Tuesday, July 31, 2012

1 John 2:1-11

1 John 2:1-11
My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins,and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.


We are all going to sin.  We try not to.  We pray and as the Holy Spirit sanctifies us we become better at obeying God, but the time will come when we will chose our own path. This is when we thank God that we have a His son who paid the ransom for our sins.



We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. Whoever says, “I know him,”but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.

If one were to take these verses out of context, one could come up with the conclusion that we must live with sinless perfection as Jesus did.  In context of the verse above God knows that we will never be perfect as Christ while we live here on earth.  However, we strive to be like Christ. When we sin, we confess and keep moving forward.

Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old command is the message you have heard. Yet I am writing you a new command;its truth is seen in him and in you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining.
Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. 10 Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. 11 But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them.

You cannot love God and yet hate your brother or sister in Christ.  You can make all the claims you want, but you life will either confirm or deny your word.

God Bless.

Monday, July 30, 2012

Thank you Lord/ 1 John 1

I'd like to publicly thank the Lord for his provision this weekend, when the van broke down, bringing the girls home from Word of Life Island.  Specifically I'd like to thank him for peace, control over my temper, cell phones to make calls, a friendly and helpful tow truck driver, a taxi driver that was a great guy and helped me find my way back from Hertz and I'd like to thank Him for the girls who did not panic, but prayed.  I'd also like to give thanks for safety as we drove through the thunderstorms and down pours on the Pike.  It was a wild experience.  One that I do not wish to repeat any time soon.

1 John 1
That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched —this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete.


John is a witness to the physical life of Jesus Christ.  The first verse here brings to mind John 1:1 where it says "In the beginning was the Word...".  Through Christ we can have eternal life that came from the Father in heaven.


How does John "proclaiming" this make his joy complete?  It is because those have us who have experienced God's work in our lives HAVE to share it.  It's good news that we want to tell everyone.  We are never so much fulfilled than when we are teaching others about God.



This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.


We must live what we preach.  God will not have fellowship with us if we continue walking in darkness.  Take note that this does not say if we sin we lose our salvation.  It says we lose fellowship.


If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.


Everyone sins.  Our issue then is restoring our walk with God.  Verse 9 says to confess.  That means to agree with God that we have crossed His line.  He will forgive us.  Also note the promise to purify us from all unrighteousness.  When we come to Christ in true repentance, not only will he forgive us the sins we confess, but he will purify us from the ones we don't remember or the sins we did in ignorance.  Relationship is then restored.


God Bless.

Thursday, July 26, 2012

2 Peter 3

Once again there was not natural break in the thought or point Peter was making.  Therefore we again get to do the entire chapter.

2 Peter 3
Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking. I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles.

Study your Old Testament. The recipients of Peter's letter would know exactly what Peter was speaking of because the would have been studying the Torah.  We also need to study the gospels and all the words written the New Testament.
 
Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens came into being and the earth was formed out of water and by water. By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.

We really don't need to look far for scoffers do we?  I think of Chic-fil-a and the Christian family that owns the franchise.  They stood up for traditional and Biblical marriage and are being torn apart by the media and by politicians.  

Most do not care about the power of God's word.  They do not believe in creation or the flood.  Sadly far too many Christians fall into this category as well.

But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

God's time is not our time.  When we go through troubles we wish God would "hurry up and deliver us".  When I look back over the past 16 months, the hardest times were the times I was closest to God.  As things started looking brighter, I let my devotion and dedication slip because "I could handle it." and "Did not 'need' God for these 'lesser' problems."  God's desire is that everyone come to him.  When he seems slow it is because he is giving us slow stubborn humans a chance.

10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.
11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 12 as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. 13 But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.

None of us know when the Lord will return.  We're to live as if it were today.  If we believe scripture to be true, why spend this life gathering "stuff" that will be destroyed?  We need to be looking toward the new heaven and the new earth.  These are some of the promises we read about in chapter 1.

14 So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. 15 Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. 16 He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.

The Christian life requires effort.  We study, learn and apply what we learn.  Some days the choice is easy and others it is hard.  Also take note that understand some of scripture is hard.  Many times in the blog I have told you I was not sure what a passage was saying.  Don't use this as a reasons to quit.  Keep reading.  Keep studying.  Remember that we who have accepted Christ's payment for our sins have received the Holy Spirit.  The Spirit of God.  Who better to help us understand what scripture says that the Spirit of the author?  Also by studying yourself you will be better equipped when others attempt to swindle you with falsehood claiming it is the word of God.

17 Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. 18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. 

