The Forge- Springfield

I have been asked many times about whether or not I believe in predestination. The answer is, “It depends.” I believe in predestination as a destiny word, not an eschatological one. Roman’s 8:29 helps us to understand the word.

”For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.“ CSB

Romans 8:29 For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. | Christian Standard Bible (CSB) | Download The Bible App Now For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.

Driving home from Asheville today, I sensed the Lord saying to spontaneously gather this evening. We will gather at the 616 building at 11pm to spend time in the presence, partake in Communion, and pray in the New Year.

“It is customary to blame secular science and anti-religious philosophy for the eclipse of religion in modern society. It would be more honest to blame religion for its own defeats. Religion declined not because it was refuted, but because it became irrelevant, dull, oppressive, insipid. When faith is completely replaced by creed, worship by discipline, love by habit; when the crisis of today is ignored because of the splendor of the past; when faith becomes an heirloom rather than a living fountain; when religion speaks only in the name of authority rather than with the voice of compassion--its message becomes meaningless.”

- Abraham Joshua Heschel

Asking good questions is essential to real connection. As humans, we are wired to connect. And we are trying to connect. Unfortunately, we attempt to do most of our connecting online. On average, we spend about ten hours a day “connected” through a screen. MIT researcher Sherry Turkle reminds us of the reality that all of the “sips” of online connection never actually add up to a “gulp” of human connection that can actually satisfy our thirst.

Many of us feel that online is the safest place to have conversations that matter. When we are offline and in person, there is no backspace, no “undo send” and no ability to craft/draft a communication and consider the ramifications for a couple of hours.

Face-to-face conversation introduces us to social and emotional risk. We are wired to avoid social risk at all costs. But data suggests that the reward on the other side of asking powerful questions is massive.

I would encourage you to start asking more questions. Jesus was a master at asking questions to open people up. We need to be more like Him. Take risks, ask questions. It will be worth it.

Here is one… and since it is online you can choose to participate or not.

“What is one thing that brought you joy today?”

You can use this simple question to spark a great conversation and really get to know someone. It is way better than, ”How are you?”