BOLGPC JULY 27, 2014 By REV. DR. JOHN SIM

Jackson Locked-In Syndrome

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 “in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thess. 5:18

CENTRAL STATEMENT: ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 “And we know that to the ones loving God…” (Literal Greek) TWO THINGS ARE NEEDED: RELATIONSHIP

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 TWO THINGS ARE NEEDED: “…and are fitting into His plans.” (Living) PARTNERSHIP

1. GOD’S PLAN IS BENEFICIAL. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 FOUR TRUTHS

“The Lord gave and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.” Job 1:21 “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.” Job 13:15 EXAMPLE OF JOB He lost: Live stocks, servants, wealth, children, health…

“For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son…” Romans 8:29 “We tend to interpret GOOD in terms of animal comfort.” (Vernon Grounds) What is the nature of the “GOOD”?

“When bad things happen to good people they become better people.”

Fanny Crosby

2. GOD’S PLAN IS ACTIVE. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

“The worst of God is that He does nothing.”

“But don't be angry with yourselves that you did this to me, for God did it! He sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives.” Genesis 45:5 (Living) “But don't be angry with yourselves that you did this to me, for God did it! He sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives.” Genesis 45:5 (Living) “You meant evil against me; but God meant it for good.” Genesis 50:20 “You meant evil against me; but God meant it for good.” Genesis 50:20

3. GOD’S PLAN IS INCLUSIVE. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

Henry Russell “That depends, Madam, entirely on how big a God you believe in!”

I asked God for strength that I might achieve; I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey. I asked for health that I might do greater things; I was given infirmity that I might do better things.

I asked for riches that I might be happy; I was given poverty that I might be wise. I asked for power that I might have the praise of men; I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God.

I asked for all things that I might enjoy life; I was given life that I might enjoy all things. I got nothing I asked for but everything I hoped for; In spite of myself, my prayers were answered- I am among all men most richly blest.

4. GOD’S PLAN IS HARMONIOUS. “And we know that all things work together for good...” Romans 8:28 (NKJV) “We know that God intermingles all things for good…”

“Daily happenings, whether tragic or joyous, are the raw material from which God is weaving the design of life.” (Sanders)

“No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again.” John 10:18 VICTIMVICTOR “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above.” John 19:11

“Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen.” Acts 4:27-28