dawn08

According to God's word He established me here on Earth for His Glory. I am to be salt and light to those around me so that they may praise God our Father. In order to fulfill is purpose and plan for His Glory, I must remain in Him. He the vine and I can do nothing for Him without Him. Stay in His word, pray, do His will, and love those around me. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

What is scary about predestination is that this has been implied that some are chosen and some are not. Unless this predestination refers to God's redemption plan of which his plan is for all and you are saved by Grace through faith. We each have been given free will to accept salvation or not. His heart, though ,wishes that none shall perish. That is why He is patient is gathering in the fullness of the Gentiles. God has a glorious plan to redeem his own and is in control of all time and eternity to come. This comforts me because of the hope of His glory being revealed once and for all at His appointed time. May Jesus send his angels soon to gather His own. I think Paul brings up predestination because he is letting the Ephesians know that God is in control of the salvation of the world. That his plan is from before the begining of time. God knew in advance the end from the begining. That is why Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega. I think Paul is praising God because of God's marvelous plan - which is very hopeful. My mind can only comprehend a miniscule amount of what God has in store for me in Heaven. Glory-Glory-Glory to God

My understanding to be "In Christ" means to be Spirit led, to choose to do God's will, to do what Christ would do, to consult God about what to do, to be led by God's wisdom, to be as Christ - peace keeping, forgiving, gives mercy, gives grace, is motivated by love.

HI This is my first on-line bible study. I am looking forward to growing in God's word this way. I live in Central Florida, USA. I am married and the mother of 3 boys.