CTTNBC - 001 - Course Outline - The Call of God

Called to the
Nations
Bible College
CERTIFICATE IV
Course Code: CTTNBC - 001
THE CALL
OF GOD
22nd June 2010
Revision: A Rev. Dr J. D. Camm
MODULE
CONTENTS:
UNIT 1: WHAT IS THE CALL OF GOD
Unit 1 assignment 600 800 word essay
UNIT 2 BIBLICAL EXAMPLES
Unit 2 assignment short answer class test
UNIT 3 STUDY OF THE DISCIPLES
Unit 3 assignment Short written paragraphs to
discuss the steps of progression.
UNIT 4 PARTNERSHIP WITH GOD
Unit 4 assignment Group research, with group
presentation to the whole class with a group mark
assigned to each member of that specific group.
UNIT 5 EVALUATING OUR CALL
A confidential report between the student and the

teacher, of the students own individual
experiences.
The student will undertake an evaluation of their
personal Call of God using the criteria of the
previous units of this Module.
Each of the Unit assignments will accrue 20%

of the whole mark for this Module.
22nd June 2010
Course code:
UNIT 1
WHAT IS THE CALL
OF GOD?
DEFINITION: The Call of God is a series of events, situations,

thoughts or ideas, implemented by God Almighty, into the mind or
surroundings of a particular person, which singularly (or collectively)
singles that person out for a specific service for the Lord. The person is
nothing special, until God puts a call on a persons life.
THE CALL OF GOD UPON NOAH [Genesis 6] [4289]
God spoke to Noah and revealed to him that He planned to

destroy the earth and all of creation, because mankind had
become depraved beyond redemption.
God said to Noah: Build a safe house for your own salvation.
It takes Noah and his family 100 years to build the ark and catch
all the animals demanded by God Almighty:
Of every clean animal

Of every bird of the air
Of every unclean animal
(notice no fish of the sea !!!)
7 pairs
7 pairs
1 pair
During this time, his whole family has to suffer ridicule and
harassment from the local surrounding villages and tribes.
It was an indeed and enormous test of faith both in his
understanding of technical designs which he received from the
Lord, to build the ark and that his family would be protected from
the local tribes until the ark was completed.
Boat designers say that the design of the ark is the most stable
design of any boat it will not capsize, even in the most stormy
seas.
22nd June 2010
Unit 1
(contd)
Noah
When the rains came no mercy for the sinners!!!

For 100 years Noah had been telling the people to change their ways but
they refused, so now Gods judgement comes upon them.
Gods mercy is limited after several warnings (in mercy) comes the
judgement!!!.
It rained 40 days and 40 nights : a second time of testing for Noah and
his family. The water remained on the earth for a further 150 days before
it commenced to recede (Gen. 7:24)
14 months and 27 days after the rains started God told Noah to go out of the
ark and start afresh.
Next day (exactly 15 months after the rains started) Noah and his family left the
ark with the animals. This event took place on the first day of the Jewish
calendar a new beginning in a New Year for the nations of the earth.
Noah built an altar to the Lord and sacrificed upon it one of every clean animal
and bird. (Gen. 8:19)
God made a covenant with Noah which is still in operation today. God promised
He will never again destroy the whole earth with a flood.
From Noah and his children (8 people in all) a new beginning commenced,
with the authority originally given to Adam being transferred to Noah. He now
had authority over the animals and the forest and was allowed to eat anything except the blood of any animal (Gen 9:4)
God also held mankind responsible for the life of each and every human being
(Gen. 9:6)
Despite being such a righteous man, Noah still fell into sin by getting drunk and
lying naked in his tent. (Gen. 9:21)
Characteristics of Noah
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
A righteous man
A man of faith
A man of long patience and long suffering
An extraordinary carpenter
A father who brought up his children in the knowledge and respect of the Lord
22nd June 2010
Unit 1
(contd)
Abraham
Abram [Abraham] The Spiritual Pilgrim [15] & [4290]
The study of the life of Abraham is of great importance
because he was chosen by God, to become the father of a
new spiritual race. Religious seeds were planted in his heart
from which was to spring wonderful results in the church over
4,000 years into the future.
The Divine Call The Call of God: While living at home with
his family (in his fathers house) he received a message from
the Lord (Gen. 12:1) to leave his family and go into a land that
the Lord would show to him.
Whenever there is a call from God upon a persons life
there is always a cost !!! but also manifested rewards.
Abram obeyed the call and so started a special
relationship between man and God. Obedience is better
than sacrifice !!!
God makes a covenant with Abraham. No obedience no
covenant !!!
Through Abraham, God wants to re-introduce the creation
kingdom but now to be obtained through a redemptive
process. (By you all the families of the earth will bless
themselves).
22nd June 2010
Unit 1 (cont-d)
Gideon
GIDEON THE RELUCTANT GENERAL
At this time, Israel had rebelled against God and had been given
over into the hands of the Medianites for a period of seven (7) years,
to teach them a lesson (Judges. 6: 1-5)
Whenever the Jews are in trouble, it seems that then (and only then)
do they cry out to the Lord for help (Judges. 6:6)
God sends them a prophet (no name) who tells them what they dont
want to hear. (Judges. 6: 7-10)
Notice that God always gives us a chance to redeem ourselves
from our past sins.
The Angel of the Lord appears and summons him to leadership
(Jud. 6:11-12) [refer to extra notes about the Angel of the Lord]
He was the son of Joash, of the tribe of Manasseh (Judges. 6:11)
He was the youngest son, of the poorest family, in the lowest ranked
of all the 12 tribes of Israel.
From a secular viewpoint, the most unlikely person to choose for a
leader. From a spiritual standpoint, this is to show the nation of Israel
(and us today) that God can call anybody into His service,
irrespective of your social standing in the community.
Gideon, like Moses, makes excuses that he is not good enough to
do what God wants. (Judges. 6:13)
Note: If God calls us into His service, He will equip us with
whatever we need, to do/and/or put into effect, for His purposes.
All we have to do is say: Yes Lord I am ready to serve You.
What must I do?
Are you ready to answer the call?
22nd June 2010
Unit 1 (cont-d)
Gideon
Once assured by the Lord that God is with him, to guide

him, he is no longer afraid as his subsequent actions
prove.
Gideon destroys the altar dedicated to Baal and builds an
altar to God (Judges. 6:24-28)
He is threatened with death by the Baal worshippers, but is
rescued by his father.
On assembling the host of enemies, Gideon blows the
trumpet to call the nation together.
His faith is strengthened by the sign of the fleece (3 times)
His faith is severely tested by the Divine reduction of his
army of 32,000 down to just 300 soldiers without any
weapons!!!
This is to prove to Gideon and to the whole nation of Israel
that the victory of the battle belongs to the Lord.
After this victory, he is offered the crown of all Israel, which
he refuses and gives the glory to God. (Judges. 8:22-23)
But despite this he still makes mistakes.
He makes a golden ephod which becomes a problem for all of

Israel (Judges. 8:24-27)
He judges Israel wisely, in accordance with Gods laws, for 40
years and as a result there is peace in the nation for 40 years.
22nd June 2010
UNIT ONE
ASSIGNMENT
The students will work in small groups to research
and write a combined group essay on The Call of
God, using the guidelines below as a basis (600
800 words)
1.
2.
3.
Identify and discuss verses or passages of

Scripture that assists with understanding
The Call of God.
Identify and discuss The Call of God upon
at least three (3) significant Biblical
Characters.
Discuss what you understand and believe to
be:
The functions,
Purposes, and
Characteristics of The Call of God
Each group will make a combined submission, for

a Group Assessment Mark which will be
assigned to each member of that specific group.
22nd June 2010
UNIT 2: EXAMPLES OF THE CALL OF GOD
CASE STUDY 1: MOSES [4307]

Family:
Father :
Amram
Mother:
Jochebed
Both of the Tribe of Levi
Brother:
Aaron
Sister:
Miriam
(Ex. 2:1, 6:20)

(Ex. 2:1, 6:20)
(Ex. 2:1)
(Ex. 4:14)
(Ex. 15:20)
His Early Life:
His birth in turbulent times

