" God's Chosen Treasures"

Scriptures:

" God’s Chosen Treasures” (read) — According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and w/o blame before him in love. Vs. 5.— Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself according to the good pleasure of his will. (read)— Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you and peace, be multiplied.

Introduction:

Honored to proclaim the word this afternoon, of his love and grace for us. Honored to eulogize Mother.....

who was a faithful christian and member of our church when she was able to attend our worship services! Recognize the family and caregivers during the later seasons of her life.

She was special to God, a treasured possession and an irreplaceable person in his eyes. She was placed in him— signifying a fixed position ( by implication— a relationship, that God treasured because Christ was in her, and she in him, now they will be together in the eternal ). A treasured possession. She loved her church, which was observable by her regular attendance and family. I’m amazed by her life’s longevity on this earth.

1918-2017 almost a lived a century-----

seen a lot of things during that time span.....

but in my opinion, not experienced anything like the love of God in Christ, or his amazing grace during her saved life!!!

Historical Context: Apostle Paul— formerly known as Saul of Tarsus— One of the most influential writers in the N/T by the power of the Holy Ghost, and God’s purpose. # 2107 Eudokia— God’s desire, pleasure, good will, intention, for a glorious purpose. God showed Saul good mercy and grace.

Traveled to Ephesus at least two times: , .

Some exciting things happened: 1-8 ( 12 received the Holy Ghost) read

Had some disputes

Special miracles by the hand of Paul

Many brought the curious arts and books and burned them— Word of God grew!

Ephesus special to him— knew them— visited and loved them--

2. Apostle Peter— Transformed by the Holy Ghost as a witness to Jesus/ : lifted up his voice and begin to proclaim… These are drunken as you suppose..... Special miracle too....

Man at the gate beautiful....---

Many healed by his shadow --

Supernaturally rescued from prison because of prayer--

Key Points to Understand:

Understanding God’s selection process:

To his purpose/ w/o anyone else’s approval but his own.

1. Not like man’s selection process: (example- pick up game ..... best skilled, best friend, most influential,

God doesn’t choose that way- 1 cor. 1:26— not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty men, not many noble are called. But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty, and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are.......

2. We didn’t chose him, but he chose us and ordained us that we should bring forth fruit and that the fruit should remain. (Invested purpose— his glory)

3. Before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him in love. Who shall lay any charge against God’s elect— Chosen Special Treasures? Rom: 8:28-33

4. God’s knowledge is always beforehand: God has knowledge of everything, and thus nothing can every surprise him! ( God’s foreknowledge— God’s Forethought # 4268 )-Prognosis

Behold, the former things have come to pass,

and new things I now declare; before they spring

spring forth, I tell you of them. ( announce them…)

Who from the beginning declares the end, and from before things that have not been done, who says, My plan shall stand. (counsel)

Predestined to be elected..... # 4309— Proorizo— (decides in advance)

Saved

chosen, conformed to the image of his son! That’s why we’re a special treasure— chosen to experience his salvation, love, grace, God’s elect!!!! Treasured possession!!!

Conclusion - Summary— Go to text and summarize again— make relevant— what’s the application?

Others might not esteem you as valuable, but he does.....

The enemy might tell you, you’re not worth much, but you are!!!!!!

He’s went through so much to obtain you for himself, he decided before the world foundation he would die so we might be born again to experience his salvation which is forever. Who shall separate you from my love? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?....... For I am persuaded that neither, death nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord .

Tribulation-

Distress-

Persecution-

Famine-Nakedness-Peril- Sword