I was predestined to post this blog

We’re studying Romans in a small home Bible study and we’ve just waded through chapter 8:28-30 (the predestination bit). “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined he also called; those he called he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.”

What do you think about this? Is it:

A: God has hand picked all the people who get to be saved?
B: Paul is referring to the larger plan of salvation and not to the specifics about people?
C: Paul is speaking about specific people in specific situations and at specific times (eg, the apostles)?
D: A combination of B and C?
E: Something totally different?

In continuing our look into the “Emerging Culture” and how they feel about the church, I think some issues like this are helpful to explore. We may have an understanding as to what we think, but there are usually those who take opposite vistas. Because of this, many issues simmer in churches and straw-man arguments are used to promote one church over against another. Before long, Satan cultivates division between people who all say they are following Jesus. Caught in the ensuing crossfire are those who are staining simply to know Jesus. These emerging eyes want nothing more than to see Jesus as the loving, benevolent, defender of the faint and accuser of the religiously smug. Is there a way to view passages like these and have open discussions with other “faiths” without casting the stones of judgment? Dan Kimble of “They Love Jesus but Hate the Church” suggest that the emerging generations look at the church (as in all of them) as rule laden organized religion; people and leaders with more concern for political or doctrinal agendas rather than sharing and showing the love of Jesus.

So ye brave visitors to blogdom, choose ye the letter from above which correspond with your opinion. Also, let me know if you think there be any way doctrinal purity can be maintained while also preventing judgmental attitudes and staying somewhat inviting to innocent bystanders? Wow, that’s really asking a lot. Just do your best. Feel free to be anonymous if you want. I’ll spill my views in a day or two.

Tom