Divinely Appointed and Called

Text: 1 Corinthians 1:1-3 Theme: Paul knew he was in God’s will to be an apostle and underscored the calling of holiness on the church. Key verses: “Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God…to the church of God…to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy…” (v. 1,2) What God said to me: Dwayne, welcome back. I’ve missed these personal times of Q&A with you. Be careful to stay consistent with your journaling as you go through 1 Corinthians. I have much to show and teach you. Prepare to be challenged and convicted and changed. Paul declared up front that he was in my will, implying that I appointed him to be an apostle. Every Christian should be so confident of his place. I don’t leave my children in a lurch, wondering around aimlessly. I want to show them my will and my direction for each of their lives. Furthermore, the Church at Corinth was called to be holy. They were positionally santified. Paul was saying that that was their standard and their privilege and my expectation for them. Through my Son, they were in fact set apart to holiness. So it is with all who call on the name of Jesus. You are to live up to the calling wherewith you have been called–to be and act and live like my dear Son. This letter to the Corinthians will show you how and point out the rough edges in your life and in my Church. What I said to God: Thank You, precious God. I feel like I have returned to an old friend as I sit here journaling with my laptop after so many months away. Help me stay faithful to this very important discipline. No matter how busy I am, I must always make time to hear from You through Your Word. I look forward to all You have to teach me in 1 Corinthians! Praise You!