To the ends of the earth ...

 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Mt 28:19–20 NIV

Was this calling only for the first apostles?

If so, they failed. They did not reach all nations. Not Japan, not America, not Indonesia or Australia.

But Jesus said that God loves the world, not just the countries that the first apostles reached.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Jn 3:16 NIV

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 NIV

The first apostles did not reach the ends of the earth, but today we are on our way to reaching all nations.

And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. Mt 24:14 NIV

What is your role in this worldwide adventure? God speaks through the Bible, but you will not find any teaching in the Bible that explains whether you are called to do missionary work in China or Brazil.

Should you evangelise the Muslims in your city or the prostitutes in the brothel around the corner? This ministry is important, but it is not for everyone.

Jesus taught that God wants to speak personally to every believer.

My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. Jn 10:27 NRSV

True disciples of the Lord are willing to let God transform their lives.

Seek the LORD while he may be found, call upon him while he is near; Isa 55:6 NRSV

If we want to be led by God, we must not be passive churchgoers. It is not enough to live a virtuous life and fulfil the expectations of pastors or other Christians.

God created you as one of a kind and entrusted you with a task that only you can fulfil.

“Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you.
For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Mt 7:7–8 NRSV

Seek a close relationship with Jesus through prayer and love for your neighbour. Try to understand Jesus in the Bible. He will show you the way.

New Life with Jesus

 Why do you and I need Jesus? We have messed up this world. We have all contributed to the darkness around us. We often think there must be something better but we just muddle through by guesswork.

There is an amazingly good God who made this world for Himself. He gave this world to us, to be His sons and daughters but we have taken this world away from Him and messed it up. He wants His world back but He doesn’t want to take it away from us. But we can only share this world with God if we are reconciled to Him as our Father.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Jn 3:16 NIV

You may have heard that Jesus died to pay the penalty of your sins. If you turn to Him in faith, He will forgive your sins and you will have eternal life, and enjoy heaven when you die.

All that is true but God’s plan is much bigger than that.

Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. Rev 21:1 NIV

Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.” Rev 21:5 NKJV

We often hear preachers invite people to turn to Jesus and receive eternal life. God has a wonderful plan for your life.

But after you turn to Jesus and join a church, no one talks about God’s wonderful plan for your life.
You find yourself just pleasing people at home, at work and at church. You were saved from sin, from condemnation, from hell but where is God’s wonderful plan?

If you have believed in Jesus and you are on your way to heaven, it is time to talk seriously to God about his wonderful plan for your life. Jesus wants you to know him personally and to follow His leading in your life.

Where does your Calling Come From?

 There are so many who live tragically unfulfilled lives because they are dominated and constrained by other people's expectations.

There are women who have amazing gifts from God but are forced to submit in marriage.

Charles and Frances Hunter were pioneers in the healing ministry. They served God as partners.

Their daughter Joan was also gifted by God and called to serve with gifts of healing. When she was engaged early in her life, her fiancé said her ministry should be under his control after the wedding because he, as the husband, was the head. She immediately called off the engagement.

The husband is never the master of his wife, but her partner under God's rule.

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Eph 5:21 NIV

If you have gifts of grace from God, you are responsible to God yourself.

There are churches and denominations where women are forced to play a passive or subordinate role. Many women in this situation have found a way out by never marrying and becoming missionaries in distant lands.

In the 19th century, the majority of missionaries in China were women. They mainly evangelised among Chinese women. Today, more than 75% of church leaders in China are women pastors.

Many women are frustrated and unfulfilled because of legalism and human traditions, but not only women.

How many men are gifted to serve as shepherds and preachers but are never allowed to marry in their denomination. So often we see how such men cannot bear life without a wife.

On the other hand, there are devoted Christians who marry because their church forces them to, and their marriage is a disaster.  

I read the story of a pastor. He was in a meeting with the board of his church. The church was having serious problems. Suddenly, the pastor stood up and shocked the elders.

I'm resigning. I only became a pastor because my mother wanted me to!

What is your calling? Who does your calling come from?