To lay hands on
Ordain in the original language means “to lay hands on.” At ordination the candidate must give evidence of a burden to serve God full time.
Lesson 9 · Course 59
What Is the Call of God?
Three calls — salvation, sanctification, and full-time service — and how a ministry call is recognized.
At a glance
Summary
Three calls — salvation, sanctification, and full-time service — and how a ministry call is recognized. The three calls of God are salvation, sanctification, and full-time Christian service.
Auto-graded 10/10 (100%) on attempt 1. Essays not graded yet. Attempts used: 1 of 3. Quiz has 10 true/false items plus 3 essays.
Big ideas
What to teach and remember
- The three calls of God are salvation, sanctification, and full-time Christian service.
- A ministry call involves burden, conviction, desire, preparation, fruit, church confirmation, and an inner assurance from God.
- A genuine call gains strength through time and testing; it does not lose its urgency.
- The call is not always instantaneous. God may repeat the call if it is first rejected. Not every Christian is called to full-time ministry.
- Ordain in the original language means “to lay hands on.” At ordination the candidate must give evidence of a burden to serve God full time.
- The call includes God’s call for the servant to prepare. It involves a rigid self-examination.
Key terms
People, places, and words that matter
Full time
Moodle spelling kept (“full time”).
Three calls of God
Salvation — Jesus invites a person to come and be saved. Sanctification — fellowship with Christ and growth in a holy life. Full-time Christian service — God’s…
How does a person recognize the call of God for full ti
Inner burden and conviction from God, not merely a job desire. The Spirit’s work and God’s providence. Honest examination of motives. The judgment of Christian…
Dr. Towns' eight insights into being called by
1) All are not called. 2) God alone can call anyone. 3) The greatest part of mankind is not called. 4) Scripture requires every minister in God’s house to be…
Christian
Christian is called to full-time ministry
Sanctification
The three calls of God are salvation, sanctification, and full-time Christian service.
Structure
Outline / timeline
- Discuss the three calls of God.
- How does a person recognize the call of God for full time ministry?
- What are Dr. Towns' eight insights into being called by God to full time Christian ministry?
Must remember
Facts to keep straight
| Quiz score | 100% (1 attempt) |
|---|---|
| Key claim | The three calls of God are salvation, sanctification, and full-time Christian service. |
| Key claim | A ministry call involves burden, conviction, desire, preparation, fruit, church confirmation, and an inner assurance from God. |
| Key claim | A genuine call gains strength through time and testing; it does not lose its urgency. |
For the pulpit
Sermon hooks
- Ability to preach and teach, and people willing to listen.
- The three calls of God are salvation, sanctification, and full-time Christian service.
- A genuine call gains strength through time and testing; it does not lose its urgency.
Quiz drill
Quiz drill / review · open to practice · 10 items
Quiz score: 100% · 1 attempt
1. There are three calls of God: to salvation, to sanctification, and to full time service.
TrueMoodle spelling kept (“full time”). Three calls, not one.
2. God's call to service includes God's call for the servant to prepare himself/herself.
TrueThe call includes the call to prepare, not only the call to go.
3. If a person rejects the call to ministry the first time, God will not repeat Himself with a second opportunity.
FalseGod may call again. Rejection the first time is not the last word.
4. The word "ordain" in the original language means "to lay hands on."
TrueLaying on of hands is the original sense of ordain here.
5. The call of God to full time ministry usually begins with a burden to work for God.
TrueBurden first — then the rest of the call’s marks.
6. The call of God to ministry always comes instantaneously, not a gradual awareness over a period of time.
FalseIt is often gradual, not always a single moment.
7. The call of God to ministry involves a rigid-self examination.
TrueMoodle hyphen kept. Motives, fruit, competence — examine them honestly.
8. Every Christian will have an opportunity to serve God in a full time capacity, but must turn it down.
FalseNot all are called. Towns: the greatest part of mankind is not called.
9. If the call is real, it will gain strength over time, not lose its urgency.
TrueTime and testing strengthen a real call.
10. At an ordination service, the candidate must give evidence of a burden to serve God full time.
TrueBurden to serve full time is part of the evidence at ordination.
Essay themes
If you preach or review
Discuss the three calls of God.
Salvation — Jesus invites a person to come and be saved. Sanctification — fellowship with Christ and growth in a holy life. Full-time Christian service — God’s call to win souls, build churches, teach the Bible, and serve His people.
How does a person recognize the call of God for full time ministry?
Inner burden and conviction from God, not merely a job desire. The Spirit’s work and God’s providence. Honest examination of motives. The judgment of Christian friends and the will of the church. Ability to preach and teach, and people willing to listen. Christian life, fruit, competence, love for people, and preparation. The call grows stronger with time and testing.
What are Dr. Towns' eight insights into being called by God to full time Christian ministry?
1) All are not called. 2) God alone can call anyone. 3) The greatest part of mankind is not called. 4) Scripture requires every minister in God’s house to be called by the Lord. 5) It is a great and undeserved honor. 6) The honor does not puff up a good man. 7) Some bad men have entered the ministry. 8) If a call is real, it will gain strength by time and test.