Christianity Oasis Forum

[Christianity Oasis]

Hello fellow and potential Christians,

The Bible clearly reveals that the Lord CHOSE certain individuals throughout history to ACT for Him, out of so many possible candidates. From Noah to Abraham to David to the Apostles.

What do you believe the requirements were/are? (If any) And why ...



Please share ...

[notforgotten]

One requirement would clearly be the ability to get the job done. The Lord also appears to choose the lowly and humble to act for Him. And those who love Him. Obedience could be a key characteristic as well. I'm surely, in favor of it.

This is a good topic, I hope that it continues.

[Mackenaw]

Hello Oasis,

God bless you this day.

God equips those He calls with the power/ability to complete whatever task He assigns. It is by His power that it gets done.

Just as God preferred that all mankind would turn to Him (see I Timothy 2:4), we know that man was given choice, and sadly most did not and do not choose Him. God chooses those that choose Him and step out in faith in Him and ACT on His behalf.

Willing vessels.

Oh, by the way...here's a glass of ice tea, or if you prefer...a cup of hot tea. or

God bless you.
Love,
Mack

[Christianity Oasis]

Thank you for the tea Mackster ... Jinx refreshments are always so refreshing.

I agree completely with both of you.

Next part is a lil tricky ... Please consider the babes on milk who are reading along as you ponder on and hopefully respond to this aspect.

Sooooooooooooo ... Do you guys and gals believe that it is all predetermined and/or are they "called or chosen" AFTER the individuals have chosen and/or reveal these qualities and traits?

Please elaborate ...

[Mackenaw]

Hello Oasis

God bless you this day.

Wow, what a question. Not zackly a yes or no question, huh?

God knows the end from the beginning and vice versa, and He knows every hair on our head. He knows if we will accept Christ Jesus as our personal Saviour, or if we won't. However, He gave man the choice. Our All-knowing God is Good!

There are several scriptures in The Bible that include the word "predestined" or "predestinated", but I believe it references a predestination of the "gifts", and it was predestined that those that did/do accept Christ Jesus as Saviour, would be given the gifts of God for His purpose. (See Ephesians, chapter one) However, I also believe that He gave some gifts to individuals prior to their conversion. They just didn't use them for His purpose, OR they either didn't realize they had them, or they didn't understand those giftings completely, and in some cases... misused them.

Example: Before my conversion, I sometimes experienced the knowledge of the invisible realm, had a quick read on people, and/or a "knowing" of future events. My response was to fret over those things. I basically mistakenly believed everyone had the ability to this pre-knowledge of certain things, but most were too carefree or irresponsible to notice, so it was even more important that I be the "responsible" one. (Big ole eye roll) I also erroneously believed I was supposed to stop them from happening or stop "whatever" by my own limited power, OR send out a warning to run for the hills. Satan played havoc with me, and I experienced a lot of fear and depression because of it. I did not regard this "knowing" as a gift. I truly didn't understand the gift, and didn't know how to really talk about it to anyone, except when I would occasionally admonish a loved one or two for being irresponsible.

I also experienced "sensory overload" often. Quite frankly, at times I thought I was losing my mind because I'd go from feeling great to feeling scared to feeling angry in a matter of minutes or hours. I'd wonder, what is going on, why are my emotions all over the place? Never did I imagine I was picking up on (sensing) the emotions of others.

But, God is so very Good. In my journey with The Lord and getting to know The Father, Jesus and The Holy Spirit, I learned those are gifts from God, for His purpose. I no longer am freaked out by those gifts. God is Good.

Prior to my conversion, I really didn't "read for pleasure". However, I did "read for purpose": reading a lot of "how to" books. Basically I researched things, but I never thought of myself as a researcher. What I researched was for practical purposes. Never for pleasure.

I was Born Again for 22 years before I actually enjoyed reading The Bible. I'd try to read it, but, I got little from it. My research skills didn't kick in, nor would I call those times pleasurable. But, once my conversion took place, I prayed, in the name of Jesus, and asked to be given a passion for reading God's Word. He honored my request. Hallelujah! Thank You Jesus!!! I now read The Bible for pleasure, plus The Lord combined both my research skills/gifting with the new-found passion for reading God's Word. For His purpose, and for my sweet pleasure. He blesses me. God is so very Good.

I hope I didn't ramble on too long and wander away from the topic. Basically my answer is "yes" and "no". There is evidence of some of the gifts in some people prior to their accepting Christ Jesus as Savior and before the indwelling of The Holy Spirit, and some are reserved until after their conversion. Either way, the use of God's gifts are enhanced after our conversion and they pack a bigger punch (so to speak). God's purpose!

God bless and keep you.
Love,
Mack

[Christianity Oasis]

VERY well spoken ...

I am in agreement.

Luv ya