Explore Calling: Scripture & Bible Study for Youth & Young Adults

God has called people through out time – imperfect people, those who had made mistakes, and those who had no idea what they were getting into. However, through God’s grace we know that God invites us to serve and then shows us the way to follow. We are not perfect, we don’t have all the answers, but we know that we belong to God and that God calls each of us by name.

The Bible contains many stories about how God calls people and what God asks those people to do. Take time over the next few weeks to read the passages listed below. Reflect on how you see yourself in that story. How does this story resonate with you? Do you identify with the main character, do you see yourself somewhere in the background or do you have a hard time finding anything in common with the people in the story? Do you share some of the concerns that are highlighted in the passage, or does the story raise other concerns for you? Has God revealed what’s next for you, or do you need more time to listen, discern, and think about your next step?

After you read and think about these passages, find someone you trust to share your thoughts with. Your campus minister or chaplain, pastor or youth worker might be a good place to start. Check out www.explorecalling.org for further study suggestions and resources as well. Keep seeking, keep asking and keep listening. God has called you by name – you belong to God.

Scripture Passages

• God Calls Abraham (Genesis 12:1-5)
• God Calls Moses (Exodus 3:1-12)
• God Calls Ruth (Ruth 1:15-18)
• God Calls Samuel (I Samuel 3:1-10)
• God Calls David (I Samuel 16:6-13)
• God Calls Esther (Esther 4:9-17)
• God Calls Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:4-19)
• The Baptism, Temptation and Beginning of Jesus’ Ministry (Matthew 3:13–4:25)
• Jesus’ Resurrection – Mary Magdalene and the Other Mary (Matthew 28:1-10)
• God Calls Mary (Luke 1:26-38)
• Jesus and the Samaritan Woman (John 4:1-30)
• Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8:26-40)
• God Calls Lydia (Acts 16:11-15)
• God Calls Timothy (I Timothy 4:6-16)

Questions:

• What’s your initial response when God calls this person?
• How does this call story relate to how God might be calling you to live?
• What are the signs that God might be asking you to answer a call to service?
• What’s different about your call story and the person in the passage?
• How does this character respond and what are some ways God is calling you to respond?
• What fears or anxieties do you have about how God may be calling you to live?
• What excites you about God’s call in your life?
• Take some time to write out your answers in a journal or talk with a person or people you trust about your answers.