The edict of the Pharaoh
Jochebeds trust in the Lord the child cast upon the waters.
They launched the ark (basket) not only onto the Nile, but onto Gods
providence. He would be the captain, steer-man and convoy escort
of this little craft. Miriam stood to watch its path and report back to
her mother. There was no fear of fatal consequences, only the quiet
expectancy that God would do something worthy of Himself.
They reckoned on Gods faithfulness, and they were amply
rewarded, when the daughter of their greatest enemy became the
babes patroness. (Ref. F. B. Meyer. Through the Bible Day by Day)
The daughter of the Pharaoh recovers the ark from the Nile and
recognises it as a Hebrew child, but has compassion and takes it for
here own. She called his name MOSES because she drew him out
of the water.
22nd June 2010
UNIT 2 : MOSES
(contd)
God intervenes and allows Jochebed to be involved in the early years of Moses
life. She is hired by the Pharaohs daughter to be the nursemaid for her own
son. This is Gods blessing to the mother for her trust in God but Moses did
not know his true birthright.
Youth and Yong Manhood
Moses was educated in the palace by the best brains in the land. (Acts 7:22)
At age 40 (# 40 a time of testing) Moses visits the Hebrews and sees the
major injustices being done against them. As a result he kills an Egyptian and
then has to flee from Egypt into the desert of Midian.
Ruel (Ex. 2:17-18) [also called Raquel and/or Jethro], the priest of Midian had 7
daughters, who were sheep-herders and Moses defends them against the men
who attack them at the well. Moses successfully drove them off and then
provided water for the 7 daughters and their flocks.
Ruel (Jethro) is a priest, who fears God, and is of the descendants of Ishmael,
who has a good knowledge of the scriptures and how Abraham sent his servant
to his relatives house to secure a bride for his son. Seeing he has no sons, he
would recognises the similarity of these situations which has occurred here.
Abrahams servant prays for a woman to draw water for himself and his flock, as
a sign that he has chosen the correct lady for Isaac. On the other hand, Jethro
has 7 daughters and this man has drawn water for his 7 daughters; he needs a
son-in-law, who will protect his daughters and provide for their flocks Moses
looks like he is the right man for the job.
Jethro offers Moses his oldest daughter - Zipporah (as per custom) as a wife,
thus making him second in charge of all his belongings and responsible for the
household when Jethro is not present. By this marriage, the line of Isaac, and
the line of Ishmael are re-united into one line once again, as the line of
Abraham.
Moses lives in the desert, being re-moulded by God for another 40 years
(another time of testing) [Acts 7:30] Moses is now 80 years old and still the Lord
has not called him or has he?
22nd June 2010
10
UNIT 2 : MOSES
(contd)
THE TESTING OF MOSES:
Moses leaves Egypt as a prince and God gives him the

desert as his kingdom, with Ziporrah, a God fearing woman
as his queen.
They have to deal with the hardships of the desert with no
servants or riches, like he had in Egypt.
Moses has to learn to lean on and to put his trust in the God
of the Hebrews the God of Abraham, whom Jethro &
Ziporrah would have told him about, as they sat around the
campfires together at night or whilst they were out
minding the sheep together.
For 40 years this moulding and re-shaping took place.
Moses was placed On the Potters Wheel but did not really
know it.
F.B Meyer in his book Moses, the Servant of God says
this: It was true heroism when Moses stepped down from
Pharaoh's throne, to share the burdens of his brethren. But
it would take 40 long years of lonely waiting and trials
before this strong, radiant nature could be broken down, reshaped into the vessel fit for the Masters hands, and
prepared for every good work
One blow struck when Gods time is fulfilled is

worth more than 1,000 blows struck in premature
eagerness.
22nd June 2010
11
UNIT 2 : MOSES
(contd)
THE CALL OF GOD UPON MOSES [Ex. 3:2-10]
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
The Angel of the Lord appears in the form of a flame, coming out
of the midst of the bush. As Moses looks he can see the flames but
the bush is not burning. Moses decides to go closer and investigate,
because he cannot believe what he is seeing.
When the LORD saw that Moses had turned aside, God called to
Him (not an angel) but God Himself. (Ex. 3:4) Moses, Moses
and Moses replied: Here I am.
God says to Moses: Do not come near; put your shoes off your
feet, for the place on which you stand is holy ground. God
wants to make a covenant with Moses.
God makes His presence and His identity very clear, when He says:
I AM the God of your father, the God of Abraham, and the God
of Jacob.
Upon hearing this Moses hid his face from the presence of Lord,
because he was afraid that he would die if he saw Gods face.
The Lord continues: I have surely seen the afflictions of My people in
Egypt, and I have heard their cry, because of their taskmasters and
oppressors; for I know their sorrows, sufferings and trials. And I have
come down (to earth) to deliver them out of the hand and the power of
the Egyptians, to bring them up out of that land (Egypt) to a land good
and large, a land flowing with milk and honey, a land of plenty; to the
place of the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Amorite, the Perizzite, the
Hivite, and the Jebusite. Now behold the cry of the Israelites is
coming to Me, and I have also seen how the Egyptians oppress
them.
22nd June 2010
12
UNIT 2 : MOSES
(contd)
Verse 10: Come now therefore, and I will send you to Pharaoh,
that you may bring forth My people, the Israelites, out of Egypt.
God never sends you on a journey for Him, unless He tells you what
you are expected to do! Nor does He send you without the necessary
equipment to fulfil the tasks. Gods task was simple:1.
Go to Egypt
2.
Confront the Pharaoh and tell him that the God of Joseph has
said to let the Israelites go.
3.
Bring them out of Egypt to this new land, which God has
already indentified to Moses
Moses makes excuses and God answers: [Ex. 3:11-4:17]
1.
Who am I that you would choose me and send me to Egypt?
2.
God replies: I will surely be with you & this shall be a sign
to you that I have sent you: when you have brought the
people out of Egypt, you shall worship Me on this
mountain. ( called Mt. Horeb, or Mt. Sinai).
3.
When I come to the Israelites and tell them, the God of your
fathers has sent me to you, and they say to me, what is His
name? What shall I say to them?
4.
God Replies: I AM WHO I AM and WHAT I

AM, and I WILL BE WHAT I WILL BE: and He
said: You shall say this to the Israelites, I AM
has sent me to you!.
22nd June 2010
13
UNIT 2 : MOSES
(contd)
V15 This shall you say to the Israelites, The Lord, the God of your fathers, of
Abraham, Isaac, and of Jacob, has sent me to you! This is My name
forever, and by this name, I AM to be remembered to all generations.
V16 Go gather the elders of Israel together [the mature teachers & tribal leaders]
and say to them. The Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac,
and of Jacob, appeared to me, saying: I have surely visited you, and seen that
which is done to you in Egypt.
V17 And I have declared [a covenant pledge] that I will bring you out of the
affliction of Egypt, to the land of the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Amorite, the
Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite, a to a land flowing with milk and honey.
V18 And (the elders) shall believe you and obey your voice: and you shall go, you
and the elders of Israel, to the king of Egypt, and you shall say to him: The Lord
God of the Hebrews, has met with us; and now let us go we beseech you, three
days journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the Lord our God.
V19 And I know that the King of Egypt will not let you go [unless forced to do so] no,
not by a mighty hand.
V20 So I will stretch out MY hand, and smite Egypt with all wonders which I will do in
it; and after that he will let you go.
V21 And I will give this people favour and respect in the sight of the Egyptians; and it
shall be that when you go, you shall not go empty-handed.
V 22 But every woman shall (insistently) solicit her neighbour, and of her that maybe
residing at her house, jewels and articles of silver and gold, and garments,
which you shall put on your sons and daughters: and you shall strip the
Egyptians. [of their belongings due to you for your wages as slaves in Egypt
for 407 years]
What if they dont believe me, or listen to my voice, and they say that
God did not appear to me?
God now provides the proof of His power to Moses, and confirmation that He
really is the God of Abraham, who is speaking to him.
22nd June 2010
14
UNIT 2 : MOSES
(contd)
THE FIRST SIGN:
4:2 God says: What is in your hand?
[A Rod]
V3 Cast it to the ground and it become a serpent (the symbol of royal and
divine power worn on the crown of the pharaohs). Moses fled from before the
serpent on the ground.
V4 Put forth your hand and take it by the tail And he stretched out his hand
and grabbed it, and it became a rod again in his hand.
V5 [This you shall do] that the elders may believe that the Lord, the God of
their fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, has indeed
appeared unto you.
THE SECOND SIGN:
4:6
Put your hand into your bosom
[inside his loose clothing]
He put his hand inside his loose clothing and when Moses took it out again
his hand was leprous, as white as snow!
[Under Hebrew law, he was now an outcast no longer able to go into the
Temple no longer able to go into Gods presence]
V7
Put your hand into your bosom again Moses did as a the Lord
commanded and when he took it out his hand was completely restored
completely healed.
V8
If they will not believe you, or heed your voice, or the testimony of the
first sign, they may believe the voice or the witness of the second sign.
22nd June 2010
15
UNIT 2 : MOSES
(contd)
THE THIRD SIGN:
V9
But, if they will also not believe these two (2) signs, or heed your
voice, you shall take some water out of the river [Nile] and pour it onto
dry land; and the water which you take out of the river [Nile] shall
become blood on the dry land
Moses continues to make excuses!!!
Excuse # 4
V10
Oh Lord, I am not eloquent, or a man of words, neither before nor since you
have spoken to your servant; for I am slow of speech, and have a heavy and
awkward tongue
V11
And the Lord said to Him: Who has made mans mouth? Or who makes
the dumb or the deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? Is it not I, the Lord?
V12
Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth, and will teach you
what you shall say.
Excuse # 5: Moses says to God: Oh Lord, I pray you, send by the hand of [some
other] whom you will send
[God please send somebody else!!!]
GOD GETS ANGRY WITH MOSES!!!

