A Higher Calling
In 2025, the Fredericktown Church of Christ will explore the theme of "A Higher Calling," inspired by the words of the Apostle Paul in Philippians 3:14, “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” This year, we will focus on four main aspects that guide our journey and help us strive toward the calling God has placed upon each of us.
Searching For God: This aspect means seeking His presence in every aspect of life, both internally and externally. As we go about our daily activities, instead of letting our minds drift, we can use the events, circumstances, and visuals we encounter as reminders to refocus on what is most important: our relationship with God. By doing so, we cultivate a deeper awareness of God's presence and actively pursue a life centered on Him.
Going On To Perfection: An internal focus, this theme encourages us to conform to the image of Christ. We aspire to grow spiritually and morally, striving for holiness and maturity in our faith. This journey toward perfection requires intentionality and reliance on the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts and minds.
Moral Issues: Addressing various moral dilemmas, such as paying taxes, personal choices like tattoos, or other moral issues that we may face, this theme encompasses both internal and external aspects. We will engage in discussions that promote understanding and guide our decision-making processes, emphasizing a biblical perspective on contemporary issues.
Doing Unto Others: Highlighting the importance of good deeds and letting our light shine, this external focus calls us to serve others and reflect Christ's love in our communities. Encouraging acts of kindness and service helps us live out our faith practically and exudes the heart of the Gospel.
As we embark on this journey in 2025, we encourage everyone to embrace this theme of "A Higher Calling" and actively participate in these four aspects, allowing them to shape our lives, our church, and our community. Together, we can strive toward God's higher purpose for us all.
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“But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. 8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, 11 if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:7-14).
Lesson 1: The Upward Call of God in Christ Jesus
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“Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ: To those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ: 2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, 3 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, 4 by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 5 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 7 to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love” (2 Peter. 1:1-7).
Lesson 2: Never Stumble