7 Roles in 1 Chapter
The Word of God provides many word pictures of the Christian. There are seven in 1 Peter chapter 2.
(1) Babes in Christ (v. 2) ~ Babies need assistance even in feeding themselves. Babies are characterized by dependence. They naturally “desire the pure milk of the Word.”
(2) Living stones (v. 5) ~ Stones were used in Biblical times as major components in building. Jesus Christ is the foundation, and individual believers are added to the “spiritual house” of God.
(3) A holy priesthood (v. 5) ~ The priesthood assists others in worshipping God. We are to offer “spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God.”
(4) Strangers (v. 11) ~ A stranger is abiding away from home. As the old hymn states, “This world is not my home…” Our purpose and role on earth is to “glorify God.”
(5) Pilgrims (v. 11) ~ Pilgrims are more than strangers in that they are travelling toward home. “This world is not my home, I’m just a passing through.” On our journey we are to be focused and avoid that which “wars against our soul.”
(6) Servants (v. 18) ~ Servants obediently meet the needs of others. They willingly sacrifice their own needs and desires for the good of their Master.
(7) Sufferers (v. 20) ~ Sufferers are more than servants in that they are submitting to undeserved hurt. Patience while suffering is “commendable to God.”
CONTEMPLATE: The difference between a stranger (or a pilgrim) and a tourist.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
EXTRA: Check This Out!
Linda of Washougal made a great comment to my last blog.
Her comment is directly related to both the blog title of “It is…” and the topic of salvation.
Thank You, Linda
~ Blogger Bob
Her comment is directly related to both the blog title of “It is…” and the topic of salvation.
Thank You, Linda
~ Blogger Bob
It Is …
It is written. ~ It is I. ~ It is finished!
“It is written” (Matthew 4:4) relates to the knowledge of salvation.
The fact is salvation can be assured today.
Because God can be trusted, salvation provides certainty.
Jesus Christ said that individuals should not live by physical food alone but through the sustenance of spiritual food—the living Word of God. He goes on to say that we should not test the boundaries with God (negative), but choose to worship and serve God (positive).
“It is I” (John 6:20) has to do with the joy of salvation.
Our salvation will be complete in the future.
God manifests His presence to His own which provides enjoyment.
The disciples were afraid and Jesus came to them and told them that since they were His they should not be afraid. The essence of His message was do not fear what life brings to you (negative) but rather trust in Him to see you through life’s difficulties (positive).
“It is finished!” (John 19:30) concerns the way of salvation.
The reality of salvation was accomplished at the Cross in the past.
Since Jesus Christ conquered death, His followers are guaranteed safety.
History is really His-story! The greatest event in human history occurred at the Cross of Calvary. Hundreds of prophecies were fulfilled. Death was defeated. Satan’s final destination was assured. Sinners have their judgment paid in full but only if they accept the free gift of salvation.
Jesus Christ is the only way, the only truth, and is the only source of spiritual life. No one will go to an eternity with God except those who come through the shed blood of His Son, Jesus Christ (John 14:6).
“It is written” (Matthew 4:4) relates to the knowledge of salvation.
The fact is salvation can be assured today.
Because God can be trusted, salvation provides certainty.
Jesus Christ said that individuals should not live by physical food alone but through the sustenance of spiritual food—the living Word of God. He goes on to say that we should not test the boundaries with God (negative), but choose to worship and serve God (positive).
“It is I” (John 6:20) has to do with the joy of salvation.
Our salvation will be complete in the future.
God manifests His presence to His own which provides enjoyment.
The disciples were afraid and Jesus came to them and told them that since they were His they should not be afraid. The essence of His message was do not fear what life brings to you (negative) but rather trust in Him to see you through life’s difficulties (positive).
“It is finished!” (John 19:30) concerns the way of salvation.
The reality of salvation was accomplished at the Cross in the past.
Since Jesus Christ conquered death, His followers are guaranteed safety.
History is really His-story! The greatest event in human history occurred at the Cross of Calvary. Hundreds of prophecies were fulfilled. Death was defeated. Satan’s final destination was assured. Sinners have their judgment paid in full but only if they accept the free gift of salvation.
Jesus Christ is the only way, the only truth, and is the only source of spiritual life. No one will go to an eternity with God except those who come through the shed blood of His Son, Jesus Christ (John 14:6).
