The STAR Winter '23-'24

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Have you ever noticed how many times praise and worship takes place during the historical account of the birth of Jesus? True worship is valuing or treasuring God above all things, expressing yourself to Him for who He is and nothing else and knowing He is so much bigger than ourselves. Giving thanks, praise and worship are three distinct aspects of our expression to God. Thanksgiving has to do with what God has done (we thank God for things Don K. Wiehe that He has done in the past, present District Sectretary/Treasurer and future). Praise has to do with who God is (His majestic attributes). Worship has to do with devotion, intimacy and relationship. We give thanks, give praise and worship no matter what we are going through. It is not dependent upon our present situation. When we worship we place our God in His rightful place above our problems and challenges we face, placing value on Him higher than ourselves, knowing that our complete existence relies on the Lord. Praise and thanksgiving is what we do. Worship is who we are.

Worship takes place when we come to the place that our entire life is an expression to the Lord!

“And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.” - Romans 12:1 NLT I personally believe that lines are blurred between thanksgiving, praise and worship, but I believe worship begins when we finally respect God for who He is and it becomes our inmost desire and passion to give Him glory.

The historical account of the birth of Jesus is filled with many examples of worship.

The Wise Men Worshipped “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.” - Matthew 2:2 NLT

“They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” - Matthew 2:11 NLT Mary Gave Praise “Mary responded, “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!” - Luke 1:46-47 NLT Zechariah Prophesied and Gave Praise “Then his father, Zechariah, was filled with the Holy Spirit and gave this prophecy: “Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has visited and redeemed his people.” - Luke 1:67-68 NLT The Angels Gave Praise “Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”” - Luke 2:13-14 NLT The Shepherds Gave Praise and Worshipped “The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.” - Luke 2:20 NLT Simeon Praised the Lord “I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people.

- Luke 2:30-31 NLT Anna the Prophet Praising “She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God. She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem.” -Luke 2:38 NLT This is contrasted with the false worship of King Herod “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him. King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem.” - Matthew 2:2-3 NLT “Then he told them, “Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child.

And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!”” - Matthew 2:8 NLT I hope that this Christmas season you are filled once again with the desire to praise, give thanks and worship the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Jesus Christ! stxag.org 5

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We believe in the call to ministry.

all Church Ministry majors!

Announcing SAGU tuition discount’s for ministry majors and credentialed AG ministers/missionaries and dependents: All students living on-campus and are ministry majors receive 50% off tuition including all federal, state, and SAGU scholarships and grants have been awarded. Students must be seeing a bachelor’s degree in Ministry related degrees, enrolled full time and live on campus, and complete a FAFSA at www.studentaid.gov Details are at: www.sagu.edu/50 Lastly, All Assemblies of God credentialed ministers/missionaries and dependents receive discounts on tuition. Details are at:

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Ministers & Churches Changes and Updates New Certified

Jorge Constantino Christopher Echols

Jason Morgan Cameron Purifoy

Amy Schmidtzinsky Kiersty Shepherd

Misty Robertson

Alex Sanchez

Craig Cox Zachary Walker

Leticia Westbrock

Michelle Sharp

Benny Torbert

MaKenzie Van Hook

New License Jeffery Robertson

Upgraded to License Carol Bass Cooper Cox

Upgraded to Ordained Alicia Allard

Reinstated Stephanie Harrell

Transfers in

Ryan Goff - North Texas District Valarie Goff - West Texas District Jose Guerrero - North Texas District Rachael Guerrero - North Texas District

Roy Hansen - Texas Louisiana Hispanic District Catherine Runge - Pen Florida District Jonathan Runge - Pen Florida District

Transfers Out Cooper Cox - New Mexico District Craig Cox - New Mexico District John David - North Texas Shea Hoffman - New Mexico District Amanda LaFontaine - Kentucky District Clark Lanning - North Texas District Mia Lanning - North Texas District Jason Mauck - Northern Missouri District

