Joyful Application of the Sovereignity of God

At the beginning of last summer my fifteen year old daughter went on a short term missions trip to New Orleans with several other youth from our church.  They worked with Urban Impact Ministries and Nola Fusion.   click here to learn more about Urban Impact and Nola Fusion.

Upon return those who went gave an excellent report to the church body.   My daughter put her experience in writing.  Below is her words explaining her experience in New Orleans, some of the fears and unknowing she experienced, and how an understanding of the Sovereignty of God and  how realizing all thing are for God's Glory worked to bring her joy and success during her time in New Orleans.  (Note: on the night before my daughter left for New Orleans we learned from the Corps of Engineers that the Missouri River would rise and swell way beyond its banks rising three feet above the floor of our basement.  The night before she left we evacuated our basement and two days later built a three foot levy guarding our walk in basement.  While in New Orleans these things weighed on her mind and worked greater patient endurance than otherwise may have occurred.  Although the flooding of the Missouri River lasted for over three months and the river rose over 21 feet beyond normal the levees built by the Corp, the County and the City all worked to hold the water at bay sparing our home and many others in our community though some dear neighbors lost home and land being on the wrong side of the levee.)

By the Grace of God my Fifteen Year Old's Joyful Application of the Sovereignty of God:

One verse that helped me throughout my trip to New Orleans was my favorite verse from Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”    Knowing that God had a purpose for me on this trip and that it would lead to God’s glory was a great comfort to me since I didn’t really know how the week was going to go.  

   I was a little overwhelmed when I saw all the poverty within five minutes of our drive to the yellow house.

We saw abandoned houses, broken windows, graffiti everywhere, gangs hanging around the city streets, and homeless people wandering around. I didn’t think I was going to see all that in only a couple of minutes. Then, just before we pulled into the yellow house I saw what I thought was a huge gang of kids hanging on the street just before we entered the yellow house, I quickly realized that it was just the other group of kids that came from NE. ;) 

   I had so many worries the first couple of days while I was in New Orleans. I didn’t know how the week was going to lay out, or how I was going to make friends and make my conversations glorifying to God, I was missing my family, and worried about our house, I wasn’t really sure how God was going to work in me during our stay, and I’ve never even done something like this before or even been away from my family for this long, so I didn’t have them to tell me what to think of everything that I was experiencing. Then we found out that we couldn’t call our families every night and I had to be separated into a group away from our church group and with a whole bunch of strangers for parts of the day. In my heart I was angry and frustrated about leaving our church group and having to be with this other group for a whole week!! 

  When we got back to our room that night I took time to lay down and think over everything that was going on. And talk to God about how I should take all this in. He reminded me that God put me here in New Orleans and in the purple group, and that it was wrong of me to be angry at where he has put me. I was put in the purple group to glorify God and that I should be glad and thankful for where God has put me. After that I was rejoicing knowing that he planned for me to be in that group and here in New Orleans and it gave me a sense of relief and a desire to take everything that came my way with joyfulness and thanksgiving because God is in control. 

    The week got better as it went, I started getting more comfortable with my team, and I loved getting to play and know the kids in New Orleans better! Although I missed my family and wanted to call them so desperately, I turned to God and was more dependent on Him. Whenever I was alone or was bothered by my thoughts I looked on Christ and remembered Romans 8:28. God gave me comfort and the words to say when I talked to some of the kids that I met. I got to share the gospel with two girls that I met with in New Orleans. One was a girl from the NE team and the other was from New Orleans. I was rejoicing when I got that opportunity to tell them the gospel and it made me so rejoiceful getting to share how good God is! 

    Through this trip God constantly reminded me of his sovereignty and how we are completely dependent on him. He gave me a peace that he was in control, even at home. I knew that if our house or my Dad’s work was flooded and if it was all taken away, it would be good. And I really realized that all my joy comes from God. When I’m at home it’s hard to realize that because I have parents to tell me how to do things, a nice bed, a good church, and all these comforts, but if it was all taken away would I still be happy. I got a little taste of that in New Orleans when I had some of that taken away, and God showed me that the only real joy I have comes from God. I did have a fun time getting to see all the kids in New Orleans, having good food,

 music, games, seeing the French Quarter, getting to know all the interns, getting to know the kids in our youth better, hanging out with our leaders, but the only and real joy you have is doing it for the glory of God. He is our joy! 

   Now that I am back from New Orleans I’ve been thinking about all that happened and trying to let it soak in. I’ve always had a desire to be an overseas missionary and right now I’m praying to see where God wants me. I am still young and I know I have a lot more growing and maturing to do in the Lord, but God has a plan and he is still working in me and I pray that whatever happens until that day where I will be where God wants me that I will live for his Glory and continue having a deeper desire to know Him.

