Category Archives: Sermons

Overwhelmed and Looking Forward to Sunday

There’s been a lot going on in the world and I haven’t said much about any of it lately. I’ve been overwhelmed. I’ve needed some time and some space. Maybe you have too. Feeling this way, I’ve found the Old Testament reading for this week, Exodus 3:1-15 (the story of the burning bush), to be extremely helpful. I’m looking forward to sharing some of what I’ve found with you.

Does Predestination Bug You?

This Sunday I plan to preach on Romans 8:26-39 which includes these verses:

“28 We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn within a large family. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called; and those whom he called he also justified; and those whom he justified he also glorified.” (NRSV)

These verses used to bother me a lot because of Paul’s use of the term predestination and my firm belief that we have free will. Has that bothered anyone else? Has it bothered you? Either way, please let me know at john@revcollins.com. If it’s worried a lot of people, I’ll do a whole sermon on it, if it hasn’t, I’ll comment on it briefly and then continue to other parts of the passage.