Who Are You Really Called by God to be in the World Today? ⋆ Effie Darlene Barba %

As we completed the book of Revelations back in February, I remember a request to do a study in Romans. Certainly, one of the most important books to delve deeply into its contents. Therein we are told who we are really called by God to be in the world today. Also, we are given in-depth explanation of the three major covenants of God. The Abrahamic Covenant, the Davidic Covenant, and the Covenant with the Church. Although each are different Covenants. Yet, God will always fulfill His Covenant; regardless of humanities failure to keep ours. Hence, why we must understand each.

Christianity is explained and presented in the Book of Romans in such a manner that as Pastor Ray Stedman wrote,

“If you had nothing but the book of

Romans, you would have every vital Christian

teaching in the New Testament – in capsule form at

least. It touches upon all the basic truths of Chris-

tian doctrine and teachings. So, if you master the

book of Romans, you have the key to all the

Scriptures, Old and New Testaments alike.”¹

_{¹ Stedman, Ray; Simple Christianity; Date: April 29, 1962 Series: Romans (Series I): https://www.raystedman.org/romans1/pdf/0005.pdf Accessed 6/29/2025}

Furthermore, this in-depth expository study in theology was inspired by the Holy Spirit. And given through one of God’s most prepared students of the Old Testament. That highly prepared student was then taught by Jesus via revelation in the wilderness post His salvation. Guided carefully with the Holy Spirit, He became the perfect teacher of doctrine.

Galatians 1: 1, 11-19

Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead…. For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel. For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone; nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days. But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord’s brother. Galatians 1: 1, 11-19 ESV.

Called by God to Be an Slave

Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God Romans 1:1a NKJV

Paul who was formerly named Saul was born into a wealthy Roman/Jewish family. He had every right as a Roman Citizen. Furthermore, from a very young age was taught the Old Testament Scripture. Schooled by the Masters of his times. As he spoke,

“I am indeed a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, taught according to the strictness of our fathers’ law, and was zealous toward God as you all are today. I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women, as also the high priest bears me witness, and all the council of the elders, from whom I also received letters to the brethren, and went to Damascus to bring in chains even those who were there to Jerusalem to be punished. “Now it happened, as I journeyed and came near Damascus at about noon, suddenly a great light from heaven shone around me. And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’ So I answered, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.’ Acts 22: 3-8 NKJV

Yet, this is who began his letter referring to himself as a bondservant of Jesus Christ. Bondservant is a fancy word for “slave.” Not a paid servant. Paul declared himself a slave by choice. Bound to Jesus Christ due to love and devotion. Dying to everything within himself, to live for Christ.

Called by God to Be Given New Life with a New Name

For I through the law died to the law that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.” Galatians 2:19-21 NKJV

The name Saul meant asked for, prayed for, requested. A name of distinction and power. Yet, God gave him a new name: Paul. Paul means small, humble, insignificant. As salutation in every letter, he begins as Paul. No longer proud of all his studies, citizenship, and achievements. Instead, now he recognized himself as totally insignificant. Why? He met Jesus along the road to Damascus. After that he saw his righteousness as nothing more than filthy rags. He realized the significance of the statement, “The Just Shall Live by Faith”.

Who are the just? Those whom God has justified. Once saved, our only hope is to live by faith in Jesus Christ. Where does faith come from? Not from these broken hands of mine. Rather, faith comes by the work of the Holy Spirit within us. Faith develops as we grow in our knowledge of Jesus Christ. In as much, we also grow in our knowledge of God, the Father. And we are enriched by the Holy Spirit’s power within us. That is faith. Knowing the perfectly all-powerful, all knowing, just, righteous God, full of Mercy, love, grace and joy. Then grasping that immutable fact, faith is clinging ever so tightly to this truth. He rewards all who diligently seek Him. Knowing our frailty, He deals with us as little children.

Called by God to be a part of the Gospel Story

Paul jumped right into the truth of the gospel message.

to the gospel of God which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name, Romans 1:2-5 NKJV

As we break this down. In one long sentence, Paul explained the deity of Jesus, the trinity, the power of His resurrection, and the grace which brings about both justification and sanctification. He even points out that those being saved are for His Name’s sake. This grace bringing the gentiles into the fold as His church, His bride is the gospel message. All this succinctly packaged in these few verses. Let it sink in. He even says all this was told in the Old Testament. The mystery revealed, though it was always there for any whose eyes would see.

Called by God to be Saints

among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ; To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints. Romans 1: 6-7 NKJV

Called to be saints. I can only be declared a Saint by God. He is the one who calls me to be His Child, draped in the righteousness of Jesus Christ His Son. Later we will go into more depth, but this is the introduction to what Paul goes on to write in Romans 8.

Now in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified. Romans 8:26-30 NASB

When I look deep within, I do not fully understand how; but one day I will look like Jesus. My heart will love like His does. I am daily one glory at a time being transformed. But one day I will be complete. Until then, I can rest assured, He will complete the work He began in me.

Called by God to be a Prisoner

Paul does then salute the church at Rome. It was born out of those who had traveled to Pentecost and returned saved. Yet, no formal teacher had gone there to declare the truths of the gospel. This we will discover further as we dissect the book and see some of the errors Paul will address in their teachings.

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers, making request if, by some means, now at last I may find a way in the will of God to come to you. For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established— that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.

Now I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that I often planned to come to you (but was hindered until now), that I might have some fruit among you also, just as among the other Gentiles. I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise. So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also. Romans 1:7-15 NKJV

God would grant Paul’s wish. However, little did Paul know his journey to Rome would be as a prisoner. From the elite, powerful, educated position of his youth to now a prisoner for Jesus Christ. A declared slave of the gospel. All for the absolute, overwhelming love and devotion to his Lord and Savior. Yet, he would have it no other way.

What About You and I?

Who Are You or I Really Called by God to be in the World Today? There is no more important task for our life than to spread the gospel. That is if you know Him as Lord and Savior. We see a world that is ever more plunging into darkness. Yet, we who are the called are called for more than just “get out of hell free card”. Nor are we called to do this on our own efforts. I will work harder to get into heaven. Perhaps if I try harder, I can have more faith. No, this is a step-by-step process that only God can do in us and through us. But are you and I willing to humbly recognize it is His work?

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” Romans 1:16-17 NKJV

How often do we fail to say anything? Are we ashamed of the gospel? It is the power of salvation for everyone who believes. Who have you told this past week. You hold in your hearts and minds the cure this world so desperately needs. Will you share that with someone today?

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

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Trust the One True Unvariable Almighty God Amid Today’s Chaos

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Please note: This Post only has quotes from the KJV Bible except where otherwise indicated

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