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God Decides
randal, Monday, 5. January 2004, 17:02
by J. Randal Matheny
"Then God said, 'Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. ...'" (Gen. 1:26, ESV). At some point before the world began, God decided to make man. As he reached the right point in creation, he said, "Now it's time. Let's do what we set out to do. Let's make a man." A vital part of man's similarity to God is that he, too, can decide. That will be the theme of the next few weeks. But God decided to make a man. Why did he do that? There isn't much direct information for that question, only what we pick up here and there in the Biblical text. But in a word, to quote Rex A. Turner, Sr., "God is a social being. He desires to have the company of his own offspring [with] whom he can share his love, his righteousness, and his glory."* That answer prompts another question: If God wanted company besides himself, is he not sufficient within himself? It's not a given that the Lord NEEDED us, but it is appropriate to say he WANTED us. Man's sad story is that he always needs God, but often doesn't want him. But God wants us so much, he decided on a plan, also before the world began (1 Pet. 1:20), just in case anything went wrong and man chose what he ought not. No matter what man chooses, God's choice is greater and extends wider and further in time and eternity. While God doesn't cancel out an individual's decisions, God's decision folds it all into his plan and will and produces good even from man's evil. He doesn't turn man's evil into good, but makes good result when man means evil (Gen. 50:20). Something like the saying, "Man proposes, God disposes." Or as a wise one said, "Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand" (Prov. 19:21). God loves, and in his desire and decision to share that love, he created a being capable of appreciating it and of responding to him, one able to say "yes" to his love and, though it seems unthinkable, able to say "no" as well. In every decision of his, in every move he makes, he still seeks someone to say "yes". What do you say? __________ *Systematic Theology (Montgomery, Ala.: Alabama Christian School of Religion, 1989), p. 131. |
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Update on FMag
Forthright Magazine continues, more dynamic than ever! We have groups created for FMag on Facebook and the Churches of Christ Network. Announcement blog is up and going on Preachers Files. Email lists about FMag and FPress are available both on Yahoo and GoogleGroups. And, to top it all off, we're twittering for both on Twitter.com. by randal @ 2009.01.20, 11:55 Titanic and How We Leave the Lord
Just wanted to thank Richard Mansel for all his articles. I used this one in my sermon today at church. I'm not a regular preacher, but we are taking turns until we get a new one. Thanks again. A Christian Friend, Ron Reynolds by ronreynolds @ 2008.04.27, 21:18 Persuaded Without Knowledge
Yesterday my cousin died,she and I were taught the gospel,neither of us obeyed at that time,she and I wer both baptist,we found comfort in the once saved always saved and we both didn't undestand Paul being so chavinistic,that was back in the mid 80's,Years latter I was taught the Gospel again and I obeyed but she never did.One of the scrptures that influenced my decesion was Ephesians 5:19,For years music was my spirit uplifter more so than preaching,and denominations know ... more ... by helenh205 @ 2005.10.13, 12:51 How to Make Sure That Your Judgment Is Flawless
by Don Ruhl Read the Bible in a Year This evening read John 5:24--47 How to Make Sure That Your Judgment Is Flawless Yes, it is popular to say that we are not supposed to judge, but the truth is we all make judgments about many things daily. Otherwise, we would never succeed in life. The real question is what is our guide for judging. Why can we not simply follow the example of our Master and Lord? He said, 30 ... more ... by diane amberg @ 2005.05.18, 04:08 Do You Ever Feel Like Just a Name?
by Don Ruhl Read the Bible in a Year This morning read First Chronicles 1--3 Do You Ever Feel Like Just a Name? Think on the manner, in which the Book of First Chronicles begins, 1 Adam, Seth, Enosh (1 Chr. 1:1). In this way begins the longest genealogy in the Bible. The names continue to the end of the ninth chapter! Were these just names? Adam; who is he? You know there is more in the Bible than the mere ... more ... by diane amberg @ 2005.05.18, 04:05 ...
by Don Ruhl Read the Bible in a Year This evening read John 5:1--23 Jesus healed a man. Praise God! However, Jesus healed him on the Sabbath. Uh oh. Some people were ready to kill Jesus for this perceived violation of the Sabbath Law. 16 For this reason the Jews persecuted Jesus, and sought to kill Him, because He had done these things on the Sabbath (Joh. 5:16). Jesus did a good thing. Yet, people criticized Him severely for it. And ... more ... by diane amberg @ 2005.05.18, 04:03 They Were His Servants
by Don Ruhl Read the Bible in a Year This morning read Second Kings 24 and 25 They Were His Servants As the writer of Second Kings explains whom the Lord sent against Judah, the writer said that this was 2 ...according to the word of the LORD which He had spoken by His servants the prophets (2 Kin. 24:2). Those great men we have honored for centuries were nothing more than servants of the Lord God. What does that make ... more ... by diane amberg @ 2005.05.18, 04:01 ...
by Don Ruhl Read the Bible in a Year This evening read John 4:30--54 The disciples went into a town to buy food while Jesus remained out of the town. There He engaged a woman in conversation. When the disciples returned, here is what happened, 31 In the meantime His disciples urged Him, saying, "Rabbi, eat." 32 But He said to them, "I have food to eat of which you do not know" (Joh. 4:31, 32). As you read the Gospel ... more ... by diane amberg @ 2005.05.18, 03:59
last updated: 2009.01.20, 11:55
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