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Jared195801 · Apr 6, 2016

Hi everyone, first I'd like to say hi to everyone new to the site. Next I'll give a bit of background info. I was raised in a semi Christian home and have dreamed of preaching in my younger days. Then high school came along and while I didn't do any drugs alcohol or anything like that I was a long way from God. In fact I didn't even claim to be saved I thought I was but wasn't sure so didn't claim to be. Anyway now I'm 25 married with kids and not to long ago I felt a huge hole. I tried I don't know how many hobbies and jobs and things trying to fillthe emptiness but it just stayed. I was happy with my life my wife and I has been married 7 years and our children are great, work in a good job (hate it but pays great) and still a huge hole in my life. So while sitting in the hospital waiting on our new baby to arrive I started thinking. Admittedly I looked outside Christianity at other religions(just researching)and it felt as if I were doing something terrible. Anyway I started to research Christ and a lot of things in the bible and everything else makes sense. I knew for a fact there was a god(that's a whole other story) but I didn't know where to turn. But when researching Christ something clicked and I ask for forgiveness and now I know 1000% I'm a child of God.
Now I have a want to preach and serve God but how do I know if that's what he wants me to do. Where do I go from here. I've been praying for God to show me what he wants with me be it preach teach or whatever but I have no confirmation on what do where to start. I just know that I want God to use me, wherever that leads. If you guys was in my shoes what would you all do.

Joidevivre · Apr 6, 2016

Unless you read and read the entire scriptures backwards and forwards prayerfully, I doubt if you are called to preach yet. Maybe later. If that is in your heart, start meditating on the Word. All the time. But the greatest way that we are called to serve Christ is to love unconditionally all the people in your life - forgiving them, showing them mercy, and putting their needs before your own.

That is difficult enough.

Dino246 · Apr 6, 2016

Hi Jared, and welcome to CC!
This sounds like quite an interesting story... thanks for sharing the bits you have.

In response to your question, let me suggest this: in addition to reading the entire Bible, as Joiedevivre suggested, make a point of understanding the Gospel. Don't just read the Bible; study it. Learn what the core message is, and what is secondary. I could recommend several dozen books, but start with Scripture. Get to know the real Jesus. Once you know Him, you will easily recognize counterfeits (and there are many!).

As to the sense that you are called to preach, that's wonderful! In a sense we are all called to preach (Matthew 28:19-20), and in another sense, some are called to the role of preaching (we usually call these people pastors, but that term is sometimes misunderstood). Whatever your calling, are you willing to surrender your life to it? Is your wife on the same page with you? Her support will be important, and it is wise not to proceed without it. Is your pastor (you do attend a church regularly, I hope) confirming your sense of calling?

Be patient; God is working in you. He will open doors for you, in His timing. You may need to spend a few years in seminary, or you may need to learn another language, or endure hardship, discomfort, and rejection. Seek God, and let Him lead you; it is His calling, not yours! He will fulfill His will for your life. Just hang on for the ride!

coby2 · Apr 6, 2016

Get discipled, kickstarted and go to the street and if He later wants you to preach He'll open the door and tell you.

https://thelastreformation.com/

Jared195801 · Apr 6, 2016

Thanks for input. I know that I've got to study the bible and here lately I make it a point to study every time I can lol. And I also know I'm no where near ready to preach as I am not educated enough in scripture and everything. But what I was wondering is the desire to preach a man made desire or is it Gods desire. Or should I just wait study and see if a door is opened for me.

Ugly · Apr 6, 2016

It's pretty common for newly saved, or newly re-committed, people to want to become preaching machines. People who are not called to be preachers. So for the time being i would suggest holding off on those desires. They may be from God and you may genuinely be called to be a preacher, but not likely it's anytime soon. Just grow in your faith and knowledge and move forward in your life like normal. But not growing with the mindset of becoming a preacher, but to get closer to God. Continue praying about it, but put it on the back burner for now. At least that's my suggestion.

BeyondET · Apr 6, 2016

Huh interesting thread, well there's this

[video=youtube;jqVXG4FMw38]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqVXG4FMw38[/video]

Depleted · Apr 6, 2016

Jared195801 said:

I am very excited for you that God opened your eyes to his truth. This whole new world has just opened up in front of you. You get to enjoy God, his world, life, and walk in his way from now on eternally. Truly fantastic.

Now, here's a question for you. You just became Dad recently to another child. Will you be signing your baby up for scholarships to universities? Who will be that child's spouse? What should that baby name his/her first baby? After all, you've just been born again and your child was just borned the first time, so shouldn't you have all this planned out by now?

Did you think I may be 51 cards short of a full deck to ask such questions? Admittedly, I might well be nuts if I seriously thought those questions need to be answered now. Fortunately, I don't think you're nuts for asking them because I remember how exciting it was when newly born again. It's just that... well don't you think you should learn the subject better before deciding if you're called to preach it? Enthusiasm is wonderful, but knowledge is needed to preach and guide others. How about slowing down on that decision? First you have to learn. Then you figure out if you can teach it to others.

And that's not to say you are stuck on the sidelines until you've learned. God can, and will, use you right now as needed right where you are. I know he's got you down for the husband and father lists of Things to Do for the Kingdom. He assigned you to those lists even before he called you. Learn, pray, seek, question, search for God's answers to those questions, and keep an eye out for God bringing you opportunity to serve him in other ways too.

But preach? Worry about that around the same time you worry about your youngest learning how to ride a bike. By then, what you've done between now and then will answer if you have that talent and calling from God.

BeyondET · Apr 6, 2016

Another thought the people of long ago who wrote the first scriptures, the first lines, the first experiences, didn't have any experience either. So Just do it jump on in why not be bold... Is it for you, for people, or for God or for all of the above.

