Elders Note: Last week, Brian encouraged us to take full possession in 2024 of our identity as new creations in Christ and children of God. This Sunday's message is also designed to prepare us for the upcoming year, and we are pleased to welcome Dr. Karen Swallow Prior, noted author, scholar, and commentator, to speak about God's calling on our lives.

In 1 Corinthians, Paul says, “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 ESV). But we live in a world that tells us to pursue our passion, that our passion is our calling. But what if we are not passionate about the place or role to which we are called? Are we missing something or doing something wrong?

God created us each with a certain nature, with individual gifts, and for a particular time and place. Our passions and gifts may not always overlap, but God can use them all--for our good, for the good of others, and for his glory.

In Christ,

Karen Swallow Prior