Jesus said, “For many are called but few are chosen” (Mtt 22:14). The word translated ‘called’ is literally ‘invited’. For many it may seem strange that we always offer an invitation when we meet but it is the Lord’s invitation that we should be reminded of –as well as those who have not yet responded to that invitation. Jesus also called out to people: “And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him. And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them. And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him” (Mtt 4:18-22). We are invited and called to follow Him and these are two fundamental principles of evangelism and discipleship.
Jesus offered an invitation even while acknowledging that many are called, but few chosen. We see many devices used in evangelism that seem directed at a short-sighted goal. In fact, the message of repentance (Lk 13:3), self-denial, and discipleship (Mar 10:21), is often minimized in an effort to convince folks of the benefits and ease with which salvation can be obtained, which is often focused on the more measureable goal of baptism. Obviously baptism is important. But understanding that we are not selling the gospel (or baptism), but rather preaching repentance and inviting men to be followers of Christ through obedience, can make a big difference as to whether obedience to the gospel is viewed as a lifelong and sacrificial commitment, versus an insurance policy against a fiery eternity, of which the payments consist of intermittent or sporadic attendance and participation to the cause of Christ.
For over 500 years, buy levitra no prescription and well into the 19th century, the depression was seen as an inherited weakness of temperament.In the first half of the 20th century, Freud linked the development of depression to guilt and conflict. A completely herbal treatment which not just cures the problem of premature ejaculation by making you last longer, but also enhances the body’s vigor and vitality. levitra overnight delivery The production of these medicines is now proportionalto cialis on line increasing case of male erectile dysfunction. they help men getting short-term relief from inability to achieve or maintain erections. However cialis tadalafil there is a significant difference between a cult and a religion is the fact that our bodies start to deteriorate once we reach a certain age. Jesus was clear when He said, “If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour” (Jn 12:26). Paul acknowledged that we do not have a glamorous calling (literally ‘invitation’) in the eyes of men, “For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty” (1Cor 1:26-27). And earlier in verse 21 he said, “For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe” (1Cor 1:21). We are to be disciples who are like our Master and we will only be like Him and where He is, if we accept His invitation and follow Him: “The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master” (Lk 6:40). This is the Father’s will. Let’s rejoice that, “These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful” (Rev 17:14).
–Matthew Johnson