‎Jim Vining‎ to Understanding the Times SS Class

2 hrs · 

1Thessalonians 5:10 who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.

We cannot separate our spiritual purpose from our secular responsibilities – we cannot give God a portion of our devotion to indulge our freedom and independence toward our worldly existence. It is not God’s purpose or Biblical edict that God helps those who are determined to make their own way in this world. God will only allow us to experience His truth if we acknowledge our utter dependence upon our Lord and Savior. No thought, behavior or plan can be separated from absolute devotion and trust in God. God is not interested in sanctifying our choices – we must determine to allow our freedom to choose be directed by His Word and Holy Spirit; living for the explicit purpose of bringing Him glory and praise. God will not manipulate us to return to Him what we must give from a wiling and eternally grateful heart. There is never a distinction of purpose between the secular and the sacred – my sin nature may suggest a separation but my Savior demands undisputed obedience to bring our mortal into His eternal. The sovereignty of God’s grace and mercy provides everything in my life – my existence should reflect my eternal gratitude toward God and acknowledge that all that exists (seen and unseen) is a for the pleasure and purpose of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Read through the Bible in one year – Mar. 14/Mk. 14:1-26; Deut. 23-25