Elaine Miller - North Carolina District Matthew Miller - North Carolina District Florence Parker - Illinois District Tommy Parker - Illinois District Forrest Pasquier - New Mexico District Andrea Rivas - North Texas District Cameron Ward - Illinois District

Church Name Change Columbus Community Church – Columbus, TX | Formally: Live Oak Assembly

General Council Affiliated Gloryland Assembly of God – Houston, TX Abide Church – Kingsville, TX

Withdrawn From the Assemblies Of God New Creation Family Church – Laredo, TX

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Something is really troubling me. At the time of this writing, 43 percent of our network (Rocky Mountain Ministry Network) ministers are NOT ordained. That’s a bit troubling to me, and I’m hoping you’ll give me a few minutes to explain why. This statistic begs the question: If God is the one who called you to the ministry, why is it important to be ordained by a manmade organization; or if you already have a ministerial license, why should you advance to ordination?

These are excellent questions that deserve a thoughtful response.

Ordination is an important process that has a biblical precedent and should be taken with the utmost seriousness. There are several reasons why it should be important to you, to the church, and to God’s people. If you are reading this today and have not taken the next step to advance your credential, let me give you a few reasons why you should.

1. Ordination is a biblical model. Ordination can be defined as the public ceremony by which an ecclesiastical movement acknowledges the divine call, commission, and qualification of a person to serve in ministry. In a sense, it is a formal authorization for a person to be a minister and do ministry. The tradition of ordination is found throughout the entire Bible. We see it symbolized through the act of the laying on of hands. Those who were in spiritual leadership and authority laid hands upon and prayed for those who were acknowledged to be called, qualified, and ordained to ministry. Moses did this with Joshua in Deuteronomy 34:9. The church leaders did it with Barnabas and Saul in Acts 13:3. In most denominations, ordination is only available to men or women who meet the biblical qualifications outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. These are people who are fulfilling one of the types of equipping ministries described in Ephesians 4:11: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. Ordination is important because it is biblically exemplified and commanded.

2. Ordination is different from licensing. There are some things that cannot and should not be rushed. The Apostle Paul taught us that ordination was one of those things when he said, Do not 10 South Texas Assemblies of God Ministries

be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure (1 Timothy 5:22, NIV). The New American Standard version states this admonition much more strongly when it says, Do not lay hands upon anyone too hastily and thereby share responsibility for the sins of others. Licensing recognizes the call of God on a person’s life. Its focus is on the individual, their character, call, and preparedness for ministry. A ministerial license is a symbol of our accountability structure recognizing the “call of God” upon a person’s life. After licensing, there is a time of “testing and watching” the fruits, patterns, and effectiveness of one’s ministry that flow from that call. While licensing focuses on the individual, ordination seeks to examine the ministry that flows from that person. The time in between licensing and ordination is the period where leadership fulfills their biblical obligation to observe your ministry, not just your calling. It gives leadership time to examine the fruits of your ministry and make an informed and Spirit-led decision about how effective that call works itself out in the context and pressures of ministry. Licensing is about your calling; ordination is a recognition of God’s blessing on your ministry. An invention is not considered an innovation until it can prove itself effective outside the sterile and predictability of a laboratory. In the same way, a calling is not fully recognized unless it can prove itself spiritually effective in the real-life context of life and ministry. That is why ordination is important. It is a formal recognition of the maturity of your call.

3. Ordination is important for accountability. Ordination is the act of having a spiritual authority over you to recognize your authority to represent God and His word to His people, to the world, and to the church. You remain accountable to this spiritual authority in areas of moral wholesomeness, family health, doctrinal purity, ministerial ethics, corporate integrity, financial uprightness, and leadership standards. Even Paul, after receiving the call directly from God in a vision, submitted to baptism, the laying on of hands, and the leadership of the Jerusalem church. Ordination is important to those who seek and welcome biblical accountability.

