godsdaughter528

As a Black person, I often think about the relationship to slavery and freedom. I think about what it must have been for my ancestors to have lived in their own land as free, but to have other men come and kidnap them and bind them in chains. This must have been an awful and terrible experience for them. Many took back their freedom by taking their own lives in various ways. I think about the human blood that was shed to abolish slavery, and accomplish freedom for slaves in America. I think about how my ancestors, and so many others who sacrificed life, and limb so that Black people could be free! But now, because of God's grace and love, regardsless of race, color, sex, or creed, Jesus has given his life - for there is no forgiveness of sin without the shedding of blood -- so that we all could be truly, and completely free!! Glory to the Lamb of God who shed His blood for us! God Bless You All! Godsdaughter528

Good morning everyone! By way of introduction, I am referring to myself as "Godsdaughter", and I am very excited to participate in the Ephesians bible study. I am a pastor's wife in Long Beach, California. My husband and I have been in ministry for 11 years now. All of our children are adults. My husband retired this year from his job of 33 years. He is now preparing to focus on ministry full-time. At any rate, I am glad to be his partner, and God's servant. Predestination was scary to me when I first learned about it. I felt that I had wasted a lot of time out there in the darkness of sin, when all the time God had a wonderful plan for my life. Since then I have learned that even our unregenerated lives are to be used to glorify our Father, and as an example to help others. Now, I find comfort that God, through his great love for his children, has our lives worked out in advance, and all that we have to do is "walk it out" by faith, love, and grace. So, thank God for predestination and showing us how he had a plan for us even before we were born. Praise the Lord! Godsdaughter528