BeyondET · Apr 6, 2016

Jared195801 said:

take the bull by the horns, start tonite tomorrow, for there is someone out there who needs it now and can't wait until years,, for a preacher to be seasoned, know the bible front to back, fully educated, those are just shackles n chains. To preach the word there's no requirement don't let anybody say you can't start today, ludicrous.. Even just reading it out loud to others word for word is preaching.

20 · Apr 6, 2016

How to find your God given Calling,Just listen your life;What is your goal when you spend you free time?, What give you energy?, What do you hate to do?, What you like to do?, What kind of activity you should change,or shape and stay better?,What group of population are you like to help?, What do you want to experience, witness and learn.Of course, If you find your answers.Its make a big picture for you.And help you to make the right decision.The next verse says about that, KJV. 2Corinthians3;5, Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God.

Acr96 · Apr 6, 2016

I agree continue to pray for God's will. Stay in the word and learn it, live it, begin to witness to others. Through your actions and your words. I'm not saying you havent, but you didn't mention it so I'm just asking. Have you confessed Christ, and been baptized (water I'm speaking of? Are you attending a Bible believing church? So you can continue to grow in his word, and use your gifts that the Holy Ghost has given you? God bless you! I pray for you.

Demi777 · Apr 7, 2016

The thing is you have to grow in faith and know the bible better and get rid of all burdens and bondages of past and present, you should check out derek prince to get a wide base. God cant/wont use someone whose spiritual level and knowlege isnt on a strong base. you gotta be patient because God doesnt just throw someone into areas of his service without first preparing them. You will come further but patience my friend patience. Thats the toughest

notuptome · Apr 7, 2016

A call to preach is a call to prepare.

For the cause of Christ
Roger

tourist · Apr 7, 2016

You are already serving God by going to work and taking care of your family. You don't have to preach to be a servant of the Lord as there are a lot of other ministries. However, if God is leading you down this path ask Him to prepare you for what lies ahead. This will require a lot of time of prayer, study of the scriptures and other forms of education. If I were you I would just simply be still and listen to what God is saying to you. Welcome to CC.

blondensmart · Apr 7, 2016

I'm excited for you - Life holds so many opportunities for you to serve the Lord! My suggestion is to look for things your home church needs. Are you willing to serve God in WHATEVER capacity He wants you to serve Him? That is the mark of being truly, relentlessly on fire for God. If your church needs someone to clean up the parking lot Saturday before services on Sunday - are you willing to do that? If you begin to serve God wherever that service is needed, He will begin to open doors with more ways to serve Him. And as far as preaching...we are all called to share the gospel. Maybe begin sharing it with people you meet.

Remember, God has started a work in you, and He will be faithful to complete it. (And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6 ESV)

Totally unrelated (well partially related) is this: when you evangelize, be careful to just spread the Word. God will do the rest. So, many times people try to "bring people to the Lord." It isn't the person who brings people to the Lord - It is Jesus himself! Don't overstate your role in this. Be happy with planting the seed. God will give the increase. (1 Corinthians 3:7). It might be 20 years until that person is saved. Don't think you should witness their conversion. Share the gospel and be confident that God will do the rest.

Best of luck, Brother!

PennEd · Apr 7, 2016

blondensmart said:

I agree with this advice and would just add to attend a small group Bible study. There is uaually a leader or facilitator to the group. Not only will you grow in the knowledge of the Bible, but also get a sense of what it is like to lead people. The Holy Spirit will guide you. I also felt like I wanted to lead, but just attended a study, a year and a half later the person who led said they felt called to another ministry and I was a little shocked that he asked me to take over the group. I nervously said ok and just prayed and let the Lord guide me.

Since then the group has gotten so large that the Church, and us, don't advertize it in the bulletin anymore. Not only have we all grown Spitually, but we deeply care about each other and share in each other's joys, burdens, and sorrows. Lifting one another up.

So just make yourself available and let the Holy Spirit work.

Peace, Grace, and Love to you!

JosephsDreams · Apr 7, 2016

You may be called to preach, but are you ready? There are some fundamental things you have to know, inscribed in your heart before hand.
You don't have to go to some type of seminary, but it would be better if you could, for at least a portion of time. But again, you don't have to.
The bible says if your faithful with little, you can be trusted with much.
There was a time I thought I wanted to preach, not pastor, but preach, part time. So I went on the streets and preached and also stated knocking on doors. Did the subways in NYC a little bit too.
Then after a while I asked some pastors (and one person who operated a Christian centered "live in" rehab) who knew me and knew what I was doing if I could go to their churches and preach, and they allowed me to.
So there will be a lot of learning on the job, so to speak. Have the fundamentals down first. That may take 1 or 2 years right there.
Most important, more important then anything else I just stated, is to pray. Allow the Spirit to guide you.
You can preach the most eloquent sermon possible. You can have Harvard type references, but I am telling you firmly, and there is no wiggle room here, if you are not praying and if the spirit is not guiding you, your preaching will do more harm then good.

JosephsDreams · Apr 7, 2016

I just realized I did no answer the how you would know if God called you for preaching. I did not read the other posts yet, so I think it probably has been answered, because we have a good core group here on CC that really know their stuff. But if not, it will be something that you have a keen interest in, something that you have a yearning for in your heart, a inclination to do. Something that you have had experience with already, like maybe you have previously done public speaking, or you know God has gifted you with. But most important, you have a strong desire to do it because you are identified with Christ and want others through your preaching to know the wonder and majesty and love that is Him.

Depleted · Apr 7, 2016

BeyondET said:

If it was Moses, like most believed, he had roughly 40-80 years of experience with the Lord before he started writing.

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