4. Ordination is important for credibility. Full-time ministry in most churches involves the official endorsement of a reputable denomination or organization. These organizations fulfill the biblical pattern of an authority structure that confirms your call, qualifications, accountability, integrity, effectiveness, and readiness to minister. This confirmation is usually in the form of licensing, ordination, and recognition of your call from a church denomination.

If it is a reputable organization, it will take this step seriously and use an extensive process of application, testing, interviews, and a solemn ordination service. This process will ensure: • The genuineness of your Christian experience.

• The sufficiency of your spiritual, moral, emotional, and societal maturity.

• The reality of your divine call.

• The correctness of your doctrine.

• The adequacy of your preparation and abilities.

• Your commitment to community and collaboration.

The important thing to remember is that if God has called you, your call will be evident to godly leaders who serve in authority over you.

When you seek their confirmation, they will either say yes or no or wait. Whatever the answer may be, ordination is the most important public confirmation you can receive that you are credible and that your ministry and doctrine can be trusted.

5. Ordination is a higher level of preparedness. Ordination will require classes that will increase your knowledge of the Word, enlarge your theological foundation, and bring spiritual growth to your life. In essence, you will be increasing the capacity of your leadership and enabling yourself to bring deeper and greater levels of spiritual resiliency to your ministry. For example, a minister who is certified has yet to go through the AG’s internship, pass the AG polity exam, and take the 18 classes required for license and ordination.

A person who is licensed has yet to take 8 classes, be interviewed by the Executive Presbytery and be officially endorsed by receiving ordination, participating in the ordination ceremony and receive the laying on of hands by the Network eldership. However, an ordained person will have not only taken more classes but received a deeper level of mentorship and credibility. Not only should these growth opportunities be important to you, but they will be important to those considering you for future ministry positions.

6. Ordination is important for responsibility. Full-time employment in churches can usually be divided into two categories: ordained and nonordained ministry. Most churches have employees who are not ordained. These people work in ministry without being ordained for ministry and usually serve in areas that support ministry functions. Paid administrative assistants, janitors, nursery directors, ministry directors, media personnel, and musicians are examples of nonordained employment opportunities in a church. However, ordained ministry usually carries greater authority and responsibility to God’s people. In many denominations, ordination is so important that their churches require it for a person to serve on the pastoral staff, perform weddings, baptize converts, serve communion, or represent the church at denominational gatherings. As a matter of fact, the bylaws of most Assemblies of God churches require those who serve as a lead pastor be ordained. Why? Because even lay people, deacons, and pastoral search committees feel that ordination enables an individual to steward greater responsibility.

7. Ordination is important for the health of the local church.

Ordination ensures that the pastoral leadership within the local church is comprised of individuals who are proven, qualified, genuine, and divinely called. It also helps to maintain a higher level of doctrinal purity within the body of Christ as well as an accountability structure outside of a team or local context.

8. Ordination creates a partnership of trust. Ordination is the official recognition that you and your ministry have proven to be valuable, needed, and affirmed in the greater body of Christ. In a way, it is as though the entire Fellowship of the Assemblies of God is saying, “Not only do we acknowledge the call of God upon your life and your commitment to that call, but we also now express our willingness to put confidence in your ministry’s contribution and your leadership should God ever anoint you to lead us.” That is a powerful thing in and of itself.

9. Ordination increases our capacity for leadership. As of October 3, 2019, the Rocky Mountain Network has 570 ministers. Of that number, 11 percent are certified, 32 percent are licensed, and 57 percent are ordained. That means 43 percent of our ministers are NOT ordained.

That should concern all of us. Why? Because the kingdom of God and the leadership pool in our network is being limited. Our leadership pipeline will never exceed our level of ordination! According to our network bylaws, the highest levels of leadership in our network require ordination. For example, the district superintendent/network pastor, assistant superintendent, secretary treasurer, executive presbyters, every member of the presbytery, provisional presbyters, and those empowered to call a special meeting of the Network Council in the event of an emergency are all required to be ordained. That means the network’s source of leadership, vision, and potential will be limited to the pool of those who are ordained. In other words, ordination is the lid that determines our highest potential and capacity as a network.

