By: Minister Anaclet Phiri
      Peace 4 Nations Ministries

Throughout the Bible history, God called people directly or indirectly and gave them special instructions of what they were to do for Him. For example Adam and Eve were instructed to manage the creation on behalf of God (Genesis 1:26). Abraham was called to leave his country and go to the land God would show him (Genesis 12:1-3). Moses was instructed to go back to Egypt to lead God's people out of bondage (Exodus 3). Jesus called the twelve disciples and empowered them to cast out unclean spirits, and to heal all kinds of sickness and diseases as he sent them out (Matthew 10:1). There have been  questions in the body of Christ whether some people are called and others aren't. Terms like ministers versus laymen have frequently been used and are still used even today. In this article, I will share with you about a universal call to the body of Christ as it is clearly illustrated in the Word of God.

From the very beginning God has been very specific in instructing His people what to do. From the first couple Adam and Eve being called to have dominion over all the creation(Genesis 1:26) to the entire nation of Israel being called to be a model nation:  "a special treasure to the Me above all people...a kingdom of priests and a holy nation" (Exodus 19: 5,6) to the entire body of Christ being called to be discples of the Lord: " go therefore and make disciples of all nations" (Mathew 28:19). There is no question that as a body of Christ we have all been called for the work of ministry. Let's illustrate this calling to the entire body of Christ using  a few scripture.

1. Many are called but a few are chosen: Matthew 20:16. In this Gospel, Jesus makes it clear that we are all called in the body of Christ. The reason a few are chosen has nothing to do with some being not called as some people have tried to explain it. The choice of the few depends rather on how we all respond to the calling we are given. There are numerous instants in the Bible where people have refused to embrace the calling given to them. Jonah refused to go to Nineveh (Jonah: 1-3) , the youngrich man refused to sell his possessions and follow Jesus (Luke 18: 22, 23), Israel refused to go to the promise land because of the giants (Numbers 14: 1-4). Not being chosen can also depend on our lifestyle. We are called to be Christlike in all we do. We are called to bear the fruits of the Holy Spirit. When we fall short of this lifestyle, our calling is negatively impacted. The response to our calling should be modeled to Isaiah's response "here I am! Send me." (Isaiah 6: 8).

2. The signs and wonders that follow those who believe: Mark 16: 17, 18The word clearly states that all who believe and not just some will be empowered for the work of ministry.

3. The pouring of the Holy Spirit on all flesh: Acts 1: 17 The plan of God is to empower the entire body of Christ to mister in these last days

4. The purpose of the fivefold ministry in the church: Ephesians 4: 11,12 The scripture makes it clear that the church leadership is empowered to equip the entire body of Christ for the work of ministry.  The word of God has plenty of examples from Genesis to Revelation that illustrate our call as the entire body of Christ. There is no such a thing as
some being called and others not. God has an assignment for each believer, we just need to find out what it is and say yes to it. Ministry is not just the Big Five: Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Teachers, and Pastors. You may be called to enterceding, to  preaching, to doing prison ministry, to praying for the sick, to writing, to administration, to sunday school...When you make yourself available to the Lord he will clearly let you know what your ministry is. Ask Him and He will answer you. As a believer you are indeed called!.

If you are reading this and you have not received Jesus as your Lord and Savior please do so by believing in your heart that Jesus is the Son of God who died on the cross for your sins and rose from the dead to give you eternal life.

God bless.

Anaclet Phiri
Peace For Nations Ministries
Fort Worth, Texas
peace4nations@yahoo.com