A Personal Note
Recently I heard a TV preacher, speaking of his call from the Lord as a young man, as a "call to the ministry." It reminded me that same counsel has been given over and over to young people responding to the first tug of God on their hearts. And soon they were off to Bible College or Seminary -- their "life" work decided.
Called Out!
The revelation in Handbook 2 calls us to "come out" of the organized visible church.
"Come out of her my people lest you participate in her sins."
Being called and/or called out by God is nothing new! Such a call has been given to God's people over and over. Abraham was called out, the children of Israel were called out; even Jesus was called out.
"Out of Egypt I called My Son."
Matthew 2:15
The church, the Body of Christ was called out. The Greek meaning of the word "church" is a translation of the Greek Ekklesia, which means "assembly of citizens called out."
Harper's Bible Dictionary
There is not a call from God that does not involve a coming out in some measure and in some recognizable manner -- a change of place, a change in attitude, a change in lifestyle, a change in thinking. A reviving. A renewal.
Called to What?
This is the tremendous, momentous good news of the gospel.
"God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification and faith in the truth. And it was for this He called you through our gospel to the gaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ."
2 Thessalonians 2:13, 14...called according to His purpose.
"We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For who He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the first-born among many brethren..."
Romans 8:28, 29
"He who set me apart even from my mother's womb and called me through His grace was pleased to reveal His Son in me..."
Galatians 1:15
"Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us to His own glory and excellence."
2 Peter 1:2, 3
"...join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God, who has saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity."
2 Timothy 1:8, 9
"Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, The Apostle and High Priest of our confession. He was faithful to Him who appointed Him..."
Hebrews 3:1, 2
Called to Where?
A Personal Note
In the Revelation in Handbook 2 God has called His people out one more time. And most of us find ourselves quite alone spiritually in the physical world. And I have wondered -- what now? Surely not to seek new groupings where I might become entangled in the old and useless trappings, taking on again the old wineskins.
I know I have been called out and why. And I know from the above Scriptures what I have been called to. But "called to where?" remains. I pray that on my personal journey, The Revelation and Beyond, I will find that answer.
Perhaps the following Scriptures hold some clue.
"And the two disciples (John's) heard Him speak, and they followed Jesus... And Jesus turned to them and said, 'What do you seek?' They said, 'Teacher, where are you staying?' He said to them, 'Come, and you will see.'"
John 1:37-39