Quite often I am guilty of reading the Scriptures with doctrinal glasses. I am reading in order to strengthen my theological convictions instead of allowing God to simply speak to me about life and ministry. Please, don't get me wrong I am not one to deemphasize the importance of Biblical Theology. As we do Biblical Theology well it grounds us on Christ who is our sure foundation and guides us in the way of righteousness.
Last week I decided to do a study on the book of Romans. While studying I was impressed by the words found in Romans 1:1
"Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God..."
Theologians will often debate the word "apostle." Few will say that the office of the apostle ceased once the church was established and the Scriptures were brought to completion. Others will push for various levels of apostleship. I would fall in this last category, but how many levels I have not determined.
What gets me about this is that I currently serve as a Student Ministries Pastor. In one sense I have been set apart for the gospel of God. A local fellowship has called me to be in a position to be free from working a "normal" 9-5 job. Instead I have been given the honor to focus my energies on teaching and discipling Jr High and High School students in the way of our Lord Jesus Christ. These students are the future leaders of our church.
It is amazing to me that God would choose to set me apart for the Gospel of God. I may not be an apostle in the same sense as Paul, but I have been set apart for this task. This is a serious calling. It is my prayer and hope that as I seek to minister to youth, and train/equip others to do the same, that I would be found worthy of the gospel. That I would constantly be brought to my knees in awe of a holy God who loved me enough to give His only Son as a ransom for my life, that I may share this great news of hope with the younger generation.
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