The Power of Love for God is Love.

To them that love God. These are those who enjoy the blessed assurance just given. Notice the order in the Revised Version, which is the order of the Greek, to them that love God all things work together for good. The love of God is the very foundation of the Christian life. See Lu 10:28 and Joh 14:23. The expression, them that love God, is synonymous with Followers of Christ. See 1Co 2:9 Eph 6:24 2Ti 4:8 Jas 2:5. The two expressions them that love God and the called are are different ways of describing the same class.

To them who are the called. These have been called by the gospel and have accepted the call. Many others are called Jews and Gentiles, but only those who hear and obey are chosen (Mt 20:16 20:14). Paul uses the term of the latter class; those who hear and obey. The evidence that we are the called is that we love God.

According to his purpose. This call was purposed from the time that God promised a Deliverer of the fallen race (Ge 3:15).

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KADAZAN - a Nation of Royal Priesthood - 1 Peter 2:9-10

Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one's youth. How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them; They will not be ashamed when they speak with their enemies in the gate. Ps 127:3-5 (NAS) (dedicated to my friend Ps Joseph Samuel who is celebrating his birthday today and his lovely family - May Abba Father multiply your blessings and draw you closer to continuous intimacy with Him for He knows your faithfulness and the "cross" you carry for your community but be strengthen that He is true and faithful to His promises. Amen)

The duties of Christian parenthood flow from the nature of their God. Just as God is love, the first duty of parents is to love their children (I John 4:8). Because all children are wanted by God and are important to God, Christian parents seek to bring their children into God's presence, and God's presence into their children's lives through prayer (Luke 18:15-16). Because God is holy, Christian parents model righteousness to their children (Matthew 18:6). Because they are the objects of God's grace through Christ, they model humility and gratefulness to God (Ephesians 2:8-9) and show their gratitude by serving God (Ephesians 2:10, II Corinthians 5:14-15). Since God makes us accountable, they not only teach their children their faith, they call upon their children to live by it, and lovingly provide guidance through careful, prayerful use of correction, approval, and rewards (Ephesians 6:4). As God seeks out the fellowship of people, Christian parents bring their children to the house of the Lord to seek fellowship with other Christian children (Hebrews 10:25, I Corinthians 15:33). Just as God finally gives us free will, Christian parents have as their goal the maturing of their children so that they, in turn, can be effective Christian parents to grandchildren (Matthew 19:4-5, Luke 15:11-12).

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