Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

Encouragement for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

22 October 2025

Reading From I Timothy 2

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”

—I Timothy 2:1-4

     I believe that God wants us to pray for all people because He loves all people and wants us to do the same.  This means praying for those we disagree with and for those who persecute us or despitefully use us.  I know that it is difficult to pray for those in power we oppose politically, but it is spiritually healthy for us to do so.  It is easy to pray for those who agree with us.  Praying for all people opens our heart to receive more love from the Lord. 

     To know that God wants all people to be saved opposes the theory of limited atonement.  Jesus died for the sins of the whole world and makes regeneration available for whosever will choose to trust in Him for salvation.  The door is open for anyone who dares to believe, repent, confess and receive Him as Savior and Lord regardless of their background.  There is no sin too great that God cannot cleanse in the blood of Jesus.  His grace is sufficient for His power is made perfect in our weakness. 

“Lord, thank You for Your infinite love that You have for humanity.  I pray that You would open the hearts of Your sons and daughters and pour Your love into us to overflowing.  Let Your love spill into our families, communities, nations and let it cover the globe.  I pray these things in Jesus’ mighty Name.  Amen.”

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 

–Matthew 5:43-47

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. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

—John 3:16-17