Cttnbc - 001 -Course Outline - The Call of God

Called to the Nations

Bible College

CERTIFICATE IV Course Code: CTTNBC - 001

“THE CALL

OF GOD”

22nd June 2010 Revision: A © Rev. Dr J. D. Camm 1

MODULE

CONTENTS:

UNIT 1: WHAT IS “THE CALL OF GOD”

Unit 1 assignment 600 – 800 word essay

UNIT 2 – BIBLICAL EXAMPLES

Unit 2 assignment – short answer class test

UNIT 3 – STUDY OF THE DISCIPLES

Unit 3 assignment – Short written paragraphs to

discuss the steps of progression.

UNIT 4 – PARTNERSHIP WITH GOD

Unit 4 assignment – Group research, with group

presentation to the whole class – with a group mark

assigned to each member of that specific group.

UNIT 5 – EVALUATING OUR CALL

A confidential report between the student and the

teacher, of the student’s own individual

“experiences”.

The student will undertake an evaluation of their

personal “Call of God” – using the criteria of the

previous units of this Module.

Each of the Unit assignments will accrue 20%

of the whole mark for this Module.


Course code:

UNIT 1

WHAT IS THE “CALL

OF GOD”?

DEFINITION: The “Call of God” is a series of events, situations,

thoughts or ideas, implemented by God Almighty, into the mind or

surroundings of a particular person, which singularly (or collectively)

singles that person out for a specific service for the Lord. The person is

nothing special, “until God puts a call on a person’s life.”

THE CALL OF GOD UPON NOAH [Genesis 6] [4289]

God spoke to Noah and revealed to him that He planned to

destroy the earth and all of creation, because mankind had

become depraved beyond redemption.

God said to Noah: Build a safe house for your own salvation”.

It takes Noah and his family 100 years to build the ark and catch

all the animals demanded by God Almighty:-

Of every clean animal 7 pairs

Of every bird of the air 7 pairs

Of every unclean animal 1 pair

(notice no fish of the sea !!!)

During this time, his whole family has to suffer ridicule and

harassment from the local surrounding villages and tribes.

It was an indeed and enormous test of faith – both in his

understanding of technical designs which he received from the

Lord, to build the ark and that his family would be protected from

the local tribes until the ark was completed.

Boat designers say that the design of the ark is the most stable

design of any boat – it will not capsize, even in the most stormy

seas.


Unit 1

(cont’d)

Noah When the rains came – no mercy for the sinners!!!

For 100 years Noah had been telling the people to change their ways but

they refused, so now God’s judgement comes upon them.

God’s mercy is limited – after several warnings (in mercy) comes the

judgement!!!.

It rained 40 days and 40 nights : a second time of testing for Noah and

his family. The water remained on the earth for a further 150 days before

it commenced to recede (Gen. 7:24)

14 months and 27 days after the rains started God told Noah to go out of the

ark and start afresh.

Next day (exactly 15 months after the rains started) Noah and his family left the

ark with the animals. This event took place on the first day of the Jewish

calendar – a new beginning in a New Year for the nations of the earth.

Noah built an altar to the Lord and sacrificed upon it one of every clean animal

and bird. (Gen. 8:19)

God made a covenant with Noah which is still in operation today. God promised

He will never again destroy the whole earth with a flood.

From Noah and his children (8 people in all) a new beginning commenced,

with the authority originally given to Adam being transferred to Noah. He now

had authority over the animals and the forest and was allowed to eat anything -

except the blood of any animal (Gen 9:4)

God also held mankind responsible for the life of each and every human being

(Gen. 9:6)

Despite being such a righteous man, Noah still fell into sin by getting drunk and

lying naked in his tent. (Gen. 9:21)

Characteristics of Noah

1. A righteous man

2. A man of faith

3. A man of long patience and long suffering

4. An extraordinary carpenter

5. A father who brought up his children in the knowledge and respect of the Lord


Unit 1

(cont’d)

Abraham

Abram [Abraham] – The Spiritual Pilgrim [15] & [4290]

The study of the life of Abraham is of great importance

because he was chosen by God, to become the father of a

new spiritual race. Religious seeds were planted in his heart

from which was to spring wonderful results in the church over

4,000 years into the future.

The Divine Call – The Call of God: While living at home with

his family (in his father’s house) he received a message from

the Lord (Gen. 12:1) to leave his family and go into a land that

the Lord would show to him.

Whenever there is a call from God upon a person’s life

there is always a cost !!! – but also manifested rewards.

Abram obeyed the call and so started a special

relationship between man and God. Obedience is better

than sacrifice !!!

God makes a covenant with Abraham. No obedience – no

covenant !!!

Through Abraham, God wants to re-introduce the creation

kingdom – but now to be obtained through a redemptive

process. (“By you all the families of the earth will bless

themselves).


Unit 1 (cont-d)

Gideon

GIDEON – THE RELUCTANT GENERAL

At this time, Israel had rebelled against God and had been given over into the hands of the Medianites for a period of seven (7) years, to teach them a lesson (Judges. 6: 1-5)

Whenever the Jews are in trouble, it seems that then (and only then) do they cry out to the Lord for help (Judges. 6:6)

God sends them a prophet (no name) who tells them what they don’t want to hear. (Judges. 6: 7-10)

Notice that God always gives us a chance to redeem ourselves from our past sins.

The Angel of the Lord appears and summons him to leadership (Jud. 6:11-12) [refer to extra notes about the “Angel of the Lord”]

He was the son of Joash, of the tribe of Manasseh (Judges. 6:11)

He was the youngest son, of the poorest family, in the lowest ranked of all the 12 tribes of Israel.

From a secular viewpoint, the most unlikely person to choose for a leader. From a spiritual standpoint, this is to show the nation of Israel (and us today) that God can call anybody into His service, irrespective of your social standing in the community.

Gideon, like Moses, makes excuses that he is not good enough to do what God wants. (Judges. 6:13)

Note: If God calls us into His service, He will equip us with whatever we need, to do/and/or put into effect, for His purposes.

All we have to do is say: “Yes Lord – I am ready to serve You. What must I do?”

Are you ready to answer the call?


Unit 1 (cont-d)

Gideon

Once assured by the Lord that God is with him, to guide

him, he is no longer afraid – as his subsequent actions

prove.

Gideon destroys the altar dedicated to Baal and builds an

altar to God (Judges. 6:24-28)

He is threatened with death by the Baal worshippers, but is

rescued by his father.

On assembling the host of enemies, Gideon blows the

trumpet to call the nation together.

His faith is strengthened by the sign of the fleece (3 times)

His faith is severely tested by the Divine reduction of his

army of 32,000 down to just 300 soldiers – without any

weapons!!!

This is to prove to Gideon and to the whole nation of Israel

that the victory of the battle belongs to the Lord.

After this victory, he is offered the crown of all Israel, which

he refuses and gives the glory to God. (Judges. 8:22-23)

But despite this he still makes mistakes.

He makes a golden ephod which becomes a problem for all of

Israel (Judges. 8:24-27)

He judges Israel wisely, in accordance with God’s laws, for 40

years and as a result there is peace in the nation for 40 years.


UNIT ONE

ASSIGNMENT

The students will work in small groups to research

and write a combined group essay on “The Call of

God”, using the guidelines below as a basis (600 –

800 words)

1. Identify and discuss verses or passages of

Scripture that assists with understanding

“The Call of God”.

2. Identify and discuss “The Call of God” upon

at least three (3) significant Biblical

Characters.

3. Discuss what you understand and believe to

be:-

The functions,

Purposes, and

Characteristics of “The Call of God”

Each group will make a combined submission, for

a Group Assessment Mark – which will be

assigned to each member of that specific group.


UNIT 2: EXAMPLES OF THE CALL OF GOD

CASE STUDY 1: MOSES [4307] Family:

Father : Amram (Ex. 2:1, 6:20)

Mother: Jochebed (Ex. 2:1, 6:20)

Both of the Tribe of Levi (Ex. 2:1)

Brother: Aaron (Ex. 4:14)

Sister: Miriam (Ex. 15:20)

His Early Life:

His birth in turbulent times

The edict of the Pharaoh

Jochebed’s trust in the Lord – the child cast upon the waters.

They launched the ark (basket) not only onto the Nile, but onto God’s

providence. He would be the captain, steer-man and convoy escort

of this little craft. Miriam stood to watch its path and report back to

her mother. There was no fear of fatal consequences, only the quiet

expectancy that God would do something worthy of Himself.

