To Know You Are Called

By Johnny L. Sanders
Type: Preaching
Subject: Preach, Called to

TO KNOW YOU ARE CALLED

I don’t know how many times over the years I have been reminded of something Dr. H. Leo Eddleman told me in Bastrop, LA. He had counseled with many young men who were wondering whether or not God had called them to preach the Gospel. Among other things, Dr. Eddleman said, “I will tell a young man who is wrestling with that decision, 'If you cannot bend yourself to a serious study of God’s Word He may not be calling you to preach the Gospel.'”

I am exercising a just a little bit of writer’s license here, not because I improved upon Dr. Eddleman’s words, but because as age increases memory seems to decrease! Now, if I man add a little commentary on his words, I suppose I had better do it before I forget that, too. Dr. Eddleman did not say that was an acid test for one who senses the call to preach the Gospel. Many people love to read the Bible. Some prefer stories of David and Samson; others, the poetry of Psalms and Proverbs; some, history; others prefer laws, statutes, and regulations.

Sincere Christians want to read about Jesus, with some focusing on His life, ministry and teachings, and His death, burial, and resurrection. Still others spend a lot of time reading about end-time prophecies (Eschatology). That is not what I have in mind. When a preacher of the Gospel studies (not just reads it, but studies it and waits for the Holy Spirit to give reveal divine truth to him) something amazing happens. In fact, something miraculous may take place. He turns to a passage he has read many times and suddenly sees something he has never seen before.

I spent months writing an eight volume commentary on the Book of Acts, but now as I read Acts again, I feel impressed to highlight or underline something that I may not recall from the months of study and writing I invested in those eight volumes I refer to as The Bible Notebook. Dr. Mike Minnix lists them under Commentaries on the www.sermoncity.com web site. For example, in the following verses note the verbs.

“But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). Now follow the verbs, with the connecting nouns, titles, or objects.

“The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had murdered by hanging Him on a tree. (31) God exalted this man to His right hand as ruler and Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. (32) We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him” (Acts 5:30-32, HCSB).

Spend some time with these verses and then let the Lord speak to you through the Holy Spirit. There is a sermon somewhere, a Sunday School lesson, or even a book.