Based primarily on the 1 Cor. 1:1-9 and Jn. 1:29-42, God calls us to consecration, to community and to calling others.

Called to Consecration:  We have many "calls" in our lives , from childhood on through adulthood, such as invitations to be part of groups, acceptance into college and selection for jobs we want.  But, like the Corinthians and all other Christians, we

have a deeper, more foundational call, which goes to the heart of our lives .  This is the call to consecration.  Paul refers to the Corinthians as "those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus," and Jesus prays the father, in John 17, that we will be sanctified

in the truth.  "Sanctified" here means consecrated, or set apart for God's work in the world - like the vessels consecrated for use in the temple in the Old Testament.  We are set apart as ambassadors for Christ (2 Cor. 5:20).  Wherever we go, we

represent Christ. Thus, there are things we don't do, e.g. buy into the world's values or do the works of the devil, and there are things we do do, e.g. good works, love others, forgive, etc.

Called to Community:  When we are born again, we are given the power to be the children of God.  As such, we are members of a family.  God has no "only children."   The early church set the model for participating in the community of God's people

(Acts 2:42 - they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship ....").  And Paul makes clear that God has made Christians the body of Christ, with each one a necessary part.  We receive benefits from, and have a responsibility to, the

community.  Some of the benefits of participating in community - a place to belong (remember Bp. Bill's comments about how people belong, then believe, then behave), we are nourished and built up into maturity of faith with apostolic teaching, and we receive incarnate love, forgiveness and healing (as Anglicans we understand this incarnational nature of the Christian faith).  Our responsibilities include supporting others and sharing our spiritual gifts.  In 1 Cor. 12:7 Paul tells us that our gifts are for the common good.  Thus, it is fair to say that the church owns our gifts!

Called to Call Others:  Jesus gave us the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19.  Thus, we are called to spread the gospel to others and bring them to Christ.  How?  It seems a hard task.  John 1 gives us a good model.  John the Baptist points to Jesus.  

Jesus tells Andrew and an unidentified disciple to "come and see," when they ask him where he is staying.  Later, in verse 46, Philip tells Nathanael to "come and see," when trying to convince him that they have found the the Messiah..  We have a

wonderful community here in southern VT.  We just need to call others to come and see our fellowship.  They will want to belong.  They will then come to believe, and then to behave.  Then the cycle will begin again as they invite others to

"come and see."  

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing,

Ross