Deuteronomy 30:11-20 The Chosen “It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the LORD set his love on you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples, but it is because the LORD loves you and is keeping the oath that he swore to your fathers, that the LORD has brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.” Deuteronomy 7:7-8 (ESV) Old Testament People “I’ve done this! I’ve chosen you and you had nothing to do with it.” Not chosen because they were special Special because they were chosen New Testament People “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9 (ESV) Chosen People Chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world Chosen in Baptism On your way to heavenly glory Chosen—What Does This Mean? Live in the context of being chosen We make choices in that context Is it going to be okay? The Choice of Another “god” Good or Evil Life or Death Blessing or Curse The choice is to trust God or turn away to other gods. “But if your heart turns away, and you will not hear, but are drawn away to worship other gods and serve them …” Deuteronomy 30:17 (ESV) Death is the “god” of Choice We choose death through… Abortion Destruction of human embryos Assisted suicide Whatever we turn to for more “good and help than God” becomes our god. Abortion 32,000 affected by abortion decision every day Siblings Child Father Mother Grandparents Friends Society Death does not relieve the burden After the Abortion Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia Mental distress Terminal illness Voluntary Involuntary euthanasia Chronic illness euthanasia “Termination of the patient without specific request” Death does not relieve the burden Obsessed with Death Legalization of abortion in 1973 Teen suicide Child abuse Children killing children Death does not relieve the burden The Choice to Trust in God Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. Hebrews 2:14-15 (ESV) …so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. Hebrews 2:9b (ESV) Choose Life “For this commandment that I command you today is not too hard for you, neither is it far off. It is not in heaven … Neither is it beyond the sea … But the word is very near you. It is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it.” Deuteronomy 30:11-14 (ESV) Trust God Everyday Life For Life Choose Life!