Open Heaven 26 August 2023 Topic: About Predestination
Memory Verse: Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. ( Romans 8:30)
Bible Reading: Romans 8:29-33 (NIV)
29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.
30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
More Than Conquerors
31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?
33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies.
Open Heaven 26 August 2023 Message:
Before you were born, God knew you (Jeremiah 1:4-5). He not only knows your beginning, He knows your end too (Jeremiah 29:11). Some people call this destiny.
Many believe that people’s fates are decided by God no matter what they do. If you pay attention to the first part of our bible reading today, you will see the word, ‘Foreknow’.
Your destiny is determined by His knowledge of the things you will do and the decisions you will make throughout your lifetime. In other words, your destiny is ultimately decided by you.
If God tells you your destiny now, it is based on all the knowledge He has about you. For example, God knows all that you have done in the past.
In 2 Kings 5:20-27, when Gehazi collected Naaman’s gifts secretly, Elisha didn’t leave the house, but he saw everything. Gehazi lied about what he had done and became destined to be a leper and a father of lepers.
What you have done in the past and what you are doing now are good pointers to your destiny. God also knows what you are going to do tomorrow.
This explains Romans 9:10-14, where the Bible says that before Esau and Jacob were born, God had already loved Jacob and hated Esau.
People may say that is unfair, but God already knew in advance what would happen in Genesis 25:29-34 – that Esau would love his stomach more than his birthright. Now you may say, “Since He knows my future, that means it is already fixed; no matter how hard I try, what will be will be”.
No, that is not correct. In Daniel 2:20-21, the Bible says God changes times. He can rearrange your future. Don’t forget that He is Supreme and can do as He pleases.
The fact that you are alive today reading this particular message means there is hope for you to end well.
In Luke 23:39-43, a criminal on his way to hell got salvation at the last minute. Jesus Christ rearranged His destiny and he ended up in heaven.
If you sincerely cry to God today, confess your past and present sins while determining to live holy henceforth, He can rearrange your future and make sure that you have a glorious destiny; it is all in your own hands.
Open Heaven 26 August 2023
Points: Your destiny is in your hands.
Hymn: Take My Life And Let It Be
Bible in one year: Ezekiel 9, Ezekiel 10, Ezekiel 11, Ezekiel 12