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Explore Romans 8:28-30 and the profound truths of God's plan for our lives, love, and salvation. Reflect on the unbreakable links in God's golden chain of redemption and the eternal grace He offers.
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Amazing Grace. Awesome God. Romans 8:28-30
Amazing Grace. Awesome God. • Romans 8:28 • ‘a soft pillow for a tired heart’ (R A Torrey) • The providence of God – the Christian life is not a lottery • God has a game plan for our lives and he’s sticking to it
Amazing Grace. Awesome God. • Romans 8:28 • We’re bound by time – God focuses on eternity • We can see now – God sees tomorrow • We know a little – God knows all there is to know
Amazing Grace. Awesome God. • Romans 8:28 • Not a precise explanation for suffering • There are times when we don’t know why; there are times when we’re not meant to know the reason why. • Doesn’t mean we can’t have a good cry
Amazing Grace. Awesome God. • Romans 8:28 • A God-promise to build our lives upon • It is God’s bright idea, not ours • God isn’t selective in what he uses • God tailor-makes every experience for our ultimate good
Amazing Grace. Awesome God. • Romans 8:28 • Joseph in Genesis 50:20 • Jeremiah in Jeremiah 29:10 • We ‘love’ him … a pulsating relationship with the Lord • We are ‘called’ by him … we owe it all to the Lord and his amazing grace
Amazing Grace. Awesome God. • Romans 8:29-30 • An insight into God’s plan for our lives • The process for getting from A to B • ‘a golden chain of five unbreakable links’ • In God’s eyes, it’s done – for us, it’s still happening
Amazing Grace. Awesome God. • Romans 8:29 … ‘those God foreknew’ • God knows all there is to know • To know someone with a paternal love • Highlights a vibrant relationship between God and his people – one of care and affection • God loves you because he loves you
Amazing Grace. Awesome God. • Romans 8:29 … ‘he predestined’ • What God does for those who are saved • See the difference between election and predestination: • E: to people – P: to a purpose • E: the past – P: the future • E: chosen from – P: chosen for
Amazing Grace. Awesome God. • Romans 8:29 • God wants us to be in the mould of Jesus • Sanctification – he knocks us into shape • His aim – for us to be Jesus look-a-likes • So that Christ might be recognised as Number One – unrivalled and unique
Amazing Grace. Awesome God. • Romans 8:30 … ‘those he called’ • Not like a puppet on a string • He calls us through the gospel of grace • The word means ‘to give a name to’ or ‘to call out of’ • We’re on the receiving end
Amazing Grace. Awesome God. • He called me long before I heard, • Before my sinful heart was stirred. • But when I took him at his word, • Forgiven – he lifted me. • When God calls … are we listening?
Amazing Grace. Awesome God. • Romans 8:30 … ‘he also justified’ • We are right with God • Something only God could do for us • Near, so very near to God, • Nearer I could not be. • For in the person of his Son, • I am as near as he.
Amazing Grace. Awesome God. • Romans 8:30 … ‘he also glorified’ • A day in the future when we rise to be with the Lord Jesus • ‘A golden chain forged on the anvil of God’s grace with the hammer of God’s omnipotence that links eternity past with eternity future.’
Amazing Grace. Awesome God. • When we’ve been there • ten thousand years, • Bright shining as the sun; • We’ve no less days • to sing God’s praise, • Than when we first begun.
Amazing Grace. Awesome God. • take-home message … • five links in the golden chain • of redemption … none of which • is the weakest link!