For more on the Youth Trip to New Orleans click here

DOES BELIEVING THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD LEAD TO LAZINESS

Does believing the doctrine of the Sovereignty of God lead to laziness in the life of the believer?

Perhaps better stated: does insisting on the sovereignty of God in all things, in evangelism, in prayer, in salvation, in holiness and sanctification have a practical outcome of inactivity and passivity in the life of the believer?

I'm not planning on answering this question today, but wanted to get us thinking.

The answer is either (1) YES or (2) NO. Let's break that down a little.

IF WE SAY YES:
YES, believing the doctrine of the Sovereignty of God does lead to apathy and sloth in the life of the believer.

THEN THERE ARE TWO BRANCHES WE COULD TAKE:
YES BUT IT IS TRUE:
(1) YES it does lead to laziness, yet the doctrine is true. Therefore we ought not to over emphasize this doctrine or make too much of it. Let's keep this as an inside secret. Keep it on the down-low so to speak. It's true and occasionally it would be right to make that point but we don't want people to fall under the influence of this truth and kill all pursuits of holiness and evangelism.

OR

YES AND ITS FALSE:
(2) YES it does lead to laziness, the doctrine is not true. God is pretty powerful but he is not SOVEREIGN over all things. The final decision lies with man who has free will. And therefore to prevent apathy and laziness let's teach in such a manner as to dispel this pernicious doctrine.

IF WE SAY NO:
No, believing the doctrine of the Sovereignty of God does NOT lead to laziness.

THEN AGAIN THERE ARE TWO BRANCHES TO CONSIDER:

NO BUT IT'S INDIFFERENT.
(1) No, believing the doctrine of the Sovereignty of God does not lead to laziness. But it is an indifferent thing. The doctrine is true but it does not change anything. Unless they hear, they cannot believe, and how can they hear unless someone preaches. The duty of the believer remains the same. God commands us to make the gospel known and so we should whether this doctrine is true or not. The doctrines' truth matters not to us. We must strive after holiness, and so run as to obtain, and preach the gospel EVEN though God is Sovereign. (In this answer what is meant is that though the doctrine does matter to us yet it doesn't matter to us in the affairs of diligence.)

NO IN FACT THE OPPOSITE:
(2) No, believing the doctrine of the Sovereignty of God does not lead to laziness. In fact just the opposite is true. The doctrine is true and is the very ground for evangelism. We preach knowing that even though men are dead in sin, blinded by Satan, yet success is promised for God has his elect. We pray knowing that God is in Control. He can turn the heart of men for even the heart of kings are in his hands. We pray believing God is sovereign and our confidence in prayer is only possible because this is true. We strive after holiness knowing this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning us. We run so as to obtain, knowing that it is God who works in us both to will and do of his good pleasure. This doctrine is true, and believing the doctrine of the sovereignty of God quite contrary to promoting laziness is an encouragement to preach, and run, and witness. Not only should we not suppress this truth and keep it on the down low we must express it showing where our confidence truly lies: not within ourselves but in Him who called us with perfect calling.

So what do you think?

Does believing the doctrine of the Sovereignty of God promote laziness in the life of the Believer?

A. YES, though the doctrine is true. We ought therefore to minimize our exposure to this truth so as not to be overexposed into slothfulness.

B. Yes, in fact this doctrine is false and should be exposed as such in order to promote diligence in the life of the believer.

C. No, it does not promote laziness. It is an indifferent thing. Our duty remains the same whether we believe such is true or not.

D. No, it does not promote laziness in fact quite the opposite is true. It is the foundation of all diligence.

MBC-03/01/09 Sermon on 1Pe 1:3-5

This post is a summary of the most recent sermon preached at Morningside Baptist Church (MBC) by Pastor Dave Sowers. The audio of the sermon can be found at the "Sermon Audio Podcast" link of the website http://www.morningsidebaptist.us/. Pastor Sowers pictured to the left. As much as is possible it is hoped that these notes honor both the intent and the content of Pastor Sowers' original message. Please compare to the sermon audio podcast. [This post partially corrected for grammar and spelling from orig posting on 3/2/09]

Continuing in our Series on 1 Peter, and being reminded that this letter written to aliens, those who are not in their own homeland, whose citizenship is in heaven Phil 3:20, those who are facing opposition and persecution, was written to them and to us to give us assurance, hope and encouragement. This also is the design of today's text in our second look at 1Peter from 1Pet 1:3-5.