We cannot live this Christian life in a passive mode.  Guarding involve vigilance.  If you don't know the word, you can be deceived and mislead and you may find yourself doubting the security we have in Christ.


God Bless.

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

2 Peter 2

2 Peter 2
But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them —bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.

We have the scripture.  Be sure to read it and know it yourself.  This way if false teachers come in you will recognize them for what they are.
 
For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them in chains of darkness to be held for judgment; if he did not spare the ancient world when he brought the flood on its ungodly people, but protected Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and seven others; if he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the depraved conduct of the lawless (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)— if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment. 10 This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the flesh and despise authority.

God delivered Noah and Lot while at the same time He punished the corrupt around them.  God knows who needs punishment and who is innocent.  He will hold them accountable.

Bold and arrogant, they are not afraid to heap abuse on celestial beings; 11 yet even angels, although they are stronger and more powerful, do not heap abuse on such beings when bringing judgment on them from the Lord. 12 But these people blaspheme in matters they do not understand. They are like unreasoning animals, creatures of instinct, born only to be caught and destroyed, and like animals they too will perish.

13 They will be paid back with harm for the harm they have done. 


Some are so arrogant they go beyond what God allows the angels to do.  These people too will be punished.

Their idea of pleasure is to carouse in broad daylight. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their pleasures while they feast with you. 14 With eyes full of adultery, they never stop sinning; they seduce the unstable; they are experts in greed —an accursed brood! 15 They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Bezer, who loved the wages of wickedness. 16 But he was rebuked for his wrongdoing by a donkey—an animal without speech—who spoke with a human voice and restrained the prophet’s madness.

Pleasure and greed drive these people and they will take advantage of people who are weak.

17 These people are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them.

Imagine going through a desert only to find a spring without water.  USELESS.  Mists are driven any way the wind blows.  These people have no rock, anchor or direction.

  18 For they mouth empty, boastful words and, by appealing to the lustful desires of the flesh, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error. 19 They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity—for “people are slaves to whatever has mastered them.”

When you have left a bad relationship or walked away from a sinful lifestyle, be careful who you turn to for counsel.  There are those who will tell you your old life was not "that bad" and may bring you back to the life the Holy Spirit convicted you of.

  20 If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and are overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning. 21 It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them. 22 Of them the proverbs are true: “A dog returns to its vomit,” and, “A sow that is washed returns to her wallowing in the mud.”

To know the Lord and then to turn you back on him is worse than not knowing Him at all.  I can I'm am sure anyone reading this can thing of someone we love who once walked with God, but has chosen to walk away.  Don't be like one of them.


God Bless.

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

2 Peter 1:12-21

2 Peter 1:12-21
12 So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. 13 I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, 14 because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. 15 And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things.

The first thought that comes to mind is that of a teenager saying, "I know. You told me that already."  So I encourage you leaders to not be afraid to repeat a lesson.  I encourage all of us to revisit portions of scripture we "know".  The reminder is good and often we will learn something despite all of our knowledge.

16 For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” 18 We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.

The Bible is not a fairy tail written to mislead people.  It is truth and the writers of the gospel were witnesses to Jesus' ministry, death and resurrection. Here Peter recounts the transfiguration of Jesus.  Matthew 17:1-9, Mark 9:2-8, Luke 9:28-36

19 We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 20 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. 21 For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

Jesus fulfilled all the prophesy of the coming Messiah. All prophesy in scripture is from God and fulfilled by God.  No man had any hand in the prophesy or the fulfillment unless they were used of God.  The prophesies yet to be fulfilled will be fulfilled in God's time. We can trust the scripture.


God Bless.

Monday, July 23, 2012

2 Peter 1:1-11

Had I realized there were only a few verses left in 1Peter 5, I would have covered them in the last blog. I encourage you to take the few seconds and read Peter's closing words. 1 Peter 5:12-14

Now for today's study.
2 Peter 1:1-11
Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ,

Peter presents his credentials, explaining his authority to write these words.

To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours:
Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

Though we are not the original recipients, if you have accepted Christ as you savior, this letter is for you as well.

His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.

We have everything we need, but it only through our knowledge of God.  Therefore we need to study and pray and get to know God.

  Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

As we get to know God and all that he has given us we discover the promises that God has given us.  As we unlock these promises we learn how we participate in the divine nature or God.  We learn how we escaped from this worlds corruption.

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.

Each one builds upon the other all as a result of the change in us when we accepted Christ as our savior.

  For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.

