The Call Of Salvation

by John Tilton on February 22, 2021

Scripture

Mark 1:14-20-“After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him. When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.”

Observation

What a monumental and historical time this was for Jesus to begin His ministry of proclaiming the good news of God. Foretelling of salvation, the Kingdom of the Lord, repentance, and salvation; this is where the Call and ministry of Jesus began. Jesus then proceeded to call on those that would take the good news forth with Simon, Andrew, James, and John. The significance to me is that Jesus’ Call began then, and continued through his crucifixion for 2,000 years, and is the significant call on our lives today.

Application

Today, more than ever given the tumultuous and cataclysmic events of 2020 which continue into 2021 with COVID-19, the ensuing pandemic, the economy falling, the political environment and chaos, and the natural storms; the ministry and call for us to witness and testify about the good news of Jesus Christ are at its most critical point in history. The national and global statistics of the increase in mental health issues, depression, divorce, domestic abuse, suicide, and deaths, make it so evident of people needing the Lord. As believers, we are the light, and if we don’t shine the light of Jesus Christ, no one else will do it. The call and sharing the good news are also biblical as the second of the greatest two commandments, 1) to love the Lord with all our heart, and 2) to love our neighbor as ourselves. Our legacy will be our witness and testimony.

Prayer

Dear Lord, let me not be complacent but prompt me and guide me to share the good news and the need for people to come to you and know you as Lord and Savior, now. Please give me the opportunities, intentionality, and words.

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About the Author

John Tilton

Senior Pastor John Tilton has served at New Hope Oahu since it’s launch in 1995, and has been on staff in administration and as executive pastor for the past 14 years. The values and heart behind New Hope run deeply through Pastor John’s veins as he has trained, learned, and was mentored closely by Pastor Wayne.

A graduate of Kamehameha Schools Kapālama and the University of Hawaii at Mānoa, Pastor John holds his Masters in Formational Leadership from Lancaster Bible College & Capital Seminary. He has served in various leadership, mentorship, and advisory roles in ministry and in the marketplace. He currently serves as Vice President of New Hope International and is on the Board of Directors of both Pacific Rim Christian University and New Hope Christian College.

Pastor John is married to his amazing wife Lanu, is father to his son Ikaika, daughter Malie, son-in-law Noni, is Papa to his grandchildren Justice, Johanna, and Jordynn, all of whom serve in ministry as a family together at New Hope Oahu.

Pastor John’s heart is to love and shepherd the people of New Hope Oahu––both here on Oahu and globally across the world. He will seek to continue to develop leaders, enable people here to dream with vision and purpose for God’s unique call on their lives, and, most importantly, to seek God as He faithfully guides our church so that we can fully become the church, and the people, He has created and called us to be.