Called to Live, Lead and Love in Christ

Individually called to:
Live even though we have died
Lead as we daily return to the cross of Christ
Love with the heart of God

Our Church Family has been called into a partnership in the Gospel to:
Live grace empowered lives
Lead others into the Word which calls them out of darkness into the Light
Love without end and without exception

Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ.
It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.
And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God,
who loved me and gave himself for me.

Philippians 1:3-6 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,
always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy,
because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you
will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

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But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel:

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have

called you by name, you are mine.

(Isaiah 43:1 ESV)

WHAT? God can’t mean this, can He? Yes, GOD means it!

ME?  Called? ARE YOU SURE? Yes, WE ARE SURE!

REALLY? Yes, REALLY!

HOW CAN THIS BE? God says this.

God does this. God promises this!

God has called you!

Each and every celebration of Christmas tells us again that our God didn’t/doesn’t give up. “For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son.” And we must not just say, God did-n’t/doesn’t give up. We must add “on me” and for good measure “on us.” So as we begin 2011, we again marvel God has called us, called us by name! Redeemed us! We belong to Him!

See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. 1 John 3:1

This marveling increases as we look and look again at the specif-ics of this calling. We are called......

called . . . . from what?

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excel-lencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9

called . . . .into what?

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excel-lencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9

And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glori-fied. Romans 8:30

Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant. Hebrews 9:15

.... including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ, To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Ro-mans 1:6-7

called . . . .by what?

To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 2:14

called . . . .NOT because /because of what?

....... for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but be-cause of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, 2 Timothy 1:8-9

called . . . .to what?

Our 2011 theme states “to Live, lead and love.”

Holy Scripture says the same and more, MUCH MORE

For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. 1 Thessa-lonians 4:7

Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, con-sider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession, who was faithful to him who appointed him, just as Moses also was faithful in all God’s house. Hebrews 3:1-2

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15

Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches. 1 Corinthians 7:17 (Vocation)

For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 1 Peter 2:21 (Yes, you and I are called to suffer should that be God’s plan for us.)

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a man-ner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, Ephesians 4:1

Called . . . .so what/now what?

For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. Romans 11:29

.....and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faith-ful.” Revelation 17:14

To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. 2 Peter 1:10

He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:24 ESV

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Lord you created me.

Lord you say, “Don’t be afraid.”

Lord you say “I’ve redeemed you.”

Lord you say, “I’ve called you”

You even say, “This is a “by name” calling.”

(Think Holy Baptism)

Lord you say, “I belong to You.”

Lord, May your Holy Spirit, bless me mightily as I regularly hear of your gracious calling.

Only then, will, I Live, Lead and Love in Christ, through Christ and for Christ. Amen