In his letter to the Church in Rome, Paul writes, "And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ." (Romans 1:6 NIV) Ponder that, "You also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ." That was the message to the Christians in Rome as Paul brought them the Gospel. That is the message to you today. You are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.

You are among those who are called ... "among those who are called!"
Think of those who are part of the local body of believers with whom you regularly assemble. Think of all those who attend in other places where you have lived. Think of all the brothers and sisters you have met in other places you have visited. Think of all the believers all over the world that you have never met and will never meet this side of heaven. You are "among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ."

"You are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ." You are called. What a thought!

"You are among those who are called to belong."
"Belong!" You are not alone. You are part of something. You don't have to go through life alone. You are connected. Somebody knows you. This illustration is perhaps a tired one, but it still communicates. Remember what it was like as a child when teams were being chosen and your best friend was one of the captains. You were picked first. Not because you were good, but just because you were his friend. You belong. You are not alone. You belong. What a thought!

"You are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ."
Jesus Christ. Son of God. My Savior. Lord. Master. King. Shepherd. Teacher. Redeemer. Friend. You are called to belong to Jesus Christ. This is not just another club or organization. You are called to belong to Jesus Christ. You are called to be in His family. You are called to be a child of God. You are called to belong to Jesus Christ. What a thought!

You belong. You are not alone.
Paul goes on to say, "Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 1:7) Because you are among the called, grace and peace are yours. Because you belong, you have grace and peace. Because you are called to belong to Jesus Christ, you have grace and peace. Because He called you to be His, you have His grace and peace. What a thought!

In Christ, you are among friends. You have a family. You belong. You fit. You have grace and peace. What a thought! Enjoy it this Lord's Day! Enjoy it forever!

"... you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ."