The following excerpt covers some widely misunderstood scriptures regarding ‘calling’ by God and much more that is relevant to the Christian life. Talking points are below video.
[Full video podcast is at end of post; listen on YouTube for links and narrative associated with this video which is from Christian Sermons and Audio Books.]
Highlight points [bracketed statements, emboldening and underscoring are mine]:
- He opens by responding to some questions from listeners, mostly regarding Romans 10:1-4
- Romans 10: 1 Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. 2 For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.
3 For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes
- Regarding choosing to follow Jesus or self: unconditional electing grace vs the state of being born spiritually dead
- The Holy Spirit effects regeneration, saves [see John 3:1-15, or read the whole chapter]
- How Romans 9-11 is relevant to the above topic
- Pelagius’ erroneous, unbiblical view / Arminian assumption regarding will, which wrongly assumes that one is born neutral with the capabilities to ‘choose’ Christ or self as a way of living
- Biblical view being born in Adam, fallen, loving sin, not desiring God…
- That view is largely unknown because it is neglected in the pulpits
- God does not say He is desirous that all humans be saved; the following verses explained in their context to show that the statements mean ‘all types of men,’ Kings…
- 1 Timothy 2:1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth
- 2 Peter 3: 7 But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly. 8 But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance [explained in light of the following verse]
- 2 Peter 1:1 Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:
- …his millennial view, the Jewish call en masse [relevant to his mentioning of Romans 9-11]
- Back to the original topic, Romans 12:1-2
- Rom 12:1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect
- Because of God’s mercy, that has been enumerated in chapters 1-11, Paul stated the above verses
- These indicate that our time, talents, treasures… be used for God’s kingdom…
- ‘Conformation’ illustrated – everything in this world is trying to conform the Christian
- ‘Transformation’ explained in terms of the butterfly’s metamorphosis
- Christians are transformed by the renewing of their minds
- The mass confusion over sex roles in this culture; the roles of men, women and children very briefly mentioned
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For all links and narrative regarding the above video, listen to it on YouTube.
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