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
The Key Issue in Doctrine
Do or Done?
Is belief in Christ sufficient for your salvation, or do you need to do something after receiving His free “gift of salvation”? Some groups teach that once you have put your faith in Christ you must do something to make your salvation secure. But what did our Master say? “It is finished!” (John 19:30).
Claiming that an individual must do something to earn their place in heaven is saying that the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ was not enough! What an insult to God!
It is not Do, but Done.
It is not for us to Try, but to Trust.
It is not by Attainment, but by Atonement.
It is not by our Merit, but by God's Mercy.
Jesus took our Place that we might have His Peace.
He took our Sin that we might have His Salvation.
Jesus died among Sinners, that we might dwell among Saints.
Christ became the Son of Man, that we might become the Sons of God!
Jesus Christ came to a world in which there is no light, that He might take us to a world in which there is no darkness.
When it comes to spiritual issues a key question is: Is the work of salvation complete, or can we add anything to His finished work?
I remember a story told to me many years ago. It seems that an old man once said it took him forty years to learn three simple things. The first was that he could not do anything to save himself; the second was that God did not expect him to; and the third was that Christ had done it all, and all he had to do was to accept the accomplished fact.
CONTEMPLATE: You can’t; God never said you could. – He can; He always said He would!
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Is belief in Christ sufficient for your salvation, or do you need to do something after receiving His free “gift of salvation”? Some groups teach that once you have put your faith in Christ you must do something to make your salvation secure. But what did our Master say? “It is finished!” (John 19:30).
Claiming that an individual must do something to earn their place in heaven is saying that the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ was not enough! What an insult to God!
It is not Do, but Done.
It is not for us to Try, but to Trust.
It is not by Attainment, but by Atonement.
It is not by our Merit, but by God's Mercy.
Jesus took our Place that we might have His Peace.
He took our Sin that we might have His Salvation.
Jesus died among Sinners, that we might dwell among Saints.
Christ became the Son of Man, that we might become the Sons of God!
Jesus Christ came to a world in which there is no light, that He might take us to a world in which there is no darkness.
When it comes to spiritual issues a key question is: Is the work of salvation complete, or can we add anything to His finished work?
I remember a story told to me many years ago. It seems that an old man once said it took him forty years to learn three simple things. The first was that he could not do anything to save himself; the second was that God did not expect him to; and the third was that Christ had done it all, and all he had to do was to accept the accomplished fact.
CONTEMPLATE: You can’t; God never said you could. – He can; He always said He would!
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
The Key Issue in Belief
Who Is the Christ?
When it comes to validating true Christianity, the beliefs about Jesus Christ’s birth, life, ministry, death, resurrection, and ascension back to heaven are the ultimate issues!
Major Key Elements (all were prophesied):
The virgin birth of Christ—without a human father.
The sinless life of One who was fully man while fully God.
Going about His Father’s business as He did His Father’s will.
Crucifixion that was without justifiable legal cause.
Bodily resurrection from the grave.
Eye witnesses after His resurrection including over 500 at one time (1 Corinthians 15:6).
His ascension to heaven and His future return to gather His followers.
These core beliefs of the historic Christian faith are the issues to examine in order to evaluate whether any belief system is truly Biblical. Careful examination of these issues will expose any cult.
Jesus Christ said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (John 14:6).
What one believes about the person of Jesus Christ will determine their eternal future. Study the four Gospels to learn the truth. Examine the rest of the Bible with Jesus Christ in view—He is seen by careful readers throughout all of Scripture.
How about you? Do you have a full understanding of who Jesus Christ is? Does it fully harmonize with what the Bible tells us?
When it comes to validating true Christianity, the beliefs about Jesus Christ’s birth, life, ministry, death, resurrection, and ascension back to heaven are the ultimate issues!
Major Key Elements (all were prophesied):
The virgin birth of Christ—without a human father.
The sinless life of One who was fully man while fully God.
Going about His Father’s business as He did His Father’s will.
Crucifixion that was without justifiable legal cause.
Bodily resurrection from the grave.
Eye witnesses after His resurrection including over 500 at one time (1 Corinthians 15:6).
His ascension to heaven and His future return to gather His followers.
These core beliefs of the historic Christian faith are the issues to examine in order to evaluate whether any belief system is truly Biblical. Careful examination of these issues will expose any cult.