They reckoned on God’s faithfulness, and they were amply

rewarded, when the daughter of their greatest enemy became the

babe’s patroness. (Ref. F. B. Meyer. Through the Bible Day by Day)

The daughter of the Pharaoh recovers the ark from the Nile and

recognises it as a Hebrew child, but has compassion and takes it for

here own. She called his name MOSES because “she drew him out

of the water”.


UNIT 2 : MOSES

(cont’d)

God intervenes and allows Jochebed to be involved in the early years of Moses’

life. She is hired by the Pharaoh’s daughter to be the nursemaid for her own

son. This is God’s blessing to the mother for her trust in God – but Moses did

not know his true birthright.

Youth and Yong Manhood

Moses was educated in the palace by the best brains in the land. (Acts 7:22)

At age 40 (# 40 – a time of testing) Moses visits the Hebrews and sees the

major injustices being done against them. As a result he kills an Egyptian and

then has to flee from Egypt into the desert of Midian.

Ruel (Ex. 2:17-18) [also called Raquel and/or Jethro], the priest of Midian had 7

daughters, who were sheep-herders and Moses defends them against the men

who attack them at the well. Moses successfully drove them off and then

provided water for the 7 daughters and their flocks.

Ruel (Jethro) is a priest, who fears God, and is of the descendants of Ishmael,

who has a good knowledge of the scriptures and how Abraham sent his servant

to his relative’s house to secure a bride for his son. Seeing he has no sons, he

would recognises the similarity of these situations which has occurred here.

Abraham’s servant prays for a woman to draw water for himself and his flock, as

a sign that he has chosen the correct lady for Isaac. On the other hand, Jethro

has 7 daughters and this man has drawn water for his 7 daughters; he needs a

son-in-law, who will protect his daughters and provide for their flocks – Moses

looks like he is the right man for the job.

Jethro offers Moses his oldest daughter - Zipporah (as per custom) as a wife,

thus making him second in charge of all his belongings and responsible for the

household when Jethro is not present. By this marriage, the line of Isaac, and

the line of Ishmael are re-united into one line once again, as the line of

Abraham.

Moses lives in the desert, being re-moulded by God for another 40 years

(another time of testing) [Acts 7:30] Moses is now 80 years old and still the Lord

has not called him – or has he?


UNIT 2 : MOSES

(cont’d)

THE TESTING OF MOSES:

Moses leaves Egypt as a prince and God gives him the desert as his kingdom, with Ziporrah, a God fearing woman as his queen.

They have to deal with the hardships of the desert – with no servants or riches, like he had in Egypt.

Moses has to learn to lean on and to put his trust in the God of the Hebrews – the God of Abraham, whom Jethro & Ziporrah would have told him about, as they sat around the campfires together at night – or whilst they were out minding the sheep together.

For 40 years this moulding and re-shaping took place. Moses was placed “On the Potter’s Wheel” but did not really know it.

F.B Meyer in his book “Moses, the Servant of God” says this: “It was true heroism when Moses stepped down from Pharaoh's throne, to share the burdens of his brethren. But it would take 40 long years of lonely waiting and trials before this strong, radiant nature could be broken down, re-shaped into the vessel fit for the Master’s hands, and prepared for every good work”

“One blow struck when God’s time is fulfilled is worth more than 1,000 blows struck in premature eagerness.”


UNIT 2 : MOSES

(cont’d)

THE CALL OF GOD UPON MOSES [Ex. 3:2-10]

1. “The Angel of the Lord” appears in the form of a flame, coming out of the midst of the bush. As Moses looks he can see the flames – but the bush is not burning. Moses decides to go closer and investigate, because he cannot believe what he is seeing.

2. When the LORD saw that Moses had turned aside, God called to Him (not an angel) but God Himself. (Ex. 3:4) “Moses, Moses” and Moses replied: “Here I am”.

3. God says to Moses: “Do not come near; put your shoes off your feet, for the place on which you stand is holy ground.” God wants to make a covenant with Moses.

4. God makes His presence and His identity very clear, when He says: “I AM the God of your father, the God of Abraham, and the God of Jacob”.

5. Upon hearing this Moses hid his face from the presence of Lord, because he was afraid that he would die if he saw God’s face.

6. The Lord continues: “I have surely seen the afflictions of My people in Egypt, and I have heard their cry, because of their taskmasters and oppressors; for I know their sorrows, sufferings and trials. And I have come down (to earth) to deliver them out of the hand and the power of the Egyptians, to bring them up out of that land (Egypt) to a land good and large, a land flowing with milk and honey, a land of plenty; to the place of the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Amorite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite. Now behold the cry of the Israelites is coming to Me, and I have also seen how the Egyptians oppress them”.


UNIT 2 : MOSES

(cont’d)

Verse 10: “Come now therefore, and I will send you to Pharaoh,

that you may bring forth My people, the Israelites, out of Egypt”.

God never sends you on a journey for Him, unless He tells you what

you are expected to do! Nor does He send you without the necessary

equipment to fulfil the tasks. God’s task was simple:-

1. Go to Egypt

2. Confront the Pharaoh and tell him that the “God of Joseph” has

said to let the Israelites go.

3. Bring them out of Egypt to this new land, which God has

already indentified to Moses

Moses makes excuses and God answers: [Ex. 3:11-4:17]

1. Who am I that you would choose me and send me to Egypt?

2. God replies: “I will surely be with you & this shall be a sign

to you that I have sent you: when you have brought the

people out of Egypt, you shall worship Me on this

mountain”. ( called Mt. Horeb, or Mt. Sinai).

3. When I come to the Israelites and tell them, the God of your

fathers has sent me to you, and they say to me, what is His

name? What shall I say to them?

4. God Replies: “ I AM WHO I AM and WHAT I

AM, and I WILL BE WHAT I WILL BE: and He

said: You shall say this to the Israelites, I AM

has sent me to you!”.


UNIT 2 : MOSES

(cont’d)

V15 “This shall you say to the Israelites, The Lord, the God of your fathers, of

Abraham, Isaac, and of Jacob, has sent me to you! This is My name

forever, and by this name, I AM to be remembered to all generations.”

V16 Go gather the elders of Israel together [the mature teachers & tribal leaders]

and say to them. The Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac,

and of Jacob, appeared to me, saying: I have surely visited you, and seen that

which is done to you in Egypt.

V17 And I have declared [a covenant pledge] that I will bring you out of the

affliction of Egypt, to the land of the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Amorite, the

Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite, a to a land flowing with milk and honey.

V18 And (the elders) shall believe you and obey your voice: and you shall go, you

and the elders of Israel, to the king of Egypt, and you shall say to him: The Lord

God of the Hebrews, has met with us; and now let us go we beseech you, three

day’s journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the Lord our God.

V19 And I know that the King of Egypt will not let you go [unless forced to do so] no,

not by a mighty hand.

V20 So I will stretch out MY hand, and smite Egypt with all wonders which I will do in

it; and after that he will let you go.

V21 And I will give this people favour and respect in the sight of the Egyptians; and it

shall be that when you go, you shall not go empty-handed.

V 22 But every woman shall (insistently) solicit her neighbour, and of her that maybe

residing at her house, jewels and articles of silver and gold, and garments,

which you shall put on your sons and daughters: and you shall strip the

Egyptians. [of their belongings due to you – for your wages as slaves in Egypt

for 407 years]

“What if they don’t believe me, or listen to my voice, and they say that

God did not appear to me?”

God now provides the proof of His power to Moses, and confirmation that He

really is the God of Abraham, who is speaking to him.


UNIT 2 : MOSES

(cont’d)

THE FIRST SIGN:

4:2 God says: “What is in your hand?” [A Rod]

V3 “Cast it to the ground” and it become a serpent (the symbol of royal and

divine power – worn on the crown of the pharaohs). Moses fled from before the

serpent on the ground.

V4 “Put forth your hand and take it by the tail” And he stretched out his hand

and grabbed it, and it became a rod again in his hand.

V5 [“This you shall do] that the elders may believe that the Lord, the God of

their fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, has indeed

appeared unto you”.

THE SECOND SIGN:

4:6 “Put your hand into your bosom” [inside his loose clothing]

He put his hand inside his loose clothing and when Moses took it out again

his hand was leprous, as white as snow!