1Peter 1:3-5
1Pe 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
1Pe 1:4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
1Pe 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Note the verb tenses from this passage:

Have been born again (past)
To Obtain an inheritance (future)
Are being kept. (present)

Q. What does it mean to be born-again?

Referred variously in different translations as born-again, born from above, born of the Spirit.

John 3:1-9

KJV John 3:1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: 2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. 3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? 5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. 8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. 9 Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?

It is not simply a "starting over."

2Co 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

In John Chapter 3, Jesus stresses the absolute necessity of regeneration, new-birth, to be born-again. Note the words: "YE MUST..."

That to be born-again is radical, and that being good does not come naturally, the following words from the Minnesota Crime Commission, a secular organization confirms:
"The Minnesota Crime Commission ... issued this report appointed by the governor back in 1926: "Every baby starts life as a little savage. He is completely selfish and self-centered. He wants what he wants when he wants it: his bottle, his mother's attention, his playmate's toys, his uncle's watch, or whatever. Deny him these and he seethes with rage and aggressiveness which would be murderous were he not so helpless. He's dirty, he has no morals, no knowledge, no developed skills. This means that all children, not just certain children but all children, are born delinquent. If permitted to continue in their self-centered world of infancy,given free reinto their impulsive actions to satisfy each want, every child would grow up a criminal, a thief, a killer, a rapist." click here for possible source reference, Grace-to-You website.

Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

Ephesians 2:1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;

For additional quotes, see online book by John Piper, Finally Alive. Click here
(search on "apart from amazing grace" or "our present condition")

In answer to the question, "what is it to be BORN-AGAIN?", some teach baptismal regeneration, while others teach there is something you must do to initiate this process. But Peter and the rest of the scriptures teach that this is a work of God.


God has caused us to be born again:
NAU 1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

Three times in John 1:12-13 John says it wasn't ultimately the excercise of my will to initiate the new-birth but God.
John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

Peter also stating it was God's abundant mercy given to us even when were were dead.
1Pet 1:3 "according to His great mercy"

We were dead - God makes us alive:
Titus 3:4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

This new birth produces a living Hope. Before regeneration, we were without God and without hope.

1Pet 1:3 "born again to a living hope "

Eph 2:12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:

FUTURE TENSE:
Note the text says in the Past-Pefect tense: Have been born again. But now with a look to the Future. Shall obtain -- in the future an inheritance -- reserved in heaven.

NAU 1 Peter 1:4 to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,

Q. What is our inheritance? A. God Himself.
Psalm 16:5 The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot.

From Thomas Brooks, A String of Pearls: click here for reference
"If all these things will satisfy souls, then surely the inheritance reserved in heaven for them will satisfy them; for that inheritance takes in these things, and many more. The good things that this inheritance is made up of are so many—that they exceed number; so great—that they exceed measure; so precious—that they are above all estimation; and therefore it must needs be a soul-satisfying inheritance. "

Inherit a kingdom prepared:
Matthew 25:34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

Ephesians 1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

Ephesians 1:14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

Paul is praying we should get a taste of how glorious this inheritance truly is.
Ephesians 1:18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

An Imperishable Inheritance - that does not perish.
It as Undefiled and Untainted by sin.
An Inheritance that does Not fade away - it does not grow old.

Titus 3:6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

PRESENT TENSE:

What about now -- I have been born again -- there is an inheritance I shall obtain. But what about now, can I blow it?

Now being kept:
1 Peter 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Being kept - present tense -- by the power of God.

Kept: garrisoned or guarded as the city in 2Cor 11:32
2Co 11:32 In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me:

The city was surrounded by a military guard around it. Note -- God is using His power to KEEP us.

Both doctrines are true: We must keep believing to the end if ever we hope to be saved and God indeed will keep His Own unto the end - they will be the ones believing. He will lose none. They belong to him.

Verses affirming this truth of God's keeping power:
John 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. (editors note: Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ by John Bunyan is an excellent extended exposition of this verse - highly recommended. click here for online version)

John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. John 10:29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.

Q. Can Christ lose one of his sheep given to him by the Father?
A. How can Christ lose what the Father has given.

Paul is convinced that God will keep:
2Ti 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

The Lord will rescue, the Lord will preserve:
2Ti 4:18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.


Preserved in Jesus Christ:
Jud 1:1 Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called:

God is the one who can keep us from falling:
Jud 1:24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
Jud 1:25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

God starts the work -- God completes it:
Php 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

He is the author and finisher:
Heb 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising

RESPONSE:
Q. How should we respond to these realities?

