Introduction

Good day to all! Let's turn to the Book of Acts, Chapter 9. I am quite pleased with my exposition of the first eight chapters. Each time I delve into them, I unearth fresh insights, capturing the core themes more effectively than my initial attempts. This chapter, titled Chosen Vessels of God, is particularly compelling. Never for a moment imagine that Peter was not chosen by God. Yet, the concept of being chosen often leads to significant perplexity. Some people ask: Am I among the chosen? To that, one can only say that heaven knows, earth knows, you know, I know, and even the demons know. In truth, the Apostle Paul later addressed the matter of divine election in his epistles, stating that he was chosen by God even from his mother's womb.

But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased (Galatians 1:15)

Indeed, there are other passages indicating that God chose us even before the creation of the world.

even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love (Ephesians 1:4)

Paul’s theological framework is, admittedly, complex. The notion that you and I were chosen before the world’s foundation—is this a blessing or a curse? The title of this chapter, as I said, is “Chosen Vessels of God,” meaning that you are a vessel chosen by God, as am I, as were Peter and Paul, and the methods of this choosing are infinitely varied and unique.

Paul as a Chosen Vessel of God

Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out threats of murder against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. (Acts 9:1-5)

Some might say that Paul is not present in this passage. In fact, Saul and Paul are one and the same in this chapter. Paul is a vessel chosen by God, although God’s method of choosing in this instance is most intriguing. In any case, Paul knew, in his spirit, that the one speaking to him was our God. His response, “Who are you, Lord?” testifies to this. If Paul was persecuting Jesus, then why did God choose him? After all, many in that era persecuted Jesus. Perhaps some of these were also chosen. Why, then, did God single out Paul, while passing over others?

Whether before creation or in the womb, Paul's zeal for God was commendable, a quality better than apathy. Admittedly, Paul’s methods were unorthodox, born of a belief that he was serving God and that these Christians were in violation of Mosaic Law and the Way of God. His understanding of the matter was limited despite having read the Scriptures countless times. He had his own subjective interpretation of them. Yet, Paul possessed a zeal for God, later manifested in his fervent service, matching his earlier zeal in persecuting Christians. At his core, Paul was a lover of God.

If there is a love for God within you, God will undoubtedly choose you. Such love is a remarkable thing. Someone who loves the world may find choice to be the purview of men. But it is challenging for one who loves the world to equally love God. Why do some come to love God, while others cleave to the world? Perhaps this was determined before creation; both men and Jesus knew. In the case of the Apostle Paul, he had a zeal for God, a love for God, and a heart that sought after truth. Otherwise, why would he have studied under Gamaliel? It would have been far easier to become a carpenter or set up shop with some form of open-air economic trade! Yet, he chose to study under Gamaliel for years, enduring much hardship and even writing dissertations. Ironically, Paul’s dissertation focused on the persecution of Christians, only to be chosen by God mid-journey.

In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord,” he answered. The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.” (Acts 9:10-12)

Peter’s selection was much simpler. Jesus simply said, Follow me, and Peter left his fishing boat to do so. God's election knows no fixed pattern. Some testify that God called them, saying, Follow me, and they followed. Others say that they were chosen, experiencing a light that blinded them, later restored through the prayer of an Ananias. However, these are not conclusive proof of being divinely chosen. Only one thing proves it: a God-given destiny dwelling within, a heart devoted to living for Him.

God finds it hard to choose one who loves the world. Therefore, do not become preoccupied with claims of divine selection based on sensations like goosebumps, paralysis, or shaking legs during pastoral prayers—such phenomena might be signs of demonic influence! None of these things are conclusive. What truly matters is whether you possess a zeal for God. If you come to church merely to resolve personal issues, believing that you can seek solutions through ways that can also be achieved through persecution, can similarly be sought in a temple, that is not true love for God. Paul demonstrated that he had a genuine zeal for God, even if his methods were misguided.

Some may ask, why add Paul to the existing twelve apostles? In God’s Kingdom, thirteen is not a crowd. In fact, fourteen, fifteen, or sixteen would be welcome. Anything precious is worthy of being chosen by God! The Scriptures reveal Paul's heart of love for God during his conversion. Do not protest, arguing that there are already twelve apostles and question the need for Paul. In God's Kingdom, twelve is hardly sufficient. God does not begrudge treasures! Twenty, thirty, or even fifty more would be a blessing. There is ample room in God’s Kingdom to accommodate them, perhaps even promoting them to senior leaders.

