To those who are called, both Jews and Greeks and every other ethnic group where the gospel is preached, to those who are called, this Christ no longer appears like a stumbling block.

And this Christ no longer appears like foolishness.

This Christ is in their hearts now the very power and the wisdom of God.

And they believe.

That's why you came.

God called you.

If you've ever wondered why the gospel suddenly made sense to you, but not to your friend or your brother or classmate, you're not alone.

I'm Dan Kroover.

In this episode of Light and Truth, John Piper turns to Romans 1, 6, and 7 to help us trace that first moment of belief back to something that's bigger than we are, the call of God.

This message was originally delivered at Bethlehem Baptist Church on May 17, 1998.

When you read this phrase in verse 6, you are the called of Jesus Christ, I believe that means

you were called by God to belong to Jesus Christ.

The NIV already solves the problem for you with its paraphrase,

and it's a right one, I believe.

1 Corinthians 1-9 says,

God who has called you, notice who's the caller,

God who has called you, notice who's the caller, God who has called you into the fellowship with his son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, is faithful. And we could look in numerous other texts where

God is the caller and he calls into the kingdom. He calls into light. He calls into fellowship with the Son of God.

And he calls for glory and he calls for eternal joy. God did that. If you are called this morning,

God did that. And if you are called this morning, you are now enjoying fellowship with Jesus Christ.

He's your friend, your lover,

your husband, your savior, your Lord, the one who said, I'll never leave you, I'll never forsake you,

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