[Under Hebrew law, he was now an outcast – no longer able to go into the

Temple –no longer able to go into God’s presence]

V7 “ Put your hand into your bosom again” Moses did as a the Lord

commanded and when he took it out his hand was completely restored –

completely healed.

V8 “If they will not believe you, or heed your voice, or the testimony of the

first sign, they may believe the voice or the witness of the second sign.


UNIT 2 : MOSES

(cont’d)

THE THIRD SIGN:

V9 “But, if they will also not believe these two (2) signs, or heed your

voice, you shall take some water out of the river [Nile] and pour it onto

dry land; and the water which you take out of the river [Nile] shall

become blood on the dry land”

Moses continues to make excuses!!! Excuse # 4

V10 “Oh Lord, I am not eloquent, or a man of words, neither before nor since you

have spoken to your servant; for I am slow of speech, and have a heavy and

awkward tongue”

V11 And the Lord said to Him: “Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes

the dumb or the deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? Is it not I, the Lord?

V12 Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth, and will teach you

what you shall say”.

Excuse # 5: Moses says to God: “Oh Lord, I pray you, send by the hand of [some

other] whom you will send” [God please send somebody else!!!]

GOD GETS ANGRY WITH MOSES!!! V14 “ Is there not Aaron your brother, the Levite? I know he can speak well.

Also he is coming out to meet you, and when he sees you, he will be overjoyed.

V15 You must speak to him and put the words in his mouth; and I will be with his mouth and with your mouth, and will teach you what you shall do.

V16 He will speak for you to the people, acting as a mouthpiece for you, and you shall be as God to him.

V17 And you shall take this rod in your hand, with which you shall work the signs [that prove that I sent you].”


UNIT 2 : MOSES

(cont’d)

THE RESPONSE OF MOSES TO THE CALL OF GOD 1. Moses returns to his camp after his encounter on the mountain and requests

permission from his father-in-law to return to Egypt to see if his relatives are still alive.

2. There is no recorded mention that Moses tells Jethro of the encounter with God Almighty on the mountain – or the tasks that Moses has been sent to undertake, but Jethro give Moses his blessing and permission to return to Egypt, together with his wife and his sons. (Ex. 4:20)

3. Now a battle did occur to decide which “first born” will be delivered or die. The “first son” of God – (the whole nation of Israel), or the “first son” of Egypt – (the fist son of the pharaoh).

4. Both sons could have lived – but only one son can die!!! (see v 21-23)

Conclusion:

Despite his complaining, Moses eventually reacts positively to “the call of God” on his life. He learns to listen to God and to trust God’s wisdom to fulfil the tasks set before him.

Because of his disobedience Moses was not allowed to enter the Promised Land – only to see it from afar.

However, as a reward we know that Moses has a place in heaven.


UNIT 2 -

ASSIGNMENT

In 500 words (or more), write what you have learned and understood

from this case study and the “Call of God” on the life of Moses.

The areas to be considered are:-

The faith of his family

His early life and how it affected his thinking

The events which caused him to flee

His time in the desert

His confrontation with God Almighty

His return to Egypt

The miracles and their effects on:-

The Egyptians

The Jews

The surrounding nations

The Exodus

His further trials in the wilderness

The giving of the Law (the first time)

The pleas for the people

The giving of the law (the second time)

His plea to go into the Promised Land and its result

Appointment of his successor

Proof that God finally allowed him into heaven

His effects on your own personal life


CASE STUDY # 2 –

SAUL OF TARSUS

References in Thompson’s Chain Reference Bible as below:-

Paul [2697]

Miracles of Paul [2371]

Persecution of Paul [3482]

Preaching of Paul [2087]

Tree of his life [4309]

Apostleship [202]

Bonds [3479]

Care for the church [732]

Examples by Paul [1178]

Paul’s Missionary Journeys [2382]

Portrait of Jesus Christ [4304]

Self-support for missionaries [2097]

Thorn in his side [4080]


SAUL OF TARSUS

(cont’d)

• His Family and early life:

• His father was a Pharisee (Acts 23:6) and a Roman citizen

(Acts 22:25-28)

• His mother is unknown

• He was of the Tribe of Benjamin, born in Tarsus and named

Saul (which means “asked for” (Acts 23:3)

• He had a sister, who later lived in Jerusalem and his nephew

helped Paul in his later life (Acts 23:16)

• As is required by all Jews, he learnt a trade, as a tentmaker

(Acts 18:3)

• He studied in the synagogue under Gamaliel, acknowledged

the greatest Rabbinical Scholar of his time (Acts 22:3)

• His Early Manhood:

• The crucifixion of Jesus Christ, His resurrection and the events of

that particular Passover and Pentecost period must have had some

remarkable effects upon his life, because he becomes very anti-

Christian.

• All that has taken place is against all that he has been taught. At this

stage in his life, he cannot reconcile what has happened, to God’s

redemptive promises of salvation. At this stage in his life there is

confusion and turmoil, because what has happened contradicts all

he has been taught from the Law and the writings of the prophets.

He just does not understand that God Almighty is involved in what

has just happened.


SAUL OF TARSUS

(cont’d)

Saul is an instrument of God, even before his

conversion – set apart for God’s work (Gal. 1:15) Saul was present at the stoning of Steven (Acts 7:58)

Saul consented to Stephen’s death (Acts 8:1a)

The execution of Stephen was a signal for an increased campaign of repression

and persecution against the “followers of the way”.

The large community of believers in Jerusalem fled the city for their safety and

for their own lives and the lives of their children. (Acts 8:1-3)

Many were caught and sent to the pits for participation in various deadly sporting

fixtures to please the Romans.

They fled to all parts of Palestine (Judea and Samaria) and to other places

outside these areas, even as far north as Syrian Antioch.

When they went, they took the Good News with them, the fulfilment of Acts 1:8

was now being implemented in Acts 8:1

The Sanhedrin would have received reports from all over Palestine that the

Good news was spreading, that the persecution inside Jerusalem was not

successful.

Saul asks for Letters of Authority from the Sanhedrin to pursue the Christian

followers more vigorously, firstly in Jerusalem and then in the rest of the

empire, bringing back any he found to Jerusalem in chains. (Acts 9:1-2)

Saul was effective in capturing many believers and putting them into

prison. So much so that his name was feared among the believers, even

as far away as Damascus.



SAUL OF TARSUS

(cont’d)

THE CONVERSION OF SAUL:

Saul left Jerusalem through the Damascus Gate and travelled towards Damascus. (Acts 9:3)

“Suddenly a light from heaven flashed all around him”. He fell to the ground and he heard a

voice from heaven saying to him.

“Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting ME? [ Why are you harassing, troubling and molesting

Me?]

“Who are you, Lord?” And the voice replies: “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is

dangerous and it turns out badly for you, to keep kicking against the goad – that is to

offer vain and perilous resistance”.

Trembling and astonished Saul asks: “Lord, what do you desire me to do?” The Lord

answered: “Arise and go into the city and you will be told what you must do”. (Notice

Jesus did not ask Saul a difficult thing to do at first – just go into the city and wait for

instructions.)

When Saul got up from the ground he was blind – so the people with him, who had heard the

same voice, led him by the hand into the city.

The first test of obedience that Jesus gave to Saul was simple: Go into the city of Damascus

and wait!

Saul fasts and prays for 3 days and nights – in complete darkness, (just like Jonah, who had

also rebelled against the Lord.)

While Saul is fasting and praying, in the house of Judas, in a street called Straight (still there

today – but called “Darb-al-Mustaqim” – which means “He has seen” )

God starts to put the next step of Saul’s conversion into place, by appearing to Ananias, in a

vision and commanding him to go to Saul and pray for his healing and for him to receive the Holy

Spirit.

SAUL OF TARSUS

(cont’d)

THE CALL OF ANANIAS:

Acts 9:10: “And there was in Damascus a disciple (a believer – an ordinary man

– but somebody very special) whose name was Ananias.” The Lord said to Him:

“Ananias” and he answered: “ Here I am, Lord”

V11 “Get up (straightaway) and go to the street called Straight, and ask at the house

of Judas, for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold he is praying there.

V12 And he has seen in a vision, a man named Ananias enter and lay hands on him,

so that he may regain his sight.

Ananias was confused by this instruction from the Lord, so he explains what he

knows of Saul to the Lord, just to make sure he understands this commandment

from the Lord properly.

V13 “Lord, I have heard many people tell about this man, especially how much evil

and what great suffering he has brought on Your saints in Jerusalem;

V14 Now he is here and has authority from the high priests to put in chains all who

call upon Your name”.

V15 “Go, for this man is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before

the Gentiles and kings and the descendants of Israel.

V16 For I will make clear to him how much he will be afflicted and must endure

and suffer for My Name’s sake”.

Once assured by the Lord that Ananias has understood the Lord’s instructions

correctly, he immediately went into the house, laid hands upon Saul and said:

“Brother Saul, (fellow believer) the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you along

the way by which you came here, has sent me that you may recover your

sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit”.

V18 And instantly scales fell of his eyes ad he recovered his sight. He arose and

was baptised.

Note: Paul received his healing, then received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, BEFORE

he received the baptism in water. This is different to the Samaritans. We must

recognise that God is in control and He can give the Holy Spirit to His

believers, any way He chooses.


SAUL OF TARSUS

(cont’d)

SAUL’S RESPONSE TO THE CALL OF GOD: Paul commenced to preach Jesus Christ as the Messiah, in the Synagogues in

Damascus, causing all sorts of confusion and mistrust, because they knew he

had letters from the High Priest in Jerusalem and the believer’s thought he was

trying to trap them into identifying themselves.

The followers of Judaism (the Jews) decided to kill him, but their plan was made

known “supernaturally” to Saul and he was helped by the disciples to escape,

being let down over the city walls in a basket. [confirming to Saul that God would

protect him while he undertook the tasks set out before him]

He returned to Jerusalem, and tried to preach in the Synagogues there – but

again the believers did not believe that he was really converted.

Barnabas took him to meet the Apostles, where he testified about meeting the

Lord on the way to Damascus and how he had been preaching about Jesus in

Damascus, how the Lord revealed a plot to kill him and how the disciples had

helped him escape over the city wall.

After this testimony, he was able to go about preaching freely among the

believers – but again there was a plot to kill him, so the believers took him to

Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus (till things settled down and peace could be

restored.)

Saul, now spends 3 years in Arabia, in communion with the Holy Spirit,

undertaking a “Holy Spirit Bible School”, re-learning all the things of the Old

Testament – with new revelation and understanding, about the promises of the

Messiah, and how they had come to pass and be fulfilled in Jesus Christ. After 3

years he returns to Tarsus.

Meanwhile, the effects of the dispersion was having miraculous result right across

the whole area. Men from Cyprus and Cyrene who had heard the Gospel, spoke

to Greeks in Antioch. The presence of the Holy Spirit was with them and many

believed and were saved. The news of these conversions reached the Apostles in

Jerusalem, who selected a dedicated, proven man to go to Antioch and

investigate this news and to set up a church there. His name was Barnabas.


SAUL OF TARSUS

(cont’d)

Acts 11:24: “For he was a good man, full of, and controlled by the Holy Spirit,

and full of faith”. As a result a large company was added to the Lord.

The church became so big that it was too much for one man to handle, (so

Barnabas prayed to the Holy Spirit for guidance) and He was directed to go to

Tarsus to find Saul and to bring him back to Antioch (as a teacher) to help him

with the work there. This work continued in Antioch for a whole year.

This is where the gathering of believers were first called Christians.

It was here that Agabus – a recognised Christian Prophet of the New

Testament, prophesied under the anointing of the Holy Spirit that there was to

be a great famine in Jerusalem and that the people in Jerusalem would be

affected.

This congregation in Antioch took up the first recorded “Love offering” and sent

it with Barnabas and Saul to the people of Judea. When they returned to

Antioch from Judea, they brought John Mark with them.

THE CHURCH AT ANTIOCH & THE SEPARATION FOR NEW SERVICE:

The leaders of the church at Antioch were:-

1. Apostles (under the Apostleship of Jerusalem)

2. Prophets (un named – except Agabus)

3. Teachers [Barnabas, Symeon, Lucius, Manaen & Saul]

While they were “praising the Lord and fasting” the Holy Spirit spoke to

them: “SEPARATE NOW FOR ME, Barnabas and Saul for the work to which

I have called them”. Notice the order of calling: first Barnabas, THEN Saul.

So up until this point we have had 3 instructions for Saul:

Go into Damascus and wait for further instructions

Go out into the Arabian desert and be trained by the Holy Spirit

Go out and teach the Good News, under the authority of the Holy Spirit and

Barnabas.

At this time, the role of Saul/Paul is still that of a teacher, He is yet to be

raised up into the office of an Apostle.


SAUL OF TARSUS

(cont’d)

It was not until later on his first missionary journey that Saul (now called Paul)

exercises his authority under the anointing of the Holy Spirit to his full rank of

an Apostle, and performs the miracle of making the false prophet blind.

This results in Sergius Paulus, the Roman Consul believing on the Holy Power

of Jesus Christ and he becomes a Christian.

The next 30 years of Paul’s life is spent spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ in

many countries, being imprisoned at least twice in Rome, as well as Jerusalem

and in Caesarea.

Paul undertook 5 documented journeys:-

1. Tarsus,

2. Caesarea,

3. Jerusalem, Damascus,

4. Arabian Desert, Damascus, Jerusalem,

5. Caesarea, Tarsus, Antioch.

People already believed and were saved under His ministry at this time – before

what is now referred to as his “First Missionary Journey”. See maps next pages.


SAUL OF TARSUS

(cont’d)


Acts chapters 8-11

SAUL OF TARSUS

(cont’d)

[ 46-48 AD] It is on this journey that his name is changed from Saul to

Paul (which means “little” [Acts 13:9]).


Saul of Tarsus

– cont’d


[Acts 15:40 – 18:22] [50 – 52 AD]

It is on this journey that Paul has a vision of the “Man from Macedonia” saying:

“Come over to Macedonia and help us”.

Saul of Tarsus

(cont’d)

Paul’s Third Missionary Journey [54-58 AD] [Acts 18:22 – 21:20]


Saul of Tarsus

(cont’d)

Paul’s Trip to Rome [59 - 60 AD] [Acts 24-28] He travelled from Jerusalem to Caesarea where he was imprisoned for 2 years, then Tyre,

Sidon, Myra, Cinidus, Fair Havens, He was shipwrecked at Melita, then to Syracuse, Rhegium, Puteoli, Apii Forum, Three Taverns, then Rome.

He spent the remaining years in either house arrest, or in fixed prisons, where he wrote most of his Epistles to the churches he had founded (including an Epistle to the Church in Laodicea, referred to in Colossians chapter 4:16) He was beheaded in Rome in Approximately 67AD.

“THE EPISTLE of PAUL the APOSTLE to the LAODICIEANS”

Points to ponder: (v1) He salutes the brethren, (v3) exhorts them to persevere in good works, (v4) and not be moved by vain speaking. (v6) Rejoices in his bonds, (v10) desires them to live in fear of the Lord.

1. Paul an Apostle, not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, to the brethren which are at Laodicea.

2. Grace be to you, and peace, from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ.

3. I thank Christ in every prayer of mine, that ye may continue and persevere in good works, looking for what is promised in the day of judgement.

4. Let not the vain speeches of any trouble you who pervert the truth, that which may draw you aside from the truth, of the Gospel which I have preached.

5. And now may God grant, that my converts, may attain to a perfect knowledge of the truth of the Gospel, be beneficent, and doing good works which accompany salvation.

6. And now my bonds, which I suffer in Christ, are manifest, in which I rejoice and am glad.

7. For I know that this shall turn to my salvation forever, which shall be through your prayer, and the supply of the Holy Spirit.

8. Whether I live or die; (for) to me to live shall be a life to Christ, to die shall be joy.

9. And our Lord will grant us His mercy, that ye may have the same love, and be likeminded.

10. Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have heard of the coming of the Lord, so think and act in fear, and it shall be unto you life eternal;

11. For it is God who works in you;

12. And do all things without sin.

13. And what is best, my beloved, rejoice in the Lord Jesus Christ, and avoid all filthy lucre.

14. Let all your requests be made known to God, and be steady in the doctrine of Christ.

15. And whatsoever things are sound and true, and of good report, and chaste, and just, and lovely, these things do.

16. These things which ye have heard, and received, think on these things, and peace shall be with you.

17. All the saints salute you.

18. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, Amen.

Cause this Epistle to be read to the Colossians, and the Epistle to the Colossians to be read among you.

