TITLE: The Gospel Call

TEXT: 2 Thessalonians 2:13-16

PROPOSITION: The call of the gospel is not some mysterious voice, but the urging of God to obey His will.

QUESTION: How?

KEY WORD: Steps

SCRIPTURE READING: Same

INTRODUCTION:

1. Some think this "call" is some voice in the night.
2. Some teach it is the direct operation of the Holy Spirit.
3. Most in our world are deaf to the call.

 

What is included in this calling?

1.        We must hear the truth—the doctrines of the Gospel.

A.      Romans 10:13-17 – cannot call until they hear

B.       John 6:45 – everyone who has heard and learned of the Father

 

2.        We must believe this truth when we hear it preached.

A.      Hebrews 11:6 – without faith it is impossible to please God

B.       John 8:24 – except you believe you will die in your sins

C.       1 Corinthians 1:21 – God will save those who believe

3.        We must respond in obedience to the truth.

A.      Hebrews 5:8-9 – to all those who obey him

B.       Matthew 7:21 – he that does the will of my Father

C.       Galatians 3:1 – Who tricked you –thinking we should not obey the truth?

3.        This obedience includes three specific things.

A.      Repentance – Luke 13:3; Acts 17:30

B.       Confession of faith – Matthew 10:32-33; Romans 10:9-10

C.       Baptism – Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16; Acts 10:48

4.        All this constitutes our salvation – we're being fitted for the inheritance

A.      1 Corinthians 1:24-26 – called obey the wisdom of God

B.       Acts 2:39-42 – called = saved = added to church

5.       Heaven is for the "called."

A.      Acts 22:16 – "calling on the name of the Lord" is the result of baptism