I must impart a somewhat disheartening truth: this choice was predetermined before creation. What, then, should one strive to do? Diligently seek and strive diligently for God with zeal. And even if your zeal is misdirected, God will realign it. Paul's zeal was once misdirected towards persecuting and imprisoning Christians, however, the moment God's light shone upon him, he repented immediately. God is not concerned with missteps; He is concerned with the absence of love for Him. Take myself as an example. My early church affiliations were unremarkable. I then established my own church, which, in retrospect, was not up to par.

That may sound arrogant, but it resulted in a church that, in certain respects, fell short of what others had built. However, I possessed a fervent heart for God. Recognizing my errors, I reformed, and my zeal for God persisted. If you aspire to emulate the Apostle Paul or myself, express your inner zeal. Do not be lukewarm; God detests such apathy. In a romantic relationship, a passion on one side but indifference on the other is unsustainable.

I have identified a few key indicators to assess one's zeal for God, namely, their attitude towards business and work. If a person possesses the fervor for such ordinary tasks can hardly be expected to muster it for matters of faith. For such a person to show zeal for God is about as likely as hell freezing over. Devoid of love for God, that person seeks only personal gain, I can extend benefits but this is not pleasing to the lord. My observation of an individual revolves around their zeal for God's service. Some commit time to it as a mere pastime, whereas others, despite time constraints, remain ardently devoted to God. It is this attitude that reveals their genuine love for Him.

Therefore, brothers and sisters, know that God chose us before creation and in our mother's womb. We were created by God with a heart zealous for Him. Brothers and sisters, manifest that zeal, for it is the essence of the Apostle Paul's selection. Even though he faltered, God rectified his path. So, how difficult can that be? I lament the scarcity of those who truly love God. People are often consumed by trivial matters. Brothers and sisters, God, seated on His throne, is not concerned with our failings, but with our love for Him. If you are a lover of God, God will surely choose you, elevating you to be above all nations.

God Chose Paul to Proclaim His Name Before the Gentiles, Kings, and the People of Israel

With so many apostles already, why couldn't God have Peter or John proclaim His name before the Gentiles and kings? He could have, but the issue was willingness. Thus, regardless of whether others are willing, God chooses Paul because it is his destiny. Paul later fulfilled his God-given mission, proclaiming God’s name before the Gentiles, kings, and the people of Israel. Among the epistles he authored is the Book of Hebrews. The entire logical framework of this book is remarkably clear, omitting the mention of Apostle Paul because it was intended for the Israelites. Had they seen the name of Apostle Paul at the outset, they would have refused to read it. Paul deemed even his name inconsequential and simply omitted it.

The Apostle Paul dedicated his life to proclaiming God’s name before the Gentiles, kings, and the people of Israel. What a remarkable blessing! He performed admirably, albeit not always in the manner expected. God had long chosen Peter, so why did Paul appear in Chapter 9? Peter too was chosen by God to preach the gospel to the Gentiles, but he proved unwilling. The truth is that God had long foreseen Paul fulfilling the mission of preaching to the Gentiles, just as He knew that Peter would falter in this regard. The subsequent chapters will bear this out.

Our God knows five thousand years into the past and five thousand years into the future. Nothing is hidden from His all-seeing gaze; He is aware of the course you are likely to take, as evidenced by the choices you have made. God chooses you: will you emulate Peter or Paul? If you lean towards Peter, neglecting the tasks God assigns and failing to seize the new beginnings He offers, you will merely do what pleases you. Even if you are repeatedly healed of illnesses and continue to pester the lord for help, Peter's level remains vastly inferior to that of the Apostle Paul.

Paul proclaimed God’s name before the Gentiles, the people of Israel, and kings. It would seem improbable for him to even encounter a king, yet God orchestrated an opportunity for him to evangelize to the Roman Emperor. Paul preached the gospel to the Roman Emperor without resorting to moral coercion, an extraordinary honor. Although once imprisoned, his method of evangelism may have appeared unseemly to some, but the method itself is secondary, because it fulfilled what God sought in choosing him.

Each person has his or her own destiny and aspiration. If you genuinely possess a heart that loves God, you will invariably seek after incorruptible, eternal blessings. Delve deep within yourselves and ask what you are truly seeking. What are your aspirations in engaging with Chinese Mingding Destiny theology? If you aspire to obtain a destiny from above and seek eternal glory, then you are on a totally different path. Know that each person has their own destiny. If, like Paul, you have such a destiny, God will surely exalt you as The exalted Apostle Paul.