V14
V15
V16
V17
Is there not Aaron your brother, the Levite? I know he can speak well.
Also he is coming out to meet you, and when he sees you, he will be
overjoyed.
You must speak to him and put the words in his mouth; and I will be with
his mouth and with your mouth, and will teach you what you shall do.
He will speak for you to the people, acting as a mouthpiece for you, and
you shall be as God to him.
And you shall take this rod in your hand, with which you shall work the
signs [that prove that I sent you].
22nd June 2010
16
UNIT 2 : MOSES
(contd)
THE RESPONSE OF MOSES TO THE CALL OF GOD
1.
2.
3.
4.
Moses returns to his camp after his encounter on the mountain and requests
permission from his father-in-law to return to Egypt to see if his relatives are
still alive.
There is no recorded mention that Moses tells Jethro of the encounter with
God Almighty on the mountain or the tasks that Moses has been sent to
undertake, but Jethro give Moses his blessing and permission to return to
Egypt, together with his wife and his sons. (Ex. 4:20)
Now a battle did occur to decide which first born will be delivered or die. The
first son of God (the whole nation of Israel), or the first son of Egypt (the
fist son of the pharaoh).
Both sons could have lived but only one son can die!!! (see v 21-23)
Conclusion:
Despite his complaining, Moses eventually reacts positively to the call of God
on his life. He learns to listen to God and to trust Gods wisdom to fulfil the
tasks set before him.
Because of his disobedience Moses was not allowed to enter the Promised
Land only to see it from afar.
However, as a reward we know that Moses has a place in heaven.
22nd June 2010
17
UNIT 2 ASSIGNMENT
In 500 words (or more), write what you have learned and understood
from this case study and the Call of God on the life of Moses.
The areas to be considered are:
The faith of his family

His early life and how it affected his thinking
The events which caused him to flee
His time in the desert
His confrontation with God Almighty
His return to Egypt
The miracles and their effects on:
The Egyptians
The Jews
The surrounding nations
The Exodus
His further trials in the wilderness
The giving of the Law (the first time)
The pleas for the people
The giving of the law (the second time)
His plea to go into the Promised Land and its result
Appointment of his successor
Proof that God finally allowed him into heaven
His effects on your own personal life
22nd June 2010
18
CASE STUDY # 2
SAUL OF TARSUS
References in Thompsons Chain Reference Bible as below:
Paul
Miracles of Paul
Persecution of Paul
Preaching of Paul
Tree of his life
Apostleship
Bonds
Care for the church
Examples by Paul
Pauls Missionary Journeys
Portrait of Jesus Christ
Self-support for missionaries
Thorn in his side
22nd June 2010
[2697]
[2371]
[3482]
[2087]
[4309]
[202]
[3479]
[732]
[1178]
[2382]
[4304]
[2097]
[4080]
19
SAUL OF TARSUS
(contd)
His Family and early life:
His father was a Pharisee (Acts 23:6) and a Roman citizen

(Acts 22:25-28)
His mother is unknown
He was of the Tribe of Benjamin, born in Tarsus and named
Saul (which means asked for (Acts 23:3)
He had a sister, who later lived in Jerusalem and his nephew
helped Paul in his later life (Acts 23:16)
As is required by all Jews, he learnt a trade, as a tentmaker
(Acts 18:3)
He studied in the synagogue under Gamaliel, acknowledged
the greatest Rabbinical Scholar of his time (Acts 22:3)
His Early Manhood:

The crucifixion of Jesus Christ, His resurrection and the events of
that particular Passover and Pentecost period must have had some
remarkable effects upon his life, because he becomes very antiChristian.
All that has taken place is against all that he has been taught. At this
stage in his life, he cannot reconcile what has happened, to Gods
redemptive promises of salvation. At this stage in his life there is
confusion and turmoil, because what has happened contradicts all
he has been taught from the Law and the writings of the prophets.
He just does not understand that God Almighty is involved in what
has just happened.
22nd June 2010
20
SAUL OF TARSUS
(contd)
Saul is an instrument of God, even before his

conversion set apart for Gods work (Gal. 1:15)
Saul was present at the stoning of Steven (Acts 7:58)

Saul consented to Stephens death (Acts 8:1a)
The execution of Stephen was a signal for an increased campaign of repression
and persecution against the followers of the way.
The large community of believers in Jerusalem fled the city for their safety and
for their own lives and the lives of their children. (Acts 8:1-3)
Many were caught and sent to the pits for participation in various deadly sporting
fixtures to please the Romans.
They fled to all parts of Palestine (Judea and Samaria) and to other places
outside these areas, even as far north as Syrian Antioch.
When they went, they took the Good News with them, the fulfilment of Acts 1:8
was now being implemented in Acts 8:1
The Sanhedrin would have received reports from all over Palestine that the
Good news was spreading, that the persecution inside Jerusalem was not
successful.
Saul asks for Letters of Authority from the Sanhedrin to pursue the Christian
followers more vigorously, firstly in Jerusalem and then in the rest of the
empire, bringing back any he found to Jerusalem in chains. (Acts 9:1-2)
Saul was effective in capturing many believers and putting them into
prison. So much so that his name was feared among the believers, even
as far away as Damascus.
22nd June 2010
21
SAUL OF TARSUS
(contd)
THE CONVERSION OF SAUL:

Saul left Jerusalem through the Damascus Gate and travelled towards Damascus. (Acts 9:3)
Suddenly a light from heaven flashed all around him. He fell to the ground and he heard a
voice from heaven saying to him.
Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting ME? [ Why are you harassing, troubling and molesting
Me?]
Who are you, Lord? And the voice replies: I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is
dangerous and it turns out badly for you, to keep kicking against the goad that is to
offer vain and perilous resistance.
Trembling and astonished Saul asks: Lord, what do you desire me to do? The Lord
answered: Arise and go into the city and you will be told what you must do. (Notice
Jesus did not ask Saul a difficult thing to do at first just go into the city and wait for
instructions.)
When Saul got up from the ground he was blind so the people with him, who had heard the
same voice, led him by the hand into the city.
The first test of obedience that Jesus gave to Saul was simple: Go into the city of Damascus
and wait!
Saul fasts and prays for 3 days and nights in complete darkness, (just like Jonah, who had
also rebelled against the Lord.)
While Saul is fasting and praying, in the house of Judas, in a street called Straight (still there
today but called Darb-al-Mustaqim which means He has seen )
God starts to put the next step of Sauls conversion into place, by appearing to Ananias, in a
vision and commanding him to go to Saul and pray for his healing and for him to receive the Holy
Spirit.
22nd June 2010
22
SAUL OF TARSUS
(contd)
THE CALL OF ANANIAS:
Acts 9:10: And there was in Damascus a disciple (a believer an ordinary man
but somebody very special) whose name was Ananias. The Lord said to Him:
Ananias and he answered: Here I am, Lord
V11 Get up (straightaway) and go to the street called Straight, and ask at the house
of Judas, for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold he is praying there.
V12 And he has seen in a vision, a man named Ananias enter and lay hands on him,
so that he may regain his sight.
Ananias was confused by this instruction from the Lord, so he explains what he
knows of Saul to the Lord, just to make sure he understands this commandment
from the Lord properly.
V13 Lord, I have heard many people tell about this man, especially how much evil
and what great suffering he has brought on Your saints in Jerusalem;
V14 Now he is here and has authority from the high priests to put in chains all who
call upon Your name.
V15 Go, for this man is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before
the Gentiles and kings and the descendants of Israel.
V16 For I will make clear to him how much he will be afflicted and must endure
and suffer for My Names sake.
Once assured by the Lord that Ananias has understood the Lords instructions
correctly, he immediately went into the house, laid hands upon Saul and said:
Brother Saul, (fellow believer) the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you along
the way by which you came here, has sent me that you may recover your
sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.
V18 And instantly scales fell of his eyes ad he recovered his sight. He arose and
was baptised.
Note: Paul received his healing, then received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, BEFORE
he received the baptism in water. This is different to the Samaritans. We must
recognise that God is in control and He can give the Holy Spirit to His
believers, any way He chooses.
22nd June 2010
23
SAUL OF TARSUS
(contd)
SAULS RESPONSE TO THE CALL OF GOD:
Paul commenced to preach Jesus Christ as the Messiah, in the Synagogues in

Damascus, causing all sorts of confusion and mistrust, because they knew he
had letters from the High Priest in Jerusalem and the believers thought he was
trying to trap them into identifying themselves.
The followers of Judaism (the Jews) decided to kill him, but their plan was made
known supernaturally to Saul and he was helped by the disciples to escape,
being let down over the city walls in a basket. [confirming to Saul that God would
protect him while he undertook the tasks set out before him]
He returned to Jerusalem, and tried to preach in the Synagogues there but
again the believers did not believe that he was really converted.
Barnabas took him to meet the Apostles, where he testified about meeting the
Lord on the way to Damascus and how he had been preaching about Jesus in
Damascus, how the Lord revealed a plot to kill him and how the disciples had
helped him escape over the city wall.
After this testimony, he was able to go about preaching freely among the
believers but again there was a plot to kill him, so the believers took him to
Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus (till things settled down and peace could be
restored.)
Saul, now spends 3 years in Arabia, in communion with the Holy Spirit,
undertaking a Holy Spirit Bible School, re-learning all the things of the Old
Testament with new revelation and understanding, about the promises of the
Messiah, and how they had come to pass and be fulfilled in Jesus Christ. After 3
years he returns to Tarsus.
Meanwhile, the effects of the dispersion was having miraculous result right across
the whole area. Men from Cyprus and Cyrene who had heard the Gospel, spoke
to Greeks in Antioch. The presence of the Holy Spirit was with them and many
believed and were saved. The news of these conversions reached the Apostles in
Jerusalem, who selected a dedicated, proven man to go to Antioch and
investigate this news and to set up a church there. His name was Barnabas.
22nd June 2010
24
SAUL OF TARSUS
(contd)
Acts 11:24: For he was a good man, full of, and controlled by the Holy Spirit,
and full of faith. As a result a large company was added to the Lord.
The church became so big that it was too much for one man to handle, (so
Barnabas prayed to the Holy Spirit for guidance) and He was directed to go to
Tarsus to find Saul and to bring him back to Antioch (as a teacher) to help him
with the work there. This work continued in Antioch for a whole year.
This is where the gathering of believers were first called Christians.
It was here that Agabus a recognised Christian Prophet of the New

Testament, prophesied under the anointing of the Holy Spirit that there was to
be a great famine in Jerusalem and that the people in Jerusalem would be
affected.
This congregation in Antioch took up the first recorded Love offering and sent
it with Barnabas and Saul to the people of Judea. When they returned to
Antioch from Judea, they brought John Mark with them.
THE CHURCH AT ANTIOCH & THE SEPARATION FOR NEW SERVICE:
The leaders of the church at Antioch were:1.
Apostles (under the Apostleship of Jerusalem)
2.
Prophets (un named except Agabus)
3.
Teachers [Barnabas, Symeon, Lucius, Manaen & Saul]
While they were praising the Lord and fasting the Holy Spirit spoke to
them: SEPARATE NOW FOR ME, Barnabas and Saul for the work to which
I have called them. Notice the order of calling: first Barnabas, THEN Saul.
So up until this point we have had 3 instructions for Saul:
Go into Damascus and wait for further instructions

Go out into the Arabian desert and be trained by the Holy Spirit
Go out and teach the Good News, under the authority of the Holy Spirit and
Barnabas.
At this time, the role of Saul/Paul is still that of a teacher, He is yet to be

raised up into the office of an Apostle.
22nd June 2010
25
SAUL OF TARSUS
(contd)
It was not until later on his first missionary journey that Saul (now called Paul)
exercises his authority under the anointing of the Holy Spirit to his full rank of
an Apostle, and performs the miracle of making the false prophet blind.
This results in Sergius Paulus, the Roman Consul believing on the Holy Power
of Jesus Christ and he becomes a Christian.
The next 30 years of Pauls life is spent spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ in
many countries, being imprisoned at least twice in Rome, as well as Jerusalem
and in Caesarea.
Paul undertook 5 documented journeys:1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Tarsus,
Caesarea,
Jerusalem, Damascus,
Arabian Desert, Damascus, Jerusalem,
Caesarea, Tarsus, Antioch.
People already believed and were saved under His ministry at this time before
what is now referred to as his First Missionary Journey. See maps next pages.
22nd June 2010
26
SAUL OF TARSUS
(contd)
Acts chapters 8-11
22nd June 2010
27
SAUL OF TARSUS
(contd)
[ 46-48 AD] It is on this journey that his name is changed from Saul to
Paul (which means little [Acts 13:9]).
22nd June 2010
28
Saul of Tarsus
contd
[Acts 15:40 18:22] [50 52 AD]
It is on this journey that Paul has a vision of the Man from Macedonia saying:
Come over to Macedonia and help us.
22nd June 2010
29
Saul of Tarsus
(contd)
Pauls Third Missionary Journey [54-58 AD] [Acts 18:22 21:20]
22nd June 2010
30
Saul of Tarsus
(contd)
Pauls Trip to Rome [59 - 60 AD] [Acts 24-28]
He travelled from Jerusalem to Caesarea where he was imprisoned for 2 years, then Tyre,
Sidon, Myra, Cinidus, Fair Havens, He was shipwrecked at Melita, then to Syracuse,
Rhegium, Puteoli, Apii Forum, Three Taverns, then Rome.
He spent the remaining years in either house arrest, or in fixed prisons, where he wrote
most of his Epistles to the churches he had founded (including an Epistle to the Church in
Laodicea, referred to in Colossians chapter 4:16) He was beheaded in Rome in
Approximately 67AD.
THE EPISTLE of PAUL the APOSTLE to the LAODICIEANS
Points to ponder: (v1) He salutes the brethren, (v3) exhorts them to persevere in good works,
(v4) and not be moved by vain speaking. (v6) Rejoices in his bonds, (v10) desires them to live
in fear of the Lord.
1.
Paul an Apostle, not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, to the brethren which are at
Laodicea.
Grace be to you, and peace, from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ.
I thank Christ in every prayer of mine, that ye may continue and persevere in good works, looking for
what is promised in the day of judgement.
Let not the vain speeches of any trouble you who pervert the truth, that which may draw you aside
from the truth, of the Gospel which I have preached.
And now may God grant, that my converts, may attain to a perfect knowledge of the truth of the
Gospel, be beneficent, and doing good works which accompany salvation.
And now my bonds, which I suffer in Christ, are manifest, in which I rejoice and am glad.
For I know that this shall turn to my salvation forever, which shall be through your prayer, and the
supply of the Holy Spirit.
Whether I live or die; (for) to me to live shall be a life to Christ, to die shall be joy.
And our Lord will grant us His mercy, that ye may have the same love, and be likeminded.
Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have heard of the coming of the Lord, so think and act in fear, and it
shall be unto you life eternal;
For it is God who works in you;
And do all things without sin.
And what is best, my beloved, rejoice in the Lord Jesus Christ, and avoid all filthy lucre.
Let all your requests be made known to God, and be steady in the doctrine of Christ.
And whatsoever things are sound and true, and of good report, and chaste, and just, and lovely, these
things do.
These things which ye have heard, and received, think on these things, and peace shall be with you.
All the saints salute you.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, Amen.
Cause this Epistle to be read to the Colossians, and the Epistle to the Colossians to be read
among you.
We see that although the Biblical scholars of the early times did not think this Epistle of Paul worthy to
be included into the Canon of Scripture, it is clear from the writings in the Epistle to the Colossians
that such an Epistle did in fact exist, and that it was considered important by Paul, because he told
the churches in both cities to be sure and read both Epistles in both of their churches.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
22nd June 2010
31
Saul of Tarsus
(Contd)
22nd June 2010
32
UNIT 2
ASSIGNMENT
In a minimum of 500 words, write what you have learned and

understood from the case study and the Call of God on the life of
Saul (Paul).
The areas to be considered are:
His family, early life and early manhood