Anyone who believes in leadership succession should also be equally passionate about ordination. We owe it to ourselves and our future to maintain the highest percentage of ordained ministers within our network.

10. Ordination has benefits and privileges. To recognize and honor the sacrifice, commitment, and ministry accomplishments of those who have achieved the highest level of credential, the Rocky Mountain Ministry offers exclusive benefits to those who are ordained. Among these benefits is a 50% discount on all graduate level tuition in the Masters and PhD programs of Trinity Bible College and Seminary. As one of our primary educational partners, Trinity assists us by investing in leaders already serving in our Network, as well as increasing our ability to recruit new ministers to serve as lead pastors and staff in our RMMN churches.

If you desire to serve in ministry, one of the decisions you will have to make is whether you want others to recognize and affirm your calling (licensing) or your ministry (ordination). And believe me, there is a big difference between the two. That is why I believe the Bible places such a significant emphasis upon ordination. It signifies a greater level of biblical obedience, ministry maturity, accountability, credibility, opportunity, responsibility, partnership, and health for the local church.

That is also why I am appealing to all in our network who are not ordained to contact our Secretary/Treasurer’s office this week and take your next step—whatever that may be. Why? Because the future needs you! I need you, the network needs you, our churches need you.

More importantly, the kingdom needs you. stxag.org 11

No, You Did Not Turn That Down!

Ever been driving, looking for a specific place, or exit, only to realize you had already passed it! That’s how I feel about 2023! Where in the world did it go? How did we get to 2024 this quickly?

But, looking back, there were some good things that happened in 2023: We finally launched our SWP website; had a great Senior Summit; A wonderful memorial day, seniors fish fry; a fun filled and impactful trip to Branson; a very successful, SWP missions trip to Managua, Nicaragua; our second Seniors With Purpose cruise which included four other districts.

2024 will have some great Senior opportunities: The Senior Summit-May 18-20 The Seniors Fishing Trip and Fish Fry The SAM Conference in Branson Another Missions Trip in October Working on a Noah’s Ark/Branson trip Check our SWP Website for details, southtexasseniors.com.

3. He was a Team Player. Working with four other men to get the job done. Scripture indicates that Barzillai was probably the biggest contributor, but he was not so into himself that he did not realize there were others needed to get the job accomplished. Question: Who are you teamed with?

4. He knew when to allow others to have the privileges he had earned.

After the battle was won, David was returning to Jerusalem and wanted to take this Senior hero with him to honor him and to have him sit at the king’s table. But Barzillai responded in an amazing way. He said he was old and probably had just a short while to live. He wanted to return to his estate and be buried with his Father and Mother. He did not want to bother the King with his needs. Then he said, here is Chimham, let him cross over with the King and do for him what seems right. David agreed. Barzillai traveled for a while with the King, then departed for his home. David blessed him and kissed him and sent him on his way. What an example to us. What Barzillai had earned, he invested into someone younger. What an education Chimham received being with the King. Few people had that privilege. While scripture does not tell us what became of Chimham, one can only speculate! In Whom are you investing?

Barzillai is mentioned in scripture several times, always with honor.

But, just because he sent Chimham with David does not mean he quit One of my favorite Biblical “Seniors” is 80 year old Barzillai from on life or serving others.

Gilead, 2 Samuel 17. When King David was fleeing from Absalom Just because there comes a time we may need to allow younger folks and had crossed over the Jordan River, David and all who were with to assume some of our responsibilities, does not mean we can quit. It him were exhausted and weak. They were vulnerable! There is much just means “what’s next for me”! more to this story, but here are some great simple “Senior” thoughts concerning Barzillai: 1. He was loyal and committed to his leadership! So many had jumped I really like Barzillai! “No Coasting to the Finish Line!” ship and defected to Absalom, even some of David’s most trusted.

