Lessons for Life with James Long, Jr.
Are you longing to find answers to the deeper issues of life? Join James, a pastor, counselor, and university professor with over 30 years of experience. Hear James as he tackles some of life's biggest questions and helps us find God's solutions to life's struggles. Learn the power of living by God's grace and for His glory. Experience the joy of forgiveness and freedom found in Jesus Christ alone. If you are on a search for freedom, you will love being part of this conversation. Subscribe, and enjoy the show!
Lessons for Life with James Long, Jr.
Identity in Christ: I am Chosen Before the Creation of this World
Together, we'll reflect on the unbreakable chain of salvation—predestined, called, justified, and glorified—highlighting God's sovereignty in our salvation. This transformation, rooted in love and aimed at holiness, is a lifelong process empowered by the Holy Spirit. Discover three practical ways to embrace your identity as one chosen before the world's creation. Let this truth transform your daily life and decisions, motivating you to serve and share His light with the world. Tune in to learn how to live in the reality of your acceptance in Christ, and find peace, hope, and joy in this journey.
ABOUT JAMES AND LESSONS FOR LIFE
Are you longing to find answers to the deeper issues of life? Join Dr. James Long, Jr., a pastor, counselor, and university professor with over 30 years of experience. Hear James as he tackles some of life’s biggest questions and helps us find God’s solutions to life’s struggles. Learn the power of living by God’s grace and for His glory. Experience the joy of forgiveness and freedom found in Jesus Christ alone. If you are in search of freedom, you will love being part of this conversation. Subscribe, and enjoy the show!
Links
Website – https://jameslongjr.org/
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Apple Podcast – https://jameslongjr.org/applepodcast
Google Podcast – https://jameslongjr.org/googlepodcast
Imagine being chosen for something extraordinary before you even existed. It's a mind-blowing thought that stirs both wonder and gratitude within us. In a world where worth is often measured by achievement and recognition, the profound truth that God selected us before the creation of the world redefines our identity. We find ourselves not merely as products of chance, but as intentional creations of a loving creator. This divine selection is not based on our merits, but rather are rooted in His grace and purpose. As we explore the scriptures, we uncover the beauty of our chosen status and responsibilities that come with it. We are invited to embrace this identity, live out its implications and reflect the love and holiness of the one who chose us.
Speaker 1:Well, hello, my name is James Long Jr. I'm a pastor, counselor and university professor. Welcome to Lessons for Life, where I help people whose pain from their past or their present is influencing their perspective on life Through teaching them about a person, the Lord Jesus Christ, principles and promises from God's word and giving them a pathway for change. My goal is to guide you towards peace, hope and joy. In today's lesson, we will be exploring how God's truth can transform your life and how to experience the joy of forgiveness and freedom found in Christ alone.
Speaker 1:Well, there are several passages of scripture that we will be looking at today for this devotional. The first one is found in Romans, chapter 8, verse 30. Then we will look at Ephesians, chapter 1, verse 4 and 11. And then, finally, we will look at 1 Peter, chapter 2, verse 9. In Romans, chapter 8, verse 30, it says this and those he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. In Ephesians, chapter 1, verse 4, it says this Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In Ephesians, chapter 1, verse 11, it says this In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him, who works all things according to the counsel of his will. And then, finally, in 1 Peter, chapter 2, verse 9, it says this you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him, who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
Speaker 1:Well, here's the devotional thought. The concept of being chosen before the creation of this world is a profound and humbling truth that speaks to the heart of our identity in Christ. In Romans 8.30, paul lays out this unbreakable chain of salvation predestined, called, justified and glorified. Each of these steps underscores the sovereignty of God in our salvation. The idea that God, in His omniscience, chose us before we were born invites us to reflect on the depth of His love and grace. It is not by our merit or work that we stand justified before Him, but solely by His choice and righteousness.
Speaker 1:Ephesians 1.4 emphasizes that our election is rooted in love that aims towards holiness. God's desire for us to be holy and blameless illustrates His commitment to transform us into the image of his Son. This transformation is a lifelong process empowered by the Holy Spirit, and it reassures us that our identity is secure in Christ. The journey of faith is not the one of striving for acceptance, but of living in the reality of our acceptance in him, which brings about a life marked by holiness and love. Finally, peter in 1 Peter 2, verse 9, says that our chosen status comes with purpose to proclaim his excellencies. We are not merely selected for privilege. We are chosen to serve and to share the light of Christ with the world. Our identity as a royal priesthood and a holy nation signifies our calling to live in a way that reflects God's character. Understanding that we are chosen should motivate us to embrace our calling and to actively demonstrate the love and grace that we have received from Him, bringing it home.
Speaker 1:Here are three ways that you can embrace your identity as one chosen before the creation of this world. 1. Reflect on His sovereignty. Spend time in prayer thanking God for His sovereign choice and the grace that comes with it. Consider how this truth impacts your daily life and decisions.
Speaker 1:2. Pursue holiness. Identify areas in your life where God is calling you to grow in holiness. Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance and strength to reflect Christ's character more fully. 3. Share His Excellencies.
Speaker 1:Look for opportunities to share your faith and story of God's work in your life, whether through conversations, acts of service or lifestyle. Let others see the light of Christ shining through you. Well, let us pray. Heavenly Father, thank you for choosing me before the foundation of the world and for this incredible gift of salvation. Help me to live in light of this truth, pursuing holiness and reflecting your love in all that I do. May I be a vessel to proclaim your excellencies and to share the hope of Christ with others. In Jesus' name, we pray Amen. Well, thank you for joining me today. If you found this lesson helpful, I encourage you to explore more resources and support on my website, jameslongjrorg that's jameslongjrorg. There you can also join our Lessons for Life, monthly membership or our online group coaching program, where you will find powerful coaching videos, a supportive community and step-by-step guidance for lasting transformation. Remember that true change is possible when you walk in God's grace and for His glory. Until next time, may you find peace, hope and joy in Christ alone. Blessings.