His early religious teaching and how it affected his attitude to God
Almighty, and his idea of the Messiah.
What was his early impression of Jesus Christ?
How was this changed?
The importance of people being available to hear and obey Gods word
(Ananias)
Sauls response to the Call of God
His re-learning process
Saul as a teacher
Saul & his relationship problems
His name change
The miracles under Pauls ministry
The churches he personally pioneered on his missionary journeys
Paul supported himself by making tents, so that he was not a burden on
the church body. Do you believe that this is the scriptural basis and
scriptural template for missions today? Please give your reasons.
What have you learned from the life of Paul, that will challenge how you
respond to God Almighty?
22nd June 2010
33
UNIT ONE & TWO

ASSESSMENT
EXAMINATION
This is an Open Book examination and you will be allowed

to refer to your class notes and any reference that you have
with you.
Time allowed for this examination is one hour and the mark
will be out of 100.
Please place your Name and Student number on the top of
each page before you submit your examination for
assessment.
Question One: Explain in your own words what is The Call of
God
Question Two: Name 5 people, mentioned in the Old
Testament, who received a Call of God upon
their lives.
Question Three:What do you believe was the specific Call of
God that was placed upon the life of Gideon?
Question Four: Briefly explain the Abrahamic Covenant
promised by God Almighty, if Abraham was
obedient to His calling.
Question Five: Name somebody from the Old Testament who
you believe did not follow the Call of God
upon his life and state your reasons for this
view.
22nd June 2010
34
UNIT 3 CALL OF THE

DISCIPLES
[Reference John Mac Arthurs Bible Studies :
The Masters Men (Moody Press)
ISBN 0-8024-5106-3]
The words defining their call [Matt. 10:1 (a)]

And when He had called them unto Himself - His twelve disciples
The Greek word for the call is proskaleomia
Kaleo to call, pros towards; meaning to call to oneself.
This same word is used in Acts 13:2, to separate out Barnabas & Saul to call them to
oneself.
Notice in verse 10:1 they are called as disciples : (Greek: mathetes, meaning a learner,
(or an apprentice).
After they have received proper instructions they were referred to as apostles; (Greek
apostolos; meaning to be sent)
They were originally sent as missionaries to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
(Matt. 10:6) and to preach that The kingdom of heaven is at hand. (Matt. 10:7)
THE PHASES OF THEIR CALLING:

1. Conversion: In John 1:35-51 we have an account of their initial calling to conversion
(salvation) in the lives of the 12 disciples.
2. Ministry: Second Phase (Matt. 4:18-22) is where Jesus calls them to leave their secular jobs
and to follow Him exclusively.
3. Internship: They were initially sent out in twos (Mark 6:7). At this stage of their development
they were not ready to be on their own. Jesus is acting like a mother eagle, watching over her little
eaglets, watching them begin to fly. After their initial (trial missionary journeys) they returned to
be with Jesus for more advanced teaching having now experienced first-hand some of the
problems of being a missionary.
4. Final Sending: The fourth phase in the calling of the disciples is after the resurrection and
Jesus breathes the Holy Spirit upon them inside the locked room. This is confirmed after the
ascension of Jesus Christ, when they all receive the empowerment of the Holy Spirit at
Pentecost.
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35
CALL OF THE
DISCIPLES (contd)
1.
Outline History of the Apostles:

After considerable time in prayer, Jesus selected 12 disciples from among his
followers, to become apprentices, to work with Him, and learn from Him. These
people were as below:The Inner Circle:
1.
2.
3.
2.
The Quiet Workers:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
3.
2.
3.
James (the lesser)

Jude
Simon (the Zealot)
The Traitor:
1.
5.
Andrew bar Jonas (brother of Simon Peter)

Philip
Bartholomew (also known as Nathanael)
Thomas (Didymus)
Matthew (Levi)
The Little Known:

1.
4.
Simon bar Jonas (Simon Peter)

James (the elder)
John (the beloved disciple)
Judas (Iscariot)
Added later:
1.
2.
Matthias (to replace Judas Iscariot) [ Acts 1:23-26]

Saul/Paul (Acts 13:9]
The first 12 people selected by Jesus were the eye witnesses to all the events
which are recorded in the New Testament Gospels.
The following study will endeavour to establish what effects the encounter with
Jesus Christ had upon their lives.
22nd June 2010
36
CALL OF THE
DISCIPLES (contd)
WHO ARE THE APOSTLES?
The Apostles are the Foundations of the Church with Jesus Christ
Himself being the Chief Corner-stone. (Eph. 2:20)
They were foundational in terms of leadership & authority.
In terms of Divine Revelation (Eph. 3:5) they were responsible for writing
most of the New Testament.
They were responsible for framing most of the early church theology [The
Apostles Doctrine] (Acts 2:42)
Apostles were called and given by God to the Body of Christ for the
following reasons:
For the Perfecting of the saints
For the Work of the Ministry
For the Edifying of the Body of Christ
For Raising up the Body of Christ to a level of full maturity
As stated in Eph 4:11-12
Identity of the Apostles: [Matt. 10:2-4]
Simon bar Jonas (called Peter)

Andrew bar Jonas (Peters brother)
James bar Zebedee
John bar Zebedee (James's brother)
Philip
Bartholomew (also called Nathanael)
Thomas
Matthew (the Tax Collector)
James bar Alpheus
Simon, the Canaanite (the Zealot)
Judas Iscariot (the betrayer)
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37
CALL OF THE
DISCIPLES (contd)
ORDER OF MENTION:
In all the Gospels, Simon Peter is always mentioned first.

Was he called first? NO! but he was (Greek Protos) first in rank (not in terms of
authority, or essence, but in terms of function.
Peter was the Leader of the Twelve following Jesus Christ.
[Notice than even among Apostles there is order.]
Group One:
Group Two:
Group Three
Peter, Andrew, James, & John

Philip, Bartholomew (Nathanael), Thomas, Matthew
James bar Alpheus, Lebbeaus (Thaddaeus), Simon (the zealot), Judas Iscariot
Their names may appear at various times in a different order but always within
the same groupings.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE GROUPINGS:
The groupings are arranged in order of intimacy with Jesus Christ.

We can see from the Scriptures that Jesus was very close to those in Group 1, and much
is written about them.
Less information and contact seems to exist about His relationship with the Apostles
within the second group, whilst
Little or no information is known about His relationship with the Apostles within the third
group except for the words written about Judas Iscariot.
This could explain why the Apostles argued about who was going to be in positions of
authority and status, when they sit beside Jesus Christ in Heaven. As a result of this
argument, Jesus rebuked them!
There was in fact a leader for each group:
22nd June 2010
The whole 12 Apostles:

The leader of Group 1:
Simon Peter
Simon Peter
Philip
James bar Alpheus
38
CALL OF THE
DISCIPLES
(contd)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
Throughout time, God Almighty has chosen, what appears to us (in secular
terms) as unqualified men and women to serve Him and to execute His
purpose throughout mankind. As we continue with The Call of God let us
reflect on the people we know who God has called and used.
Noah:
Got drunk and conducted himself in a lewd manner yet he served
God faithfully all the days of his life
Abraham: Doubted God, lied about his wife, and committed adultery
Isaac:
Sinned as his father had taught him, lying about his wife to Abimelech
Jacob: Extorted his birthright from his brother Esau, deceived his father and
raised a family of immoral children
Joseph: Was called by God to save a nation, but was hated by his own
brothers
Moses: Was a murderer, acting in pride. He tried to steal the glory from God
by striking the rock to get water from it, instead of obediently speaking to it as
God had commanded.
Aaron: The first high priest, led Israel to worship the golden calf and the
accompanying orgy and destruction, which prevented the first copy of the Law
being delivered to the people of Israel.
Joshua: Was so deceived by the Gibeonites that he made a treaty with them,
instead of destroying them, as God had told him to do. Because of his
disobedience, Israel was troubled endlessly by them.
Gideon: Had no confidence in himself and even less confidence in Gods plan
to defeat an enemy of over 300,000 men with just 300 men and no weapons.
Samson: Was Gods clown - marked as a man with a lustful love for a
wretched woman.
Ruth:
Was in the Messianic line of Jesus Christ, yet she was an accursed
Moabitess.
Samuel: Was only a child, when he began to faithfully serve the Lord.
22nd June 2010
39
CALL OF THE
DISCIPLES
(contd)
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
David: Was a ladies man, an adulterer, a murderer, a poor

father, and a man with innocent bloody upon his hands, so
God wouldnt allow him to build the Temple.
Solomon: Was the worlds leading polygamist, but built
Gods first temple.
Isaiah: He put his trust in a human king instead of God.
Ezekiel: Was a brash, tough, strong-minded, crusty, saywhat-you-think, type of priest.
Daniel: Was educated in a pagan country and taught the
wisdom of the bitter and hasty Chaldeans
Hosea: Was commanded by God to marry a prostitute and
then later to divorce her and later still, to marry her again.
Jonah: Defied God in direct disobedience, and got horribly
upset when the gentile city of Nineveh was converted and
not destroyed.
Habakkuk: Questioned Gods Divine Plan
Elijah: Was able to handle 850 false prophets, but ran like
a frightened maniac, from just one woman under the
spiritual influence of Jezebel.
Saul/Paul: Was a former Christian killer
Timothy: Was ashamed of Christ and had to be rebuked
by Paul.
22nd June 2010
40
CALL OF THE
DISCIPLES
(contd)
1.
CONTRASTS IN TEMPERAMENT:
Among the 12 disciples, there are extreme contrasts in
temperament, for example:Peter & John:
1.
2.
2.
Nathanael & Thomas:

1.
2.
3.
Nathanael: A man who was always ready to believe. In John 1, he just

accepted the facts. He didnt seem to doubt anything. He was willing to
receive it all without question.
Thomas: A complete opposite to Nathanael. He would not believe
anything, unless he could read it, see it, or touch it for himself.
Matthew & Simon (the Zealot):

1.
2.
4.
Peter: A man of action, impulsive and eager to please. He is known as

the Apostle with the foot-shaped mouth, because he was always
opening his mouth and putting his foot in it. He was always blurting out,
speaking before putting his mind into gear always in a hurry, charging
ahead, sometimes even ahead of God.
John: A quieter contemplative man, a man of prayer, a man who knew
how to get close to Jesus to have a personal relationship with Him. He
is reported to have rested his head on the chest of Jesus Christ Himself
at the Last Supper.
Matthew: Worked with the Roman Government, extorting taxes from

the locals and from the Jews, a much hated man by the Jewish
community.
Simon (The Zealot): A zealot was a revolutionary (today we call them
terrorists) whose main goal was to overthrow the Roman occupation of
their homeland. Note: If Simon had met Matthew anywhere else except in the presence of Jesus Christ, he would have stuck a knife
into him.
SEE HOW POWERFUL JESUS IS!!!
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41
CALL OF THE
DISCIPLES : (contd)
The call of Simon (Peter)
bar Jonas
His name: (Simon) was a common name a

native of Bethsaida, a little village in Galilee.
His profession: Fisherman, with more than one
fishing boat. He was a businessman.
By nature: He was a shifty person
Brought to Jesus Christ: by his brother (Andrew
bar Jonah)
Received his calling: at the same time as
Andrew
He was married: (Because the Lord healed his
mother-in-law in Luke 4:38) and he took his wife
with him on his missionary journeys (1 Cor. 9:5)
Jesus changed his name to Peter (Greek
Petros meaning pebble, Cephas in Aramaic.)
Jesus referred to him in three ways:
22nd June 2010
Peter: 100% spiritual

Simon: 100% carnal
Simon Peter: a mixture of the two
42
CALL OF THE DISCIPLES : (contd)

The call of Simon (Peter) bar Jonas
Each time Jesus addressed him, he received a different

message
Jesus called him to be a leader
How does God make him a leader? What are the
essential ingredients for good leadership?
The right raw material:
1.
The right experiences:
2.
His great revelation

His great reward
His great remission
His great rejection
His great re-commissioning
His great realisation of salvation
The right lessons:
3.
22nd June 2010
Inquisitive
Initiative
Involvement
Submission
Restraint
Humility
Sacrifice
Love
Courage
43
CALL OF THE
DISCIPLES : (contd)
The call of Andrew
bar Jonas
His name means manly a native of Bethsaida, a little village in

Galilee.
Profession: Fisherman
Prior to following Jesus: Andrew had been a pious godly, Godfearing Jew. He was a disciple of John the Baptist, who said to
Andrew & John: Behold the Lamb of God (John 1:36). When
they heard this they immediately followed after Jesus.
They stayed with Jesus for one day and then Andrew went straight
away to call his brother (Simon (John 1:36 b),as Andrew wanted to
immediately share the good news with his brother.
After this encounter, they went back to their fishing nets to catch
more fish. They now have belief they are saved, but they have
yet to be called.
In Matt. 4:18-20 we see Jesus goes to them, at their boats, to call
them to Himself, to become fishers of men.
Characteristics of Andrew:
His proclamation about Jesus

His position among the Apostles
His portrait in Johns Gospel
22nd June 2010
The incidental circumstances

A) John 1:40-42a
B) John 6:8-9
C) John 12:20-22
The identified characteristics
A) His openness (Matt. 10:6) He brought anybody to Jesus Jews and Gentiles
alike.
B) His simple faith. He brought the boy with the 5 loaves and 2 fishes to Jesus,
to feed the 5,000.
44
CALL OF THE
DISCIPLES : (contd)
The call of James
bar Zebedee
The third name, in the first group or innermost group of Apostles

with Jesus.
He does not appear in any Gospel except his brothers (John) and
his name appears before that of his brother, indicating leadership
not age but also indicating the humility of John, who never
mentions himself in his own Gospel.
He was also a fisherman, but from a wealthy family, who employed
servants in their business (Mark 1:20)
Characteristics of James: Jesus called James and John
Boanerges, which means: Sons of thunder (Mark 3:17)
He was: Passionate, zealous, fervent, wild-eyed, ambitious,

aggressive,
Jesus rebuked him for being zealous, without sensitivity.

(Lu. 9:51-56)
[Being zealous is good , but without sensitivity it can cause

damage]
James wanted a position of power and authority. Jesus told him

he would get a crown but not the way he expected. (Matt.
20:25-28) Before you get your crown you will have to
suffer, for the way to the throne is always through the
cross.
14 years later, he was the first martyr having his head

chopped off by King Herod (Acts 12:1-4a)
He wanted a crown Jesus gave him a cup (of suffering)
He wanted power Jesus gave him servant hood
He want to rule Jesus gave him a martyrs grave (from which

he will rule in glory forever)
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45
CALL OF THE
DISCIPLES : (contd)
The call of John bar
Zebedee
Apostle John had all the same characteristics as his brother

(James), yet he was:
Johns character is best described in 2 words: LOVE,

WITNESS.
John was for many years (after the death of Paul) the
Apostle in Ephesus, and was later banished to the Isle of
Patmos, because he refused to stop preaching the Gospel
of Jesus Christ.
He is credited with writing the following New Testament
Books:
Sectarian, narrow-minded, unbending, ridiculously intolerant

(Mark 9:38)
Jesus changed his character to become one of
uncompromising love.
The Gospel of John

1, 2, 3 John, and
The Book of Revelation
Apostle John was the only apostle to die a natural death.
22nd June 2010
46
CALL OF THE
DISCIPLES : (contd)
The call of Philip
The Apostle
Philip is a Greek name meaning: Lover of horses and he is not to be confused

with Philip the Deacon who is referred to in Acts chapter 6.
Philip is always mentioned as the leader of the second group.
All the Disciples were Jews so Philip must have also had a Hebrew name, but there is
no record of it.
Philip was from Bethsaida, the same village as Simon Peter and Andrew and they were
probably friends, before they followed Jesus all being fisherman.
When Greeks went to see Jesus, they always approached Philip first. He was the person
who had the responsibility of welcoming and introducing people to Christ.
The first 3 Gospels dont tell us anything about Philip just his name, yet he
gets mentioned 4 times in Johns Gospel, so we can get a snapshot of what type
of person he was.
Philip is the first disciple to be directly called by Jesus. (Jn. 1:43-46)
Philip was a person with a receptive heart, who straightway went and found
Nathanael after the Lord told him to Follow Me.
Philip is tested by Jesus in Jn. Chapter 6, after seeing Jesus change water into
wine (Jn. 2:1-11) and miracles and healings all day.
Knowing that Philip has studied the Prophets, Jesus challenges him with
the question: Philip, where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?
He should have known that God is able to provide in abundance by

multiplication (2 Kings 4:42-44)
He should have also realised that Jesus was the bread of life. In this
situation Philip was looking at the questions from Jesus in a purely secular
manner.
Jesus was trying to teach Philip about Faith (the evidence of things
unseen) but alas, Philip fails this test.
Despite this failure, Jesus does not reject him or send him from their
midst. A wonderful lesson to learn for all of us, when we fail Gods
tests He still loves us anyway!!!
That should be enough to encourage us to get up when we fall and

