Pardon My Interruption: Craig's Thoughts About This And That
Ephesians 2:10 NIV
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Good works are:
1. What Christians are to do as the result of Him working in us.
2. Designated for us in advance.
God has prepared certain good works for us to do and His work in us gives us the ability to do them, which means there is no room for boasting on our part.
That we have nothing to boast about isn’t a new idea introduced in this verse. In fact, it is a followup: In the two verses prior to this (2:8-9), we see that our salvation is a merciful gift from God so that we can’t boast. Interestingly, the good works we do, like our salvation, are to His credit. It’s a package deal. God alone gets the credit for our salvation and our good works.
Apparently small kids are on the loose with spray paint and stencils. This piece of art can be found near the Mahane Yehuda market in Jerusalem.
Ephesians 1:11-12 NIV
In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.
From this passage I see that Christians are predestined:
1. According to a plan, and
2. For the praise of God’s glory.
Predestination is not a reaction; it has a plan and a purpose. That gives me encouragement and comfort.
Land For Peace?
This banner is hanging from a balcony in downtown Jerusalem. It has a poignant message for those who are familiar with American history, and is directed toward those who campaign for trading land for peace with the Arabs.
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