Nothing is Left to Chance

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: Praise, Grace, and Provision
2. The Mercy Seat and the Throne of Grace
3. Message Title: Nothing is Left to Chance
4. Philippians 1:6 – Foundational Truth
5. We Are the Workmanship of God
6. It Is God Who Will Complete the Work
7. The Good Work is Jesus Being Unveiled in Us
8. Our Role: Cooperation with the Spirit
9. Daily Assignments and Witnessing Opportunities
10. Closing Thoughts and Communion Reflection

Introduction: Praise, Grace, and Provision

The message opens with exuberant praise and heartfelt worship. Pastor Leonard thanks God for Jesus and the Holy Spirit, declaring, "Everything I've needed He has provided." He reflects on his journey with God since 1977 and acknowledges God’s consistent provision—even when he made mistakes. Pastor Leonard proclaims, "I didn't reap what I sowed… because His throne is a throne of grace."

 He explains that God's throne offers mercy, which he defines as "not getting what you do deserve." He introduces the concept of the mercy seat atop the Ark of the Covenant and how God's gaze, when looking at the law, had to pass through the mercy seat—symbolic of Jesus’ blood.

The Mercy Seat and the Throne of Grace

The Ark contained the Ten Commandments—a record of laws Israel could not keep. But above them sat the mercy seat, where the blood was applied. Pastor Leonard emphasizes:

"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:16) He reminds us that when God looks at us, He looks through the mercy of Christ’s sacrifice. This grace changes the outcome of our failures.

Message Title: Nothing is Left to Chance

Pastor Leonard formally announces the title: "Nothing is Left to Chance." He notes that while life may seem uncertain, God is in control. He shares how most of his study focuses on Paul’s epistles because Paul was assigned the revelation of the new creation and the gospel of grace. He references 2 Peter 3, where Peter admits Paul’s teachings are deep but crucial to understand.

Philippians 1:6 – Foundational Truth

Pastor Leonard reads:
"Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:" (Philippians 1:6)

He compares this with the Passion Translation and the Mirror Study Bible, each reinforcing God’s commitment to completing His work in us. He notes three translations declare Paul’s confidence, conviction, and certainty—all pointing to God’s authorship and perfecting power.

We Are the Workmanship of God

The first major point is that believers are God’s workmanship.

 Ephesians 2:10 – "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." Pastor Leonard compares God’s artistry to his father-in-law, who transforms discarded wood into beautiful tables. Similarly, God sees value in us and is crafting something glorious.

It Is God Who Will Complete the Work

The second point stresses that God does the work—not us.

 Romans 8:30 – "Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified."

 He explains that the only way we interfere is by trying to help or getting in the way. Like an unskilled helper in a woodshop, we can slow God down. But if we yield, God finishes the work.

The Good Work is Jesus Being Unveiled in Us

The third point defines the "good work" as Jesus being unveiled in believers in three areas:

• Appearance

• Thought

• Action

1 John 4:17 – "Herein is our love made perfect… because as he is, so are we in this world."

2 Corinthians 3:18 – "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image…"

Romans 8:29 – "For whom he did foreknow, he also predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son…"

He stresses that as we behold Jesus, we are transformed into His image. As we believe who we are in Christ, we act accordingly—with compassion, power, and boldness.

Our Role: Cooperation with the Spirit

The fourth point is that we must cooperate.

Romans 8:14 – "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God."

Galatians 2:20 – "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me…"

Pastor Leonard explains our part is to yield and walk in the works God has prepared, not manufacture our own. Daily, we ask, "Lord, who do You have for me to minister to today?"

Daily Assignments and Witnessing Opportunities

He recounts an encounter at a hat shop where God orchestrated a divine meeting. Listening to the Holy Spirit, Pastor Leonard waited for the right moment and then shared the gospel. These are the good works prepared in advance for each of us.

Philippians 4:19 – "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." He emphasizes that this promise is linked to the believers’ giving and partnership.

Closing Thoughts and Communion Reflection

Pastor Lori concludes by focusing on the risen Christ and sharing:

Romans 10:9-10 – "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus… thou shalt be saved."

She leads the church in communion, reminding us of Jesus’ finished work. The covenant we stand in makes us victors like David, who remembered his covenant while others forgot. She encourages believers to walk confidently in that covenant—blessed, healed, and empowered.

We hope this article blessed you. Share this teaching with someone who needs to know that God is working in them, and that nothing in their life is left to chance. Let them be encouraged that Jesus is being unveiled within, and that the work God started, He will surely finish.