Pastor is doing a series from Romans chapters 9-11. I did not write about last weeks.

Romans 9:6-16 American Standard Version

Paul uses three Old Testament stories to illustrate how God chooses people for salvation.

The first story is that of Isaac, verses 6-9

His name means laughter. Abram laughed but so did Sarai.

God’s choice is miraculous.

Question: What was your understanding of God’s choice from previous teaching you’ve heard and your own Bible?

Second story is that of Jacob and Esau, verses 10-14.

God’s choice is unconditional.

Question: What questions do you have based upon our study today?

The third story is that of Israel, verses 14-16.

God’s choice is merciful.

Question: How does the idea of God’s choice give us spiritual strength and security?

The above is from today’s sermon notes.

Below are my thoughts, although not complete.

God chooses us before we are even created. The why belongs to God. Not going to go into the laughter of Abram and Sarai. Why was one more harshly criticized than the other? One of my early blogs was about this laughter of Abram and Sarai.

Ishmael was also blessed. 12 princes came from him. But Isaac was the child of the promise, the covenant was with Isaac. Also did a couple of blogs on Abraham, Isaac and Ismael.

God choose Jacob over Esau before birth. The verse that God loved Isaac and hated Esau is not referring to the human emotions we think of as love and hate.

Being born a Jew does not guarantee salvation for the nation of Israel.

We are each given a measure of faith. Being born a descendent of Isaac does not guarantee salvation. The fact that I believe means I am chosen. But it is more than that as the demons also believe. When my faith leads me to praise, worship and prayer, to the acceptance of Christ and a changed life in Christ, these are the outward signs of being chosen.

KraftyKatz

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