What Stirs the Church to Sing? A Live Lab on Ephesians 1:1–6

Father, I ask that you would open the Father, I ask that you would open the eyes of our hearts eyes of our hearts eyes of our hearts so that we can behold wonderful things so that we can behold wonderful things so that we can behold wonderful things out of your word. Satisfy us in the evening with your Satisfy us in the evening with your steadfast love. steadfast love. steadfast love. Guard us from distraction Guard us from distraction Guard us from distraction and give us compliant spirits and give us compliant spirits and give us compliant spirits so that we yield to the authority that's so that we yield to the authority that's so that we yield to the authority that's here here here and are changed by it for the glory of and are changed by it for the glory of and are changed by it for the glory of Christ. In his name I ask it. Amen. Most of you know, I hope, that Joni Most of you know, I hope, that Joni Eareckson Tada, Eareckson Tada, Eareckson Tada, the founder of this global ministry to the founder of this global ministry to the founder of this global ministry to disabled people, disabled people, disabled people, Joni and Friends, Joni and Friends, Joni and Friends, broke her neck broke her neck broke her neck when she was 17 and has been in a when she was 17 and has been in a when she was 17 and has been in a wheelchair wheelchair wheelchair for almost 60 years. for almost 60 years. for almost 60 years. And And And she has led a life of she has led a life of she has led a life of stunning faithfulness.

stunning faithfulness. stunning faithfulness. She's one of my She's one of my She's one of my Hebrews. Hebrews. Hebrews. But what many people do not know But what many people do not know But what many people do not know is that God rescued Joni is that God rescued Joni is that God rescued Joni Eareckson Tada Eareckson Tada Eareckson Tada from despair from despair from despair after she broke her neck after she broke her neck after she broke her neck and suicidal thoughts and suicidal thoughts and suicidal thoughts by causing her to fall in love by causing her to fall in love by causing her to fall in love with the absolute sovereignty of God with the absolute sovereignty of God with the absolute sovereignty of God over everything. Her most recent book, I think, 2024, Her most recent book, I think, 2024, is this one. is this one. is this one. The practice of the presence of Jesus. The practice of the presence of Jesus. The practice of the presence of Jesus. My wife and I read it aloud My wife and I read it aloud My wife and I read it aloud to each other 2 years ago. to each other 2 years ago. to each other 2 years ago. And uh And uh And uh in it, John Sloan, her friend and editor in it, John Sloan, her friend and editor in it, John Sloan, her friend and editor for 40 years, said this. for 40 years, said this. for 40 years, said this. She was astonished She was astonished She was astonished to learn to learn to learn that the reach of God's dominion that the reach of God's dominion that the reach of God's dominion covered even the granules of shifting covered even the granules of shifting covered even the granules of shifting sand below the very waters in which she sand below the very waters in which she sand below the very waters in which she broke her neck.

Far from off-putting, Far from off-putting, she found the doctrine of the she found the doctrine of the she found the doctrine of the sovereignty of God comforting. sovereignty of God comforting. sovereignty of God comforting. Miss Erickson became a five-point Miss Erickson became a five-point Miss Erickson became a five-point Calvinist, Calvinist, Calvinist, a theology known for its strong emphasis a theology known for its strong emphasis a theology known for its strong emphasis on God's sovereignty. on God's sovereignty. on God's sovereignty. Now, I was so moved, not only by these Now, I was so moved, not only by these Now, I was so moved, not only by these devotions that she wrote, but by the devotions that she wrote, but by the devotions that she wrote, but by the fact that for the first time ever that I fact that for the first time ever that I fact that for the first time ever that I knew, she went public with that claim knew, she went public with that claim knew, she went public with that claim about Calvinism. about Calvinism. about Calvinism. Whoa. In in the front of a devotional book. In in the front of a devotional book. So, I wrote to her and said, "Why did you do that?" and said, "Why did you do that?" Because I I love five-point Calvinism Because I I love five-point Calvinism Because I I love five-point Calvinism and and she and I know that we both love and and she and I know that we both love and and she and I know that we both love this. Here's what she wrote. This is her this. Here's what she wrote. This is her this. Here's what she wrote. This is her answer. answer. answer. Number one, I wanted the readers to Number one, I wanted the readers to Number one, I wanted the readers to understand that theology matters.

understand that theology matters. understand that theology matters. If God is not sovereign, then any faith If God is not sovereign, then any faith If God is not sovereign, then any faith we place in him is foolish. we place in him is foolish. we place in him is foolish. His promises are empty, his intentions His promises are empty, his intentions His promises are empty, his intentions are suspect, he is no help in suffering, are suspect, he is no help in suffering, are suspect, he is no help in suffering, he cannot offer salvation or hope, and I he cannot offer salvation or hope, and I he cannot offer salvation or hope, and I could go on. could go on. could go on. A student of the Bible must immerse A student of the Bible must immerse A student of the Bible must immerse himself in doctrine about the character himself in doctrine about the character himself in doctrine about the character of our God and his sovereignty. of our God and his sovereignty. of our God and his sovereignty. And the Bible insists, And the Bible insists, And the Bible insists, God holds dominion God holds dominion God holds dominion over everything for very good reasons. over everything for very good reasons. over everything for very good reasons. But mostly, number two, I want the But mostly, number two, I want the But mostly, number two, I want the reader to recognize that my deep roots reader to recognize that my deep roots reader to recognize that my deep roots in Calvinism have defined my happy in Calvinism have defined my happy in Calvinism have defined my happy delight in God. The sovereignty of God from salvation The sovereignty of God from salvation to suffering to suffering to suffering is an enormous comfort to me. is an enormous comfort to me. is an enormous comfort to me. Why wouldn't I trust my precious Lord Why wouldn't I trust my precious Lord Why wouldn't I trust my precious Lord who in one universe-shaking act of mercy who in one universe-shaking act of mercy who in one universe-shaking act of mercy has was ripped to shreds on the cross has was ripped to shreds on the cross has was ripped to shreds on the cross for me?

for me? for me? I am struck by his love I am struck by his love I am struck by his love and I believe him and trust him and and I believe him and trust him and and I believe him and trust him and enjoy him. Honestly, there are times enjoy him. Honestly, there are times enjoy him. Honestly, there are times when lying in my bed when lying in my bed when lying in my bed when pain leaves me breathless when pain leaves me breathless when pain leaves me breathless yet I am so happy in my savior. yet I am so happy in my savior. yet I am so happy in my savior. Glory be Glory be Glory be if God did not control evil if God did not control evil if God did not control evil then evil would come barreling at us then evil would come barreling at us then evil would come barreling at us uncontrolled. uncontrolled. uncontrolled. So praise him So praise him So praise him for his dominion for his dominion for his dominion even over evil and suffering. What kind of fruit did that commitment What kind of fruit did that commitment to the sovereignty of God to the sovereignty of God to the sovereignty of God bear for 60 years? What kind of fruit do bear for 60 years? What kind of fruit do bear for 60 years? What kind of fruit do you want in your life? John Sloan, who's writing this John Sloan, who's writing this introduction, wrote this.

