord, Sharing the Gospel & Preaching the Gospel. It seems like a continuum where on the one end, all Christians are to Share their faith and the gospel and at the other there are evangelists like Billy Graham who Preach the gospel. Do we just grow along the continuum or is there a quantum leap where we are called and separated?
You saw many of my servants called and separated, Elisha barbecuing his oxen and following Elijah, Isaiah saying, “here am I, send me” and all of my 12 disciples … there was a moment in time that a decision was made. A line was stepped over. …. In some there was slow growth and turmoil prior to reaching that point. In others, they weren’t even thinking about it, just minding their own business, fishing, or riding on the Damascus Road. I cannot be put in a box. I can call every man and woman a different way. Do not compare my dealings with you with my dealings with Paul or any other disciple. You are different from all others but I love you all the same.
When I compare ….
I said, “Dont compare” It’s the devils playground and he will tangle you up in a comparison squirrel cage. Dont compare, just come to me. I am totally capable of custom designing the most beautiful life for you.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jer 29:11
OK, I trust you, I love you, I believe you … but like that other disciple said, “help my unbelief” It is so easy to fall back into my own plans and thinking
That’s why I have given you this picture of being up here with me on this balcony. From here you see more clearly. And CO2, because I know you and know your ways and your weaknesses. You need it. So I gave it to you. Use it, keep on walking with me. You wont want to miss what I have planned for you.
What can I say. I love you.
Click Image for John White's Original Vision For CO2's
