…There are times when our favorite team is playing so well that we say
“they are invincible,” by which we mean they are so good no other team is able
to defeat them. In history, some armies have been
so-called…Alexander……yet, all teams and armies have their time…then fade
away. But not the Lord God.
…To say that God is INVINCIBLE, that He, being Sovereign and All-Powerful, is
able to do whatever pleases Him…is to say what the Bible clearly
teaches. (Daniel 4:35) “He does according to His will in the host of heaven
and among the inhabitants of the earth, and none can stay His hand.”
(The words of Nebuchadnezzar)
…IRRESISTIBLE GRACE is the sovereign work of God through the Holy Spirit Who
overcomes our sinful resistance and brings us to faith in Christ.
TWO TYPES
OF CALLINGS INVOLVED IN BRINGING YOU TO SAVING FAITH.
It is the second
CALLING that provided you with the BENEFITS of the CROSS.
I. There
Is The General Call Inviting People Everywhere To Come To Christ.
(Matthew 11:28) Jesus said, “Come unto me all you who are weary…I will
give you rest.”
A. The
characteristics of this general calling, or Gospel calling:
1.
It is
external. It involves the hearing or reading of the Gospel of Christ.
…from the pulpit, classroom, one on one, media, or reading it in print.
…Matthew 13:3-9, 18-23…Jesus tells of the Sower…the
seed is scattered.
2.
This calling is
general in that it calls all people to repent of sin and receive the
Lord Jesus as their Savior. (John 7:37) “If anyone is thirsty, let him
come…”
3.
This calling is
universal. It is for anyone living anywhere in the world.
B. The
problems associated with this calling are numerous.
1.
Remember
TOTAL DEPRAVITY, which teaches that all people are born spiritually dead.
All are walking corpses. Like speaking to a cemetery…
…actually, we are worse than the dead, for the dead are not able to
think, will, or have emotions. But we are actively dead rebelling against
God, resisting Him.
2.
Consequently,
left to ourselves, every time we hear the Gospel, we exercise our will and
reject it, saying “No Way!”
3.
The general call, by itself, is never able to save a single person.
None.
II. There
Is The Effectual Call Of The Gospel Which Is Unstoppable In The Saving
Of Lost Men And Women.
(Romans 8:29-30) (John 6:44)
…This is the only way people can be saved. The Holy Spirit brings dead
sinners to new life.
A. The
characteristics of this calling are:
1.
It is internal,
within the heart and mind of a person.
2.
It is
specific. Here individual people are born again “one by one.”
3.
It is
effective. It works 100% of the time. It is “irresistible grace.”
(Rom 1:6-7)
…the Greek word for church is ekklasia…which means “ones called out.”
B. This
calling of God not only involves the invitation to come, but it also provides
the ability to positively respond to it.
1.
It is God
drawing men and women who, without this calling, would never come to Him,
(John 6:65) “the Father enables…”
2.
Salvation is of
the Lord. It is not a partnership. He has done it all. PRAISE HIM!
3.
Can man
resist God’s call? Yes, but not successfully, for He overcomes all
resistance.
C. Lazarus
provides an excellent example of our natural spiritual condition. (John
11:38-44)
1.
He had been
dead for 4 days.
2.
The specific
call of God (Jesus) created life in the once dead man.
3.
This is how the
Holy Spirit calls the elect to salvation. (1 Corinth 1:23-24)
D. Why
is this call effective? Because it is almighty God’s call, and His word
never returns void.
…”My sheep hear my voice and they follow Me.” (Jesus) John 10:3-4.
LESSONS FOR OUR LIVES:
-
When first saved, it is common to think we decided for Jesus, but as you
come to know your Bible, God did it all.
-
As you and I share the Gospel with others, God will call some of these to
salvation!
-
Always use the Bible when sharing the Gospel for God always uses His Word!
-
Our response to being called to salvation, ever pride, but DEEP humility!
-
Perhaps God is calling you to trust Christ today and come and be saved.
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