It's God's Choice

This blog is based on a twitter I saw today from @burk_parsons "Osama bin Laden may be among the elect."

There. Someone said it, or rather, tweeted it. One of the most electrifying, profound, doctrinal, stirring, challenging statements I've ever seen on Twitter.

It's true. OBL could be among the elect because election is God's choice. God chooses us, the elect. If he is among the elect, OBL has been there from before the foundation of the universe. It's God's choice. OBL may not be a Christ follower now, but if God has chosen him and planned it, OBL will be saved at some point. It's God's choice.

Read the story of Hagar and Ishmael, Genesis 16:7-14 and Genesis 21:1-21 and Paul's use of Hagar's story in Gal. 4:21, 5:1. In the end, God pronounced a blessing on the seed of Ishmael and Hagar, their people would become many. God chose the murderer of His people, Saul, to be saved for His glory and the building up of the Church. Like OBL, Saul murdered people whom he despised because of their beliefs. Both felt they were doing God a favor by getting rid of those who disagree with their religion.

We are the people who preach, believe, sing, and convince others that with God all things are possible. Imagine what would happen if we who believe that with all our hearts and pray for the salvation of OBL's soul? Millions of Christians around the world praying the fervent righteous prayer. It's a prayer that will be heard and answered.

God knows exactlyhow to deal with OBL, just as He did Saul and any of us who are Christ followers. Only God knows and since we don't know who will say yes or no, we must keep
praying.

If social media has a purpose at all, let's keep this twitter about OBL in mind, along with Saul story. What are the similarities in their lives? If OBL will be saved one day, what similarities will he face that Paul did?

Let's keep praying.

Missional/Confessional or Attractional?

Short and sweet. That's the way the wrangling should be that's going on in some churches about church identity and mission. Do we go into the world or attract people into the church? A total of 82,600 sites will give you their opinion on which concept is correct and heaven sent.

We are attractional: Every person saved was attracted to Jesus and drawn by cords of love to His salvation. The prodigal son was attracted enough to the Father that he came to the place of rescue with the Father. God gives us this same love to attract those who need His love. The Church is attractional. Ps. 126:5-6

We are missional: Matt. 28:19 The command is clear and straight forward, go into all the world.

Jesus Himself is attractional and missional. He is still doing both. He is interceding before the Father for the Church, missional. When His name is lifted up in the world and the Church, He draws all to Himself, attractional.

We are what He has made us, so now Go in the power and might of His Spirit. This is our mission. Boldly speak the name of Jesus, He is IRRESISTABLE!