Jesus Christ said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (John 14:6).
What one believes about the person of Jesus Christ will determine their eternal future. Study the four Gospels to learn the truth. Examine the rest of the Bible with Jesus Christ in view—He is seen by careful readers throughout all of Scripture.
How about you? Do you have a full understanding of who Jesus Christ is? Does it fully harmonize with what the Bible tells us?
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Why Real Men (& Women) Cry
Resolve to Shed Tears
Crying is not wrong! Crying is good if our tears are shed over the right things. Joseph wept 8 times, David 7 times, Paul 4 times, the Prophet Jeremiah 3 times, and Moses shed tears. Tears have been called the flower of the heart.
Tears of Sorrow ~ In John we read of Mary shedding tears of sorrow because of the death of her brother Lazarus (11:31-33) and we find Mary Magdalene with tears of sorrow at the tomb of our Savior (20:11).
Tears of Loneliness ~ In addition to sorrow, death also creates great loneliness as in the case of the widow of Nain who had previously lost her husband and then suffered the loss of her only son (Luke 7:12-13).
Tears of Sympathy ~ Probably the best known Biblical example of tears is found in the shortest verse in the Bible where we read that “Jesus wept” with tears of sympathy (John 11:35). Our Savior was consoling Martha at the time of the death of her brother Lazarus.
Tears over Sin and its Consequences ~ Luke was sobered to the point of tears over his deep level of concern about the final destination of those around him (Acts 20:31). Christ, our example, expressed deep emotional concern over Jerusalem (Matthew 23:37-39).
In addition to tears of sadness there are tears of gladness!
Tears of Affection ~ Timothy loved his spiritual father as a natural son loves his father. Paul remembers Timothy’s tears—perhaps they were shed when they last parted or maybe as he remembered their close friendship (2 Timothy 1:4). Perhaps the tears flowed in remembrance of some deep conversations which they had shared. We do not know for sure the exact reason for these tears.
Tears of Faith and Gratitude ~ Some individuals are overcome with emotion when they accept God’s offer of salvation. Their realization of what Christ did for them at Calvary and the freedom that comes with accepting His free gift of salvation cause great emotion. For example, we read of a concerned father who believed in Christ yet was honest enough to admit he still had much unbelief (Mark 9:24).
Tears of Gratitude and Devotion ~ When Christ accepted an invitation to eat at the home of a Pharisee, a sinful woman came and wept as she applied fragrant oil to the Savior’s feet (Luke 7:38).
Tears of Service ~ We find Paul exhorting the elders at Ephesus, and as he does, he mentions his own tears as he served God (Acts 20:19). Service in God’s army can be tough—while we may become tired in His service, we should never tire of His service.
CONTEMPLATE: When was the last time you shed tears of faith, gratitude, devotion, or because of your service for Him?
Crying is not wrong! Crying is good if our tears are shed over the right things. Joseph wept 8 times, David 7 times, Paul 4 times, the Prophet Jeremiah 3 times, and Moses shed tears. Tears have been called the flower of the heart.
Tears of Sorrow ~ In John we read of Mary shedding tears of sorrow because of the death of her brother Lazarus (11:31-33) and we find Mary Magdalene with tears of sorrow at the tomb of our Savior (20:11).
Tears of Loneliness ~ In addition to sorrow, death also creates great loneliness as in the case of the widow of Nain who had previously lost her husband and then suffered the loss of her only son (Luke 7:12-13).
Tears of Sympathy ~ Probably the best known Biblical example of tears is found in the shortest verse in the Bible where we read that “Jesus wept” with tears of sympathy (John 11:35). Our Savior was consoling Martha at the time of the death of her brother Lazarus.
Tears over Sin and its Consequences ~ Luke was sobered to the point of tears over his deep level of concern about the final destination of those around him (Acts 20:31). Christ, our example, expressed deep emotional concern over Jerusalem (Matthew 23:37-39).
In addition to tears of sadness there are tears of gladness!
Tears of Affection ~ Timothy loved his spiritual father as a natural son loves his father. Paul remembers Timothy’s tears—perhaps they were shed when they last parted or maybe as he remembered their close friendship (2 Timothy 1:4). Perhaps the tears flowed in remembrance of some deep conversations which they had shared. We do not know for sure the exact reason for these tears.
