For our last session Patrick Lewis explains four distinctives of “The Call of Jesus”.
Jesus’ call is intrusive- meaning he has a tendency of stepping in to our lives in uncomfortable situations.
His call is clear
Mark 1:15- And saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”
Luke 9:23- And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
His call is a command
Matthew 28:18- And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. (This is a command not a suggestion)
19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
His call is enabling
When he speaks his commands, he also empowers you to respond
Through his Holy Spirit he enables you to do the things you don’t think you can do
2 Corinthians 5:14-15 For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. This is how he enables us; he works through us and as we understand his love it compels us.
His call has gone out to us, do we hear it? It’s important to know that not responding to his call is to reject.
Patrick leaves us with some things to think about as we go home.
When was the last time Jesus interrupted your life?
What are the things that he has told you that were clear that you’re still avoiding and pretending they are unclear?
What are the things you are being called to do that you are afraid of?