When Peter walked on the water toward Christ he was fine till he took his eyes off the Savior.  In the same way if we take our focus off of the things of God, we will very quickly fall back into the ways we used to walk. 

10 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, 11 and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

Look at your life.  Does it measure up? 

God Bless.


Friday, July 20, 2012

1 Peter 5:1-11

1 Peter 5:1-11
To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

Are you a leader in the church? Be careful how you lead and you will be rewarded. 
 
In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,
“God opposes the proud
    but shows favor to the humble.”

It's not easy to submit.  However once one begins to learn humility it becomes easier.  As one who always had to "win", I have learned how much stress that caused.

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Verse 6 was so helpful to me when going through my divorce.  I did not want it and never thought it would happen to me.  With God help I was able to forgive.  With God's help I am healing.  With God's help I am seeing a life I never thought possible.  It took time.  God's time.  This has helped me in dealing with unemployment.  Not having a job is the pits, but I know God, in his time will provide my needs.

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

We are not to go through life on auto pilot.  We are to be aware that we have an enemy who is looking for ways to destroy our lives.  When we are alert we can avoid places that would make us vulnerable to attack.  Or we can see the attack coming and resist.  One advantage of belonging to a church and regular attendance is that you will see that other brothers and sisters in Christ also struggle with the same things you do. 

10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

When God is ready you will be restored.  Remember everything you go through is by Him and for you good.

God Bless. 

Thursday, July 19, 2012

1 Peter 4:12-19


I awoke one hour before my alarm went off.  I decided to get up and shower early.  While in the shower I was thinking and the first half of 1 Peter 4:3 came to mind.  "For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do..."  I knew I had to NOT do the things I'd planned with the extra time and to DO my Bible study and blog.

1 Peter 4:12-19
12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

As I read these passages I think of America.  Our freedom of religion is fading.  How many "Christians" are allowing their light to fade as well?  How many will walk away as persecution comes to America?  How many consider it a joy to be persecuted for their faith?

  15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.


med·dle  (mdl)
intr.v. med·dled, med·dling, med·dles
1. To intrude into other people's affairs or business; interfere. 
2. To handle something idly or ignorantly; tamper.

meddler (mdlr, mdl-r) n.

I find it interesting that this would be included in a list with murder, thief or criminal.  However, as Christians we are about love, unity and community.  Meddling destroys this things and has no place within the church.

17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?   18 And,
“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
    what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

The movie Batman Begins has a scene where he quotes Rachel Dawes in order to let her know he is Bruce Wayne.  He says, "It's not who I am underneath, but what I *do* that defines me."  It's an awe inspiring scene and the look or realization on Rachel's face as he glides away is some great movie making.  And yet the philosophy is 100% wrong.

When we accept Christ as our savior a change happens inside.  Our spirit becomes alive.  We are now alive in Christ.  The Holy Spirit will then change our actions and attitude as we study and apply God's word.  What we do is going to be judged based on our knowledge and obedience to God.

It is my believe verse 18 speaks of the self righteous who attempt to attain heaven my works and the unsaved who never follow Christ.

So commit yourself to God's work for you.  Know that he is faithful and what you are going through is part of his plan and for good.  And you may never understand here on earth what that good is.

God Bless.

Friday, July 13, 2012

1 Peter 4:1-11

1 Peter 4:1-11
Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin.

I have seen this true in my own life.  When my separation first occurred,  followed by surgery (twice), followed by loss of job and culminating in the death of my sister from cancer I was done with sin.  The more I suffered here on earth the more I sought God and I was so "done" with sin.

  As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.

What is the will of God for me today?  I know what my will is.  Does it mesh with God's will?

  For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.

Has one of you parents or your boss said "Enough wasting time."?  Here the apostle Peter, under inspiration of the Holy Spirit is telling us we wasted enough time living like a pagan.  Yes our friends may ridicule us for leaving the party(ies), but one day they will be judged by God.  He will be the standard.
 
The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.

This world is going to end.  Don't be doing anything that will hinder you prayers.

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
  
When a relationship is new, both partners tend to ignore those little quirks of the other because they are in love.  Love causes them to overlook or to "cover" the sin.  It's later in the relationship that these quirks start to cause problems.  Not because the other person is different, but one partners stopped loving as much.  We are not to tolerate sin, but we are to be quick to forgive.  Always.

Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.

My mom has this gift.  She welcomes everyone at anytime into her home.  But notice Peter is not saying those with the gift of hospitality do this.  He is telling ALL of us to offer it without grumbling.

