The concept of the sovereignty of God is in no way God forcing unwilling people kicking and screaming to do something they don't want to do. Likewise, God shuts the door on no man who is desiring Him. So, therefore, Jesus isn't dragging anyone into this deal. In fact, Jesus is doing the opposite of a sales pitch. This is just an invitation by One who is sold out to being a part of God's sovereign plan and purpose. The only way a man ever chooses, however, to sell out to following Christ is by God's sovereign power and glory and mercy and grace that draws him irresistibly into glad submission. THAT is the Kingdom coming in power!
Additional Scripture References:
Ephesians 5:24-25; Ephesians 6:1-4; Ephesians 4; Matthew 28:19; 1 Corinthians 6:12-13; 19-20
Things Just Got Real
Part 3
October 28, 2012 • Michael McCracken
Go!
September 8, 2013 • Michael McCracken
God’s divine plan of redemption didn't end with the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. In some sense it had just begun. Because all authority in heaven and on earth belong to Christ He has determined that His Church should glorify Him through making disciples of Him in all nations. Additional Scripture References: Luke 24:25; Matthew 28:17; James 5:19-20; Psalm 51:13; Daniel 12:3; Malachi 2:6; Matthew 28:19-20; Romans 10:9-11; 1 Cor. 1:21, 24, 29, 31; 1 Cor. 2:10,12; James 2:19; 1 Cor. 12, 14; James 1:21; Romans 1:16; 2 Timothy 3:15; Hebrews 1:3; Colossians 1:17
The Death Of Death
September 1, 2013 • Michael McCracken
Christ destroyed death when He was raised to life on the third day. ALL OF LIFE can have purpose and meaning knowing how this story ends. The resurrection of Christ is THE REALITY that underlies the human longing for a happy ending and for good to triumph over evil. It ensures that this present age will give way to a perfect and glorious one. We WILL wait patiently for it! Additional Scripture References: Genesis 24:7; Exodus 23:20; Philippians 1:6; Deuteronomy 5:29; Zephaniah 3:7; Jeremiah 32:40; Psalm 97:1-5; Deuteronomy 30:15-16; Isaiah 41:10, 13-14; Romans 4:7-8; 5:9; Psalm 30:5; Malachi 4:2; 2 Samuel 23:3-4; Psalm 22:31; 1 Corinthians 15:54, 57
Forsaken In Order To Reconcile
August 25, 2013 • Michael McCracken
In this hour of utter darkness, Christ, from the cross, points us to a Psalm of David that speaks of suffering and despair that ultimately ends in triumph. The beauty of it all is that in the darkness God finds us. Additional Scripture References: John 17:11, 22; John 17:1; Isaiah 53:3; Hebrews 2:10-11; Ephesians 2:18-22; 1 Peter 2:9-10; Hebrews 10:14-23; Psalm 22; Romans 10:20