We see that although the Biblical scholars of the early times did not think this Epistle of Paul worthy to be included into the “Canon of Scripture”, it is clear from the writings in the Epistle to the Colossians that such an Epistle did in fact exist, and that it was considered important by Paul, because he told the churches in both cities to be sure and read both Epistles in both of their churches.


Saul of Tarsus

(Cont’d)


UNIT 2

ASSIGNMENT

In a minimum of 500 words, write what you have learned and

understood from the case study and the “Call of God” on the life of

Saul (Paul).

The areas to be considered are:-

His family, early life and early manhood

His early religious teaching and how it affected his attitude to God

Almighty, and his idea of the Messiah.

What was his early impression of Jesus Christ?

How was this changed?

The importance of people being available to hear and obey God’s word

(Ananias)

Saul’s response to the “Call of God”

His re-learning process

Saul as a teacher

Saul & his relationship problems

His name change

The miracles under Paul’s ministry

The churches he personally pioneered on his missionary journeys

Paul supported himself by making tents, so that he was not a burden on

the church body. Do you believe that this is the scriptural basis and

scriptural template for missions today? Please give your reasons.

What have you learned from the life of Paul, that will challenge how you

respond to God Almighty?


UNIT ONE & TWO

ASSESSMENT

EXAMINATION

This is an “Open Book examination” and you will be allowed

to refer to your class notes and any reference that you have

with you.

Time allowed for this examination is one hour and the mark

will be out of 100.

Please place your Name and Student number on the top of

each page before you submit your examination for

assessment.

Question One: Explain in your own words what is “The Call of

God”

Question Two: Name 5 people, mentioned in the Old

Testament, who received a “Call of God” upon

their lives.

Question Three: What do you believe was the specific “Call of

God” that was placed upon the life of Gideon?

Question Four: Briefly explain the Abrahamic Covenant

promised by God Almighty, if Abraham was

obedient to His calling.

Question Five: Name somebody from the Old Testament who

you believe did not follow the “Call of God”

upon his life and state your reasons for this

view.


UNIT 3 – CALL OF THE

DISCIPLES [Reference John Mac Arthur’s Bible Studies :

The Master’s Men (Moody Press)

ISBN 0-8024-5106-3]

The words defining their call [Matt. 10:1 (a)]

“And when He had called them unto Himself - His twelve disciples”

The Greek word for “the call” is proskaleomia

“Kaleo – to call, “pros” – towards; meaning to call to oneself.

This same word is used in Acts 13:2, “to separate out Barnabas & Saul” – “to call them to

oneself”.

Notice in verse 10:1 they are called as disciples : (Greek: “mathetes”, meaning “a learner,

(or an apprentice).

After they have received proper instructions they were referred to as apostles; (Greek

apostolos; meaning “to be sent”)

They were originally sent as missionaries “to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

(Matt. 10:6) and to preach that “The kingdom of heaven is at hand”. (Matt. 10:7)

• THE PHASES OF THEIR CALLING:

1. Conversion: In John 1:35-51 we have an account of their initial calling to conversion

(salvation) in the lives of the 12 disciples.

2. Ministry: Second Phase (Matt. 4:18-22) is where Jesus calls them to leave their secular jobs

and to follow Him exclusively.

3. Internship: They were initially sent out in two’s (Mark 6:7). At this stage of their development

they were not ready to be on their own. Jesus is acting like a mother eagle, watching over her little

eaglets, watching them begin to fly. After their initial (“trial missionary journeys”) they returned to

be with Jesus for more advanced teaching – having now experienced first-hand some of the

problems of being a missionary.

4. Final Sending: The fourth phase in the calling of the disciples is after the resurrection and

Jesus breathes the Holy Spirit upon them inside the locked room. This is confirmed after the

ascension of Jesus Christ, when they all receive the empowerment of the Holy Spirit at

Pentecost.


CALL OF THE

DISCIPLES (cont’d)

Outline History of the Apostles:

After considerable time in prayer, Jesus selected 12 disciples from among his

followers, to become apprentices, to work with Him, and learn from Him. These

people were as below:-

1. The Inner Circle:

1. Simon bar Jonas (Simon Peter)

2. James (the elder)

3. John (the beloved disciple)

2. The Quiet Workers:

1. Andrew bar Jonas (brother of Simon Peter)

2. Philip

3. Bartholomew (also known as Nathanael)

4. Thomas (Didymus)

5. Matthew (Levi)

3. The Little Known:

1. James (the lesser)

2. Jude

3. Simon (the Zealot)

4. The Traitor:

1. Judas (Iscariot)

5. Added later:

1. Matthias (to replace Judas Iscariot) [ Acts 1:23-26]

2. Saul/Paul (Acts 13:9]

The first 12 people selected by Jesus were the “eye witnesses” to all the events

which are recorded in the New Testament Gospels.

The following study will endeavour to establish what effects the “encounter with

Jesus Christ had upon their lives”.


CALL OF THE


WHO ARE THE APOSTLES?

The Apostles are the Foundations of the Church with Jesus Christ

Himself being the Chief Corner-stone. (Eph. 2:20)

They were foundational in terms of leadership & authority.

In terms of Divine Revelation (Eph. 3:5) they were responsible for writing

most of the New Testament.

They were responsible for framing most of the early church theology [“The

Apostle’s Doctrine”] (Acts 2:42)

Apostles were called and given by God to the Body of Christ for the

following reasons:-

For the Perfecting of the saints

For the Work of the Ministry

For the Edifying of the Body of Christ

For Raising up the Body of Christ to a level of full maturity

As stated in Eph 4:11-12

Identity of the Apostles: [Matt. 10:2-4]

Simon bar Jonas (called Peter)

Andrew bar Jonas (Peter’s brother)

James bar Zebedee

John bar Zebedee (James's brother)

Philip

Bartholomew (also called Nathanael)

Thomas

Matthew (the Tax Collector)

James bar Alpheus

Simon, the Canaanite (the Zealot)

Judas Iscariot (the betrayer)


CALL OF THE


ORDER OF MENTION:

In all the Gospels, Simon Peter is always mentioned first.

Was he called first? NO! but he was (Greek “Protos”) first in rank (not in terms of

authority, or essence, but in terms of function.

Peter was the “Leader of the Twelve” following Jesus Christ.

[Notice than even among Apostles there is order.]

Group One:

Peter, Andrew, James, & John

Group Two:

Philip, Bartholomew (Nathanael), Thomas, Matthew

Group Three

James bar Alpheus, Lebbeaus (Thaddaeus), Simon (the zealot), Judas Iscariot

Their names may appear at various times in a different order – but always within

the same groupings.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE GROUPINGS:

The groupings are arranged in order of intimacy with Jesus Christ.

We can see from the Scriptures that Jesus was very close to those in Group 1, and much

is written about them.

Less information and contact seems to exist about His relationship with the Apostles

within the second group, whilst

Little or no information is known about His relationship with the Apostles within the third

group – except for the words written about Judas Iscariot.

This could explain why the Apostles argued about who was going to be in positions of

authority and status, when they sit beside Jesus Christ in Heaven. As a result of this

argument, Jesus rebuked them!

There was in fact a leader for each group:

The whole 12 Apostles: Simon Peter

The leader of Group 1: Simon Peter

The leader of Group 2: Philip

The leader of Group 3: James bar Alpheus


CALL OF THE

DISCIPLES

(cont’d)

Throughout time, God Almighty has chosen, what appears to us (in secular

terms) as “unqualified men and women” to serve Him and to execute His

purpose throughout mankind. As we continue with “The Call of God” let us

reflect on the people we know who God has “called” and used.

1. Noah: Got drunk and conducted himself in a lewd manner – yet he served

God faithfully all the days of his life

2. Abraham: Doubted God, lied about his wife, and committed adultery

3. Isaac: Sinned as his father had taught him, lying about his wife to Abimelech

4. Jacob: Extorted his birthright from his brother Esau, deceived his father and

raised a family of immoral children

5. Joseph: Was called by God to save a nation, but was hated by his own

brothers

6. Moses: Was a murderer, acting in pride. He tried to steal the glory from God

by striking the rock to get water from it, instead of obediently speaking to it as

God had commanded.

7. Aaron: The first high priest, led Israel to worship the golden calf and the

accompanying orgy and destruction, which prevented the first copy of the Law

being delivered to the people of Israel.

8. Joshua: Was so deceived by the Gibeonites that he made a treaty with them,

instead of destroying them, as God had told him to do. Because of his

disobedience, Israel was troubled endlessly by them.

