What Does “I Have Been Called to Serve God” Mean?

In Christian theology, the phrase “I have been called to serve God” reflects a believer’s understanding that God has purposefully chosen and commissioned them to carry out His will. This calling is not merely an obligation but a divine invitation to participate in God’s redemptive plan. The Bible affirms this in passages such as:Romans 8:28–30 (NIV):

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose… And those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

This calling can be general serving God in everyday life or specific, such as missionary work, pastoral ministry, or other forms of Christian service.

Biblical Cities in the New Testament

A List of Biblical Cities: Then and Now
(Using the New International Version, NIV)

The New Testament contains numerous references to cities that were central to the spread of Christianity. Understanding their modern locations helps us connect the biblical narrative with historical geography.

Biblical Name	Biblical Reference (NIV)	Modern Name	Present-day Country
Antioch	Acts 11:26	Antakya	Turkey
Caesarea	Acts 23:23	Caesarea	Israel
Ephesus	Acts 19:35	Selçuk	Turkey
Philippi	Acts 16:12	Philippi	Greece
Thessalonica	Acts 17:1	Thessaloniki	Greece

The cities listed were key centers of early Christian preaching and missionary activity.

Biblical Cities in the Old Testament

A List of Biblical Cities: Then and Now
(Using the New International Version, NIV)

Many Old Testament events occurred in places with rich historical and theological significance.

Biblical Name	Biblical Reference (NIV)	Modern Name	Present-day Country
Bethel	Genesis 28:19	Beitin	Palestine
Ai	Joshua 7:2	Deir Dibwan	Palestine
Shittim	Joshua 2:1	Tall el-Hammam	Jordan

These cities represent locations where God revealed Himself, gave instructions, or demonstrated His power.

The Apostles of Jesus

Names, Details, and Theological Significance
(New International Version, NIV)

Jesus’ apostles were personally called by Him to be His closest followers and to spread the Gospel after His resurrection. The calling of the apostles illustrates the divine commissioning of ordinary people for extraordinary mission (Mark 3:13-19, Acts 1:15-26).

No.	Name	Other Names	Biblical Reference (NIV)	Role & Theological Note
1	Simon Peter	Cephas (John 1:42)	Matthew 16:18-19	Called “the rock” on whom Jesus would build His church.
2	Andrew	—	John 1:40-42	Brought others (including Peter) to Jesus; a “fisher of men.”
3	James	Son of Zebedee	Acts 12:1-2	First apostolic martyr; part of Jesus’ inner circle.
4	John	“The beloved disciple”	John 21:20-24	Author of Gospel, epistles, and Revelation; emphasis on love.
5	Matthew	Levi	Matthew 9:9	Former tax collector; author of the first Gospel.
…	…	…	…	…

The apostles’ lives demonstrate God’s calling to faith, discipleship, and mission.

Prophets of the Bible (Men)

Major Prophets and Their Historical Context
(NIV)

The prophets were God’s messengers, called to warn Israel and the nations, call for repentance, and foretell the coming Messiah. Their words shaped Israel’s history and the unfolding plan of salvation.

No.	Name	Time & Kings	Audience	Theological Role
1	Elijah	Ahab, Ahaziah	Kingdom of Israel	Called people back to God’s covenant faithfulness (1 Kings 18).
2	Elisha	Jehoram, Jehu	Kingdom of Israel	Successor of Elijah; performed miracles demonstrating God’s power.
3	Jonah	Jeroboam II	Nineveh (Assyria)	Prophet of repentance and God’s mercy to Gentiles.
4	Isaiah	Uzziah, Hezekiah	Judah	Prophesied the coming Messiah and salvation (Isaiah 53).
5	Jeremiah	Josiah, Jehoiakim	Judah	Called for repentance before Babylonian exile; foretold New Covenant.
…	…	…	…	…