January 18, 2026: Courage to Trust God’s Calling
1 Corinthians 1: 1-9

Rev. Dr. Leslie Taylor, preaching

This Sunday, as we observe the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, we continue our series, “Unveiled Courage: Seeing Clearly, Living Fearlessly.” Our focus shifts to 1 Corinthians 1: 1-9 where we explore the “Courage to Trust God's Calling.” It is easy to look at a monumental figure like Dr. King and see only the finished product of his courage. However, Dr. King's legacy teaches us that courage is not the absence of fear, but the trust that God provides the strength we lack. In his famous “Kitchen Table Experience” in 1956, a young exhausted, and fearful Dr. King sat in his kitchen at midnight, ready to give up. In that moment of deep vulnerability, he heard a divine voice assuring him: “Stand up for justice. and God will be at your side forever.”

This is exactly what Paul unveils for the church in Corinth. Though they were a fractured and messy community, Paul reminds them that they are “enriched in every way” and “not lacking in any spiritual gift.”

Seeing Clearly: We stop looking at our own limitations and start seeing the lavish grace God has already poured into us. Living Fearlessly: We find the strength to act not because we are qualified, but because God is faithful to sustain us to the end.

Join us this Sunday as we learn how to trade the paralysis of “not enough” for the Courage to Trust in God's Calling.

Reflection Question: Dr. King once said “Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.” As you look at the staircase of justice and healing in your own community, what “first step” is God calling you to take today, trusting that God has already given you the gifts to take it?

Based on 1 Corinthians 1:1-9

 Music this week:

• Abide

• I Have a Hope

• Holy Spirit Rain Down

• You Are My Hiding Place

• Calling All Angels

• Hush