continue to serve God as best we can, learning from our mistakes.
22nd June 2010
47
CALL OF THE
DISCIPLES : (contd)
The call of Nathanael
(Bartholomew)
His first name is Nathanael, which means Gift of God and his family
name is Bartholomew, which means son of Tolmai.
Nathanael is a direct contrast to Philip. Here is a man full of faith, a
student of the Scriptures, and very much in awe of the supernatural.
He came from Cana in Galilee and there is only one passage in the
Bible which tells us anything about him (Jn. 1:45-51)
Unfortunately he exhibits the sin of prejudice; (v.46) Can anything
good come out of Nazareth?
However, despite his prejudice, he still comes to seek out Jesus, and
Jesus does not hold his statement against him (v.47). As they
approached, Jesus said: Here comes an honest man a true son of
Israel.
[Check out Rom. 2:28-29 for the difference between a true Jew and a
person from Israel.]
When Jesus reveals how He knows Nathanael, (check additional

references for the explanation of the significance of the fig tree.)
Then Nathanael makes a confession of faith about who Jesus really
is.
Nathanael is promised that he will see mighty things and that he will
see the heavens opened and angels coming in and out of heaven. In
fact Jesus promises Nathanael that his spiritual eyes will be opened
and that he will be able to see into what we call the supernatural.
Let us all pray to receive this promise from the Lord, so we also can
see into the supernatural and hear clearly from the Lord.
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CALL OF THE
DISCIPLES : (contd)
The call of Matthew
the Tax Collector
Matthew is mentioned in all 4 lists of the Apostles always in the

same group, but very little is said about him as a person, except in
one incident which is reported in Matt. 9:9-13, Mk. 2:14-17 and Lu.
5:27-32.
Matthew is the only disciple who is identified by his profession.
Throughout the whole Gospel, Matthew:
Never asks a question which is worth recording

Never makes a comment which is worth recording
Never appears in any other incident
Matthew was a much hated person (find the reasons)

His calling by Jesus:
When Matthew left the tax collectors table, he left his employer forever.
The other disciples could go back to their nets and to fishing, if things did
not work out but to leave the Romans meant that they would quickly
replace you, so the job continued and the taxes kept getting collected.
Matthew made a total commitment to Jesus there was no going back
for him. He put his life and his well being into the hands of Jesus
Matthew holds a feast at his house so that Jesus could preach to the
outcasts.
Matthew has a heart for the lost.
Matthew is credited with writing the Gospel of Matthew.
A Gospel of Life to the Jews written by a person that they hated.
Matthew returned love for hate.
A MIGHTY LESSON FOR US ALL TO LEARN !!!
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CALL OF THE
DISCIPLES : (contd)
The call of Thomas
the Doubter
History records him as the Doubter. Unfortunately they fail to

identify his Good Points.
He was devoted to Jesus Christ (Jn. 11:16)
He was slow to comprehend the Words of Jesus (Jn. 14:1-14) yet it
is Philip (not Thomas) in this account, who asks for further proof.
He was absent when Jesus appeared in the locked room on the day
of His resurrection. (Jn. 20:24)
He received irrefutable proof eight (8) days later, when Jesus
commanded him to: Put your fingers into My hands. Put your
hands into My side. Dont be faithless any longer Believe. (Jn.
20:27)
His reply to Jesus in verse 28 sums up the rest of his life.
The Church of South India (Mathoma) is a living testimony to his
dedication, as this church has been continually active ever since he
went there in the first century to plant churches in India, where he
was killed and where his remains are still buried to this day. In fact,
with the exception of the churches referred to in the New Testament,
it is one of the oldest church organizations in the world, as it started
in about 70 A.D.
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CALL OF THE
DISCIPLES : (contd)
The call of James,
the son of Alphaeus
The only thing that the Bible tells us about him is his name.
His inferred characteristics are as below:
Irrespective of any of these things, Jesus chose him to be an Apostle, and as such he would
have taught the truth of the kingdom, healed the sick, and cast out demons.
He was among the first order of kingdom preachers after Christ Himself, and he will reign on a
throne, ruling over the 12 tribes of Israel, in the new millennium (after the return of Jesus Christ).
Here is another example that the Lord uses ordinary people to do extra-ordinary things
silent, unknown soldiers of the kingdom, who we wont know about until Jesus returns for His
bride and all is revealed.
He is a clear example of the nameless people who are referred to in Heb. 11:33-38, who
through faith, subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouth
of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were
made strong, became valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.
Women received their dead raised back to life, other were tortured, not accepting deliverance,
that they might obtain a better resurrection.
Others had trials of cruel mockings, and scourgings, bonds of imprisonments, being stoned,
sawn in two, were tested, slain by the sword, wandering around in sheepskins or goatskins,
being destitute, afflicted, torment, all for Christs sake.
His implied family: This possibility makes him Matthews brother and the cousin of Jesus Christ
Himself.
IMPORTANT LESSONS:
In Mark 15:40 he is called James the lesser. The Greek word used is mikros, meaning little.
[Little James]
He could have been small in stature, or
Young in age, or
Of Little influence.
Learn not to concentrate on the people Jesus Christ used, their methods, or their techniques but
concentrate on Jesus Christ Himself!!!
Learn that what is important is to be AVAILABLE TO HIS CALL!!!
Dont say: IM NOT PERFECT I CANT DO IT!!! If Jesus calls you He will equip you to
undertake the tasks you have been selected to accomplish for Gods glory.
DONT LET JESUS DOWN HE DID NOT LET YOU DOWN WHEN HE WENT TO THE
CROSS!!!
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CALL OF THE
DISCIPLES : (contd)
The call of Lebbaeus,
son of Thaddaeus
He is named in Matt. 10:3 as Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus.

He is also referred to in Lu. 6:16, and Acts 1:13, as Judas, the son of James in Jn. 14:21 and as
Judas (not Iscariot) hence the same person crops up in the scriptures with two (2) names
one his Hebrew birth name and the other his Hebrew nicknames.
His Hebrew birth name means Jehovah leads
Thaddaeus comes from the Hebrew root thad meaning female breast hence he was
nicknamed the breast-child probably because he was the baby of the family, or because he
was cherished by his mother.
Lebbaeus comes from the Hebrew root leb meaning heart, so he was the heart-child, a
man of courage.
In Jn. 14:21 there is a statement made by Jesus which Thaddaeus questions.
The one who obeys me is the one who loves me; and because he loves me, my Father
will love him also; and I will too, and I will reveal Myself to him.
Judas (not Iscariot, but His other disciple with that name) said to Him: Sir, why are you going to
reveal yourself only to us disciples and not to the world at large?
Jesus explained this to him and the rest of the disciples again: I can only be revealed to people
who are tuned into Me. [If we are not tuned in to Jesus, then He cannot reveal Himself to us!!!]
He came into the world (which He created) but the world received Him not
Because the king of this world has blinded their eyes to the truth about Jesus Christ
Even the Jews who knew the promises of the Messiah down through the ages, as told to them by
the prophets, did not recognise him in great numbers.
Early Church Tradition: States that Thaddaeus was a gifted healer and healed many people
including the king of Syria, name Agar, who became a Christian.
His historical symbol in the early church was a big club, as tradition depicts that he was beaten
to death with a club. If any part of this legend is true it shows that he was a courageous man,
faithful to the Lord to the very end.
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CALL OF THE
DISCIPLES : (contd)
The call of Simon
the Zealot
His proper title appears in Matt.10:4 as Simon the Canaanite

Unfortunately this maybe a mistranslation of the Greek word Kananios
which refers to a geographical area located in Canaan.
A more accurate translation is from the Hebrew word Quanna which

means to be jealous and referred to those people who were jealous of
the Law.
In Lu. 6:15, Simon is referred to as Simon, called Zelotes. This Greek

word has the same meaning as the Hebrew word Quanna referred to
above a man jealous of the Law.
He may have also been a member of the political party in Judaism called
the Zealots who had, as part of their policies, the protection of the Jewish
state, its heritage, and to rid itself of the oppression of the Romans.
As a follower of Christ, he must have continued to manifest that same fiery zeal,
as when has was a zealot but he did not kill Matthew (the Tax collector)
showing that Jesus had a direct influence on his immediate life after salvation.
Read the History of the zealots and marvel at how Jesus changed Simon,
so that he did not participate in these activities any longer.
Notice the comment about his partner in ministry [Judas Iscariot]
Simon the jealous one was changed by Jesus.
Judas Iscariot (the traitor) was not.
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CALL OF THE
DISCIPLES : (contd)
The call of Judas
Iscariot the traitor
Judas, a common name, was the Greek for of Judah - the land of Gods
people. Many scholars indicate that Judas comes from the root which means
Jehovah leads, while others think it comes from the root word which means
one who is the object of praise.
Iscariot comes from the Hebrew word ish which means man and Kerioth
meaning the name of a town. In fact Judas Iscariot was a man from Kerioth
the only man to be named among the disciples by his geographical origin.
This is important, because he was a Judean Jew the only non-Galilean
Jew. Since all the rest of the disciples came from Galilee, he was separate right
from the beginning always left out the outsider.
23 miles south of Jerusalem and 7 miles from Hebron, are a cluster of villages,
one of which is called Kerioth. Out of this small town came a child who was to
become the most hated man on earth hated even more than Hitler.
Why did Jesus choose Judas Iscariot?
In each case its a paradox. If it means Jehovah leads there was never an individual
who was more obviously lead by satan than was Judas.
If it means one who is the object of praise there is never a man who is more
unworthy of praise that Judas Iscariot.
Jesus knew that Judas would betray Him.

