God's Protection And Presence Series

“Chosen Children of a Perfect Father”

Part 4

Review

All who have put their trust in Christ become chosen children of a perfect father.

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1:12-13

Scripture explains this new connection with God as and event, a process and an ultimate destiny. God used the picture of a new creation of God, new birth and adoption. It is the result of God’s loving choice and supernatural regeneration made possible because of the saving work of Christ in His substitutionary death and glorious resurrection.

I. The Likeness Factor

II. Unconditional love and acceptance factor

III. Protection and security Factor

Can we count on our heavenly Father for such protection and security? What does the scripture say? Peter spoke of God’s protection in the context of our protected inheritance which we will discuss later.

to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Peter 1:4-5

Not only does God provide a protected inheritance but we are protected (present tense verb indicating continual protections) by God’s power; God’s dynamite! How powerful is God?

Can He protect us? How long? Till the last days.

Philippians 4:7 Proverbs 18:10 Luke 10:19 1 Peter 5:10 John 10:27-30 John 17:11-12

In what sense does this promise of protection apply to God’s children? God’s children face danger and even death every day. David expressed how he felt facing the “valley of the shadow of death.” I could tell stories of dramatic rescue and supernatural deliverance from danger.

I could also relate stories of persecution, torture and even death. Both Christians! Both prayed up. Both supported by the multiple prayers of others. Christians face extreme danger all over the world. Many will lose their lives because of their stand for Christ. Cassie Burnell courageously proclaimed her belief in God at the point of a gun and God allowed her young life to be gruesomely cut short. Where was God’s protection? What about all the abused children?

What about all the violence against Christians around the world? What about all the Christians with cancer and other terminal diseases?

I could tell stories of phenomenal healing due to the prayers of others.

I could tell stories of prolonged illness and eventual death in spite of massive intercession.

Jesus revealed to Peter Satan’s demand to sift him like wheat. Ever seen that process. Not for the weak of heart. Jesus also promised to pray for him. Interesting what Jesus did not pray.

Jesus did not pray for protection from the soul-wrenching sifting but from the destruction of his fundamental trust in God through the sifting. In addition, He prayed for increased ministry to the other disciples upon his restoration.

Hebrews 11 catalogues a representative group of the faithful who trusted God no matter what.

Part of the group supernaturally conquered impossible odds through their trust in God. Another part of the group faithfully endured being sawn in two, isolation in caves, and the loss of family members without loosing their fundamental trust in God. Where was God? What good was their trust in God? How is God my protection when tragic things happen?

To God, death is not an end but a mere transition. It is not the finality we view it as. Death for the believer is not a punishment but a promotion. It is not an end to life but the entry into life.

God uses earthly suffering to bring about greater ends for His kingdom. One thing is certain. I am His and He is mine. He will never leave me or forsake me. He will never stop watching over me. There is no guarantee I will not get sick, stub my toe, face death, lose people and things precious to me or suffer some accident or tragedy. We still live in a devil-directed twisted world where bad things still happen to both good and bad people.

"Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 10:28

However! God guarantees to bring His children safely to our heavenly home. He has promised to finish the work He started in us. Spirit, soul AND body.

Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 5:23