No leader is perfect! But most are there in the will of God, serving Wayne and Judy Clark with integrity and doing what God has placed on their hearts to do, Seniors With Purpose leading where they are led to lead! Loyalty is becoming a rare jewel! In difficult circumstances, Barzillai was loyal! A noble and Godly quality!

2. He used his resources and wisdom to equip David’s men for battle and to nourish and strengthen all who with the King! Barzillai teamed up with four others to provide beds and basins, food, great food, for their weary guests. There were lots of women and children with David. This 8 decade old, we’ll to do man, was focused on the task that needed to be done and saw it through! In today’s world, we all need to be focused on the church’s real task, using our resources and strength to get the job done… Make disciples, reach the lost, worship God and be His hand extended to a confused and very lost world!

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As the 2023 Christmas & New Year holidays are approaching, we want to remind you of the hope that you are giving to the lost by supporting STXAGM Missionaries throughout the world in both finances & prayer!

Just think of this…you have helped our missionaries get visas when it seemed impossible; you have helped share the Gospel in unreached areas through missionaries having a meal and sharing about Christ; you have helped open eyes through our missionaries sharing of Christs love in their coffee shops; you have helped missionaries learn the language of their new culture so they can develop friendships to share the plan of salvation; you have helped disciple young people being pressured to follow the crowds around them to instead develop a personal relationship with Christ; you have helped plant churches in unreached areas; you have helped feed the poor so they can feel the love of Christ firsthand; you have helped those that have gone through disasters by giving out of your own personal need.

These are just a few ways that you have helped…lets continue to do more until He comes back!!

“If there be anything about which we cannot tolerate lukewarmness, it is in the matter of sending the gospel to a dying world.” (Charles Spurgeon) Missions is the heartbeat of God, everyone can do something and it all adds up to sharing the Hope that only Christ can give… thank you for your support of Missions!!

S. Texas to the Nations!!

Roger & Debbi Audorff STXAGM District Missions Directors raudorff.stxag@gmail.com (210)482-0281 / (210)896-4969.

MISSIONS GIVING CREDIT: Don’t forget to send in your Missions Giving Credit form for any mission support other than your normal monthly support that is given through AGWM/AGUSM or special projects.

The end-of-year totals are due to our office by Jan. 10 latest, however sending them in before the year-end is much appreciated! You can find the form here: https://stxagmissions.org along with mission’s resources; a list of current itinerating missionaries; and a list of all our Fully Appointed STXAG missionaries (except those in *Sensitive countries) including a link to their giving account number. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

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WHAT’S OUR PURPOSE? We are dedicated to raising up a generation of girls who know God and who find their identity in Him. We are intentional in helping girls become confident, godly women who are leaders in the church, their home, and the world.

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You can be a part of it all by partnering with us. This enables the ministry to provide training for leaders, events for the girls, and provide for missions projects.

Partnerships due each year in January. www.stxgm.org/form

South Texas Girls Ministries

Missions Walk - Feb. 24, 2024 Houston, San Antonio, & Corpus Christi Everyone is invited to join in the fun!

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THE ASSURANCE OF SALVATION POSITION PAPER ((ADOPTED BY THE GENERAL PRESBYTERY IN SESSION AUGUST 5 & 7, 2017) In view of the biblical teaching that the security of the believer depends on a living relationship with Christ (John 15:6); in view of the Bible’s call to a life of holiness (Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 1:16); in view of the clear teaching that a man may have his part taken out of the Book of Life (Revelation 22:19); and in view of the fact that one who believes for a while can fall away (Luke 8:13); The General Council of the Assemblies of God disapproves of the unconditional security position which holds that it is impossible for a person once saved to be lost. (Bylaws, Article IX.B.1)

especially of those who believe” (1 Timothy 4:10). “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people” (Titus 2:11). This is called prevenient grace, the grace God provides prior to salvation, drawing all people toward salvation and enabling them to either accept or reject His offer. After many such expressions of God’s universal offer of salvation, the Bible fittingly concludes with a closing invitation to all humanity, “Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life” (Revelation 22:17).