10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Our lives are of God, for God and about God.  As I grow closer to God I am humbled that, though closer than last year, I am actually farther than I realized.  My life is to praise Him through Jesus Christ.

God Bless.

Thursday, July 12, 2012

1 Peter 3:8-22

1 Peter 3:8-22
Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.

Like minded is not meaning that we agree on everything.  It means that we all wish to serve God.  Christians can disagree without sinning. 

  Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 10 For,
“Whoever would love life
    and see good days
must keep their tongue from evil
    and their lips from deceitful speech.
11 They must turn from evil and do good;
    they must seek peace and pursue it.
12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
    and his ears are attentive to their prayer,
but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

In raising my girls I am quite regularly teaching and reminding them of this.  When one sister hurts or offends the other, retaliation is the natural reaction.  I did not have to teach them that.  It's human nature.  Vs 12 tells us the Lord is watching.  He will hear those who obey, but be angry with those who disobey.

13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.”

There are those in this world who will come after you because you do good.  It makes them look at their own life and not like what they see.  It's easier for them to try and drag you to their level than for them to change.  Do not fear those people.

  15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

We will be different.  People will ask questions.  We must know why we serve God.  Study the Bible and have something to share when people ask.  

  17 For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

In God's will is the safest place to be.  Suffering for good is not easy, but we have Jesus' example.

  18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. 19 After being made alive, he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits — 20 to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, 21 and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand —with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.

At first glance one my feel that baptism is what saves you.  Vs 21 says it is a pledge of a clear conscience toward God.  It's the resurrection of Christ that saves us.  Baptism is us showing the world what has already occurred in our hearts. 


God Bless.

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

1 Peter 3:1-7

1 Peter 3:1-7
Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. 

"In the same way".  Look back to yesterday's lesson and you will see what way.  The same way the Christ obey the father and died for our sins.  That is the standard by which you are to submit.  Some of you may have issue with this level of submission.  It's not me saying this.  It's the Word of God.  If you missed the lesson from Paul, the men have the same standard. Eph. 5:21-33

 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves. They submitted themselves to their own husbands, like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her lord. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.

I see a woman all decked out in jewelry and expensive clothes and it does not impress me that much. It also saddens me how many have believed the lie they need makeup to look good.  A woman who smiles with her eyes and has a genuine spark within is much more attractive.  Be the woman God wants you to be and you will melt a man's heart.
 
Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.

Again "in the same way".  Our standard here too is Christ.  We are to respect out wives.  The term weaker is not an insult to woman.  It's a fact.  Most women are smaller and weaker than men.  I've also heard it preached that another translation is "more emotional".  Women in general are feelers and we men are mostly logical, we tend to get upset when women don't see our "logic".  We need to respect our wives input.  Our prayers to God are hindered if we don't.


God Bless.

Monday, July 9, 2012

1 Peter 2:11-25

1 Peter 2:11-25
11 Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul.

The war that wages within me is not even a daily battle, it a moment by moment, second by second battle.  Sure there are times I will go days choosing God and walking in the Holy Spirit, but then WHAM the world and my old way of life tempt to draw me back in.  Just this morning there was the battle of doing this Bible study and blog or other activities on the web.  So glad I was able to read this verse BEFORE the "other things" so it is a warning instead of a conviction of wrong. 

12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

People tend to measure themselves against other people.  When they see another doing good, they feel guilt.  Pride will not allow them to repent of their wrong doing so they try to drag us down and they accuse us of being just like them.  They know they are wrong, but it's easier to accuse us than for them to change.  Regardless, we are to live our lives in such a way, that even our accusers will glorify God for the lives we have lived. 

13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 15 For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.

I have had a huge problem with this for the last several Presidents.  I struggle with obeying them or the authority of the Constitution they are sworn to uphold, yet they are ignoring.  Proverbs 21:1 says that God is in control of these guys.  Though I don't trust ANY politician, I do trust God.  I also do not allow myself to get wrapped up in arguments with people who only know half the story.  I too have no clue of the entire situation.  God does and his plan will not be foiled by any President, King or Dictator.

16 Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves.

There is such freedom in knowing who you are in Christ and living knowing that he is guiding you life and has a plan for you.  But don't use you freedom to do evil.  A slave has no rights.  We are to live as God's slaves.

17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor. 
  
I see these tying together.

18 Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. 19 For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. 20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.

God is the one we work for.  Period.  Those put in authority over us are his workers.  When you suffer for something you did not do and chose not to fight for you rights because you recognize God is in the situation, that is to your credit.  But you are being punished because you did something wrong you will not get a reward for it.

