After assuring the Christians in Thessalonica that they are loved by God (see previous post), Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 1:4, “I know God has chosen you.” With that word “chosen,” Paul brings up one of the most confounding theological problems that has caused Christians confusion and consternation for centuries. Do we choose God orContinue reading “Do we choose God or does he choose us? Both/And! – 1 Thessalonians 1:4–10, Part 3”
Tag Archives: determinism
When all seems lost, we can still choose hope – John 13:17-38, Part 3
Jesus has just shocked his disciples with the news that one of them will betray him. Understandably, they want to know which of them could do such a thing. That leads a deeply dark moment in this story. Look at verses 26-30, “Jesus answered, ‘It is the one to whom I will give this pieceContinue reading “When all seems lost, we can still choose hope – John 13:17-38, Part 3”
Do our choices matter? (or is the future determined?) – Ezekiel 20, Part 4
Editor’s Note: Thanks to guest blogger David Hundert for continuing the Ezekiel series this week. In Ezekiel 20, verses 39-44, we read that Israel has a choice. They can go and serve their idols, if they wish. But they need to remember this: God’s purpose in the election of Israel will stand. A time isContinue reading “Do our choices matter? (or is the future determined?) – Ezekiel 20, Part 4”
The ancient secret to finding true fulfillment in life – Ecclesiastes 5:8-6:12, Part 5
Look at the joy on the girl’s face in the picture above. Isn’t it wonderful? We can only imagine how she got covered in paint, but there is no mistaking that she is feeling deeply joyful about it. Perhaps we adults should let our hair down and have a paint battle from time to time.Continue reading “The ancient secret to finding true fulfillment in life – Ecclesiastes 5:8-6:12, Part 5”
Why doesn’t God step in and stop the pain in the world? – Current Events Q2 2020: Is God in Control?, Part 3
When we are going through a difficult time, such as the coronavirus pandemic, it can seem like God is nowhere to be found. Deism is a view of God that says that God created the universe, he set things in motion, but is now hand’s off. Like a bowler releasing her bowing ball. The bowlerContinue reading “Why doesn’t God step in and stop the pain in the world? – Current Events Q2 2020: Is God in Control?, Part 3”
Is God a universal puppet master? – Current Events Q2 2020 – Is God in control?, Part 2
Is God in control? People use that phrase a lot, but is there anywhere in the Bible that teaches that God is in control? In the previous post we looked at an article that said it was going to list verses that confirmed God’s control, but ended up not doing so. So are there otherContinue reading “Is God a universal puppet master? – Current Events Q2 2020 – Is God in control?, Part 2”
Engaging Scripture 