introduction, wrote this. introduction, wrote this. After 40 years in Christian publishing, After 40 years in Christian publishing, After 40 years in Christian publishing, I confess I confess I confess that I have never met anyone that I have never met anyone that I have never met anyone who has the kind of constant who has the kind of constant who has the kind of constant communication with Jesus Christ that communication with Jesus Christ that communication with Jesus Christ that Joni experiences. Joni experiences. Joni experiences. She sings. She sings. She sings. She sings She sings She sings to Jesus as he rolls as she rolls down to Jesus as he rolls as she rolls down to Jesus as he rolls as she rolls down her office corridors. She praises him her office corridors. She praises him her office corridors. She praises him when welcoming everyone she meets. She when welcoming everyone she meets. She when welcoming everyone she meets. She cheers the Lord for every visiting group cheers the Lord for every visiting group cheers the Lord for every visiting group that comes into her ministry building that comes into her ministry building that comes into her ministry building and she also praises God when times are and she also praises God when times are and she also praises God when times are not good. not good. not good. Like when she suffers unrelenting pain, Like when she suffers unrelenting pain, Like when she suffers unrelenting pain, she practices the presence of Jesus she practices the presence of Jesus she practices the presence of Jesus daily. daily. daily. So, tonight's So, tonight's So, tonight's event is called why we sing event is called why we sing event is called why we sing and Joni's answer to the question of why and Joni's answer to the question of why and Joni's answer to the question of why we sing we sing we sing is that God is wise is that God is wise is that God is wise and good and good and good and gracious and gracious and gracious and sovereign over every molecule in her and sovereign over every molecule in her and sovereign over every molecule in her body.

He was sovereign He was sovereign when she broke her neck. when she broke her neck. when she broke her neck. And he was sovereign And he was sovereign And he was sovereign over this wheelchair and will be until over this wheelchair and will be until over this wheelchair and will be until as she says as she says as she says on the last day in the presence of Jesus on the last day in the presence of Jesus on the last day in the presence of Jesus she stands up she stands up she stands up takes her chair, throws it into hell and dances before the Lord. and dances before the Lord. And that's what I want for you. And that's what I want for you. And that's what I want for you. And you need a theology. And you need a theology. And you need a theology. You need her theology. You need her theology. You need her theology. And it's found in Ephesians chapter 1 And it's found in Ephesians chapter 1 And it's found in Ephesians chapter 1 verses 1 through 6 and that's where verses 1 through 6 and that's where verses 1 through 6 and that's where we're going to spend the rest of our we're going to spend the rest of our we're going to spend the rest of our time. Paul, Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus an apostle of Christ Jesus an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God. We'll come back to by the will of God. We'll come back to by the will of God. We'll come back to that. that. that. To the saints who are in Ephesus and are To the saints who are in Ephesus and are To the saints who are in Ephesus and are faithful in Christ Jesus, grace to you faithful in Christ Jesus, grace to you faithful in Christ Jesus, grace to you and peace and peace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus from God our Father and the Lord Jesus from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Christ. Christ. Blessed Blessed be the God Blessed be the God He's writing a letter He's writing a letter He's writing a letter and he just breaks into worship in the and he just breaks into worship in the and he just breaks into worship in the second sentence. Blessed be the God and Father of our Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in Christ with every spiritual blessing in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. Everything heaven the heavenly places. Everything heaven the heavenly places. Everything heaven can conceivably give to God's children, can conceivably give to God's children, can conceivably give to God's children, they will have. Even as he chose us in him Even as he chose us in him We'll come back to that. We'll come back to that. We'll come back to that. before the foundation of the world that before the foundation of the world that before the foundation of the world that we should be holy and blameless before we should be holy and blameless before we should be holy and blameless before him. We'll come back to that. him. We'll come back to that. him. We'll come back to that. In love he predestined us for adoption In love he predestined us for adoption In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons. We'll come back to to himself as sons. We'll come back to to himself as sons. We'll come back to that. that. that. Through Jesus Christ according to the Through Jesus Christ according to the Through Jesus Christ according to the purpose of his will purpose of his will purpose of his will to the praise to the praise to the praise of the glory of his grace.

Does that mean Does that mean I wonder if you even I wonder if you even I wonder if you even can make the distinction between two can make the distinction between two can make the distinction between two kinds of kinds of kinds of meanings to that phrase. One would be, meanings to that phrase. One would be, meanings to that phrase. One would be, God told you to be an apostle, so be God told you to be an apostle, so be God told you to be an apostle, so be one. one. one. It's my will for you you an apostle, get It's my will for you you an apostle, get It's my will for you you an apostle, get about it. That's one way of about it. That's one way of about it. That's one way of understanding his will of command. He understanding his will of command. He understanding his will of command. He commands it, do it. commands it, do it. commands it, do it. Or Or Or I willed it before you were born before you were born and it will be. Which of those is the will of God? Which of those is the will of God? Now, the reason I I pause here to ask Now, the reason I I pause here to ask Now, the reason I I pause here to ask that question is because that question is because that question is because I think what what a glorious thing it I think what what a glorious thing it I think what what a glorious thing it would be would be would be if a couple thousand people if a couple thousand people if a couple thousand people walk through life knowing those two walk through life knowing those two walk through life knowing those two realities realities realities and the difference between them and are and the difference between them and are and the difference between them and are not swept away by some online preacher not swept away by some online preacher not swept away by some online preacher who only has one meaning for the will of who only has one meaning for the will of who only has one meaning for the will of God and says, God and says, God and says, "Johnny's chair cannot be it."