Paul Was to Suffer Much for God

The Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 9:15-17)

If you were told that Paul was to suffer much for God, would you still believe in the Lord? Some might feel apprehensive, while others would readily accept. This reveals the core reason for one's existence. If one truly has Mingding Destiny, they would proclaim: We live for this, we were born for this, it is our Mingding Destiny! Suffering for this Mingding Destiny is normal, especially when God calls us to suffer for it, which further proves the sincerity within us.

If one falters at the slightest hardship or gives up at the first obstacle, they are like Peter, lacking Paul's resolute character. Suffering for God is the best test of whether one has Mingding Destiny. If you claim to serve and love God, but run away at the slightest suffering, or fail immediately when faced with challenges, that is not Mingding Destiny. If you initially sought something else but encountered suffering instead, especially if someone seeks to kill you, would you still persevere?

Originally, all our experiences are predestined by God, including suffering. God chose Paul to make up in his flesh what was still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions. In fact, you and I are also to make up in our flesh what is lacking in Christ's afflictions, and that is called Mingding Destiny. If this is not your Mingding Destiny, you will surely flee at the first sign of suffering. Not just suffering, but even a harsh word would be unbearable. Therefore, one must realize that life is fleeting.

Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. All those who heard him were astonished and asked, “Isn’t he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?” Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah. After a while, the Jews conspired to kill him. (Acts 9:18-23)

The suffering Paul was to endure began immediately. After his sight was restored, he debated with people in Damascus, proclaiming Jesus Christ as Lord, which led many to plot his death. If they killed Jesus, wouldn't killing Paul be a trivial matter? The people of this world cannot tolerate the light of Jesus Christ shining upon them, because once it shines, it reveals who belongs to God and who belongs to the devil. Those people could not tolerate Paul, nor could they tolerate Jesus. They crucified Jesus, so shouldn't we expect to be persecuted even more? Therefore, being persecuted and suffering is normal.

But Saul learned of their plan. Day and night they kept close watch on the city gates in order to kill him. But his followers took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall. (Acts 9:24-25)

So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. He talked and debated with the Hellenistic Jews, but they tried to kill him. (Acts 9:28-29)

After arriving in Damascus, some wanted to kill Paul, so he fled to Jerusalem. In Jerusalem, Paul also constantly sought to prove that Jesus Christ is Lord, resulting in another group of people wanting to kill him. If someone wants to kill you, you would surely feel that this job is not easy, isn't it like carrying your head on your belt? In fact, Paul did nothing wrong, so why treat him this way? Jesus did nothing, did not seek to establish a nation, nor did he seek to overthrow the government. He simply preached the gospel of salvation, yet those people inexplicably hated Him and wanted to kill Him, and behind this is the spiritual realm. Who you are, not only the demons know, but people also know, and this cannot be reconciled.

This is why Jesus Christ said: If you want to be a disciple of Jesus Christ, you must learn to forsake parents, wife, children, brothers, fields, and houses. If you do not forsake them, you are not worthy to be His disciple. Because once you become a disciple of the Lord, the demons will surely torment you through these. If you truly want to obtain Mingding Destiny, and truly want to walk this glorious path, do not be afraid, nor be discouraged. Suffering much for the name of Jesus Christ and for God is normal. This, on the contrary, highlights the fact that you are truly chosen by God. A person without God will not be spared by demons, who will still torment you. A person who does not know God, who has no God, will suffer even more. Now it depends on whether you suffer for God or suffer for loving this world.

A friend of mine's father-in-law is 90 years old and has dementia, and he specializes in tormenting his sons and daughters. My friend brought the old man to me to serve, and as soon as the old man came up, he raised his fist to beat me, and behind this was a demon. I told them a lot of spiritual stories, and the demon behind this tormented the old man's children badly. I wondered: Why doesn't it torment me? My mother also has dementia, but the demons on her dare not torment me, but instead are rubbed against the ground by me. Although my mother also has dementia, she has been living a normal life by my side, and it is also normal for me to suffer for God.

Therefore, a heart that suffers for God is the key to confirming your Mingding Destiny. If believing in the Lord is all about blessings, peace, and joy, and everything is fine, then there is no need to talk about Mingding Destiny. It depends on whether you can bring the glory from God in your home. If you truly have the glory and Mingding Destiny from God in your home, then the demons will tremble at the sight of you. You don't even need to speak, and the demons will retreat as soon as you command them. Many people suffer for the company, business, or work. The boss asks him to work overtime, but when he encounters me and I ask him to work overtime, it won't work, because he has to choose between working overtime in the company and working for me.

