The Gospel According to Paul

Did Anybody Mention “Rights” ? Homosexual Insurance coverage Illegal's Children, women Kangaroo rats Spotted owls Lizards, shiners Trees, etc., etc. Rights are GIVEN The only one who truly has rights is the one who GIVES them

God is the One with Rights, Demonstrated by… Romans 9:9-12 And not only so, but also when Rebekah had conceived children by one man, our forefather Isaac, 11 though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God's purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls— 12 she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” Romans 9:16-18 So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. 17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” 18 So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills. Claims the right to choose and use for HIS purpose

Are We Excused Then, By GOD’S Choice? Romans 9:22-23 What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, 23 in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory— NO God’s holiness characterizes who He is. His choices will always be for our good He is patient, even with rebellious men God has rights. He’s the only one that does.

He has Rights, as the Source of Mercy… Romans 9:18 So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills. Matthew 7:22-23 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ The RIGHT to extend it to whomever he pleases… NOT to everyone who asks…

He has Rights, as the Source of Mercy… Romans 9:18 So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills. 1 Peter 3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” The RIGHT to extend it to whomever he pleases… NOT to everyone who asks… Not to everyone who prays…

He has Rights, as the Source of Mercy… Romans 9:18 So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills. Matthew 15:13-14 He answered, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be rooted up. 14 Let them alone; they are blind guides. And if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.” The RIGHT to extend it to whomever he pleases… NOT to everyone who asks… Not to everyone who prays… Not to everyone who goes to church

He has Rights, as the Source of Mercy… Romans 9:18 So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills. Matthew 7:21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. God’s promise of mercy is to the OBEDIENT The RIGHT to extend it to whomever he pleases… NOT to everyone who asks… Not to everyone who prays… Not to everyone who goes to church

He has Rights, as the Potter… The RIGHT to prepare “vessels” in any way HE chooses John 8:24- believing Luke 13:3- repenting Mark 16:16- being baptized No man supersedes God’s right to prepare HIS vessels! Romans 9: Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use? 22 What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, 23 in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory—

He has Rights, as the Judge… Romans 9:27-28 And Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: “Though the number of the sons of Israel be as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will be saved, 28 for the Lord will carry out his sentence upon the earth fully and without delay.” The RIGHT to carry out sentence on the earth

He has Rights, as the Judge… Romans 2:4-6, 11 Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? 5 But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God's righteous judgment will be revealed. 6 He will render to each one according to his works: 11 For God shows no partiality. Do not confuse “kind” with “weak”

He has Rights, as the Judge… 2 Peter 3:3-4 …knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. 4 They will say, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.” Satan’s trick is “peace, peace” “no worries”

He has Rights, as the Judge… Acts 17:30-31 The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent,31 because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.” This world is marked for destruction

A Major Point of Difference In each of the extreme “rights” movements of men… … others rights are ignored and trampled on, …given rights can be lost or taken away God has the supreme right to decide, condemn, or take life which will NOT be taken away He also has mercy to forgive and patience while we grow