Paul’s letter to the Ephesians begins with a mile long sentence that rolls on like a cascading waterfall. He declares that a born again Christian is chosen, redeemed, predestined, privy to the will of God, has obtained an inheritance and is sealed with the Holy Spirit. So, in context, what does the word predestined mean here? Paul wrote, “We are predestined to adoption through Jesus Christ (Eph 1:5).”

In our family we have adopted children. They were chosen, paid for, trained by parents, included in an inheritance, and sealed with our name, Kusner. There is a waiting period before adoptions are finalized. In that time period our children were predestined to become members of our family. That day finally arrived.

We who have received Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior have been bought and paid for at the cross of Christ, or in other words, we have been redeemed. We are currently living with a view to the finality of our adoption when our eyes will see Jesus. Therefore, as the letter to the Ephesians declares in context, born again believers are currently living a life on earth predestined to be adopted into the family of God our Father.

I believe that God is sovereign, but not that He chose you or anyone, to fuel the flames of hell from before the foundations of the world, as though you would never have a freewill to repent of sin and confess your desire for Jesus Christ. 2Peter 3:9 declares, “God is not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” 1John 2:2 tells us, “He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world.” 2Corinthians 5:20 says, “We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” Begging to “be reconciled” infers a choice.

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So choose wisely and choose Jesus Christ

Pastor Huck

Please excuse me? At the moment, self-discipline doesn’t matter at all; but it will, and it won’t be long before it does. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 9:27, “I discipline my body and bring it under subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should be disqualified.” This should get our attention. Living a life according to the actual leading of God the Holy Spirit is of utmost importance. If you really believe that our short stay on this planet is going to be eternally rewarded, then it will matter greatly to you. Determinations concerning our level of eternal rewards are being made as we walk by the Spirit, and not according to the flesh.

Our fallen flesh is wired to seek pleasure before anything requiring pain or discomfort. Some professing Christians avoid any form of discomfort like a plague. They just don’t feel like saying yes to God’s Holy Spirit. You know when most people are going to feel like it? When it’s too late. Following God’s leadership in my life always brings a sense of discomfort to my flesh. I don’t always feel like, going, doing or saying what God wants, but when the sands of time run out, I’ll be so glad I obeyed. Jesus said, “Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done” (Rev 22:12).

Many a man or woman have been disqualified from service by their lack of self-discipline. Eternal rewards that could have been theirs, have been passed on to another for the neglect of self-discipline.

1) Don’t neglect the consideration of your “check out date.” It’s on God’s calendar.  

    You’re going to pass away. Start using your God given time, talents and resources for

    God’s glory immediately.

2) Honestly Identify your priorities and rearrange according to God’s will for your life.

3) Eliminate your temptations. It’s not always a demon’s fault.

Start Small but Start Somewhere

Pastor Huck