The Church, The Called Out

What a great privilege and marvelous honor to be a member of the church of Christ. We are highly exalted with Heaven’s continual blessings and promises! We have within our hearts wonderful happiness because of the hope of eternal life given to those who are members of the Lord’s church.  From the Greek word “ekklesia” (church) we know why it is such an honor and  joy.  The  word  means “the called out”.   Therefore, that places before us some outstanding truths for us to forever remember.

We Are Called Out By The Gospel

            The child of God is a  called person. However, please take note how we are called. “Whereunto he called you by our Gospel.” (2 Thess.2:14). Nevertheless, some seem to be more interested in human feelings and worked-up emotions than they are in the  truth of God’s inspired word.  To these type people it is “better felt than told” feeling which is separate from the plain teachings of the word of God. Those called out are called by the Gospel of Christ, and by no other means. We can’t forget that “there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the Gospel of Christ.”  (Gal.1:7).

We Are Called Out Of Darkness

To the  people  who were having their faith greatly tested by much hardship, Peter  wrote  for  them to have both hope and strength, by saying, “Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praise of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” (1 Pet.2:9). Upon our obedience to the Gospel, we are called out of the darkness of  ignorance, out  of  sin  and sadness and into his light which brings knowledge, goodness,  and joy.  A  life in the darkness offers God no fruit, but a life in the light most assuredly does. The darkness of rebellion to Christ and His will brings  no  honor  or  fruit  unto God, whereas, knowledge and submission does honor his greatness. Let us “walk in the light as He is in the light.” (1 Jno.1:7).

We Are Called Out Of Hopelessness

            Take  away  hope  from a person, then tell me what that person has?  What meaning would life have? Our hope is not in the great discoveries of mankind. Our hope is not in the many degrees that one may acquire from the halls of higher learning of man’s schools. The  hope  we  may  have, and is sure, is in Jesus Christ and His church for which He died. (Acts 20:28)  (1 Tim.1:1). How thankful I am for the church, the called out!!!

. . . .  Fred  House