Called Out

The word Church actually means those called out, called out of the world and into the body of Christ.

That is why those who teach unity in diversity make a major mistake, they don't call people out of the world to practice Christ's teaching. They simply leave people to practice what they want.

To be the true church we have to be called out, it isn't optional. That means people have to be called to change their practices to follow Christ.

If you currently teach infant baptism or an unbiblical watered down baptism, you need to come out and do what Christ and the Apostles taught. If you worship different than what Christ taught, you need to come out of your way.

We are a called out people.

As mentioned in Matthew 13

hear

understand

convert

healed

Healing comes after a true conversion.

The calling of Christ comes from a word that means to exhort or invite. We offer an invitation every time we have church.

Interestingly, this is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit in Romans 12. It is the gift of asking people to do what is needed, whether in serving Christ after salvation or the initial steps of salvation, people have to be influenced to do what is right. It requires a special touch spoken in the right way.

It is different than teaching, which is a different gift.

Rom 12:6  HavingG2192 thenG1161 giftsG5486 differingG1313 accordingG2596 to theG3588 graceG5485 that is givenG1325 to us,G2254 whetherG1535 prophecy,G4394 let us prophesy accordingG2596 to theG3588 proportionG356 of faith;G4102

Rom 12:7  OrG1535 ministry,G1248 let us wait onG1722 our ministering:G1248 orG1535 he that teacheth,G1321 onG1722 teaching;G1319

Rom 12:8  OrG1535 he that exhorteth,G3870 onG1722 exhortation:G3874 he that giveth,G3330 let him do it withG1722 simplicity;G572 he that ruleth,G4291 withG1722 diligence;G4710 he that sheweth mercy,G1653 withG1722 cheerfulness.G2432

παράκλησις

paraklēsis

Thayer Definition:

1) a calling near, summons, (especially for help)

2) importation, supplication, entreaty

3) exhortation, admonition, encouragement

4) consolation, comfort, solace; that which affords comfort or refreshment

4a) thus of the Messianic salvation (so the Rabbis call the Messiah the consoler, the comforter)

5) persuasive discourse, stirring address

5a) instructive, admonitory, conciliatory, powerful hortatory discourse

Part of Speech: noun feminine

A Related Word by Thayer’s/Strong’s Number: from G3870

This is why God had multiple speakers in Church assemblies. Many are good teachers but lack the gift of exhortation. They lack the gift of asking for help from the body or calling people to repentence and baptism.

It is as if they are awkward and ineffective.

It can be argued such gifts passed from the church with tongues, prophecy, and knowledge; but the scriptures do not affirm they are removed from the church. Perhaps we simply do not believe in them so we do not look for members with such gifts.