Tears of Faith and Gratitude ~ Some individuals are overcome with emotion when they accept God’s offer of salvation. Their realization of what Christ did for them at Calvary and the freedom that comes with accepting His free gift of salvation cause great emotion. For example, we read of a concerned father who believed in Christ yet was honest enough to admit he still had much unbelief (Mark 9:24).
Tears of Gratitude and Devotion ~ When Christ accepted an invitation to eat at the home of a Pharisee, a sinful woman came and wept as she applied fragrant oil to the Savior’s feet (Luke 7:38).
Tears of Service ~ We find Paul exhorting the elders at Ephesus, and as he does, he mentions his own tears as he served God (Acts 20:19). Service in God’s army can be tough—while we may become tired in His service, we should never tire of His service.
CONTEMPLATE: When was the last time you shed tears of faith, gratitude, devotion, or because of your service for Him?
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Snowflakes
As a child we all learned that each snowflake is different—just like each of us has a different fingerprint pattern. Last Christmas one of our daughters gave my wife and me a wonderful book full of colored pictures of snowflakes—what tremendous variety, complexity, and beauty!
Where does the snowflake come from? Who designed the snowflake? For Christians the answer is easy. “In the beginning” the triune God created this magnificent planet which we call home—as well as the rest of the vast solar system.
The opening of the Holy Bible says, “In the beginning God [the Father] created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God [the Holy Spirit] was hovering over the face of the waters. Then God said, ‘Let there be light;’ and there was light” (Genesis 1:1-3).
The Gospel of John begins, “In the beginning was the Word [Jesus Christ], and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it” (John 1:1-5). All members of the Trinity were involved in creation.
The next time you see a snowflake, think of the vastness of God’s marvelous creation and of our Creator-God. It’s funny how mankind assumes a creator and manufacturer for all our gifts and possessions which are mass produced; but the delicate, intricate, and unique snowflakes are taken for granted, often not even giving their sophisticated designs credit for having a designer.
As you contemplate the all-powerful Creator, remember that the baby of Bethlehem was with God, His Father, from the very beginning. The Father sent His only Son into our world that He might live a sinless life and pay the penalty of our sin. Jesus Christ humbled Himself and came and lived on earth with us in human form. One day, maybe very soon, He will return to take us to be with Him forever more! Praise God!
Where does the snowflake come from? Who designed the snowflake? For Christians the answer is easy. “In the beginning” the triune God created this magnificent planet which we call home—as well as the rest of the vast solar system.
The opening of the Holy Bible says, “In the beginning God [the Father] created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God [the Holy Spirit] was hovering over the face of the waters. Then God said, ‘Let there be light;’ and there was light” (Genesis 1:1-3).
The Gospel of John begins, “In the beginning was the Word [Jesus Christ], and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it” (John 1:1-5). All members of the Trinity were involved in creation.
The next time you see a snowflake, think of the vastness of God’s marvelous creation and of our Creator-God. It’s funny how mankind assumes a creator and manufacturer for all our gifts and possessions which are mass produced; but the delicate, intricate, and unique snowflakes are taken for granted, often not even giving their sophisticated designs credit for having a designer.
As you contemplate the all-powerful Creator, remember that the baby of Bethlehem was with God, His Father, from the very beginning. The Father sent His only Son into our world that He might live a sinless life and pay the penalty of our sin. Jesus Christ humbled Himself and came and lived on earth with us in human form. One day, maybe very soon, He will return to take us to be with Him forever more! Praise God!
Saturday, December 19, 2009
EXTRA: Feedback
Thank you to all readers!
In less than 60 days of weekly blogging God has been pleased to spread this blog across a wider base than expected.
Abundant Life Now has reached into 9 countries: the United States (the state of Virginia possessing the biggest following), Canada, Germany, Indonesia, Pakistan, Romania, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, and at least one unidentified country.
If you believe this blog is useful and God-honoring, please continue to recommend it to others.
Once again, thank you, and it is my prayer that God will richly bless you during this CHRISTmas season and that you and yours grow spiritually in 2010.
In less than 60 days of weekly blogging God has been pleased to spread this blog across a wider base than expected.
Abundant Life Now has reached into 9 countries: the United States (the state of Virginia possessing the biggest following), Canada, Germany, Indonesia, Pakistan, Romania, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, and at least one unidentified country.
