2. WHAT ABOUT PREDESTINATION?

3. Some things are predestined, ‘meant to be.’ Sure our choices impact outcomes, but ultimately God’s choice, God’s desire, keeps pursuing us, doing everything it can to ultimately triumph.

4. “’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).

5. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” – Paul writes in Ephesians 1 – who has blessed us…with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in [Christ] before the creation of the world…In love he predestined us to be…his sons through Jesus…” (Ephesians 1:3-5).

6. And so election is a knotty subject, referred to historically as the tension between Arminianism and Calvinism -- with Arminanians believing God elects all as candidates for salvation, and Calvinists believing God only elects some as candidates for salvation.

7. Let God’s Sovereignty, Have The Last Word.

8. “….I am God, and there is no other.” -- the Lord declares in Isaiah 46. “I am God and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning -- from ancient times, what is still to come. I say -- My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please…” (Isaiah 46:10.).

9. And who is that captain? You guessed it: it’s ‘Captain God’ who is all-knowing, guiding us, in the words of Psalm 107:30, to our “…desired haven…” (Psalm 107:30).

10. Exercise Response-Ability, Contributing To Life’s Outcomes.

11. Everyday there are choices; specifically choices that bring a blessing and choices that bring a curse (Deuteronomy 30:19). But choose blessing “…choose life” (Deuteronomy 30:19) – Moses implores.

13. “I have sinned against the Lord.” (2 Samuel 12:13).

14. Our election is validated, our calling is sure (2 Peter 1:1-11), as we act-out our election, by choosing the one who choose us: the living Christ! And then acting out that choice through additional choices in the direction of goodness, knowledge, self- control…perseverance…godliness…kind- ness… [and ultimately] love. For if you possess these qualities, in increasing measure” – Peter notes – “they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive [as you live out your election]…your knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ…” (2 Peter 1:5-8).

15. Err On The Side Of Grace, Spreading The Word Of Truth.

16. “In [Christ] we were…chosen, having been predestined…In order that we…might be the praise of his glory. [For] you also [referring to the Gentiles] were included in Christ, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of salvation…” (Ephesians 1:11-13).

17. Our task is not to dwell on -- who ‘was, is, or will’ – identify with God election – but to err on the side of grace -- spreading the incredible truth, that “in [Christ] we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us…” (Ephesians 1:7-8).

18. For God did so greatly love and dearly prize “… the world” John 3:16+17 reminds us, “that He…gave up His only…Son… [not] (…to condemn) the world -- but that the world might find salvation -- and be made safe and sound, through Him.” (John 3:16-17, The Amplified Bible).

21. For “in [Christ] we were…chosen -- having been predestined…In order that we…might be the praise of his glory…” (Ephesians 1:11-13).

22. For God did so greatly love and dearly prize “…the world that He…gave up His only…Son… [not] (…to condemn) the world -- but that the world might find salvation -- and be made safe and sound, through Him.” (John 3:16-17, The Amplified Bible).