Foreknowledge and predestination as illustrated in the life of Abraham

Jesus didn't select the new apostle before he ascended. Peter took the initiative, and the others were in agreement. They looked to the Lord for direction.

Paul's last words to Timothy. Don't be ashamed to associate with those who are shunned by others. Paul quoted a poem with 2 positives and 2 negatives. We have died with Him, died to sin, so we must reckon it so. We may endure because of the hope of reigning with Him. If we have denied Him, then He will not acknowledge us.

The Laodicean church was wealthy and had no need to depend on the Lord. The Lord was at the door, not in their midst. They illustrate the church today. Matthew 18 shows us what it means to be gathered in His name, which is what the Laodicean needed to do.

Grace is not usually associated with strength, but Paul says be strong in the grace of Christ. A soldier must remember who he works for, so that he is willing to obey when it doesn't seem to fit his role. A man of God should avoid getting caught up in pointless disputes of words

The promises that God makes to His people, as He did for Abraham. He brought Abram out of an idolatrous region to be near God. He has called us out of the world to be near God. Israel’s deliverance from bondage was done by God, as our deliverance is by God. They were to be priests to God for the world, which parallels God's purpose for the church.

Although having liberty in Christ, do not use it to live in the lusts of the flesh. Love one another. Walk in the Spirit. Take the Lord’s yoke and walk with Him, learn of Him, and find rest. Spend time with Him alone.

Be strong like a soldier enduring hardship for the sake of the gospel. Don't give up.

What does it mean to serve the Lord? In this passage, Paul describes his perspective of what it was for him to serve the Lord.

Before He was taken up, the Lord spent time with the apostles, confirming that He had risen from the dead. He spent time speaking to them of the kingdom of God before He ascended.