Does God Choose People? If So, How Should We Understand It?

The following quote helps make sense of what is for many, a very confusing doctrine:

The famous American Bible teacher Donald Grey Barnhouse (1895–1960) often used an illustration to help people make sense of election. He asked them to imagine a cross like the one on which Jesus died, only so large that it had a door in it. Over the door were these words from Revelation: “Whosoever will may come.” These words represent the free and universal offer of the gospel. By God’s grace, the message of salvation is for everyone. Every man, woman, and child who will come to the cross is invited to believe in Jesus Christ and enter eternal life.

On the other side of the door a happy surprise awaits the one who believes and enters. From the inside, anyone glancing back can see these words from Ephesians written above the door: “Chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world.” Election is best understood in hindsight, for it is only after coming to Christ that one can know whether one has been chosen in Christ. Those who make a decision for Christ find that God made a decision for them in eternity past.

HT: JT

A Testimony of God's Grace. . .To Tricia

This past Sunday was bittersweet for our church family. Four years ago we welcomed a single-parent family of five into our church. Over the past four years we grew a deep mutual bond with Tricia and her four great kids. This past Sunday was a goodbye of sorts, as Tricia shared a testimony of God's grace to her and her family, as she prepares for her upcoming July wedding, and (the bitter part for us), her move 2 1/2 hours north after the wedding. I'd highly encourage you to listen to Tricia's testimony (found here). She honestly recounts the trials she has been through, and the awesome way God helped her make Him her ultimate treasure through that pain. And now, as she prepares to marry a great man of God, she is excited, but she is most excited about her God!

After Tricia shared I preached an abbreviated message on the 'goodbye' aspect of Paul's address to the Ephesian Elders. My main point was: this was a goodbye because God was calling Paul away. And my three points were: 1. Goodbye, with tears; 2. Goodbye, for he sake of the Kingdom; 3. Goodbye, you are in God's hands. I hope our church was encouraged by this Biblical goodbye, as we prepare to say goodbye to a family that has been an incredible blessing to our church family, and who we will miss very much! My message can be found in the same place.

Note: our church web site only stores messages for three weeks. Every week we erase an old message and add a new one. . .so if you are reading this after the month of June, those links will not bring you to the sermons mentioned above!!

A Charismatic Calvinist

"The man who wrote Romans 9 (classic text on the doctrine of election) also wrote, 'I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you". That's my favourite quote from the following video. Who knew that doing chores and watching a few you tube videos along the way could mess up my theology so much?



HT: JT

If Miraculous Gifts Have Not Ceased, Should We Pursue Them?

Sam Storms gives a very helpful answer. (Full disclosure, I'm in nearly the exact position of the young guy asking the initial question, so Storms' answer really helped me.)

Conference Trailer - Think: the Life of the Mind and the Love of God

This one looks awesome.

Free Audio Book

This month's free audio book at Christian Audio is 'Forgotten God' by Francis Chan. I look forward to 'listening' to this book on the Holy Spirit as I exercise over the next little while. It can be found here.

Pray for Ray David Glenn

My wife grew up with Ray David Glenn. Today he is an evangelical Anglican Priest in a 'hold out' congregation (i.e. they are sticking to the Bible and the gospel). In 2001 he married Rhonda, a then talk show host on CTS. One month ago, Rhonda was diagnosed with a brain tumour, and this past week, she passed away. Rhonda leaves a loving husband, and a 7 year old son named Matthew. Pray for this family in mourning. Below is a remembrance video.