"Johnny's chair cannot be it." "Johnny's chair cannot be it." And some of you know who I'm talking And some of you know who I'm talking And some of you know who I'm talking about. So, So, just to show you that there are these just to show you that there are these just to show you that there are these two meanings in the Bible, here's verse two meanings in the Bible, here's verse two meanings in the Bible, here's verse 11, "In him we have obtained an 11, "In him we have obtained an 11, "In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined inheritance, having been predestined inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who according to the purpose of him who according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the works all things according to the works all things according to the counsel of his will." All things, counsel of his will." All things, counsel of his will." All things, wheelchairs. And every sorrow that comes into your And every sorrow that comes into your life Come now, Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a town and spend a go to such and such a town and spend a go to such and such a town and spend a year there in trade and make a profit." year there in trade and make a profit." year there in trade and make a profit." Come on, James. Come on, James. Come on, James. Why are you so picky? I mean, we were Why are you so picky? I mean, we were Why are you so picky? I mean, we were just talking about going to just talking about going to just talking about going to Dallas. Yet, you don't know about tomorrow. Yet, you don't know about tomorrow. What it will bring, whether you can go What it will bring, whether you can go What it will bring, whether you can go to Dallas or not. Who do you think you to Dallas or not. Who do you think you to Dallas or not. Who do you think you are? Talking about going to Dallas.

are? Talking about going to Dallas. are? Talking about going to Dallas. What's your life? What's your life? What's your life? You're a mist you It appears for a You're a mist you It appears for a You're a mist you It appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, little while and then vanishes. Instead, little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, you ought to say, you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we go to Dallas. "If the Lord wills, we go to Dallas. "If the Lord wills, we go to Dallas. We will live. We will live. We will live. I'm 80. I'm 80. I'm 80. If the Lord wills, I'll finish this If the Lord wills, I'll finish this If the Lord wills, I'll finish this tonight. If not, I drop over. Don't tonight. If not, I drop over. Don't tonight. If not, I drop over. Don't worry about it." worry about it." worry about it." Right? This will be good for me and This will be good for me and may be good for you. We'll see. may be good for you. We'll see. may be good for you. We'll see. >> [laughter] >> Seriously, that's what it says, right? >> Seriously, that's what it says, right? If the Lord wills, John Piper will If the Lord wills, John Piper will If the Lord wills, John Piper will finish the message. That's what it says. finish the message. That's what it says. finish the message. That's what it says. Come on, he's sovereign over your life. Come on, he's sovereign over your life. Come on, he's sovereign over your life. He gives life, he takes life. Blessed be He gives life, he takes life. Blessed be He gives life, he takes life. Blessed be the name of the Lord. If you're going to the name of the Lord. If you're going to the name of the Lord. If you're going to get in God's face every time somebody get in God's face every time somebody get in God's face every time somebody dies, do you know God? dies, do you know God? dies, do you know God? You don't know God. You don't know God. You don't know God. He's God. He's God. He's God. Life is in his hands. It doesn't belong Life is in his hands. It doesn't belong Life is in his hands. It doesn't belong to us, it belongs to him. He can take it to us, it belongs to him. He can take it to us, it belongs to him. He can take it whenever he please.

whenever he please. whenever he please. If he wiped out entire Houston tonight, If he wiped out entire Houston tonight, If he wiped out entire Houston tonight, he would do nobody any wrong. he would do nobody any wrong. he would do nobody any wrong. None. Even more amazing, Even more amazing, "If the Lord wills, we will do this or "If the Lord wills, we will do this or "If the Lord wills, we will do this or that." What on earth does that mean? It that." What on earth does that mean? It that." What on earth does that mean? It means everything. means everything. means everything. This or that. Like, if I look up or if I This or that. Like, if I look up or if I This or that. Like, if I look up or if I look this way or if I look this way, look this way or if I look this way, look this way or if I look this way, God has decided which way I look. God has decided which way I look. God has decided which way I look. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> I mean, Johnny believes this, I believe >> I mean, Johnny believes this, I believe >> I mean, Johnny believes this, I believe this, many of you do not believe this, this, many of you do not believe this, this, many of you do not believe this, and I'd like to persuade you he's that and I'd like to persuade you he's that and I'd like to persuade you he's that sovereign, folks. sovereign, folks. sovereign, folks. He is that sovereign, and to her it is He is that sovereign, and to her it is He is that sovereign, and to her it is glory. glory. glory. It is glory It is glory It is glory to endure 60 years in a wheelchair to endure 60 years in a wheelchair to endure 60 years in a wheelchair singing [snorts] all the way is owing to singing [snorts] all the way is owing to singing [snorts] all the way is owing to this.

Acts 18 Acts 18 On taking leave of them, he said, "I On taking leave of them, he said, "I On taking leave of them, he said, "I will return to you if God wills." will return to you if God wills." will return to you if God wills." And he set sail for Ephesus. And he set sail for Ephesus. And he set sail for Ephesus. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> One more. >> One more. >> One more. Job 42 Job 42 Job 42 I know that you can do all things. I know that you can do all things. I know that you can do all things. This is what he finally concludes after This is what he finally concludes after This is what he finally concludes after 42 chapters of messing up. 42 chapters of messing up. 42 chapters of messing up. I know that you can do all things and I know that you can do all things and I know that you can do all things and that no purpose of yours can be that no purpose of yours can be that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. I'm on my face. My hand is thwarted. I'm on my face. My hand is thwarted. I'm on my face. My hand is over my mouth. You are God. I'm not. I'm over my mouth. You are God. I'm not. I'm over my mouth. You are God. I'm not. I'm going to stop objecting and criticizing going to stop objecting and criticizing going to stop objecting and criticizing you. So, that is the first meaning of you. So, that is the first meaning of you. So, that is the first meaning of the will of God. Everything that happens the will of God. Everything that happens the will of God. Everything that happens is the sovereign will of God or call it is the sovereign will of God or call it is the sovereign will of God or call it the will of decree. the will of decree. the will of decree. But, that's not what the will of God But, that's not what the will of God But, that's not what the will of God means means means here. Whoever does the will of God, he is my Whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother. brother and sister and mother. brother and sister and mother. Huh. Wait a minute. Huh. Wait a minute. Huh. Wait a minute. You just said You just said You just said everything that happens is God's will everything that happens is God's will everything that happens is God's will in one sense. I said, "Yes." Well, that in one sense. I said, "Yes." Well, that in one sense. I said, "Yes." Well, that doesn't work here.

doesn't work here. doesn't work here. Because everybody is not his brother and Because everybody is not his brother and Because everybody is not his brother and sister and mother. sister and mother. sister and mother. He meant keep the commandments. God's will is don't kill, don't steal, God's will is don't kill, don't steal, don't lie. don't lie. don't lie. Obey your parents. That's God's will. Obey your parents. That's God's will. Obey your parents. That's God's will. His will of What should we call it? His will of What should we call it? His will of What should we call it? Command? Or Or This is the will of God. This is the will of God. This is the will of God. Your sanctification. Your sanctification. Your sanctification. Or verse 18, give thanks in all Or verse 18, give thanks in all Or verse 18, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of circumstances, for this is the will of circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you to give God in Christ Jesus for you to give God in Christ Jesus for you to give thanks. Give thanks. That's God's will thanks. Give thanks. That's God's will thanks. Give thanks. That's God's will for you. for you. for you. So, which is it in Paul's case in So, which is it in Paul's case in So, which is it in Paul's case in Ephesians 1? Ephesians 1? Ephesians 1? >> [snorts] >> Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the >> Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God. will of God. will of God. He commanded me to be an apostle or he He commanded me to be an apostle or he He commanded me to be an apostle or he set me apart to be an apostle. set me apart to be an apostle. set me apart to be an apostle. Here's Galatians 1:15.