Read Ps. 41:9, Ps. 55:12-14, 20b-21, Zechariah 11:12-13.
The prophets clearly told that one of His chosen family would betray Him for 30 pieces of
silver.
Matt. 26:14-16 simply records the fulfilment of these prophecies.
In Jn. 17:12 Jesus in praying to His Father reminds Him that He has kept all that has
been given to Him except the son of perdition that the scriptures maybe fulfilled.
Jesus chose Judas to fulfil Gods plan for the salvation of mankind.
Because Judas helped Jesus to fulfil Gods plan for the salvation of the world,
will he be accepted into Heaven?
NO! because after he realised his deeds, He could have asked for forgiveness,
and been forgiven - instead of hanging himself.
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UNIT 3 ASSIGNMENT
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
The students will gather into small groups of 2-3 people and undertake the
following group research on the 12 disciples.
All facilities of the College Library, outside book sources, Internet, etc. maybe
used to gather the necessary relevant information.
The students will identify and record how each of the disciples were called by
(or introduced to) Jesus Christ.
What was the profession of each disciple before he was called by Jesus?
What differences (if any) did it make in their lives after they were called by
Jesus?
What did Jesus teach them which was so important to the rest of their lives?
How were these disciples equipped by Jesus:1.
Before His crucifixion and resurrection
2.
After His resurrection
What was the result of the command by Jesus that they were to be the sent
ones to go and preach the Gospel to all nations?
In your opinion, what was the individual contribution (s) of each Apostle to the
Body of Christ?
Explain how and where you believe each of the Apostle died.
UNTI THREE ASSIGNMENT

The students will prepare a written group presentation of at least 1,000 words,
explaining the results of their research and addressing the 8 points mentioned
above.
A group mark will be assigned to each group presentation, and each student in
their respective groups will receive their groups mark.
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UNIT 4
PARTNERSHIP
WITH GOD
Looking back over the last three (3) units, we have examined many people who
have received The Call of God upon their lives.
Some like Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Gideon, went on to trust God for their
whole existence they were In partnership with God as they went about their
daily lives.
They had to learn to pray to God to actually set up a dialogue with Him,
explaining their desires, their hurts, their fears, their frustrations, etc. and then
listening to God point them in the right direction they should go. These people had a
Good Partnership with God.
On the other hand, we have Samson, a man called by God, but who was a person
who kept letting the flesh get in the way of his calling. When he was scripturally in
line with Gods Word and Gods purposes for his life, he did mighty things, which
have not been replicated in scripture since. However, when he allowed the flesh to
take over, then Gods people were made to suffer.
[Notice: when a man called by God is disobedient to his calling, other

people around him will suffer]. This was a Bad Partnership with God.
When we look at these men who were called by God, both in the Old Testament
and in the New Testament, they all received provisions from God, whilst they were
performing tasks for Him. With the exception of Paul (who made tents to support his
ministry) the called people of the Bible were unable to work for most of their lives
but Gods provisions for them was more than enough.
Today, we have to look at famous men and women of God and learn from
them, because what we learn, we must then put into practise in our own, individual
(and collective) lives, so that our lives bring glory and honour to Him.
The students will break up into small groups and discuss the relevance of the
concepts mentioned above, and then make a presentation to the whole class about
their group findings.
22nd June 2010
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UNIT 5 THE CALL TO

CHRISTIAN SERVICE
Biblically there is a:
Call to Salvation
(Rom. 1:6, Rom. 8:28)
Call to sanctification, completion & maturity

(1 Cor. 1:9)
Call to full-time Christian Service

(Heb. 5:4, Acts 13:2)
Commands are for all Christians,
Calls are for a particular few.
The Call of God:
Begins with a burden
Involves desire
(Jer. 20:9)
Is evidenced by fruit
(Jn. 15:16)
Some people are called:
Immediately when converted
(The Apostles)
Suddenly and clearly

(1 Sam. 3:10)
Gradually
There are at least three (3) tests of a Genuine Call of God.
Compulsion, in the form of conviction
Competence in Evidence
(2 Tim. 2:24)
Churchs observation of your fitness to serve

Some Questions about the Call of God
Are you genuinely converted?
Are you growing in maturity in your Christian life?
Pure motives requires rigid self-examination
Possess physical & mental abilities to serve?
Love for people?
Love for the Church of Jesus Christ?
Love for Jesus?
What evidence of burden for the lost?
Successful fruit in past Ministry?
Preparedness?
Willingness to become prepared?
22nd June 2010
57
UNIT 5 THE CALL TO

CHRISTIAN SERVICE
(contd)
Gods Calling is Gods Enablement

(Matt. 16:18)
A call to full-time service, is a call to prepare. (The disciples spent 3
years in preparation before they were commissioned to
serve.)
Sometimes God calls through another person, or a vision (Come
over to Macedonia and help us).
A need alone is not a call!!!
Enter a call not for what you can get out of it but what God can
get out of you!
Many are called, but only a few are chosen but all are bound
to glorify and serve God. Every disciple is a minister, and an
evangelist, if they give their testimonies in public. That is why we are
all challenged to be always willing to give our testimonies, in
season and out of season.
A calling is an undeserved honour
Gather information, weigh the pros. & cons, pursue wisdom & single
mindedness, decide in faith.
The Word of God must confirm a calling (1 Tim. Chapter 3)
22nd June 2010
58
UNIT 5:
ASSIGNMENT:
EVALUATING OUR CALL:

The students will review the evidence of the Call of God
upon the lives of the people studied in all of the previous units, with
a view to directing their findings inwardly towards their own personal
lives.
Romans 8:28b: states that God calls us each by name and
each according to His divine plan and according to His divine
purposes.
Therefore, the students will examine their own lives, based
upon the evidence mentioned above, and prepare a Confidential
Report, which will only be read by the student and their respective
Teacher. This report will detail the Students own experiences.
Based upon these experiences, and the criteria above, the
student will:1.
2.
3.
4.
Identify the Call of God upon their life

How that call was made
How that call was confirmed
Define the specific steps the student has taken (or will now take)
to put that Call of God into effect in their lives.
22nd June 2010
59

CTTNBC - 001 - Course Outline - The Call of God

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Called to the

22nd June 2010

Revision: A Rev. Dr J. D. Camm

UNIT 5 EVALUATING OUR CALL

A confidential report between the student and the

Each of the Unit assignments will accrue 20%

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DEFINITION: The Call of God is a series of events, situations,

THE CALL OF GOD UPON NOAH [Genesis 6] [4289]

God spoke to Noah and revealed to him that He planned to

Of every clean animal

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When the rains came no mercy for the sinners!!!

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Once assured by the Lord that God is with him, to guide

He makes a golden ephod which becomes a problem for all of

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Identify and discuss verses or passages of

Each group will make a combined submission, for

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UNIT 2: EXAMPLES OF THE CALL OF GOD

CASE STUDY 1: MOSES [4307]

(Ex. 2:1, 6:20)

His Early Life:

His birth in turbulent times

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Moses leaves Egypt as a prince and God gives him the

One blow struck when Gods time is fulfilled is

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God Replies: I AM WHO I AM and WHAT I

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GOD GETS ANGRY WITH MOSES!!!

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The faith of his family

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References in Thompsons Chain Reference Bible as below:

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His Family and early life: