Publisher's Synopsis
Children Of His Calling is a study based upon the Apostle Peter's words penned to struggling Christians who had left their former way of life to follow Jesus. Imagine being engrossed in a certain culture and belief for years. Yourself, your family, friends, and livelihood are all entrenched in an acceptable way of doing things. Life is status quo and as far as you are concerned, friction with those you associate is minimal. There are expectations set by tradition. You are comfortable and seem to fit in well. Belief and tradition co-mingle with culture.
Then, God abruptly changes your heart, He opens your eyes to His truths. You see things differently; you are no longer comfortable with what was once acceptable. You begin questioning practices, some things do not seem quite right. The customs you adhered to then, now seem pointless, even misleading, and disingenuous. You doubt what you have believed, what you have 'bought into' for so many years.
As you begin to ask questions or point out discrepancies, you experience negative reactions from those close to you, raised eyebrows, disapproval, and the threat of alienation. It would be easier to suppress the Truth, pick up where you left off and pretend things are okay. It can be tempting to try and subdue or disregard your growing desire to follow Jesus. You realize there is a cost involved in leaving what you have known, what you have been taught, what you have followed, and that which is popular. You hear whispered words such as traitor; there are accusations of being disrespectful to family tradition, you are branded as a troublemaker.
This scenario was understood a few thousand years ago, and it is well understood today. The same words of encouragement from the Apostle Peter to those who had been called from their former way of life to follow Christ, are also words of encouragement for many now. Peter reminded believers they have a living hope far more valuable than anything they have left behind. The trials they face are temporary, their loss of acceptance small, when compared to the lasting value of eternal salvation.
Do you feel the pull of God's hand on your heart and in your soul? Do you find yourself continually drawn towards considering the truths in the Bible? God has chosen you for obedience, to be the recipient of His grace. Jesus died for the sins of all mankind, to purchase a place in heaven for those who place their trust in Him alone. He has showered His mercy upon you, not giving you what you deserve, but rather desiring to bless you with the inheritance of heaven.
Look around you, the gulf between Godly thinking and worldly acceptance is widening. It is true, standing for the Truth of the Gospel may alienate you from popular culture. However, standing for the Truth of the Gospel will afford you a purpose in Christ which will last through eternity. Are you prepared to focus on the confidence of your future in heaven, the value you have in Christ, and the purpose He has ordained for your life in Him?