  21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
22 “He committed no sin,
    and no deceit was found in his mouth.”
23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 24 “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” 25 For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. 

Christ is our measuring stick.  He is the standard.  He obeyed His Father all the way to the cross.  I have a beard and just thinking of someone ripping it out while beating me and punching me and doing nothing about it boggles my mind.  All this Christ did for me out of obedience and trust in the Father.


God Bless.

Friday, July 6, 2012

1 Peter 2:1-10

1 Peter 2:1-10
Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.

We did this because of what we received.  Re read chapter one if you need a reminder.  I read this short list and they seem to be the plot of many shows on TV and the mantra of every political campaign.  We are to be different.

Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.

Anyone who's been a parent or has had a younger sibling, niece or nephew knows that when a baby wants something they scream until they get it.  Especially when they taste something good.  We should be the same way.  We should be craving and feeding on the Word.  When we've gone a short time without, we should cry out till we get more.

As you come to him, the living Stone —rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For in Scripture it says:
“See, I lay a stone in Zion,
    a chosen and precious cornerstone,
and the one who trusts in him
    will never be put to shame.”
Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe,
“The stone the builders rejected
    has become the cornerstone,”
and,
“A stone that causes people to stumble
    and a rock that makes them fall.”
They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for. 

The cornerstone is the first stone laid in a building's foundation.  Every other stone is checked for level or strait based on that stone.  Christ is our corner stone.  Our life will be measured by His standard.  Some may live a good life based on worldly standards, but when compared to Christ, they see how bad they are.

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

We are not as we were.  We are different.  We are called out for His purposes.  Will you waste God's mercy today?

God Bless.

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

1 Peter 1:13-25

1 Peter 1:13-25

13 Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.

Live your Christian life on purpose.  Alert, sober and setting your hope are all active participation in this walk with Christ.  If I am dwelling on God's grace and some young lady catches my eye, I'm more apt to view her through His eyes and not through my own lust..

14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

There was a time when I had and excuse.  Not that it would save me from hell, but I could make the claim I did not know better.  Now as a result of grace I do know better.  The old life is in my past.  To do those things is rebellion.  I am to be holy, which means set apart for a special purpose.  One would not use a fine silver knife as a screw driver, so let's not use ourselves for purposes we are no longer intended.

17 Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear.

God is not going to play favorites.  I know I do not have enough reverent fear in my life.  I admit to being a bit flippant with grace at times.

18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.

I have a very nice camera that I paid a decent sum for.  My kids were afraid to use it.  I explained to them that the camera is a tool.  A nice tool the needs to be used as intended and treated with care as I could not afford to replace it.  Now this camera is NOTHING when compared to the value of the blood of Christ and yet I treat the camera with greater value at times. 


Think on how great God's love for us is, that he would allow his Son to pay the price for our sin.  There is not enough wealth in all of creation to pay back that debt.

20 He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. 21 Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.

God knew me before he created the world.  He knew every sin I would commit and he knew Jesus would have to die to pay for my sin.  It is through Christ that I have access to God.

22 Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart.

When we obey God's word, accept Christ's payment for our sin we become pure.  Out of that comes a love that those outside the church cannot fathom.  We realize how we were and the love of God that paid the price for us and therefore loving others is a natural thing.

23 For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. 24 For,
“All people are like grass,
    and all their glory is like the flowers of the field;
the grass withers and the flowers fall,
25     but the word of the Lord endures forever.”
And this is the word that was preached to you.

People perish, but those who born again, by the word of God will not perish.  

God Bless

Monday, July 2, 2012

1 Peter 1:1-12

1 Peter 1:1-12


Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.

This letter was written to "God's elect, exiles" who had been "chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father".  Sound familiar?

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

I have knife that was in my Great Grand Mother's kitchen.  Family tradition says the knife came from my Great Grand Father's Grand Mother.  If I do the math right, if originally belonged to my Great, Great Great Grandma. I can't prove it, but the story is nice and I value the knife.  Which is why it sits in a drawer.  Because this inheritance will eventually be ruined if I use it.


The inheritance God is keeping for us will NEVER "perish, spoil or fade".

  In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire —may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

The trials we endure now to prove and to strengthen our faith.  They are to teach us to value the things of God more than the value system here on earth.

  Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

I read this and ask if I really love God.  Some days I don't like the answer.

10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, 11 trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow. 12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.

The Messiah was to come at a certain time and come from a certain place.  If memory serves there were 300 prophesies the Messiah had to fulfill.  Jesus filled them all. 

God Bless.