Sunday Preview: Your Ultimate Destiny

Have you ever felt like your life stagnated, like you were stuck in a deep rut with no way out? Aimlessness is not only frustrating, but it goes against the fundamental nature of our existence. We are not meant to live devoid of purpose. Indeed, each of us has been created with a destiny in mind—a destiny designed by God, who fills our lives with meaning and direction.

At the heart of understanding our purpose is the concept of "predestination," a term explored in Ephesians 1:5. The doctrine of predestination points to a process toward becoming who we are meant to be—holy and blameless, adopted as sons and daughters through Jesus Christ. This divine intentionality is rooted in God's pleasure and will, emphasizing that our existence is no accident but a deliberate act of divine love.

The Goal of Your Destiny
For those who choose to submit to God's authority, predestination marks a journey toward bearing the family likeness of God Himself. This is not just about an identity in name but in nature:

• Ephesians 1:4 reminds us that we were chosen to be "holy and blameless in love" before the creation of the world.
• Romans 8:29 further elaborates that we are to be conformed to the image of Christ, positioning us as siblings in a divine family.
• Ephesians 4:24 encourages us to adopt a new self, created in righteousness and purity.

Rooted in Love
Our progress toward holiness is paved with love, the foundation of our relationship with God and each other. As 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13 suggests, love is not just a feeling but a force that increases and overflows, establishing our hearts in holiness. If love is absent, then as John wrote in 1 John 4:8, one does not truly know God, for God is love.

Your Highest Destiny
The culmination of our predestined path is to reflect and magnify the glory of God's grace (Ephesians 1:6). This is about embodying and expressing God's grace to others and throughout eternity.

The Ground of Your Destiny
What enables us to reach this state of holiness and blamelessness? It is through Christ's loving sacrifice (Ephesians 5:25-27). Christ's act of love—giving Himself for the church—cleanses and sanctifies us, setting us apart as a splendid, unblemished offering to God. This sacrificial love is the foundation upon which our destinies are built, rooted in the good pleasure of God's will.

Are You Embracing Your Destiny?
Reflecting on these things, let us remember the power and depth of our connection to Christ. Being in Christ means being part of an incredible purpose that goes far beyond our individual lives and connects us to something eternal.

As you prepare for Sunday think on these questions:

1. Define predestination biblically.
2. How does your knowledge of having been adopted impact your sense of identity and purpose?
3. How does your pursuit of holiness and blamelessness in love impact your daily living and interactions with others?
4. How does increasing in love for others help fulfill God’s plan for your life?
5. How does Jesus’ sacrifice on your behalf motivate you to live for Him?

OPENING / WELCOME
Kody Pritt
SONG LEADER
Eric Renegar
PRAYER OF PRAISE
Billy Robins
LEAD LORD'S SUPPER
Jim Rutter
 ASSIST LORD’S SUPPER
Jeff Livingston
Gary Stewart
Brayden Grushon
Jeremy Price
SCRIPTURE READING
Jim Grushon
Ephesians 1:3-6
PREACHING
Matthew Allen
CLOSING PRAYER
Greg Morrison
CLOSING COMMENTS
Rich Walker
WELCOME CENTER
Kathy Downey / Sadonna Schofield
USHERS
Roy Pyle / Dan Spargo
SONG DEVOTIONAL
Jason Schofield
COMMUNION PREP
Marilyn Sims
CLOSING THE BUILDING
Dan Spargo