The Assemblies of God affirms the biblical teaching that people enter into a personal saving relationship with Christ through the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit, who draws them to repentance and faith in Christ. Jesus described this initial salvation experience as “new birth” (John 3:3–6),1 as did the apostle Peter (1 Peter 1:3). Likewise, Paul wrote, “He saved us through the washing of rebirth [palingenesias, “rebirth” or “regeneration”] and renewal by the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5), also using “new creation” for this transformative saving event (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Unfortunately, some Christian traditions have come to a view of God’s sovereignty that asserts that only a limited number of humans are able to respond to God’s offer of salvation. Moreover, these traditions maintain that Christ’s atoning sacrifice is not intended for all. They assume that God sovereignly decreed from eternity past to elect only a limited number of persons to salvation. This belief is rooted in a number of biblical passages that do indeed emphasize God’s sovereignty in His saving activity. For example, Jesus’ words in the Gospel of John make it clear that the Father must act to draw humans into His electing purposes (6:37, 44, 65). Another commonly referenced text is Romans 9:11–18, that recounts God’s foresight of the lives of Jacob and Esau, and points out God’s sovereign election of Jacob rather than Esau. The biblical metaphor of the potter’s sovereign control over the clay follows in this passage and is often cited in support of God’s absolute sovereignty in effecting human salvation (9:20–21).

At the time of the believer’s new birth, theologically designated “regeneration,” the Holy Spirit comes into them, bringing assurance of forgiveness of sins, spiritual renewal, and a personal relationship with God. “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children” (Romans 8:16). This dynamic relationship with God by His Spirit, initiated and sustained through faith, undergirds the security of the believer.

The following biblical teachings sustain and guide the believer’s growing maturity and perseverance in their relationship with Christ.

• Salvation is available for every person (Luke 19:10; John 3:16; Romans 10:11–13; Hebrews 2:9; 2 Peter 3:9; Revelation 22:17).

• Salvation is received and assured through faith (Romans 3:28; Galatians 2:20–21; Ephesians 2:8; Philippians 3:9; Hebrews 10:38; 1 Peter 1:5).

• Salvation is an ongoing conflict with temptation and sin (Romans 1:32; 1 Corinthians 3:1–3, 5–8; 5:9–13; Hebrews 3:12– 14; 12:1; 1 John 1:8; 3:8).

• The believer’s salvation may be forfeited or abandoned by willfully turning away from Christ (John 17:12; 1 Timothy 4:1; 5:12, 15; Hebrews 6:4–6, 10:26–27, 38; 2 Peter 2:20; 1 John 5:16).

However, while these passages certainly teach that God is sovereign in all that He does, they are not a denial of human freedom in responding to the gospel. The election of Jacob over Esau entailed what God foreknew each of them would do. The sacred history in Genesis vividly recounts the story of Jacob’s own personal decisions as he struggled with God and haltingly responded in faith. The pottery image is an eloquent and powerful depiction of God’s sovereignty, but the potter’s singular effort to create a quality vessel is by no means intended to teach that God deliberately passes over certain people, thereby leaving them to be eternally lost. Such passages as these do not contradict the “whoever believes” of John 3:16 and God’s provision for all as so often expressed throughout the Bible.

To continue reading visit: ag.org/Beliefs/Position-Papers

I. God Makes Provision of Salvation for Every Person God desires every person to be saved, a truth the Bible repeatedly sets out (Luke 19:10; John 3:16; Romans 10:11–13; Hebrews 2:9; 2 Peter 3:9; Revelation 22:17). God’s eternal saving purpose is expressed in Jesus’ own words, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10); that is, He desires to save all people. At the beginning of the Gospel of John, Jesus is presented as “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). The Gospel’s great theme follows, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

The Pauline epistles likewise reiterate God’s universal redemptive plan: “ . . .

God our Savior . . . wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth” (1Timothy 2:3–4). “God . . . is the Savior of all people, and stxag.org 23