Here's Galatians 1:15. Here's Galatians 1:15. He who had set me apart before I was He who had set me apart before I was He who had set me apart before I was born born born and who called me by his grace. and who called me by his grace. and who called me by his grace. No, you're going to be an apostle, Paul, No, you're going to be an apostle, Paul, No, you're going to be an apostle, Paul, period. period. period. I'm God. I'm God. I'm God. So, right now you hate me, I'm knocking So, right now you hate me, I'm knocking So, right now you hate me, I'm knocking you off your horse. I'm going to shine you off your horse. I'm going to shine you off your horse. I'm going to shine down from heaven. I'm going to blind you down from heaven. I'm going to blind you down from heaven. I'm going to blind you for 3 days. You're mine. I'm taking you. for 3 days. You're mine. I'm taking you. for 3 days. You're mine. I'm taking you. Isn't that glorious? You know an Isn't that glorious? You know an Isn't that glorious? You know an unbeliever in your life that's like unbeliever in your life that's like unbeliever in your life that's like Paul? I do. He can take them. He can take them. >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> He can take them. >> He can take them. >> He can take them. Okay. Okay. Okay. That's my answer to the question That's my answer to the question That's my answer to the question what does the will of God mean? Keep what does the will of God mean? Keep what does the will of God mean? Keep before your mind for the rest of your before your mind for the rest of your before your mind for the rest of your life. life. life. God's will is all things in the sense of God's will is all things in the sense of God's will is all things in the sense of what is decreed. what is decreed. what is decreed. God's will is his revealed will in the God's will is his revealed will in the God's will is his revealed will in the Ten Commandments and the Sermon on the Ten Commandments and the Sermon on the Ten Commandments and the Sermon on the Mount in the Bible that you should obey. He chose us in him He chose us in him before the foundation of the world.

Now, Johnny said she's a five-point Now, Johnny said she's a five-point Calvinist. Calvinist. Calvinist. One of the five points of Calvinism is One of the five points of Calvinism is One of the five points of Calvinism is unconditional election. Election chose unconditional election. Election chose unconditional election. Election chose us. This is right here. There There millions of Christians in Texas millions of Christians in Texas millions of Christians in Texas who don't believe that, don't believe who don't believe that, don't believe who don't believe that, don't believe what I believe or what Johnny believes, what I believe or what Johnny believes, what I believe or what Johnny believes, millions millions millions who stiff-arm who stiff-arm who stiff-arm the absolute sovereignty of God in their the absolute sovereignty of God in their the absolute sovereignty of God in their own salvation. So, So, what does this word mean? what does this word mean? what does this word mean? And there are And there are And there are I think it means he I think it means he I think it means he before the creation of the world before the creation of the world before the creation of the world saw saw saw a fallen [snorts] humanity and picked a fallen [snorts] humanity and picked a fallen [snorts] humanity and picked owing to nothing in John Piper owing to nothing in John Piper owing to nothing in John Piper Piper, Piper, Piper, me out and I trust most of you.

me out and I trust most of you. me out and I trust most of you. And if you wonder if you're chosen, all And if you wonder if you're chosen, all And if you wonder if you're chosen, all you have to do is say you have to do is say you have to do is say do you believe? The evidence of being chosen is I trust The evidence of being chosen is I trust him. him. him. I follow him. I love him. I follow him. I love him. I follow him. I love him. He's mine. I'm his. And you're He's mine. I'm his. And you're He's mine. I'm his. And you're elect. You make yourself elect. You elect. You make yourself elect. You elect. You make yourself elect. You showed yourself to be elect. Now, is showed yourself to be elect. Now, is showed yourself to be elect. Now, is that the meaning? That's what I think that the meaning? That's what I think that the meaning? That's what I think the meaning is, but there two ways to the meaning is, but there two ways to the meaning is, but there two ways to escape that and say no no no no no, that escape that and say no no no no no, that escape that and say no no no no no, that is not what this text means. is not what this text means. is not what this text means. The first way is to say The first way is to say The first way is to say when it says he chose us here when it says he chose us here when it says he chose us here he doesn't mean individuals. It means he chose the beloved. He chose It means he chose the beloved. He chose Christ. Christ. Christ. He chose us in him. So, He chose us in him. So, He chose us in him. So, when you see the little in him, it means when you see the little in him, it means when you see the little in him, it means he chose Christ. he chose Christ. he chose Christ. And anybody who happens to be in Christ.

And anybody who happens to be in Christ. And anybody who happens to be in Christ. He didn't decide who would be in Christ. He didn't decide who would be in Christ. He didn't decide who would be in Christ. You decide that and you get in Christ by You decide that and you get in Christ by You decide that and you get in Christ by faith and then because he chose Christ, faith and then because he chose Christ, faith and then because he chose Christ, you're chosen. That's the first way. you're chosen. That's the first way. you're chosen. That's the first way. It's very common interpretation. It It's very common interpretation. It It's very common interpretation. It won't work. Is election individual Is election individual or group? or group? or group? 1 Corinthians 1:26, "Consider your 1 Corinthians 1:26, "Consider your 1 Corinthians 1:26, "Consider your calling, brothers. Consider your calling, brothers. Not Consider your calling, brothers. Not many of you were wise according to the many of you were wise according to the many of you were wise according to the worldly standards. Not many were worldly standards. Not many were worldly standards. Not many were powerful. Not many were of noble birth. powerful. Not many were of noble birth. powerful. Not many were of noble birth. God chose what is foolish in the world God chose what is foolish in the world God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise. God chose to shame the wise. God chose to shame the wise. God chose what is weak in the world to shame the what is weak in the world to shame the what is weak in the world to shame the strong. God chose what is low and strong. God chose what is low and strong. God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that despised in the world, even things that despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast are, so that no human being might boast are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.

in the presence of God. in the presence of God. He chose individuals. He chose individuals. He chose individuals. He didn't choose a He didn't choose a He didn't choose a nameless nameless nameless group. group. group. He chose individuals. There are names. He chose individuals. There are names. He chose individuals. There are names. Look at this Look at this Look at this text in Revelation 13. "Authority was text in Revelation 13. "Authority was text in Revelation 13. "Authority was given to the beast over every tribe and people and language over every tribe and people and language and nation. and nation. and nation. And all who dwell on the earth will And all who dwell on the earth will And all who dwell on the earth will worship it worship it worship it except except except everyone whose name has not everyone whose name has not everyone whose name has not Everyone will worship the beast Everyone will worship the beast Everyone will worship the beast whose name has not been written whose name has not been written whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the from the foundation of the world in the from the foundation of the world in the book of the life of the lamb who was book of the life of the lamb who was book of the life of the lamb who was slain. slain. slain. That means, does it not? I just offer it That means, does it not? I just offer it That means, does it not? I just offer it to you. to you. to you. That to have your name written in the That to have your name written in the That to have your name written in the book before the foundation of the world, book before the foundation of the world, book before the foundation of the world, a book whose name is a book whose name is a book whose name is the life of the lamb who was slain, the life of the lamb who was slain, the life of the lamb who was slain, so the slaying of Jesus is in the mind so the slaying of Jesus is in the mind so the slaying of Jesus is in the mind of God before creation, having your name in that book keeps you having your name in that book keeps you from worshipping the beast.

>> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> You don't get into the book by not >> You don't get into the book by not >> You don't get into the book by not worshipping the beast. You're prevented from worshipping the You're prevented from worshipping the beast by being in the book. This is sovereignty. This is Joni This is sovereignty. This is Joni Eareckson Tada's life. So, I don't think it'll work So, I don't think it'll work to say to say to say that he chose us in him means he chose that he chose us in him means he chose that he chose us in him means he chose Christ, Christ, Christ, and then we get ourselves into Christ, and then we get ourselves into Christ, and then we get ourselves into Christ, and then and then and then we're in the elect because we got into we're in the elect because we got into we're in the elect because we got into Christ. Christ. Christ. I don't think that works. I don't think that works. I don't think that works. And lots of other arguments could be And lots of other arguments could be And lots of other arguments could be brought, but brought, but brought, but second argument for how you escape second argument for how you escape second argument for how you escape individual unconditional election, and individual unconditional election, and individual unconditional election, and that is to say that is to say that is to say he foresaw your faith. he foresaw your faith. he foresaw your faith. This is real common, real common. Like This is real common, real common. Like This is real common, real common. Like millions of Texans millions of Texans millions of Texans and Minnesotans, and Minnesotans, and Minnesotans, human beings human beings human beings believe this when they believe this when they believe this when they when they try to escape the Bible.

They would say They would say he chose us because he looked into the he chose us because he looked into the he chose us because he looked into the future, future, future, and he saw that John Piper would use his and he saw that John Piper would use his and he saw that John Piper would use his ultimate self-determination, ultimate self-determination, ultimate self-determination, often called free will, ultimate often called free will, ultimate often called free will, ultimate self-determination self-determination self-determination to choose him and so he elects me on the to choose him and so he elects me on the to choose him and so he elects me on the basis of my basis of my basis of my autonomous autonomous autonomous sovereign self-determining sovereign self-determining sovereign self-determining choice of him. Millions of people believe that. Millions of people believe that. I think that's so so dishonoring to the I think that's so so dishonoring to the I think that's so so dishonoring to the Lord. Lord. Lord. Why don't I think that's Why don't I think that's Why don't I think that's Right, doesn't it say right here? I Right, doesn't it say right here? I Right, doesn't it say right here? I mean, good grief, Piper. Let's look at mean, good grief, Piper. Let's look at mean, good grief, Piper. Let's look at Romans 8:28-30. We know that for those who love God We know that for those who love God all things work together for good for all things work together for good for all things work together for good for those who are called according to his those who are called according to his those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew purpose. For those whom he foreknew purpose. For those whom he foreknew he did he predestined he predestined to be conformed to the image of his son to be conformed to the image of his son to be conformed to the image of his son in order that he might be the firstborn in order that he might be the firstborn in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

among many brothers. among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he called And those whom he predestined he called And those whom he predestined he called and those whom he called he justified and those whom he called he justified and those whom he called he justified and those whom he justified he and those whom he justified he and those whom he justified he glorified. Right there it says, Piper, glorified. Right there it says, Piper, glorified. Right there it says, Piper, he foreknew their faith he foreknew their faith he foreknew their faith and so he chose and predestined them. and so he chose and predestined them. and so he chose and predestined them. That's just what you just denied. That's just what you just denied. That's just what you just denied. You denied that. That's not what that means. That's not what that means. That foreknow right there doesn't mean That foreknow right there doesn't mean That foreknow right there doesn't mean that. that. that. To the biblical language of knowing To the biblical language of knowing To the biblical language of knowing is very rich and multi-layered. is very rich and multi-layered. is very rich and multi-layered. For example For example For example Amos 3:2 Amos 3:2 Amos 3:2 You, Israel, you only have I known You, Israel, you only have I known You, Israel, you only have I known of all the families on the earth. of all the families on the earth. of all the families on the earth. Therefore, I will punish you for all Therefore, I will punish you for all Therefore, I will punish you for all your iniquities. What in the world does your iniquities. What in the world does your iniquities. What in the world does that mean? When God says to Israel, "You that mean? When God says to Israel, "You that mean? When God says to Israel, "You only have I known." only have I known." only have I known." Doesn't mean you only have I been aware Doesn't mean you only have I been aware Doesn't mean you only have I been aware of.

of. of. He's God. He's God. He's God. Known means Known means Known means chosen. chosen. chosen. Numerous times in the Old Testament. Numerous times in the Old Testament. Numerous times in the Old Testament. The closest I can get in English to how The closest I can get in English to how The closest I can get in English to how we use the word like that is the word we use the word like that is the word we use the word like that is the word acknowledge or recognize. acknowledge or recognize. acknowledge or recognize. Like in the Senate, the senator from Like in the Senate, the senator from Like in the Senate, the senator from Nebraska is acknowledged. The senator Nebraska is acknowledged. The senator Nebraska is acknowledged. The senator from Nebraska is recognized. from Nebraska is recognized. from Nebraska is recognized. That got the word cognition or the word That got the word cognition or the word That got the word cognition or the word know acknowledged. know acknowledged. know acknowledged. What does that mean? The senator from What does that mean? The senator from What does that mean? The senator from Nebraska is Nebraska is Nebraska is I'm probably saying Nebraska because I I'm probably saying Nebraska because I I'm probably saying Nebraska because I love Ben Sasse. love Ben Sasse. love Ben Sasse. I mean seriously, he's dying of cancer I mean seriously, he's dying of cancer I mean seriously, he's dying of cancer and and he's just gloriously finishing and and he's just gloriously finishing and and he's just gloriously finishing his race. Good. his race. Good. his race. Good. The senator from Nebraska is The senator from Nebraska is The senator from Nebraska is acknowledged, meaning I choose you to acknowledged, meaning I choose you to acknowledged, meaning I choose you to speak next. You get to speak next. speak next. You get to speak next. speak next. You get to speak next. That's the way we use acknowledge. That's the way we use acknowledge. That's the way we use acknowledge. That's the way we use recognize. And That's the way we use recognize. And That's the way we use recognize. And that's the way the Bible often uses the that's the way the Bible often uses the that's the way the Bible often uses the word know. For example, again in Psalm word know. For example, again in Psalm word know. For example, again in Psalm 1, 1, 1, "Therefore, the wicked will not stand "Therefore, the wicked will not stand "Therefore, the wicked will not stand in the judgment nor sinners in the in the judgment nor sinners in the in the judgment nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous, for the congregation of the righteous, for the congregation of the righteous, for the Lord knows Lord knows Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the way of the righteous, but the way of the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish."

