See your calling; understand the deep lesson and remember it.1. See that we were nobodies, with nothing to offer God. (v.26)2. See that inexplicably, we were the ones called by God. (v.27-28)3. See no room for boasting; all glory to God alone. (v.29-31)Why us – do we think that we bring something to the table?Does your background make you desirable to God? Eph. 2:1-10Why were we called by God? 1 Thessalonians 1:4From where does your righteousness come? Philippians 3:9

When people who are called by Christ hear the preaching of Christ crucified, we hear God's power and wisdom.-1. Silly-- Those not called by Christ consider preaching silly. -v.18--2. Wise-- Other 'wisdom' paths do not lead to God. -v.19-22--3. Called-- Those called by Christ are drawn to know God. -v.23-25--Why does preaching have such a polarizing effect---How does the same object get such mixed reactions-- James 3-15-Who follows God with their hearts, who does not-- Mt.15-8-9-Where does the power reside-- Rom. 1-4 John 10-27

Zephaniah, chapters 2 and 3.

When people who are called by Christ hear the preaching of Christ crucified, we hear God's power and wisdom.1. Silly? Those not called by Christ consider preaching silly. (v.18)2. Wise? Other 'wisdom' paths do not lead to God. (v.19-22)3. Called? Those called by Christ are drawn to know God. (v.23-25)Why does preaching have such a polarizing effect?How does the same object get such mixed reactions? James 3:15Who follows God with their hearts, who does not? Mt.15:8-9Where does the power reside? Rom. 1:4 John 10:27

Zephaniah, chapters 2 and 3.

Jesus identifies himself as the door for the sheep that leads to life, in contrast with the false shepherds who lead to destruction.1. The Door and the Robbers (vs. 7-8)2. The Nourished and the Deprived (vs. 9-10)

Christ calls us to preserve church harmony, by the power of His cross.-1. No divisions. -v.10--2. No quarrels. -v.11-13a--3. No disagreements, especially about the basics. -v.13b-17--To what way of relating are we called by Christ---How should Christians get along-- Philippians 4-2-What causes and cures quarrels among believers-- James 4-1-6-What ought we to be eager to maintain-- Why-- Eph. 4-1-3

intro and chapter 1 of Zephaniah

We are all blessed to be called by Christ, and we praise God for each other's rich and various gifts.-1. Praise God for the gifts given to the church. -v.4-5--2. Praise God that the church does not lack any gift. -v.6-7--3. Praise God for future blessings, all the way to the end. -v.8-9--As a result of Christ's calling, what good things belong to us---How much do we see Christ's gifts in others-- Eph. 4-8, James 1-17-What is our error when we think something is missing-- Luke 22-35-How forward-looking are you on a daily basis-- Proverbs 23-18