9. Gideon: Had no confidence in himself and even less confidence in God’s plan

to defeat an enemy of over 300,000 men with just 300 men and no weapons.

10. Samson: Was God’s clown - marked as a man with a lustful love for a

wretched woman.

11. Ruth: Was in the Messianic line of Jesus Christ, yet she was an accursed

Moabitess.

12. Samuel: Was only a child, when he began to faithfully serve the Lord.


CALL OF THE

DISCIPLES

(cont’d)

13. David: Was a ladies’ man, an adulterer, a murderer, a poor

father, and a man with innocent bloody upon his hands, so

God wouldn’t allow him to build the Temple.

14. Solomon: Was the world’s leading polygamist, but built

God’s first temple.

15. Isaiah: He put his trust in a “human” king instead of God.

16. Ezekiel: Was a brash, tough, strong-minded, crusty, say-

what-you-think, type of priest.

17. Daniel: Was educated in a pagan country and taught the

wisdom of the bitter and hasty Chaldeans

18. Hosea: Was commanded by God to marry a prostitute and

then later to divorce her and later still, to marry her again.

19. Jonah: Defied God in direct disobedience, and got horribly

upset when the gentile city of Nineveh was converted and

not destroyed.

20. Habakkuk: Questioned God’s Divine Plan

21. Elijah: Was able to handle 850 false prophets, but ran like

a frightened maniac, from just one woman – under the

spiritual influence of Jezebel.

22. Saul/Paul: Was a former Christian killer

23. Timothy: Was ashamed of Christ and had to be rebuked

by Paul.


CALL OF THE

DISCIPLES

(cont’d)

CONTRASTS IN TEMPERAMENT:

Among the 12 disciples, there are extreme contrasts in temperament, for example:-

1. Peter & John: 1. Peter: A man of action, impulsive and eager to please. He is known as

the Apostle with the “foot-shaped mouth”, because he was always opening his mouth and putting his foot in it. He was always blurting out, speaking before putting his mind into gear – always in a hurry, charging ahead, sometimes even ahead of God.

2. John: A quieter contemplative man, a man of prayer, a man who knew how to get close to Jesus – to have a personal relationship with Him. He is reported to have rested his head on the chest of Jesus Christ Himself at the Last Supper.

2. Nathanael & Thomas: 1. Nathanael: A man who was always ready to believe. In John 1, he just

accepted the facts. He didn’t seem to doubt anything. He was willing to receive it all – without question.

2. Thomas: A complete opposite to Nathanael. He would not believe anything, unless he could read it, see it, or touch it for himself.

3. Matthew & Simon (the Zealot): 1. Matthew: Worked with the Roman Government, extorting taxes from

the locals and from the Jews, a much hated man by the Jewish community.

2. Simon (The Zealot): A zealot was a revolutionary (today we call them terrorists) whose main goal was to overthrow the Roman occupation of their homeland. Note: If Simon had met Matthew anywhere else - except in the presence of Jesus Christ, he would have stuck a knife into him.

4. SEE HOW POWERFUL JESUS IS!!!


CALL OF THE

DISCIPLES : (cont’d)

The call of Simon (Peter)

bar Jonas

His name: (Simon) was a common name – a

native of Bethsaida, a little village in Galilee.

His profession: Fisherman, with more than one

fishing boat. He was a businessman.

By nature: He was a “shifty” person

Brought to Jesus Christ: by his brother (Andrew

bar Jonah)

Received his calling: at the same time as

Andrew

He was married: (Because the Lord healed his

mother-in-law in Luke 4:38) and he took his wife

with him on his missionary journeys (1 Cor. 9:5)

Jesus changed his name to Peter (Greek

“Petros” meaning “pebble”, “Cephas” in Aramaic.)

Jesus referred to him in three ways:

Peter: 100% spiritual

Simon: 100% carnal

Simon Peter: a mixture of the two


CALL OF THE DISCIPLES : (cont’d)

The call of Simon (Peter) bar Jonas

Each time Jesus addressed him, he received a different

message

Jesus called him to be a leader

How does God make him a leader? What are the

essential ingredients for good leadership?

1. The right raw material:

Inquisitive

Initiative

Involvement

2. The right experiences:

His great revelation

His great reward

His great remission

His great rejection

His great re-commissioning

His great realisation of salvation

3. The right lessons:

Submission

Restraint

Humility

Sacrifice

Love

Courage


CALL OF THE


The call of Andrew

bar Jonas

His name” means “manly” – a native of Bethsaida, a little village in

Galilee.

Profession: Fisherman

Prior to following Jesus: Andrew had been a pious godly, God-

fearing Jew. He was a disciple of John the Baptist, who said to

Andrew & John: “ Behold the Lamb of God” (John 1:36). When

they heard this they immediately followed after Jesus.

They stayed with Jesus for one day and then Andrew went straight

away to call his brother (Simon – (John 1:36 b),as Andrew wanted to

immediately share the good news with his brother.

After this encounter, they went back to their fishing nets to catch

more fish. They now have “belief” – they are saved, but they have

yet to be “called”.

In Matt. 4:18-20 we see Jesus goes to them, at their boats, to call

them to Himself, to become “fishers of men”.

Characteristics of Andrew: His proclamation about Jesus

His position among the Apostles

His portrait in John’s Gospel

The incidental circumstances

A) John 1:40-42a

B) John 6:8-9

C) John 12:20-22

The identified characteristics

A) His openness (Matt. 10:6) He brought anybody to Jesus – Jews and Gentiles

alike.

B) His simple faith. He brought the boy with the 5 loaves and 2 fishes to Jesus,

to feed the 5,000.


CALL OF THE


The call of James

bar Zebedee

The third name, in the first group – or innermost group of Apostles

with Jesus.

He does not appear in any Gospel except his brother’s (John) and

his name appears before that of his brother, indicating leadership –

not age – but also indicating the humility of John, who never

mentions himself in his own Gospel.

He was also a fisherman, but from a wealthy family, who employed

servants in their business (Mark 1:20)

Characteristics of James: Jesus called James and John

“Boanerges”, which means: “Sons of thunder” (Mark 3:17)

He was: Passionate, zealous, fervent, wild-eyed, ambitious,

aggressive,

Jesus rebuked him for being zealous, without sensitivity.

(Lu. 9:51-56)

[Being zealous is good , but without sensitivity it can cause

damage]

James wanted a position of power and authority. Jesus told him

he would get a crown – but not the way he expected. (Matt.

20:25-28) “Before you get your crown you will have to

suffer, for the way to the throne is always through the

cross”.

14 years later, he was the first martyr – having his head

chopped off by King Herod (Acts 12:1-4a)

He wanted a crown – Jesus gave him a cup (of suffering)

He wanted power – Jesus gave him servant hood

He want to rule – Jesus gave him a martyr’s grave (from which

he will rule in glory forever)


CALL OF THE


The call of John bar

Zebedee

Apostle John had all the same characteristics as his brother

(James), yet he was:

Sectarian, narrow-minded, unbending, ridiculously intolerant

(Mark 9:38)

Jesus changed his character to become one of

uncompromising love.

John’s character is best described in 2 words: LOVE,

WITNESS.

John was for many years (after the death of Paul) the

Apostle in Ephesus, and was later banished to the Isle of

Patmos, because he refused to stop preaching the Gospel

of Jesus Christ.

He is credited with writing the following New Testament

Books:-

The Gospel of John

1, 2, 3 John, and

The Book of Revelation

Apostle John was the only apostle to die a natural death.


CALL OF THE


The call of Philip –

The Apostle

Philip is a Greek name meaning: “Lover of horses” and he is not to be confused

with “Philip the Deacon” who is referred to in Acts chapter 6.

All the Disciples were Jews – so Philip must have also had a Hebrew name, but there is

no record of it.

Philip was from Bethsaida, the same village as Simon Peter and Andrew and they were

probably friends, before they followed Jesus – all being fisherman.

Philip is always mentioned as the leader of the second group.

When Greeks went to see Jesus, they always approached Philip first. He was the person

who had the responsibility of welcoming and introducing people to Christ.

The first 3 Gospels don’t tell us anything about Philip – just his name, yet he

gets mentioned 4 times in John’s Gospel, so we can get a snapshot of what type

of person he was.

Philip is the first disciple to be directly called by Jesus. (Jn. 1:43-46)

Philip was a person with a receptive heart, who straightway went and found

Nathanael after the Lord told him to “Follow Me”.

