November 25, 2022
ARE YOU ALWAYS READY TO TALK ABOUT JESUS? The apostle Peter wrote to encourage those who were being persecuted not to fear nor worry about those who threatened them. Instead of giving into fear and worry, they were to worship Christ as Lord in all areas of their lives and to always be ready to
November 25, 2020
ARE YOU ALWAYS READY TO TALK ABOUT JESUS? The apostle Peter wrote to encourage those who were being persecuted not to fear nor worry about those who threatened them. Instead of giving into fear and worry, they were to “sanctify” and “be ready.” The word “sanctify” has as its first meaning, “to make holy.”
November 25, 2018
CHRIST’S POSITION GIVES MEANING TO OUR EXPERIENCE
In the context of encouraging the suffering recipients of his letter, Peter reminded them of Christ’s sufferings, His resurrection and current position of honor. This reminds us that suffering is temporary and that one day we shall be raised to eternal life with Christ. It also strengthens us in our suffering, for Christ is already in authority over all things, so that He is able to help us when we call on Him.
Yet, one other truth is implied, which Paul named in his letter to the Colossians. Speaking of our position in Christ, Paul wrote, “Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God” (Col. 3:1-3). So, even though we may suffer experientially in this world, our “real life” is already positionally at the right of the Father in Christ. One day, our experience and our position will be one. For we “shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is” (1 Jn. 3:2).
November 25, 2017
Peter gave the whole gospel in a single verse. The sinless Christ died for sinners that they might be reconciled to God. Peter emphasized that Christ suffered “once.” There was no need for more. His suffering and death on the cross was sufficient for perpetuity without any need of repetition. The weight and value of His singular sacrifice was sufficient to redeem all who accept His payment for sin. The eternal One exchanged His eternal life for our death sentence. The righteous One paid our sin debt, the “just for the unjust,” with His perfect righteousness. The Son of God offered His sonship, experiencing our separation, that “He might bring us to God” as His children.
O, the worth of His solitary Life! Christ has died “once” and His sacrifice is sufficient for all.
November 25, 2014
Do you seek to be of “one mind,” unified with your fellow believers? Or do you constantly need to “speak your mind,” letting others know what displeases you? Seeking to be of one mind does not mean that you have no opinion, but it does mean that you seek to understand the other with an attitude of sympathy, love, tenderheartedness, and humility. This attitude leads to oneness for it actually cares about unity in the body and mutual understanding. Living together in this way will not eliminate conflict, but it will lead to handling conflict rightly, so that unity is increased, rather than broken. What is your goal? Is it to have your own way? Or is it to keep the family of believers unified in following Jesus?
November 24, 2014
When the oneness of our marital relationship is hindered, so is our prayer life. When husbands mistreat their wives (or vice versa) it affects their spiritual life as well. This should not surprise us for God has made us relational beings. And as such, a stone of disunity cast in one relationship, troubles the waters in another. Be reconciled to one another and live together in harmony, and watch your prayer life come alive again.
November 25, 2013
Be prepared to answer others with the gospel of Christ as the reason for your hope this season. When they ask why you are so joyful and thankful, reply that it’s because of Christ in you, the hope of glory. When our lives are in alignment with the gospel we believe, when our submission matches our confession, people become curious about the reason. And remember, it’s good news, so answer gently and with respect.