First: Ask, "have I partaken? Do I have a living hope? Am I hoping in God alone? Not hoping I will make it but biblical hope which is a confident expectation? This is a question I cannot afford to be wrong on. There are eternal consequences.

So acknowledge you "I have forfeited all rights because of sin."

It is not good deeds, good intentions, nothing to offer to God for acceptance. Trust in Christ alone who is the only saviour. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved.

Secondly for the child of God by Faith now: Note the language in 1Peter 1 and Eph 1, Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Be like Job, blessed be the name of the Lord who gives and takes away.
Job 1:21 And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.

Peter is rejoicing in what he is writing about and he wants us to join him in rejoicing.

The same with Paul in Eph 1:3, rejoicing in the content of what he is writing -- join him in blessing God, worshipping and praising God.
Eph 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

Such a message as the one you have heard this morning is not merely to pass on information. As though you were preparing for a quiz, making ready to answer the following:

1. What does it mean to be born-again?
2. What does it mean and what is a lively hope?
3. What inheritance awaits us?

No, our intention this morning is much greater. Knowing these things let us respond WITH WORSHIP. Thank you Lord, bless the Lord our God. Praise him. Praise to the Glory of His grace.

Yes, there ought to be praise and worship and blessing to God.

Glory to God, by His Grace and for His Glory.

MBC-02/22/09 Sermon on 1Pe 1:1-2

This post is a summary of the notes taken from the most recent sermon preached at Morningside Baptist Church (MBC) by Pastor Dave Sowers. The audio of the sermon can be found at the "Sermon Audio Podcast" link of the website http://www.morningsidebaptist.us/. Pastor Sowers pictured to the left.

MBC's PASTOR SOWERS IS BEGINNING A SERIES OF PREACHING THROUGH 1st Peter.

1Peter 1:1-2
1Pe 1:1-2 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

Although we know of persecution here in the states, yet much more are Christians being persecuted in other countries. Headlines report violence against Turkish Christians is on the upswing - click here. Another headline reads: Turkey's Mistreatment of Christians Becoming More Brazen click here.

This article reads:
"But that evening at the shop, his supervisor angrily accused him of "missionary work" and "brainwashing." With the help of two employees and a relative, he beat Erdogan for two hours. The men repeatedly struck the designer's head and face with their fists and the butt of a pistol. Three times Erdogan's boss attempted to shoot him, but the gun failed to fire. He really wanted to kill me. It wasn't just to scare me," said Erdogan, who told Compass that he prayed for help and meditated on Bible verses while his attackers threatened to murder him and hide his body."

Another headline reads of three turkish believers brutally killed click here.

How would you write a letter to encourage Christians in Turkey?
We are now beginning to study just such a letter, written to persecuted saints in northern Turkey by a man who was himself persecuted, Peter.

To alert us to the content of 1 Peter, subject matter covered, and how this letter is to be an encouragement to a persecuted church soon to be much more persecuted. See Grudem's Preface from page 9 of 1 his Peter Tyndale commentary. Click here


Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ:
As an apostle, these are not his own thoughts, much more, this is the Word of God. Peter writing as an Apostle, called and commissioned by Jesus Christ Himself.

Written To:
aliens scattered: people who are not living in their homeland.

Php 3:20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

Citizens of heaven, living as aliens - there is some conflict.

This epistle written 60-62AD during a time of persecution, but also on the verge of much more persecution coming. In 65AD there was and is recorded in history a major outbreak of persecution for the Church of Jesus Christ.

An epistle written to Christians who were suffering some hostility and for them it was going to get worse.

Regarding persecution, do you think it's going to get better or worse in America? Based on what is going on around us - the sense of our times - trends in our culture it truly seems that it is going to get worse.

1 Peter can be used to strengthen our heart - give us some backbone - and prepare us for the persecution coming - that we may stand in the evil day.

1Pe 1:2 also teaches that these are aliens who are loved and chosen by God.

1Pe 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 1Pe 2:10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

Now you are a people of God, Now you have received mercy. This is amazing stuff. Precious Stuff.
Eph 2:12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: Eph 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

How is it that the people who were not God's people are now God's people?

How is it that now we are recipients of God's mercy?

The Answer involves each member of the Trinity.

Verse 2: Elect according to the foreknowledge of God. 1Pe 1:2

Foreknowledge: What does this mean? Is it God foreseeing who would believe and then choosing them?

Acts 4:12 No other name ... and John 14:6 I am the way - these are the verses from which the persecution will come.

We must believe in Christ.
But why is it that we do believe in Christ?
Is it self-initiated?

Be a Berean, submit what is said in this sermon to the scriptures, not just trusting my words but test them by the Word of God.

FOUR THOUGHTS ON UNDERSTANDING WHAT ELECT ACCORDING TO THE FOREKNOWLEDGE OF GOD MEANS

1. This verse does not say God foresaw our faith. No verse says that in any version of the bible. neither does Rom 8:28-29
Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Rom 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

It does say he foreknows people.

The first rule of bible study is to ask and answer the question: "What does this text actually say?"

Example: "The bible says Money is the root of all evil -- so you better get rid of your money. Does the text say this? Don't add words -- Don't take away words. (actually says the LOVE of money is the root of all evil - so then stop loving money. editors note)

So the phrase: Elect according to the foreknowledge of God does not say expressly this that "God foresaw our faith."

2. We don't find a cause/effect sequence that teaches: "Us first and then God responding."
We do find God's first gracious initiative to us. Note the SUBJECT and the OBJECT in the following passages:


GOD is the Subject - HE hath chosen. US is the object - of whom God chose.
Eph 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
Eph 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

and again God is the subject, God hath...chosen the object, you.

2Th 2:13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:

Thanking God, because God has chosen.

The ones ordained/appointed believed. Not, they believed, then appointed. It says the opposite of that. The appointing comes first then those are the ones who believed.
Acts 13:48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.

Depends on God who has mercy.
Rom 9:13 As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.
Rom 9:14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid.
Rom 9:15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.

And so based on these texts I should be careful not to be too quick in thinking God is responding to me.

3. The meaning of the word "Foreknow."
Amos 3:2 You only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities.
Known here translated as chosen in some translations.

Acts 2:23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:

1Pe 1:20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,

Same word as found in 1Pe 1:20, translated variously as foreordained, foreknown, chosen.

In verse 1Pe 1:20 we learn, God from eternity past ordained this -- this is what foreknown means there in verse 20, surely a few verses earlier in verse 2 it means the same thing.

This word means more than an awareness ahead of time. Fore-Loved, in advance setting regard upon, in advance acknowledging as one's own.

Jer 31:3 The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.

ESV Study Bible includes a note explaining in this way: They are God's people because of god's foreknowledge - He set his covenantal affection upon them in advance.

4. What is it about our faith that God would foreknow?
God would foresee that we are blind and unable to open our own eyes.
God saw unless he gave us faith as a free gift we would never believe in Christ.
We don't have the wherewithal to bring ourselves to life.

It is "BY HIM" that we believe.
1Pe 1:21 Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.

We have "received" faith. We received it -- we did not generate it.
NAU 2 Peter 1:1 Simon Peter, a bond-servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ:

1Co 4:7 For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?

It is given to believe, granted to believe:
Php 1:29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;

We must believe.
No one is saved apart from Faith.
But why faith happens is because of grace.

Spurgeon's own experience in coming to grips with these truths click here:
I can recall the very day and hour when first I received these truths in my own soul — when they were, as John Bunyan says, burnt into my heart as with a hot iron: I can recollect how I felt that I had grown all of a sudden from a babe into a man — that I had made progress in scriptural knowledge, through having found, once for all, the clue to the truth of God.

One week-night when I was sitting in the house of God, I was not thinking much about the preacher's sermon, for I did not believe it. The thought struck me, "how did you come to be a Christian?" (...I sought the Lord). But how did you come to seek the Lord? — (the truth flashed across my mind in a moment) — I should not have sought Him unless there had been some previous influence in my mind to make me seek Him.

I prayed, thought I, but then I asked myself, "How came I to pray?" — I was induced to pray by reading the Scriptures. I did read them; but what led me to do so? — Then, in a moment, I saw that God was at the bottom of it all, and that He was the Author of my faith; and as the whole doctrine of GRACE opened up to me, and from that doctrine I have not departed to this day, and I desire to make it my constant confession.

Also Wayne Grudem who writes in his Systematic Theology click here:
"Election based on something good in us (our Faith) would be the beginning of Salvation based on merit.

The Answer to our original question comprising the three persons of the Trinity began with:

1. Elect according to the foreknowledge of God
and continues as follows
2. through the sanctification of the Spirit
3. And and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ.

As we prepare to partake of the Lord's supper let us dwell further on this sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ.

The application of all the benefits of Christ's death - including cleansed from sin.

BLOOD OF CHRIST:
Heb 9:22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

Heb 10:22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

1Jn 1:5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
1Jn 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
1Jn 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

GLORY TO GOD. By His Grace and for His Glory.