Purpose Filled Calling

By Kyle Blackwell

From the beginning of my walk with Jesus, I have been met with challenges regarding the Bible. My walk with Christ has forced me to dig deep in order to build a stronger relationship with Him. Some things are easy to understand while others come with much research and prayer, much emphasis on prayer. From week one, I started writing about different things God had revealed to me. I have found that some parts of the Bible can be controversial and difficult to read. I made a promise to God long ago that I will never shy away from the heavy and confrontational pieces of His Word. Today, I am faced with one of those difficult to read and challenging scriptures.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.” -Romans‬ ‭8:28-30‬

Churches have been split over the doctrine of predestination. With much prayer, I have finally understood the true meaning of this passage. The understanding came from a simple word that I completely overlooked for weeks, actually years. While this is important, there is another misunderstood piece to this scripture that pertains to the “Lord, give me this” crowd.

“God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose” - Romans 8:28

Many christians will take this verse and say that God will give them whatever they want so long as it seems good for themselves. The fact of the matter is that if you read the Bible long enough, there comes a point when you stop reading the Bible and the Bible starts reading you. Understanding this, it is very easy to see that Paul is not speaking of any kind of personal gain. Speaking of Paul, he is probably the most obedient and zealous Christian to ever live, and his life was far from lavish after his conversion to Christianity.

Furthermore, the true meaning of this verse is answered in part B, “who have been called according to His purpose”. God already has everything planned. No matter what happens, God is never stumped. Ephesians 2:10 states that “we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do”. Therefore, if we are called into the inheritance of His kingdom, we are not called to sit on the sidelines and watch other people work. We are not called to be benchwarmers. All of us have a ministry. There have been two people in the last week who asked if I am a minister. One encounter was at Walmart and the other was on a plane ride to Cleveland. My mission field is wherever I am. Do not be scared to share Jesus with a stranger or even someone you may know. Followers of Christ have been enriched by the power of the Blood of Jesus. We also have Holy Spirit to guide us. Also, if you’re doing God’s work, Holy Spirit will give you the words to say.

“For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.” -Romans‬ ‭8:29‬

There have been big name, respectable preachers who have botched this verse. Honestly, I had the wrong idea for a while until I paid close attention to one word. Many people interpret this verse to mean that God cherry-picked every follower of Christ long before time. After much prayer, I have come to the realization that the word forknew was not meant to be just another filler word.  God knew that we would be a part of His kingdom long before time because He forknew that we would choose Him. According to Romans 1:20-21, God’s existence has been made visible to all mankind through His creation. In Genesis chapter 2, we understand that God gave mankind something called free will. Eve chose to disobey. Knowing this, we are able to come to the conclusion that God is not a puppet master controlling all the shots. Also, Acts 15:18 KJV says “Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world”. This means that God’s knowledge is infinite.

Therefore, God gifted us free will which we use in choosing to follow Christ. This acceptance of Christ, and repentance of sin, is something God forknew long before time began. Because of this knowledge, God predestined us into a sonship that cannot be broken or stolen away from us. And we are to share this gift of Jesus on a regular basis.

I look at the last part of this verse like one of those pyramid schemes that sleazy salesmen deliver to you at your doorstep.. However, this is is the real deal Holyfield. We are to share the Gospel with others so that we may be the firstborn to many brothers and sisters. If I share the gospel with others on a daily basis, there is a strong chance that Holy Spirit will move in someone’s heart, which will lead them to be a brother or sister of mine in Christ Jesus. It is not my job to save, that is the work of Jesus’ blood and Holy Spirit. It is my job to get the Gospel to the world. That is what I was called to do, and there already are people who I’ve shared Jesus with that will be joining me in Heaven.

“And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.” -Romans‬ ‭8:30‬

God calls us through Holy Spirit. He called me on September 19, 2019. I asked God why all these bad things were happening in my life even though I was His son as I had said the “Sinner’s Prayer” when I was 10. I looked behind at the Bible on the coffee table, and Holy Spirit said, “You were never mine”. This struck me to the core. He revealed Himself to me that day in a way I’ve never seen Him before. He called me to submit my life to Christ and be a soldier for His purpose. I was justified. Because I was justified, my sins paid in full, He glorified me. This is powerful and beautiful. I have not yet made it to Heaven, nor have I been fully sanctified as I will be in Heaven, but God already sees me as being fully glorified. If this does not give you power to live righteously, nothing will. When God sees me, He sees value.

I went to Cleveland this week for work. Everyone wanted to go to a couple bars. I did not want to go as I do not drink and that is just not my scene. Needless to say, I went. While I was with coworkers, customers and representatives from one of my largest vendors, I was able to share Jesus with four people at a bar while sipping on some disgusting Cleveland water. I called my wife later that night and I began crying because I realized that God does not need me to do His work; however, He sees enough value in me that He would utilize me as a vessel to do His handiwork. I am undeserving to be God’s chosen worker. Although, in God’s eyes I am valuable because I am glorified, because I am justified, because I was called, because I was predestined, because He forknew that I would submit to Christ and make Him not only my savior, but also my Lord.

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge -Hosea 4:6