Called Out: Sinner or Saint?

Text: Ephesians 1:1-6 (ESV)

When we build our identity on performance, we live as sinners trying harder—never secure, always striving. But Paul opens his letter to the Ephesians by declaring something entirely different: You are a saint, not because of what you've done, but because of what God has done. Before the foundation of the world, God chose you, blessed you, and predestined you for adoption—not because you were great, but because He is. This identity isn't earned by our decisions; it's received as a gift, chosen for us before we ever had the chance to choose Him. When that truth settles in, it doesn't produce pride or passivity—it produces a humble, secure confidence that fuels active faith: Repenting, walking in holiness, and proclaiming the excellencies of the One who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light.

Called Out: We Are...the Church!

Text: 1 Peter 2:9-10 (NIV)

As followers of Jesus, we have been chosen by God and called out to serve Him. We have been built into a new community – the church – to declare the praises of God, who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. We are to be holy; to look, live, and love differently. We are God’s special possession and are to make Him known everywhere we go! We are the church!

The Backstory

Text: Joshua 1:1-11, 16-18 (ESV)

Oftentimes we can be tempted to believe that only the “ultra–spiritual” and “super–holy” are the ones who are suited for serving as pastors, missionaries, and leaders within the church. As a result, we may not only disqualify ourselves from the possibility of serving in these ways, we may also distance ourselves from the process of training and equipping those who are pursuing these roles. Through the story of Joshua’s early life we can discern that the people of God play a vital role in the development of leaders for the next generation, and it is from those ordinary people that God often calls out and calls up those He appoints to lead. Whether or not He calls you to lead, He calls all of us to celebrate and encourage strength and courage in those who respond to His call to lead.

What Are You Building?

Text: Psalm 127:1-5

Everyone is building something…lives, careers, families, etc. Are we trusting in God or in ourselves? Psalm 127 offers hope and direction for building and challenges parents to aim for the target of making disciples in their homes.