Christian Vocation - Section a (i)

Joseph West 6/3/05

Christian Vocation

-Section A (i)

All Christians are called to be "followers" (disciples) of Jesus, just like Jesus' original twelve disciples. In some cases Christian's believe they have been called to a particular job or to live a certain lifestyle. This is referred to as the term "Christian Vocation". There are things a Christian can do or ways in which a Christian can act in order to follow their calling from God.

Christians should first of all carry out their call to discipleship by practising what the Bible teaches them. In everyday life, Christians are taught to preach the Gospel...

"Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone, everywhere" (Mark 16:15-16).

Many Christians following this go and spread the news to people who are do not share their beliefs (evangelism). They sometimes set up "Alpha courses"- designed to explain Christianity to those who are outside of the faith, and become members of the Church (priesthood) to preach the Gospel.

In the Bible Jesus said that the most important commandment of all was to...

"love the Lord your God with all your heart...", then the second part of this...

"Love your neighbour as yourself" (Mark 12:28-31). As a Christian the greatest steps towards becoming a disciple is to love God and your neighbour. Other ways in which Christians can follow the call of discipleship are; giving up material possessions-similarly to Jesus and the original disciples, having a relationship with God (helping you to become closer to him, his teachings and other people), live by the Bibles moral codes (e.g. marriage, family life, work and free time etc.).

Another path by which to follow the call of discipleship for Christians could be "Christian Vocation", mentioned at the beginning. This is a call from God that they believe demands virtual full-time Christian work. In most cases this refers to work in the Church as either a deacon, priest or bishop. Some Christians may feel a call to work as a doctor or nurse. As it is recognized that they may feel God has gifted them to bring healing to people, just as Jesus gave hid disciples the power to 'heal