26 April, 2024

Chosen

by | 16 August, 2021 | 0 comments

By Scott Franks

At least once this past week you almost certainly felt overwhelmed or inadequate. You had at least one reason to give up or give in . . . to feel like the world was winning and you were not good enough.

The Ephesians felt that way too. But consider Paul’s message to them:

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. In Christ, God has given us every spiritual blessing in the heavenly world. That is, in Christ, he chose us before the world was made so that we would be his holy people—people without blame before him. Because of his love, God had already decided to make us his own children through Jesus Christ. That was what he wanted and what pleased him, and it brings praise to God because of his wonderful grace. God gave that grace to us freely, in Christ, the One he loves. In Christ we are set free by the blood of his death, and so we have forgiveness of sins. How rich is God’s grace, which he has given to us so fully and freely (Ephesians 1:3-8, New Century Version).

Around this table we remember whose we are and what he has done for us. Knowing Christ and how much he values us should lift us up as nothing else can. As we take this symbolic meal that reminds us of all Christ did for us, bask in these wonderful, scriptural truths: you are chosen, you are loved, and you are free.

Scott Franks preaches for the Edgemere Church of Christ (Edgemere.org) in Wichita Falls, Texas. He also contributes weekly devotionals to the 728B site on Facebook.

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest Articles

Ministry Help Wanted

Recent postings: Lycoming Christian Church in Linden, Pa., is seeking a minister of children, youth, and young adults. Michigan City (Ind.) Christian Church needs a senior minister. Impact Christian Church (Moon Township, Pa.) looks to hire an executive pastor. The Christian Campus Foundation (CCF) at the University of Illinois is seeking a full-time director of campus ministry. And more . . .

Stories

By taking these symbols of Jesus’ body and blood, we announce we believe there really was a Jesus, and he really did die for us and carried all our sins down to a grave . . .

Documentary Highlights Christian Response to Pandemics

Southeast Christian Church’s “Purpose in Pandemics” is a documentary that follows the response of the church to pandemics throughout history. The “Purpose in Pandemics” website also includes a study guide for small groups and individuals.

Used of God

I soaked up Sam Stone’s wit and wisdom during our lunches together. Afterward, I’d take notes about our conversations. After hearing of his passing, inspired by his wordsmithing, I felt compelled to share just a small part of his story.

Sam E. Stone: ‘He Tried to Speak the Truth in Love’

In memory and appreciation of our former editor, Sam E. Stone, who died early this week, we share this 2011 column from Christian Standard’s archives in which Sam discussed four Scripture verses significant to his life.

Elliott Library ‘Cornerstone’ Laid

Three Bibles of historical significance to Cincinnati Christian University were the first books place on the shelves during relocation of the George Mark Elliott Library.

The Death of Evil

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. saw in minority groups’ struggles for social equality in America a parallel with Israel’s bondage in Egypt. King envisioned God’s goodness would deliver the U.S. from the evil of segregation.

Mark Scott’s Greatest Kingdom Impact

Since I first enrolled at Ozark Christian College, Mark Scott has been my kingdom hero, and I’m not the only young preacher Mark has shaped. Over his 35 years at OCC, Mark has inspired generations of students.

‘Have We Plans for 1921?’

“All the Standard asks is the opportunity to serve, and it yearns to render in 1921 the greatest, finest, and best service of its history. . . .”

News Briefs for Dec. 9

Items from Timber Lake Christian Church (Moberly, Mo.), Choateville Christian Church (Frankfort, Ky.), Johnson University, and more.

My Counsel for Young Preachers

If I were counseling an aspiring young preacher fresh out of Bible college or seminary, champing at the bit to lead in the church, I would offer these three bits of advice.

My Memories of Marshall Leggett

By Ben Merold
As I think about Marshall Leggett, who passed away on March 2 at age 90, two personal experiences keep coming to my mind . . .

Powell Quintuplets Graduating from High School

When the Powell quintuplets were born in 2001, all of Kentucky celebrated, including Southeast Christian Church, where the Powells are longtime members. Now the quints are 18 and are all headed to the same university.

Reentry: It May Be Harder Than We Think

When the COVID-19 crisis eases, I anticipate that reentry is going to be harder than some people think. Churches, especially, need to prepare for this.

Fifth Person Arrested in Deaths of Kansas Women

A fifth person has been arrested on charges in the deaths of two women from Hugoton, Kan. Veronica Butler and Jilian Kelley, a minister’s wife, went missing March 30 and were found dead on an Oklahoma farm April 14. . . .

THROWBACK THURSDAY: ‘Cloned in God’s Image’ (1984)

“In one sense Christians are clones,” Virgil Felton wrote in 1984. “We are cloned in God’s image (Genesis 1:27). We are cloned by a new birth (John 3:5). We are cloned as new creatures (2 Corinthians 5:17). . . .”

News Briefs for April 24

Bob Vernon, 97, an Ozark Bible College graduate who, with his brothers, was a pioneer in Christian television broadcasting, died April 14. . . . David and Dolly Nicholson are retiring after decades of service. . . . A “Kelley Family Benefit Fund” has been established . . . plus more.

Your Later Years Can Be Greater Years!

In his new book, “Not Too Old,” Christian Standard contributing editor David Faust explains how “your later years can be greater years.” In the book, David encourages readers to continue to “bear fruit in old age” (Psalm 92:14) . . .

The Gentle Servant

Isaiah uses two metaphors to illustrate the gentleness of our Lord . . .

Follow Us