the wicked will perish." the wicked will perish." What does that mean? What does that mean? What does that mean? You know the way of the wicked You know the way of the wicked You know the way of the wicked in the sense of being aware of it ahead in the sense of being aware of it ahead in the sense of being aware of it ahead of time. of time. of time. You know it, but that's not what this is You know it, but that's not what this is You know it, but that's not what this is saying. That's not what this means. He saying. That's not what this means. He saying. That's not what this means. He knows the way of the righteous, but the knows the way of the righteous, but the knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. That way of the wicked will perish. That way of the wicked will perish. That means he chooses the way of the means he chooses the way of the means he chooses the way of the righteous as his favored. I love the way righteous as his favored. I love the way righteous as his favored. I love the way you're acting. I love this you're acting. I love this you're acting. I love this righteousness. I recognize this righteousness. I recognize this righteousness. I recognize this righteousness. I put my favor upon this righteousness. I put my favor upon this righteousness. I put my favor upon this righteousness. But here's a text that seals it for me. But here's a text that seals it for me. Acts 13 Acts 13 Acts 13 The Lord has commanded us saying, The Lord has commanded us saying, The Lord has commanded us saying, "I have made you a light for the "I have made you a light for the "I have made you a light for the Gentiles Gentiles Gentiles that you may bring salvation to the ends that you may bring salvation to the ends that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth." of the earth." of the earth." And when the Gospels and when the And when the Gospels and when the And when the Gospels and when the Gentiles heard this, they began Gentiles heard this, they began Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing rejoicing rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord. And and glorifying the word of the Lord. And and glorifying the word of the Lord. And as many as were appointed to eternal as many as were appointed to eternal as many as were appointed to eternal life life life believed.

Not the other way around. Not the other way around. As many as believed As many as believed As many as believed having been foreseen having been foreseen having been foreseen he appointed. That's not what it says. he appointed. That's not what it says. he appointed. That's not what it says. It's the opposite of what it says. It's the opposite of what it says. It's the opposite of what it says. As many as were appointed As many as were appointed As many as were appointed believed. The believing believed. The believing believed. The believing is owing to the appointing and the is owing to the appointing and the is owing to the appointing and the appointing is the same appointing is the same appointing is the same as the as the as the electing. electing. electing. So my conclusion is that this phrase So my conclusion is that this phrase So my conclusion is that this phrase right here the second point of the five points of the second point of the five points of Calvinism that sustains Johnny's life Calvinism that sustains Johnny's life Calvinism that sustains Johnny's life and my life and my life and my life means means means before the foundation of the world before the foundation of the world before the foundation of the world owing to absolutely nothing that you did or believed or believed God chose you. That's how free he is. I have mercy on That's how free he is. I have mercy on whom I have mercy. whom I have mercy. whom I have mercy. I have compassion on whom I have I have compassion on whom I have I have compassion on whom I have compassion.

compassion. compassion. Which strips you and me Which strips you and me Which strips you and me of every of every of every vestige of boasting. That we should be holy and blameless That we should be holy and blameless before him. before him. before him. Why did he choose us? Why did he choose us? Why did he choose us? That we would be holy That we would be holy That we would be holy and blameless and blameless and blameless before him. Let me get one more set of slides up Let me get one more set of slides up here here here as we as we as we try to move towards a completion. That we should be holy That we should be holy and blameless before him and blameless before him and blameless before him in love. He predestined us for adoption to He predestined us for adoption to himself himself himself as sons through Jesus Christ.

as sons through Jesus Christ. as sons through Jesus Christ. So, he is choosing us so that he would So, he is choosing us so that he would So, he is choosing us so that he would have a holy have a holy have a holy and blameless and blameless and blameless family. All through Jesus Christ, who loved us All through Jesus Christ, who loved us and gave himself for us. and gave himself for us. and gave himself for us. And he does it And he does it And he does it according to the purpose of his will. according to the purpose of his will. according to the purpose of his will. Not according to our will or our doing. It's a really amazing thing It's a really amazing thing to think that grace, which is what we're to think that grace, which is what we're to think that grace, which is what we're going to wind up praising here in just a going to wind up praising here in just a going to wind up praising here in just a moment. moment. moment. Grace was in the mind of God before there was was in the mind of God before there was sin. Because creation hadn't happened, Adam Because creation hadn't happened, Adam and Eve hadn't happened, the fall into and Eve hadn't happened, the fall into and Eve hadn't happened, the fall into sin had not happened. And we know that because of not this And we know that because of not this text, but what about this one?

text, but what about this one? text, but what about this one? Second Timothy 1:9, God saved us and Second Timothy 1:9, God saved us and Second Timothy 1:9, God saved us and called us to a holy calling called us to a holy calling called us to a holy calling not because of works, not because of works, not because of works, but because of his own purpose and but because of his own purpose and but because of his own purpose and grace, grace, grace, which he gave us in Christ before the which he gave us in Christ before the which he gave us in Christ before the ages began. ages began. ages began. I just I I'm breathless when I read I just I I'm breathless when I read I just I I'm breathless when I read that. According to According to Ephesians 1, Ephesians 1, Ephesians 1, the goal of election the goal of election the goal of election and the goal of predestination is the praise of the glory of the grace is the praise of the glory of the grace of God. of God. of God. So, his purpose, So, his purpose, So, his purpose, his will his will his will in choosing and predestining in choosing and predestining in choosing and predestining is the praise of the glory of grace, and is the praise of the glory of grace, and is the praise of the glory of grace, and nothing evil had happened yet.

Grace is God's giving bad people better Grace is God's giving bad people better than they deserve. than they deserve. than they deserve. And nobody's bad because they don't And nobody's bad because they don't And nobody's bad because they don't exist yet. exist yet. exist yet. >> [snorts] >> He gave us grace in Christ before the >> He gave us grace in Christ before the ages began, ages began, ages began, which means it just which means it just which means it just It should It should just boggle us. You It should It should just boggle us. You It should It should just boggle us. You You You know, you ought to be boggled You You know, you ought to be boggled You You know, you ought to be boggled by God. If you think you got God figured by God. If you think you got God figured by God. If you think you got God figured out, you should be you should be mind-boggled mind-boggled mind-boggled that God, before he created anything, that God, before he created anything, that God, before he created anything, was planning everything, was planning everything, was planning everything, beginning to end, beginning to end, beginning to end, evil included. evil included. evil included. You don't need grace where there's no You don't need grace where there's no You don't need grace where there's no evil. And [snorts] he gave us grace. And [snorts] he gave us grace. He gave us grace before the ages He gave us grace before the ages He gave us grace before the ages began.

Let's Let's take these last three words and end by take these last three words and end by take these last three words and end by just asking what they mean because we're just asking what they mean because we're just asking what they mean because we're here to talk about why we [snorts] sing. here to talk about why we [snorts] sing. here to talk about why we [snorts] sing. And this is what that is. The praise And this is what that is. The praise And this is what that is. The praise of the glory of the grace of God. of the glory of the grace of God. of the glory of the grace of God. So, let's just ask 1 2 3. So, let's just ask 1 2 3. So, let's just ask 1 2 3. What is praise? What is praise? What is praise? What is praise? What is praise? What is praise? >> [sighs] >> [sighs] >> [sighs] >> You get at the answer with this text >> You get at the answer with this text >> You get at the answer with this text from Jesus. from Jesus. from Jesus. This people honors me with their lips, In vain, that means zero, In vain, that means zero, do they worship me, do they worship me, do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments teaching as doctrines the commandments teaching as doctrines the commandments of men. of men. of men. So, this So, this So, this guitar, Shane, is he worshipping?

is he worshipping? And the answer is maybe. And the answer is maybe. And the answer is maybe. Seriously. Seriously. Seriously. Am I worshipping right now? Am I worshipping right now? Am I worshipping right now? Maybe. Lips do not make worship. Lips do not make worship. Lips do not make praise. They don't. Lips do not make praise. They don't. Lips do not make praise. They don't. Jesus said, Jesus said, Jesus said, "With their lips, they're honoring, "With their lips, they're honoring, "With their lips, they're honoring, they're praising, their songs are going they're praising, their songs are going they're praising, their songs are going up, and in many churches, God is holding up, and in many churches, God is holding up, and in many churches, God is holding his nose because the worship leader is his nose because the worship leader is his nose because the worship leader is in bed with the secretary." So, what is praise? So, what is praise? Praise is the heart's affection for all Praise is the heart's affection for all Praise is the heart's affection for all the excellencies of God spilling over the excellencies of God spilling over the excellencies of God spilling over with song. with song. with song. Spilling over with obedience. Spilling over with obedience. Spilling over with obedience. That's praise. That's praise. That's praise. Otherwise, it's worthless, zero. Otherwise, it's worthless, zero. Otherwise, it's worthless, zero. That's the answer to the first question That's the answer to the first question That's the answer to the first question as I understand it. This is real as I understand it. This is real as I understand it. This is real heartfelt affection for God.

heartfelt affection for God. heartfelt affection for God. Or it's not Or it's not Or it's not praise. praise. praise. What is glory? What is glory? What is glory? Why we use that word I use that word as Why we use that word I use that word as Why we use that word I use that word as much as any other word and it is very much as any other word and it is very much as any other word and it is very difficult to define, but difficult to define, but difficult to define, but I would I have I have three go-to words I would I have I have three go-to words I would I have I have three go-to words that help me. that help me. that help me. It is It is It is an effort to express the greatness an effort to express the greatness an effort to express the greatness and the beauty and the worth and the beauty and the worth and the beauty and the worth of all that God is for us in Jesus. of all that God is for us in Jesus. of all that God is for us in Jesus. Those three words I've thought about Those three words I've thought about Those three words I've thought about them because they come at excellencies them because they come at excellencies them because they come at excellencies in three different angles. Greatness is in three different angles. Greatness is in three different angles. Greatness is the is the magnitude dimension the is the magnitude dimension the is the magnitude dimension and beauty is the is the aesthetic the and beauty is the is the aesthetic the and beauty is the is the aesthetic the moral aesthetic dimension and worth is moral aesthetic dimension and worth is moral aesthetic dimension and worth is the is the treasure dimension. You the is the treasure dimension. You the is the treasure dimension. You wouldn't trade him for anything. wouldn't trade him for anything. wouldn't trade him for anything. And those three together And those three together And those three together defining the kind of excellency that he defining the kind of excellency that he defining the kind of excellency that he is the Bible calls glory over and over is the Bible calls glory over and over is the Bible calls glory over and over again, but it's very specific here.

The reason I think The reason I think Calvinism Calvinism Calvinism the absolute sovereignty of God in the absolute sovereignty of God in the absolute sovereignty of God in salvation salvation salvation is important to talk about controversial is important to talk about controversial is important to talk about controversial as it may be, as it may be, as it may be, is because this is the goal of the is because this is the goal of the is because this is the goal of the universe. universe. universe. Is it not? Is it not? Is it not? I mean, if if all this is happening I mean, if if all this is happening I mean, if if all this is happening before the foundation of the world, then before the foundation of the world, then before the foundation of the world, then this is the point of the world. this is the point of the world. this is the point of the world. The reason the the world exists and you The reason the the world exists and you The reason the the world exists and you exist exist exist as chosen, holy, blameless, adopted as chosen, holy, blameless, adopted as chosen, holy, blameless, adopted sons, predestined, is so that you will sons, predestined, is so that you will sons, predestined, is so that you will do this do this do this toward toward toward this and this. this and this. this and this. That's why you exist. That's why this That's why you exist. That's why this That's why you exist. That's why this church exists. That's why church exists. That's why church exists. That's why the world exists. Therefore, anything the world exists. Therefore, anything the world exists. Therefore, anything that diminishes grace that diminishes grace that diminishes grace is diminishing the whole point of the is diminishing the whole point of the is diminishing the whole point of the universe and God's purpose in it, which universe and God's purpose in it, which universe and God's purpose in it, which is to take boasting away is to take boasting away is to take boasting away and to replace it with and to replace it with and to replace it with praise.