Someone asked: Wherever Paul goes, people want to kill him, how can he live this life? For those of us who serve God, can you prepare your heart to die for God? Without a heart to die for God, and taking this life too seriously, there is no way to walk this path of Mingding Destiny. Walking this path of Mingding Destiny really requires paying a price. Chinese Mingding Destiny is not a theology of grace, but a theology of dedicating one's life to God and paying a price.

Peter Was Also Chosen by God

Vessels are all chosen by God. Peter was also a chosen vessel of God, and God used this vessel to perform miracles. In this chapter, Luke writes about Paul's selection process, and that story is very miraculous. But Peter's selection process is very straightforward. God asked him to follow God, and he came to follow Jesus.

As Peter traveled about, he went to visit the Lord’s people who lived in Lydda. There he found a man named Aeneas, who was paralyzed and had been bedridden for eight years. “Aeneas,” Peter said to him, “Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and roll up your mat.” Immediately Aeneas got up. (Acts 9:32-34)

We don't often talk about whether a spiritual life is good or bad, but is Peter's spiritual life good in this case? No, he is a vessel chosen by God, and God will use him in this way. But the problem is: Don't think that you are healed because you are very spiritual, or that your spiritual life is so good that you can make a person who has been paralyzed for eight years get up and walk. You and I are just vessels! The glory of God is the key to solving the problem! Don't attribute the credit for this healing to yourself. Although I have performed many miracles, I always know that I am just a vessel. You and I are just chosen vessels, and it is normal for God to use us to do many things. Even if a person is not very spiritual, it is normal for God to use him, that's how Mingding Destiny is.

In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come at once!” Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them. Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. He took her hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers and the widows and presented her to them alive. (Acts 9:36-41)

Dorcas had been dead for several hours at that time, and she came back to life just like that, which is a very miraculous thing. Was it because Peter's spiritual life was good? No, he was just a chosen vessel. It can only illustrate one thing, Paul and Peter are both vessels chosen by God. If you do something wrong, God can correct it. If you don't do well, God can still continue to use you. Performing miracles proves nothing. My taking you to pray only shows that I am a vessel used by God. If we measure by miracles, there are also many miracles in temples. Brothers and sisters, do not deny that Peter and Paul are vessels chosen by Jesus, and Paul never denied that Peter was a vessel chosen by God. As for how Peter did, whether Jesus thought highly of what he did, Paul later said such a sentence.

If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames. (1 Corinthians 3:12-15)

Do you know why God chose Paul? Because Paul has a heart to build the church. Some time ago, we were talking about building the temple of God, and we just talked about David building the temple of God in the Book of Samuel. If you have a heart to build the glorious church of God, let us complete such Mingding Destiny together, so that God's will can be satisfied. Maybe neither you nor I know whether we are chosen by God or destined by God. The only thing to do is that you and I believe that we are chosen by God, and there must be something special in those who are chosen, that God values.

If God values it, we will try our best to achieve it, that is a wise man. Believe and strive to achieve what God wants. If God has chosen us, let us build the glorious church of God in this generation. Then the people of this generation, including Gentiles, Israelites, and even kings, are the objects of our preaching the name of Jesus Christ.

I have a strong feeling that in the future, this group of us will be raised up by God to serve those marginalized people, the poor, the working class, and the lower class of society. Not only that, God will also let us serve officials, kings, and ordinary people. Whether they are businessmen or not, whether they have money or not, there are many people in this generation who need to be served. There are not many people who can explain the word of God clearly, so I think that next we must constantly train our brothers and sisters, not only can we explain the truth of the gospel clearly, but also become vessels that manifest God's glory in all walks of life, to be above and not below, to be the head and not the tail.

When it comes to management, we can talk about it; when it comes to business, we can also talk about it; when it comes to the gospel of God, casting out demons, healing diseases, and deliverance are our specialties. Therefore, we need to expand horizontally. We can serve every age group from children to the elderly. Vertically, we can also serve professionals, all kinds of businessmen, and even officials and soldiers. Their needs can also be satisfied in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Conclusion

In conclusion, in one sentence: All are chosen by God! It is not we who choose God, but God who has chosen us. He chose us before the creation of the world, so that we can become vessels used by Him. As for how God uses us, we completely entrust it to God, because God has His sovereignty over us, God is our Savior. May God bless you all!