Callings

God calls us to salvation through the preached message of the cross. Throughout 1 Corinthians 1 we've learned about this idea of "call." Apostles are called (1). Christians are called to be holy (2). We put our faith in Jesus when we call on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ (2). God called us into fellowship with Jesus (9). Because of God's call we view Christ as the power and wisdom of God and not weak and foolish (24). There is a time "when you were called" (25). God chooses and subsequently calls the weak to shame the strong, the foolish to shame the wise (26-28). Like Lazarus was raised from the dead by Jesus' effective call, we are spiritually raised by God's call. "It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus . . . " (30). Verse 4 makes so much more sense in this light. Note who gets the thanks. "I always give thanks to God for you because of His grace given you in Christ Jesus." So this is one more reason that we "boast in the Lord" (31). 

It was a great morning to worship and be together. It is a great privilege to hear what God is doing in your lives. A number of people mentioned serious challenges they face. I hope that our focus on the cross and our boast in the Lord will linger long in your spirit so that God gives you grace for the week ahead. We are all going to need that!

I wonder what God's call will be in your life this week.