Are we chosen by God's design?

When we open the texts of Ephesians, we find ourselves peering into the divine intricacies of God’s plan for humanity. Pastor Harry Behrens, in his latest podcast episode, dissects Ephesians 1:1-14, unearthing the profound themes of predestination, divine election, and God’s unyielding purpose for His believers. The exploration is rooted in the Apostle Paul’s writings, composed within the constraints of his imprisonment yet brimming with the power of spiritual freedom.

As we traverse the scripture, we encounter the notion of spiritual blessings, which, as Pastor Behrens eloquently explains, transcend the materialistic views prevalent in today’s society. The blessings that Paul speaks of are deeply embedded in the spiritual realm, linking us directly to the heart of God. This connection, unshackled by worldly desires, is where we unearth the joy and assurance of living a purpose-driven life that glorifies our Creator.

The concept of being chosen by God before the world's foundation is central to this discourse. We delve into the powerful imagery presented in John 15:16, where Jesus Himself declares that we did not choose Him, but He chose us to bear spiritual fruit. This fruit, lasting and nourishing, is not a consequence of our merit but a divine gift, emphasizing that every believer is endowed with a unique purpose within God’s grand design.

Yet, the episode does not shy away from grappling with challenging theological questions. It probes the delicate balance between God's sovereign will and human free will, drawing on scriptures such as 2 Peter 3:9 and Romans 9 to unravel the mystery of salvation. The podcast illuminates the overarching desire of God to be glorified through His creation, revealing His nature through the acts of mercy, grace, and forgiveness in a world that has known the fall from grace.

A pivotal moment in the episode is the discussion on predestination and its implications on sin and righteousness. By dissecting verses such as Romans 8:28 and Ephesians 1:11-14, we understand that our inherent propensity to choose sin is overcome only through God's redemptive plan. The transformation of the believer, born again in the Spirit, is not by human effort but by the will of God—a concept further cemented by supporting passages from the Gospel of John.

As the episode draws to a close, it leaves us with a reflective question: Are we living according to God's will? It's a prompt that urges believers to introspect, to align their lives with the divine blueprint sketched out before the dawn of time. This episode, dense with scriptural wisdom and spiritual guidance, is an invitation to walk a path illuminated by faith, understanding, and the relentless pursuit of God’s glory.

Pastor Behrens beckons us to the journey, encouraging listeners to reach out, connect, and equip themselves with the armor of God. As we abide in Jesus, we are promised joy and a life that radiates the light of God’s love—a beacon of hope in a world often cloaked in shadows. This podcast is not merely an auditory experience; it is a call to action, a divine summons to step into the fullness of our God-given purpose.