For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. Remember a previous difficulty you face and think about how God was with you during that time and remember that He is with you now too. Not only will believers never ultimately be put to shame, but when Christ comes, we will be honored before all. First he says: 16 "This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. He also served as a U.S. Navy Reserve chaplain until his retirement in 2022. Let not your hearts be troubled. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and willto the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves (emphasis mine). If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. (Click to tweet)Share in the comments something God has done for you today or in the past. What are your thoughts about the doctrine of reprobation? "Love" is an attribute of God's nature and it is why He relates to us with "mercy", in the same way as God's nature is also "truth" and He therefore is "faithful" to us. They were chosen by God to pray for the people and to offer sacrifices for their sins. My mom was a breeder, so we always had about five small dogs in the house. For by grace you have been saved through faith. NIGHT OF OPEN HEAVEN/ DAY 32 (100 DAYS FASTING & PRAYER 20TH JUNE, 2023) STAY CONNECTED AND BE BLESSED #zionprayermovementoutreach #zpmom. Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praisethe fruit of lips that confess his name (Heb 13:15). Being early in the letter, Paul includes customary greetings to his brothers and sisters in the faith, as well as uplifting Epaphras, who was doing good work with Paul. Listen to this story about two missionaries returning from Africa, which helps illustrate this truth. S J.B. Phillips New Testament (PHILLIPS). Therefore, double predestination is not a helpful term because it necessitates that God handles election and reprobation in the same way. Believers have the privilege of continually coming into the presence of Christ. With her history and experience growing up in both small and large churches, Julia enjoys bringing top level quality events to churches of all sizes. Instead of being lost in darkness, they are forgiven, redeemed, and adopted into the family of God. Blog, A Let us avail ourselves of this daily through prayer, study of the Word, and the Christian community, for it is our greatest honor. In the beatitudes the Kingdom of Heaven is ours and ours alone (Matt 5:3-11). Do not disbelieve, but believe.. The world rejected him because he did not come in the manner they desired him to. We are living stones because Christ is the first living stonethe foundation of the house (v. 6). In the Old Testament, Israel had to travel to the temple in Jerusalem to offer sacrifices to the Lord; they were restricted by time and space. Similarly, the Old Testament priests were anointed with oil and the Holy Spirit (Lev 8:30). This was important for these suffering Christians to hear. Everything we do can be worship because we are his temple. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness. Bethany Verrett is a freelance writer who uses her passion for God, reading, and writing to glorify God. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 10:3-5, We do not wage war in an unspiritual way, since the weapons of our warfare are not worldly, but are powerful through God for the demolition of strongholds. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. By no means! 1 Peter 2:6-8 (ESV). All the earth worships you and sings praises to you. In Ephesians 1:3, we have every spiritual blessing in heavenly places. Listen to what Paul says in Romans 8:19: The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. When it says creation waits in eager expectation, it gives the picture of creation standing on their tippy-toes. Creation, who has been subjected to the curse, is waiting for the sons of God to be revealed so it can be set free. She and her husband have lived all over the country serving their Lord and Savior in ministry. Because our Savior can understand and sympathize, this should encourage us to continually approach his throne to receive mercy and grace. The primary controversy has been the question, Why did God elect some? Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. Why is it important to focus on God as well as. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. For God had allowed us to know the secret of his plan, and it is this: he purposes in his sovereign will that all human history shall be consummated in Christ, that everything that exists in Heaven or earth shall find its perfection and fulfilment in him. He felt it was important for them to understand the nature of their relationship with Jesus Christ. Yes, the LORD has done amazing things for us! But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. That God is unrighteous to inflict wrath on us? New Living Translation "No, go back to your family, and tell them everything God has done for you." I think in many churches and in the lives of many believers, Christ is not at home. They turned to worshiping other gods. However, as if election wasnt controversial enough, another aspect of election is reprobation. In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty. For consider what he has donebefore the foundation of the world he chose us to become, in Christ, his holy and blameless children living within his constant care. Christians have access to God in a similar way to Old Testament priests. - Praise be to God for giving us through Christ every possible spiritual benefit as citizens of Heaven! And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. Jesus said to him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life. Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of Gods mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to Godthis is your spiritual act of worship (Rom 12:1). Instead, God gave of Himself, sending Jesus Christ the Son of the Triune God. Most Relevant is selected, so some comments may have been filtered out. As the trip began, they discovered they were on the same ship as President Teddy Roosevelt, who was returning from one of his big-game hunting expeditions. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. This symbolizes being set apart and cleansed to serve God. This is a tremendous privilege. Many in the world today often reject Christ simply because he declared there is no other way to heaven and because he demands total lordship of their lives. 5: 12, Cornelius stared at him in fear. This Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authoritiesall things were created through him and for him. The cornerstone is the stone ground between two walls. You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ (emphasis mine). 10 Bible Verses That Remind Us to Be Thankful 10 Bible Verses reminding us that the Lord has done great things for us - May we always be filled with joy! No one comes to the Father except through me. Why will you continue to rebel? 66Everything on earth, shout with joy to God!2Sing about his glory! English Standard Version What shall I render to the LORD for all his benefits to me? Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away. God's Final Word: His Son. He says they stumble because they were destined for this (v. 8). By necessity, when God elected some before time, he passed over others. F If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. But the person who focuses less on his time with God, will find more to complain about, more to be upset about. Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, since the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have any consciousness of sins? (Click to tweet)When we are depending on God instead of ourselves, we can see His blessings in our lives and give Him the glory for it as we thank Him for how he has worked in our lives. H Colossians 1:13-14 Reveals All God Has Done for Us, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. This reminds us that this work is a process like the building of any house. This relationship, created by the cross and rooted in faith, is the way that God transfers people out of darkness, and into the Kingdom of God. Believers have the privilege of sharing in the honor of Christ. For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Unless otherwise indicated, all content is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License. This is especially important in a world that cannot properly evaluate our worth and in fact persecutes us. Everything on earth, shout with joy to God! Even our eating and drinking can be worship to God. G Yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified. Amen. These two verses contain important doctrine about sin, salvation, and Gods love, which He demonstrated through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is called reprobationGod passing over some for salvation. One of the things that being the temple of God remind us of is our capacity to worship. The picture is of an ancient building construction site. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. We need one another, a brick has very little usefulness by itself. Proverbs declares that even the destruction of the wicked is part of Gods plan. God wants his children to know how special they are, so they can live out this high calling and these high privileges. Though rejected by the world, along with Christ, we must rejoice in the coming honor and glory. He came and lived life as a mortal man, but being both fully God and fully man, He was able to resist sin and temptation. To begin with, the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God. Y People who accept Jesus as their Savior have the Holy Spirit, can resist temptation and sin, and will live with Jesus eternally. Agnes Kapembwa . Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. Throughout Scripture, God seeks to inform believers about how truly special and privileged they are. English Standard Version The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? But he said to me, You must not do that! King James Version (KJV) Public Domain. Let no one say when he is tempted, I am being tempted by God, for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But when we surrender our worry, fear, despair, or depression to God and rest in the arms of His love, we can be reminded of faithfulness and find strength to get through the low and know that there are wonderful things ahead for us to look forward to. Application Question: Is it fair for God to choose some for salvation and to pass over others? "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11. Does everything include the destruction of the lost? Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. "To obey, to be ready for every good work.". For everything comes from You, and we have given You only what comes from Your own hand. We can also remember Proverbs 16:9, A mans heart plans his way, but the Lord determines his steps. And Proverbs 19:21 says, Many plans are in a mans heart, but the Lords decree will prevail. These verses can quickly douse our I-dependency problem as we realize that everything we have comes from the hand of God, that He plans our steps, and that what He decrees will happen. But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore honor God with your body (emphasis mine). Believers should stand in awe at the overflowing grace in their lives from God. 1. After living a sinless life, He died on the cross, and His blood became the sacrifice which satisfied the cost of the sin of all people. Yes, they were being despised by society, hated without cause, and it would seem that their lot in life was shame. There is no need to elect the lost, for all mankind is under the judgment of Gods wrath for sin. Psalm 126:3. Why is it important to stop and remember what God has done in your life? But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect. We are co-heirs with Christ, and therefore, recipients of the coming kingdom. Similarly, apart from one another, we cannot complete the mission God has called for us either individually or corporately. We will be honored before the world and before all creation. However, Christians have continual access, where in the Old Covenant only the high priest could enter Gods presence and only once a year. This means that, in Christ, we have received all the benefits of a relationship with Him. Interpretation Question: What does the phrase they disobey the messagewhich is also what they were destined for mean? In the same way, even though there is sin and evil in the world, our God will ultimately use this for his glory as well. but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with . The Apostle Paul became a missionary to the Gentile world, travelling all around the Mediterranean Sea, and writing to countless other churches about the hope of salvation in Jesus Christ. Paul teaches God works all things in conformity with to the counsel of his plan in Ephesians 1:11: In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will (emphasis mine). And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.. (Click to tweet), remembering the works of God in our past, keeps our minds and hearts focused on Him. Psalm 16:8 says, I keep the Lord in mind always. 