praise. praise. Let him who boasts boast in the Lord. Let him who boasts boast in the Lord. Let him who boasts boast in the Lord. And specifically in grace. And grace is And specifically in grace. And grace is And specifically in grace. And grace is the absolutely the absolutely the absolutely free action of treating sinners better free action of treating sinners better free action of treating sinners better than we deserve. than we deserve. than we deserve. So, grace is huge and I So, grace is huge and I So, grace is huge and I I I'll just point out one thing and you I I'll just point out one thing and you I I'll just point out one thing and you test this whether it's true or not. The test this whether it's true or not. The test this whether it's true or not. The difference between I won't give a name difference between I won't give a name difference between I won't give a name to the alternatives, but just here's to the alternatives, but just here's to the alternatives, but just here's here's Joni Eareckson and John Piper's here's Joni Eareckson and John Piper's here's Joni Eareckson and John Piper's theology called Calvinism. theology called Calvinism. theology called Calvinism. And here's the alternative, okay? And here's the alternative, okay? And here's the alternative, okay? That denies that God is that sovereign That denies that God is that sovereign That denies that God is that sovereign in salvation. in salvation. in salvation. And the denial comes at this point. This And the denial comes at this point. This And the denial comes at this point. This This is all my Calvinism right here in This is all my Calvinism right here in This is all my Calvinism right here in this sentence. this sentence. this sentence. And you you must ask this question. So, And you you must ask this question. So, And you you must ask this question. So, when you got saved, when you got saved, when you got saved, when you passed from death to life, when you passed from death to life, when you passed from death to life, you were dead in your trespasses. God you were dead in your trespasses. God you were dead in your trespasses. God made you alive in Christ Jesus.

made you alive in Christ Jesus. made you alive in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:5. When you passed from Ephesians 2:5. When you passed from Ephesians 2:5. When you passed from death to life, from unbelief to belief, death to life, from unbelief to belief, death to life, from unbelief to belief, from blindness to seeing, from rebellion from blindness to seeing, from rebellion from blindness to seeing, from rebellion to submission, when you crossed that to submission, when you crossed that to submission, when you crossed that line, line, line, were you decisive or was God decisive? That's the choice between Calvinism, God That's the choice between Calvinism, God is decisive, is decisive, is decisive, and the alternatives, and the alternatives, and the alternatives, man is decisive. And here's something to man is decisive. And here's something to man is decisive. And here's something to to note. to note. to note. I've watched this now for 40 years or so I've watched this now for 40 years or so I've watched this now for 40 years or so with kind of a reformed Calvinistic with kind of a reformed Calvinistic with kind of a reformed Calvinistic resurgents in America. resurgents in America. resurgents in America. There are conferences There are conferences There are conferences all over the country put on by Calvinists. put on by Calvinists. And they sing their hearts out about the And they sing their hearts out about the And they sing their hearts out about the greatness of God in their salvation and greatness of God in their salvation and greatness of God in their salvation and the absolute sovereignty of God over the the absolute sovereignty of God over the the absolute sovereignty of God over the universe and he is Lord and they love to universe and he is Lord and they love to universe and he is Lord and they love to exalt the the lordship and the power and exalt the the lordship and the power and exalt the the lordship and the power and the sovereignty and the freedom of God the sovereignty and the freedom of God the sovereignty and the freedom of God and it makes for such great songwriting and it makes for such great songwriting and it makes for such great songwriting and such great singing and worship.

and such great singing and worship. and such great singing and worship. There isn't a single There isn't a single There isn't a single conference conference conference devoted to celebrating devoted to celebrating devoted to celebrating the centrality of man at the point of the centrality of man at the point of the centrality of man at the point of his own conversion. his own conversion. his own conversion. >> Oh, that's right. >> Oh, that's right. >> Oh, that's right. >> It's not celebratable. >> It's not celebratable. >> It's not celebratable. The very thing that distinguishes The very thing that distinguishes The very thing that distinguishes Calvinism from its alternatives is not Calvinism from its alternatives is not Calvinism from its alternatives is not celebratable. celebratable. celebratable. Like, I did it. Like, I did it. Like, I did it. I was decisive. I got myself into Jesus. I was decisive. I got myself into Jesus. I was decisive. I got myself into Jesus. I raised myself from the dead. I raised myself from the dead. I raised myself from the dead. I believe God was not decisive, I was I believe God was not decisive, I was I believe God was not decisive, I was decisive. That's what free will means, decisive. That's what free will means, decisive. That's what free will means, Piper. Piper. Piper. I said I said I said Show me a conference where anybody is Show me a conference where anybody is Show me a conference where anybody is singing that. singing that. singing that. Nobody sings about that. Nobody sings about that. Nobody sings about that. How great is my will? Oh, how great is How great is my will? Oh, how great is How great is my will? Oh, how great is my will? I mean, it's I my will? I mean, it's I my will? I mean, it's I I wouldn't be saying this in public if I I wouldn't be saying this in public if I I wouldn't be saying this in public if I hadn't thought about this a long time.

Show me one. Show me one. Show me a song, a worship song that has Show me a song, a worship song that has Show me a song, a worship song that has been written in the last 50 years been written in the last 50 years been written in the last 50 years that celebrates the distinction between that celebrates the distinction between that celebrates the distinction between Calvinism and the other views Calvinism and the other views Calvinism and the other views with that view being true. with that view being true. with that view being true. They don't exist because it's They don't exist because it's They don't exist because it's uncelebratable. uncelebratable. uncelebratable. I thank God for Joni Eareckson Tada. I I thank God for Joni Eareckson Tada. I I thank God for Joni Eareckson Tada. I love the Apostle Paul. I love the love the Apostle Paul. I love the love the Apostle Paul. I love the doctrine of sovereign doctrine of sovereign doctrine of sovereign grace. Nothing makes the church sing grace. Nothing makes the church sing grace. Nothing makes the church sing more than the sovereign grace of God more than the sovereign grace of God more than the sovereign grace of God over our lives. He's good, he's wise. over our lives. He's good, he's wise. over our lives. He's good, he's wise. You may not have all the answers to how You may not have all the answers to how You may not have all the answers to how that works. that works. that works. But if you can see it in the Bible and But if you can see it in the Bible and But if you can see it in the Bible and you've tasted his sovereignty in your you've tasted his sovereignty in your you've tasted his sovereignty in your suffering, you will be suffering, you will be suffering, you will be glad. glad. glad. So, Father, as we sing So, Father, as we sing So, Father, as we sing or I guess we're have a little Q&A now or I guess we're have a little Q&A now or I guess we're have a little Q&A now before we sing. But as we sing and talk, before we sing. But as we sing and talk, before we sing. But as we sing and talk, would you draw near? If I have said would you draw near? If I have said would you draw near? If I have said anything amiss, cancel it.

anything amiss, cancel it. anything amiss, cancel it. Just deliver these folks from anything Just deliver these folks from anything Just deliver these folks from anything I've said misleading. I've said misleading. I've said misleading. And if I've said anything true and And if I've said anything true and And if I've said anything true and faithful to your word, confirm it faithful to your word, confirm it faithful to your word, confirm it tonight. tonight. tonight. Confirm it. Turn Turn their world right Confirm it. Turn Turn their world right Confirm it. Turn Turn their world right side up, I pray. side up, I pray. side up, I pray. In Jesus name. In Jesus name. In Jesus name. Amen.