Philip is tested by Jesus in Jn. Chapter 6, after seeing Jesus change water into

wine (Jn. 2:1-11) and miracles and healings all day.

Knowing that Philip has studied the Prophets, Jesus challenges him with

the question: “Philip, where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?”

He should have known that God is able to provide in abundance by

multiplication (2 Kings 4:42-44)

He should have also realised that Jesus was “the bread of life”. In this

situation Philip was looking at the questions from Jesus in a purely secular

manner.

Jesus was trying to teach Philip about “Faith” (the evidence of things

unseen) – but alas, Philip fails this test.

Despite this failure, Jesus does not reject him or send him from their

midst. A wonderful lesson to learn for all of us, when we fail God’s

tests – He still loves us anyway!!!

That should be enough to encourage us to get up when we fall and

continue to serve God as best we can, learning from our mistakes.


CALL OF THE


The call of Nathanael

(Bartholomew)

His first name is Nathanael, which means “Gift of God” and his family

name is Bartholomew, which means “son of Tolmai”.

Nathanael is a direct contrast to Philip. Here is a man full of faith, a

student of the Scriptures, and very much in awe of the supernatural.

He came from Cana in Galilee and there is only one passage in the

Bible which tells us anything about him (Jn. 1:45-51)

Unfortunately he exhibits the sin of prejudice; (v.46) “Can anything

good come out of Nazareth?”

However, despite his prejudice, he still comes to seek out Jesus, and

Jesus does not hold his statement against him (v.47). As they

approached, Jesus said: “Here comes an honest man – a true son of

Israel”.

[Check out Rom. 2:28-29 for the difference between a “true Jew” and a

person from Israel.]

When Jesus reveals how He knows Nathanael, (check additional

references for the explanation of the significance of the fig tree.)

Then Nathanael makes a confession of faith about who Jesus really

is.

Nathanael is promised that he will see mighty things and that he will

see the heavens opened and angels coming in and out of heaven. In

fact Jesus promises Nathanael that his spiritual eyes will be opened

and that he will be able to see into what we call “the supernatural”.

Let us all pray to receive this promise from the Lord, so we also can

“see” into the supernatural and hear clearly from the Lord.


CALL OF THE


The call of Matthew

– the Tax Collector

Matthew is mentioned in all 4 lists of the Apostles – always in the

same group, but very little is said about him as a person, except in

one incident which is reported in Matt. 9:9-13, Mk. 2:14-17 and Lu.

5:27-32.

Matthew is the only disciple who is identified by his profession.

Throughout the whole Gospel, Matthew:-

Never asks a question which is worth recording

Never makes a comment which is worth recording

Never appears in any other incident

Matthew was a much hated person (find the reasons)

His calling by Jesus:

When Matthew left the tax collector’s table, he left his employer forever.

The other disciples could go back to their nets and to fishing, if things did

not work out – but to leave the Romans meant that they would quickly

replace you, so the job continued and the taxes kept getting collected.

Matthew made a “total commitment to Jesus” – there was no going back

for him. He put his life and his well being into the hands of Jesus

Matthew holds a feast at his house so that Jesus could preach to the

outcasts.

Matthew has a heart for the lost.

Matthew is credited with writing the Gospel of Matthew.

A “Gospel of Life” to the Jews – written by a person that they hated.

Matthew returned love for hate.

A MIGHTY LESSON FOR US ALL TO LEARN !!!


CALL OF THE


The call of Thomas –

the Doubter

History records him as “the Doubter”. Unfortunately they fail to

identify his “Good Points”.

He was devoted to Jesus Christ (Jn. 11:16)

He was slow to comprehend the Words of Jesus (Jn. 14:1-14) yet it

is Philip (not Thomas) in this account, who asks for further proof.

He was absent when Jesus appeared in the locked room on the day

of His resurrection. (Jn. 20:24)

He received irrefutable proof eight (8) days later, when Jesus

commanded him to: “Put your fingers into My hands. Put your

hands into My side. Don’t be faithless any longer – Believe”. (Jn.

20:27)

His reply to Jesus in verse 28 sums up the rest of his life.

The Church of South India (Mathoma) is a living testimony to his

dedication, as this church has been continually active ever since he

went there in the first century to plant churches in India, where he

was killed and where his remains are still buried to this day. In fact,

with the exception of the churches referred to in the New Testament,

it is one of the oldest church organizations in the world, as it started

in about 70 A.D.


CALL OF THE


The call of James,

the son of Alphaeus

The only thing that the Bible tells us about him is his name.

His “inferred characteristics” are as below:-

In Mark 15:40 he is called “James the lesser”. The Greek word used is “mikros”, meaning “little”.

[Little James]

He could have been small in stature, or

Young in age, or

Of “Little influence”.

Irrespective of any of these things, Jesus chose him to be an Apostle, and as such he would

have taught the truth of the kingdom, healed the sick, and cast out demons.

He was among the first order of kingdom preachers after Christ Himself, and he will reign on a

throne, ruling over the 12 tribes of Israel, in the new millennium (after the return of Jesus Christ).

Here is another example that the Lord uses “ordinary people” to do “extra-ordinary things” –

silent, unknown soldiers of the kingdom, who we won’t know about until Jesus returns for His

bride and all is revealed.

He is a clear example of the “nameless people” who are referred to in Heb. 11:33-38, who

through faith, subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouth

of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were

made strong, became valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.

Women received their dead raised back to life, other were tortured, not accepting deliverance,

that they might obtain a better resurrection.

Others had trials of cruel mockings, and scourgings, bonds of imprisonments, being stoned,

sawn in two, were tested, slain by the sword, wandering around in sheepskins or goatskins,

being destitute, afflicted, torment, all for Christ’s sake.

His implied family: This possibility makes him Matthew’s brother and the cousin of Jesus Christ

Himself.

IMPORTANT LESSONS:

Learn not to concentrate on the people Jesus Christ used, their methods, or their techniques – but

concentrate on Jesus Christ Himself!!!

Learn that what is important – is to be AVAILABLE TO HIS CALL!!!

Don’t say: I’M NOT PERFECT – I CAN’T DO IT!!! If Jesus calls you – He will equip you to

undertake the tasks you have been selected to accomplish for God’s glory.

DON’T LET JESUS DOWN – HE DID NOT LET YOU DOWN WHEN HE WENT TO THE

CROSS!!!


CALL OF THE


The call of Lebbaeus,

son of Thaddaeus

He is named in Matt. 10:3 as Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus.

He is also referred to in Lu. 6:16, and Acts 1:13, as “Judas, the son of James in Jn. 14:21 and as

Judas (not Iscariot) – hence the same person crops up in the scriptures with two (2) names –

one his Hebrew birth name and the other his Hebrew “nicknames”.

His Hebrew birth name means ”Jehovah leads”

“Thaddaeus” comes from the Hebrew root “thad” meaning “female breast” – hence he was

nicknamed the “breast-child” probably because he was the baby of the family, or because he

was cherished by his mother.

“Lebbaeus” comes from the Hebrew root “leb” meaning “heart”, so he was the “heart-child”, a

man of courage.

In Jn. 14:21 there is a statement made by Jesus which Thaddaeus questions.

“The one who obeys me is the one who loves me; and because he loves me, my Father

will love him also; and I will too, and I will reveal Myself to him”.

Judas (not Iscariot, but His other disciple with that name) said to Him: “Sir, why are you going to

reveal yourself only to us disciples and not to the world at large?”

Jesus explained this to him and the rest of the disciples again: “I can only be revealed to people

who are tuned into Me”. [If we are not tuned in to Jesus, then He cannot reveal Himself to us!!!]

He came into the world (which He created) but the world received Him not

Because the king of this world has blinded their eyes to the truth about Jesus Christ

Even the Jews – who knew the promises of the Messiah down through the ages, as told to them by

the prophets, did not recognise him in great numbers.

Early Church Tradition: States that Thaddaeus was a gifted healer and healed many people

including the king of Syria, name Agar, who became a Christian.

His historical symbol in the early church was a big club, as tradition depicts that he was beaten

to death with a club. If any part of this legend is true it shows that he was a courageous man,

faithful to the Lord to the very end.


CALL OF THE


The call of Simon –

the Zealot

His proper title appears in Matt.10:4 as “Simon – the Canaanite”

Unfortunately this maybe a mistranslation of the Greek word “Kananios”

which refers to a geographical area located in Canaan.