1 Peter 2:78. First, Paul states that God the Father made a way for people to be freed from the bondage of their sin and its natural consequences - hell. The ox knows its owner, and the donkey its master's crib, but Israel does not know, my people do not understand. Ah, sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, offspring of evildoers, children who deal corruptly! Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version What shall I return to the LORD for all his goodness to me? No one noticed the missionary couple. Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. New Century Version (NCV). This honor shines even brighter against the destiny of the lost. Look at what Romans 9:22 says: What if God, choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrathprepared for destruction (emphasis mine)? This text clearly says that there is a way in which these people were prepared for destruction. Listen to what Jude said: For certain men whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. Christianity was new, and many needed guidance. The Greek sentence contains no verb and rather literally says, Therefore the honour to you, the believers. It is quite natural to understand the verb to be (as commonly in Gk. We must continually renew our minds to know what God has done in us (Rom 12:2). My wife and I are settling on a house today and I am consumed by fear and worry. Labs Application Question: How does it make you feel to consider the honor that awaits believers? For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. We went through fire and flood,but you brought us to a place with good things. This passage trumpets the honor and privileges of Christians. This is reason to rejoice every day! King James Bible The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. (click to tweet)When life is going great, we can easily fall prey to claiming the glory for ourselves. 17: 1 Peter: An introduction and commentary. He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. But the law could not redeem people from their sins, only show them their evil. God raised him up for that purpose so that many could see Gods glory and fear him. The Jews rejected him because he came as a suffering servant, instead of a conquering king. The Scriptures does not support the concept of lone-ranger Christians. Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. The verse outlines several key concepts in the Christian faith. Instead, He created a path for true salvation. Through Bible study and her own life experiences, God has given Julia a passion to help couples understand Gods design for marriage while they learn to place God first in their marriage, cultivate meaningful relationships, build intimacy, and address the tougher issues that come in every marriage so that they can experience a marriage that honors and glorifies God. All rights reserved. You desire and do not have, so you murder. First of all, Scripture never uses the word elect for those who were passed over in salvation. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Click to tweet)and we too will turn to worshipping other gods gods such as careers, affluence, material possessions, hobbies, money, etc. W Samuel declared it was a sin to not pray for the nation of Israel (1 Sam 12:23). He then goes on to mention that he is in prayer for the church in Colossae, and it is here that He addresses what God has done for mankind. Have respect for him. Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV) Copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. There was also a risk of synchronism, where people incorporated Jesus into their pagan religion. What is the benefit or purpose? O How can I serve in this position that you have placed me in? When God blesses us financially, it looks more like, Thank you Lord for your abundant provision. They were destined to reject Christ. Learn how your comment data is processed. Satan is constantly looking for a crack in the door so he can shove his foot in, push the door wide open, and make himself at home. Salem Media Group. We should not be discouraged when we see sin or failure in the church. Take time to remember Gods works in your life. Paul says the same thing in 1 Corinthians 12. Let him who has done this be removed from among you. He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. For the director of music. A psalm. PASTOR WHITE coming forward with "Praises to the Lord". But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. Psalm 126:3 in all English translations. Previously employed with the Florida Baptist Convention, Julia organized events and led conferences for church ministry assistants. Julia enjoys sharing her journey as a growing Christian with others looking for a deeper connection with God. The phrase as you come to him is a present participle that has the meaning of as you continually come to him. This is not just salvation, but coming to Christ in worship, prayer, and through the Word of God on a daily basis. . I think this text reflects our need of to be holy. 32 Bible Verses about What God Does Psalm 115:3 But our God is in the heavens; He does whatever He pleases. Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body. Hell is the price for sin and rebellion against God, but He has made a way for humanity to be rescued out it. 1 In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. 