Thursday, May 12, 2011

Reflecting on the Sermon: 5/8/11

Romans 9:14-23 was the sermon text.  If you've understood the doctrine of election as Paul has laid it out, you are probably asking "Is God just?"  That is the question Paul anticipates.  (As a side note, if your view of election is such that no one is caused to ask, "Is God Just?" after hearing it then you have probably not explained the doctrine biblically.)  The answer is no, God is not unjust.  He is free and can show mercy to whom he wills.  Mercy, by definition, is unfair because you are not getting the judgment you deserve.  Secondly, God hardens whom he wills to put his glory on display..  The next question addressed in the text is, "Then how can God hold people accountable?"  The basic answer is, your ability to understand the mind of God on this issue is like a piece of pottery trying to understand the mind of the potter.  God is incomprehensible.  Rod went into much more detail (well worth listening to if you missed it).

What I find encouraging is that God is building his kingdom and nothing can stop him.  As Rod pointed out, Jesus is not sitting around waiting and hoping people will come to him.  He is actively rescuing sinners from the path of destruction they are already on.  Praise God for his mercy in saving some.

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