A more accurate translation is from the Hebrew word “Quanna” which

means “to be jealous” and referred to those people who were “jealous of

the Law”.

In Lu. 6:15, Simon is referred to as “Simon, called Zelotes”. This Greek

word has the same meaning as the Hebrew word “Quanna” referred to

above – a man “jealous of the Law”.

He may have also been a member of the political party in Judaism called

the “Zealots” who had, as part of their policies, the protection of the Jewish

state, its heritage, and to rid itself of the oppression of the Romans.

As a follower of Christ, he must have continued to manifest that same fiery zeal,

as when has was a zealot – but he did not kill Matthew (the Tax collector)

showing that Jesus had a direct influence on his immediate life after salvation.

Read the History of the zealots and marvel at how Jesus changed Simon,

so that he did not participate in these activities any longer.

Notice the comment about his partner in ministry [Judas Iscariot]

Simon “the jealous one” was changed by Jesus.

Judas Iscariot (the traitor) was not.


CALL OF THE


The call of Judas

Iscariot – the traitor

Judas, a common name, was the Greek for “of Judah” - the land of God’s

people. Many scholars indicate that “Judas” comes from the root which means

“Jehovah leads”, while others think it comes from the root word which means

“one who is the object of praise”.

In each case it’s a paradox. If it means “Jehovah leads” there was never an individual

who was more obviously lead by satan than was Judas.

If it means “one who is the object of praise” there is never a man who is more

unworthy of praise that Judas Iscariot.

Iscariot comes from the Hebrew word “ish” which means “man” and “Kerioth”

meaning the name of a town. In fact Judas Iscariot was a “man from Kerioth” –

the only man to be named among the disciples by his geographical origin.

This is important, because he was a Judean Jew – the only “non-Galilean

Jew”. Since all the rest of the disciples came from Galilee, he was separate right

from the beginning – always left out – the outsider.

23 miles south of Jerusalem and 7 miles from Hebron, are a cluster of villages,

one of which is called Kerioth. Out of this small town came a child who was to

become the most hated man on earth – hated even more than Hitler.

Why did Jesus choose Judas Iscariot?

Jesus knew that Judas would betray Him.

Read Ps. 41:9, Ps. 55:12-14, 20b-21, Zechariah 11:12-13.

The prophets clearly told that one of His chosen family would betray Him for 30 pieces of

silver.

Matt. 26:14-16 simply records the fulfilment of these prophecies.

In Jn. 17:12 Jesus in praying to His Father reminds Him that He has kept all that has

been given to Him – except the son of perdition – that the scriptures maybe fulfilled.

Jesus chose Judas to fulfil God’s plan for the salvation of mankind.

Because Judas helped Jesus to fulfil God’s plan for the salvation of the world,

will he be accepted into Heaven?

NO! because after he realised his deeds, He could have asked for forgiveness,

and been forgiven - instead of hanging himself.


UNIT 3 -

ASSIGNMENT

The students will gather into small groups of 2-3 people and undertake the

following group research on the 12 disciples.

All facilities of the College Library, outside book sources, Internet, etc. maybe

used to gather the necessary relevant information.

1. The students will identify and record how each of the disciples were called by

(or introduced to) Jesus Christ.

2. What was the profession of each disciple before he was called by Jesus?

3. What differences (if any) did it make in their lives after they were called by

Jesus?

4. What did Jesus teach them which was so important to the rest of their lives?

5. How were these disciples “equipped” by Jesus:-

1. Before His crucifixion and resurrection

2. After His resurrection

6. What was the result of the command by Jesus that they were to be the “sent

ones” – to go and preach the Gospel to all nations?

7. In your opinion, what was the individual contribution (s) of each Apostle to the

Body of Christ?

8. Explain how and where you believe each of the Apostle died.

UNTI THREE ASSIGNMENT

The students will prepare a written group presentation of at least 1,000 words,

explaining the results of their research and addressing the 8 points mentioned

above.

A group mark will be assigned to each group presentation, and each student in

their respective groups will receive their group’s mark.


UNIT 4 –

PARTNERSHIP

WITH GOD

Looking back over the last three (3) units, we have examined many people who

have received “The Call of God” upon their lives.

Some like Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Gideon, went on to trust God for their

whole existence – they were “In partnership with God” as they went about their

daily lives.

They had to learn to pray to God – to actually set up a dialogue with Him,

explaining their desires, their hurts, their fears, their frustrations, etc. and then

listening to God point them in the right direction they should go. These people had a

“Good Partnership with God”.

On the other hand, we have Samson, a man called by God, but who was a person

who kept letting the “flesh” get in the way of his calling. When he was scripturally in

line with God’s Word and God’s purposes for his life, he did mighty things, which

have not been replicated in scripture since. However, when he allowed the “flesh” to

take over, then God’s people were made to suffer.

[Notice: when a man called by God is disobedient to his calling, other

people around him will suffer]. This was a “Bad Partnership with God”.

When we look at these men who were called by God, both in the Old Testament

and in the New Testament, they all received provisions from God, whilst they were

performing tasks for Him. With the exception of Paul (who made tents to support his

ministry) the “called people of the Bible” were unable to work for most of their lives

– but God’s provisions for them was more than enough.

Today, we have to look at famous “men and women of God” and learn from

them, because what we learn, we must then put into practise in our own, individual

(and collective) lives, so that our lives bring glory and honour to Him.

The students will break up into small groups and discuss the relevance of the

concepts mentioned above, and then make a presentation to the whole class about

their group findings.


UNIT 5 – THE CALL TO

CHRISTIAN SERVICE

Biblically there is a:-

Call to Salvation (Rom. 1:6, Rom. 8:28)

Call to sanctification, completion & maturity (1 Cor. 1:9)

Call to full-time Christian Service (Heb. 5:4, Acts 13:2)

“Commands” are for all Christians,

“Calls” are for a particular few.

The “Call of God”:-

Begins with a burden

Involves desire (Jer. 20:9)

Is evidenced by fruit (Jn. 15:16)

Some people are called:-

Immediately when converted (The Apostles)

Suddenly and clearly (1 Sam. 3:10)

Gradually

There are at least three (3) tests of a Genuine Call of God.

Compulsion, in the form of conviction

Competence in Evidence (2 Tim. 2:24)

Church’s observation of your fitness to serve

Some Questions about the “Call of God”

Are you genuinely converted?

Are you growing in maturity in your Christian life?

Pure motives – requires rigid self-examination

Possess physical & mental abilities to serve?

Love for people?

Love for the Church of Jesus Christ?

Love for Jesus?

What evidence of burden for the lost?

Successful fruit in past Ministry?

Preparedness?

Willingness to become prepared?


UNIT 5 – THE CALL TO

CHRISTIAN SERVICE

(cont’d)

God’s Calling is God’s Enablement (Matt. 16:18)

A call to full-time service, is a call to prepare. (The disciples spent 3

years in “preparation” before they were “commissioned to

serve”.)

Sometimes God calls through another person, or a vision (Come

over to Macedonia and help us).

A need alone is not a call!!!

Enter a call – not for what you can get out of it – but what God can

get out of you!

Many are “called”, but only a few are “chosen” – but all are bound

to glorify and serve God. Every disciple is a minister, and an

evangelist, if they give their testimonies in public. That is why we are

all challenged to be always willing to give our testimonies, “in

season” and “out of season”.

A calling is an undeserved honour

Gather information, weigh the pros. & cons, pursue wisdom & single

mindedness, decide in faith.

The Word of God must confirm a “calling” (1 Tim. Chapter 3)


UNIT 5:

ASSIGNMENT:

EVALUATING OUR CALL: The students will review the evidence of the “Call of God”

upon the lives of the people studied in all of the previous units, with

a view to directing their findings inwardly towards their own personal

lives.

Romans 8:28b: states that God calls us each by name and

each according to His divine plan and according to His divine

purposes.

Therefore, the students will examine their own lives, based

upon the evidence mentioned above, and prepare a Confidential

Report, which will only be read by the student and their respective

Teacher. This report will detail the Student’s “own experiences”.

Based upon these experiences, and the criteria above, the

student will:-

1. Identify the “Call of God” upon their life

2. How that call was made

3. How that call was confirmed

4. Define the specific steps the student has taken (or will now take)

to put that “Call of God” into effect in their lives.


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Cttnbc - 001 -Course Outline - The Call of God

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