7 Short but Mighty Lessons from the Book of James, When it Comes to Miracles, God Does it His Way. For truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. When we shift our focus to God and remember His works in our lives, our I dependency problem is changed into a God-dependency blessing. Titus 2:14. God is not done with us yet. Psalm 127. The LORD works out everything for his own endseven the wicked for a day of disaster (Prov 16:4). Christians are anointed with power by the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8). 13I will come to your Temple with burnt offerings. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. gain access to 50+ premium resources to enhance your study of Scripture. Why? God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.. Worship God. For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. 7 He rules forever by his power, his eyes watch the nations-- let not the rebellious rise up against him. This knowledge inspires her passion for being available with a fresh perspective for those who want to provide their congregations with meaningful spiritual growth opportunities. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. Christians, as priests, have been purified by the sprinkling of blood of Christ (Eph 1:7) just as the Old Testament priest was sprinkled by the blood of animals (Lev 8:23). Believers are special and God has given us many great and wonderful privileges. But because God is a God of justice and mercy, he elects some and sovereignly passes over others in order to show his glory. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. Contact me: openbibleinfo (at) gmail.com. For it stands in Scripture: Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame. So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone, and A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense. They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do (emphasis mine). And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. Julia is now booking for 2019 and 2020 Christian events for womens and couples ministries for both small and large events. Gratitude, Appreciating God Awesome Bible Verses about Thanking God Key Bible Verse ~ Psalms 75:1 NLT ~ "We Thank You, O God!" #1 Bible Verses about Thanking God for What he has done Psalm 103:1-2, NLT Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. U If you have any questions, please review our Privacy Policy or email us at privacy@biblegateway.com. However, it does promise that we will never be ultimately put to shame. Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. Application Question: What things is Christ calling you to do in order for him to be more at home in your life and in your local church? Interpretation Question: What are the spiritual sacrifices we offer to God? The church is often hindered from being as effective as it can, because ministry is left to the fewthe ordained. The priesthood of believers denies this common practice. Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous. Christians are chosen by God just as the priests were in the Old Testament. Christians are called to offer sacrifices to God (1 Pet 2:5), even as Old Testaments priests offered sacrifices. To request more information or a booking, and I will tell you what he has done for me. There are many honors and privileges that come to those who believe in Christ. But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. What does this mean? This is called double predestination, or some may call it hyper-calvinism. In the Old Testament, everything in the temple was set apart as holy, even the drinking cups. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. That night the mans spirit broke. The papers were full of the Presidents arrival. Privileges Of Believers (1 Peter 2:4-8) Related Media As you come to him, the living Stonerejected by men but chosen by God and precious to himyou also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. Selah 8 Interpretation Question: Why does the world discard Christ the cornerstone? To be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. Then what advantage has the Jew? All proceeds go to the advancement of Wellspring Christian Ministries. He keeps his eye on the nations,so people should not turn against him. Ultimately, everything he does is for his glory. Used by Permission. Anyone who tried to do the job of a priest without being one, was judged by God. Interpretation Question: What similarities are there between Christians as priests and Old Testament priests? But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. C Q By submitting your email address, you understand that you will receive email communications from Bible Gateway, a division of The Zondervan Corporation, 3900 Sparks Drive SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 USA, including commercial communications and messages from partners of Bible Gateway. The term elect is used for those who were chosen for salvation before the beginning of time and not for those who were passed over. New King James Version As the ship moved across the ocean, the old missionary said to his wife, Something is wrong., Why should we have given our lives in faithful service for God in Africa all these many years and have no one care a thing about us? Many times in Christian churches, ministry is reserved for those who are ordained such as pastors and deacons. Wheaton: Tyndale House Publishers, 1981. Proud member (Click to tweet), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Psalm 77:11 Remembering What God Has Done, Book Julia for your next church or ministry event, Purchase Julias Book, God, Love and Marshmallow Wars, Mission, Core Values, & Statement of Faith, Facing the Fear Called Coronavirus Animated Video, Christian Speaker for church and ministry events, Spreadshop Store: Christian Tees, mugs & more, Bible Studies, Books & Gifts from Christianbook Distributors, Contemporary Christian Music to get you through COVID-19, Donations to Wellspring Christian Ministries, Redeeming Christian Marriage to bring Revival to America, Renewing Church Leaders to Bring Revival to America, remembering what God has done for us in the past is an opportunity to offer Him praise.