Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling

For those not familiar with an Anglican Service; there are four Scripture Readings before the Sermon. The Scripture Readings for this day were: 1 Samuel 3: 1-20; Psalm 139: 1-5,12-17; 1 Corinthians 6: 12-20 and John 1: 43-51.

In her book, A Man Called Peter, Catherine Marshall tells how her late preacher-husband felt a sense of destiny (P) a sense of call in his life. (Pause)

One dark night, Peter, then a young man, decided to take a shortcut across the Scottish moors.

He knew there was a deep deserted limestone quarry in that area, (P) but he was confident (P) he could avoid it.

Suddenly, he heard someone call, "Peter." There was great urgency in the voice.

Peter stopped and responded: "Yes who is it? What do you want?" There was no answer.

He walked a few more steps and then heard the voice calling still more urgently, "Peter!"

He paused then stumbled and fell on his knees.

Putting out his hand to catch himself, he found nothing there!!

He was at the very edge of the abandoned stone quarry.

Just One more step (P) would have meant certain death."

The calling that night (P) confirmed for Peter Marshall that he was clearly being called by God for the ministry.

And I am convinced that in the same way each of us has been called by God to fulfill a purpose, (P) to fulfill a spiritual calling in this life.

We are called to become a part of the Masters plan.

Our Gospel lesson and the Old Testament lesson also speak to this. (Pause)

Samuel, Philip, and Nathanael were called by God, and then fulfilled God�s plan for their lives.

This calling (P) this process can be divided into 3 steps, (1 Finger) the step of discovery, (2 Fingers) the step of decision, and (3 Fingers) thirdly, the step of action.

Discovery � Decision - Action

Today (P) I would like to look at these three steps and see how they apply to our lives.

How they apply to us as followers who have been called by God through our baptism (P) into a relationship with him.

First there is discovery:

Samuel heard someone calling him over and over and each time he was convinced it was Eli.

But with Eli�s help Samuel finally realized who was truly calling him , (P) it was Almighty God.

(Slow) Samuel made a discovery. It was God that was calling him.

God had called Samuel 3 times and each time Samuel was sure it was Eli.

Eli too was being utilized by God For it was Eli that gave Samuel insight in discovering the purpose of God�s call. (Pause)

Philip was also discovered by Jesus and called him to follow.

Then Philip found Nathanael and told him about Jesus, and called him to (P) Come and see!

When Jesus saw Nathanial coming toward him Jesus called to Nathanial and proclaimed what kind of man he was.

Beloved (P) Have you grasped the message in the Scriptures today.
(Slow) The initial calling always comes from God.

God discovers us (P) as we are. God discovers us (P) where we are.

And that call (P) that discovery (P) require us to make a decision.

God acts first (P) God makes the initial call to each of us.

So our initial step after God�s call is to �Come and See�.

The initial step (P) The first Step (P) of any undertaking is vital.

If you do not start the walk you cannot finish the walk.

Having a relationship with God is paramount in your