Adoption Into God's Forever Family

Posted on September 18, 2017 by Graeme Wilson in Freedom Fighters

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I really didn’t like cats even though our first pet when we first married was a cat.
I was on the same page as Dr. Charles Zimmerman when his daughter asked him, “Dad do dogs go to heaven?” Charles: “Yes, Megan. All dogs go to heaven.” Megan: “Do cats go to heaven?” Charles: “No, Megan, they have been assigned to the other place!”
Everything changed when our son Zach’s fiancée moved in with us, and she brought her cat, Zeus! It was going to be a stretch, but the guy warmed his way into our hearts.
When Zach and Elizabeth were married this month, we decided to check into adopting a cat. I can’t believe it. We went to our local humane society. You’ve seen those pathetic commercials on the television about pets that need adoption.
Well, I learned something. It is easier to get an abortion in the state of New Jersey than it is to adopt a cat. There is a two room “cat room” that is fully furnished with sofas, chairs, plants, bay windows for about 30 cats who have been “willed” to the humane society to live out their days in luxury.
But go ahead and try and adopt a cat that is going to be put down if someone doesn’t take pity on it and take it home with them. I filled out a five-page application, and the bottom line is they wouldn’t approve my application. In fact, four of my staff members have tried to adopt pets from that same facility, and they have all be turned down.
I laughed to myself as this was unfolding. Well, truthfully, it wasn’t funny. I was ticked off. And thankfully they finally did allow us to adopt “Smitten” and we are glad he is part of our family.
I am so thankful that being adopted into God’s forever family isn’t like adopting a pet in New Jersey:
“For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, ‘Abba! Father!’ The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him in order that we may be also glorified with Him.” (Romans 8:16-18)
“But when the fulness of time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, in order that He might redeem those who were under the curse of the Lord, that we might receive the adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!’ Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God!” Galatians 4:4-7
“He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He FREELY bestowed on us in the Beloved.” Ephesians 1:5-6
Praise God that HE adopted you and me. The cost? The blood of His Son Jesus Christ. And when we were adopted into His family, we are no longer slaves but SONS AND DAUGHTERS of the King!!! We are no longer paupers and orphans – we are HIS kids!!!
John Murray said, “Adoption, as the term clearly implies, is an act of transfer from an alien family into the family of God himself. This surely the apex of grace and privilege.”

  1. I. Packer said, “Adoption is the highest privilege of that the gospel offers: higher even than justification.”

Bill Gaither wrote: “I’m so glad I’m a part of the family of God. I’ve been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His blood! Joint-heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod, “I’m so glad I’m a part of the family of God.”
I am so thankful today that I have been adopted into God’s forever family! How about you? Cats will never experience the real richness of this word: FOREVER!
Rejoice! Pray! Give thanks!
Bill Welte, D.D.
President/CEO America’s Keswick
Written by Dr. Bill Welte, President/CEO of America’s Keswick: Bill has been married to his child sweetheart for 40+ years, and has three married kids, one that is engaged, and 11 amazing grand kids. He loves music and is an avid reader.
The Daily Bible Reading: Numbers 21-24| You can download our 2017 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here
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Think About This: “Adoption is a greater mercy than Adam had in paradise.” – Thomas Watson

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:
Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34

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