If you believe this blog is useful and God-honoring, please continue to recommend it to others.
Once again, thank you, and it is my prayer that God will richly bless you during this CHRISTmas season and that you and yours grow spiritually in 2010.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Where is your God? – 2 of 2
God Surrounds You by His Love
During this season it seems appropriate to consider how our God surrounds us by His eternal love. Consider Psalm 23.
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
He leads me beside quiet waters,
He restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for His name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Psalm 23:1-6 niv
The twenty-third Psalm is the best-loved of all the Psalms for many reasons. It has often been called The Shepherd Psalm. The word picture of a shepherd with His sheep which David chose is significant—he had direct experience as a shepherd caring for sheep (1 Samuel 16:19). David knew that only satisfied sheep who feel totally secure will “lie down in green pastures.”
To me one of the most interesting things about this Psalm is that every angle of need and protection is satisfied. Or looked at another way, we are surrounded by His love and care.
Beneath (under) - “He makes me lie down in green pastures.”
Beside (sides) - “He leads me beside quiet waters.” Also, “He guides me in paths of righteousness,” suggesting boundaries on both sides.
Before (front) - “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.”
Behind (back) - “Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life.”
Beyond (above) - “I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”
Notice the Psalm begins with my possession, “The LORD is my shepherd,” it continues with my provision, and ends with my prospect, “I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”
During this season it seems appropriate to consider how our God surrounds us by His eternal love. Consider Psalm 23.
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
He leads me beside quiet waters,
He restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for His name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Psalm 23:1-6 niv
The twenty-third Psalm is the best-loved of all the Psalms for many reasons. It has often been called The Shepherd Psalm. The word picture of a shepherd with His sheep which David chose is significant—he had direct experience as a shepherd caring for sheep (1 Samuel 16:19). David knew that only satisfied sheep who feel totally secure will “lie down in green pastures.”
To me one of the most interesting things about this Psalm is that every angle of need and protection is satisfied. Or looked at another way, we are surrounded by His love and care.
Beneath (under) - “He makes me lie down in green pastures.”
Beside (sides) - “He leads me beside quiet waters.” Also, “He guides me in paths of righteousness,” suggesting boundaries on both sides.
Before (front) - “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.”
Behind (back) - “Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life.”
Beyond (above) - “I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”
Notice the Psalm begins with my possession, “The LORD is my shepherd,” it continues with my provision, and ends with my prospect, “I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Where is your God? – 1 of 2
Sometimes others criticize or even mock Christians regarding their commitment to the God of the universe. They say, “Where is your God?” (Psalm 42:10). Often underlying such comments is the idea that if God was so great, why don’t they see Him or His work on your behalf? This is an interesting question. Here are some of the answers the Word of God provides regarding where God is. These answers provide comfort for those who know God personally as Savior.
God is around you for your protection; the LORD surrounds you forever (Psalm 125:2).
God is above you since the LORD is both in heaven and on earth (Deuteronomy 4:39).
He keeps His watchful eye on you to protect you and all those who revere Him (Psalm 33:18).
God is under you to support you with His everlasting arms (Deuteronomy 33:27).
God is in front of you, leading you; your LORD goes before you (Exodus 13:21; Deuteronomy 1:30).
God is on your side protecting you as He holds your right hand (Isaiah 41:13).
God is behind you providing protection from attacks from the rear (Isaiah 52:12).
God is always near you when you call upon Him (Psalm 145:18).
God is with you; therefore you should not fear (Isaiah 41:10).
God is for you. Because of that no one can effectively stand against you (Romans 8:31).
God dwells with you and with all those who have a humble spirit (Isaiah 57:15).
God is in you, which is your assurance of glory (Colossians 1:27).
In summary, He is everything you need! Christ is your “all and in all” (Colossians 3:11). How thankful we should be that God has made provision for our every need.
CONTEMPLATE: Based only on Psalm 23, where is your God?
God is around you for your protection; the LORD surrounds you forever (Psalm 125:2).
God is above you since the LORD is both in heaven and on earth (Deuteronomy 4:39).
He keeps His watchful eye on you to protect you and all those who revere Him (Psalm 33:18).
God is under you to support you with His everlasting arms (Deuteronomy 33:27).
God is in front of you, leading you; your LORD goes before you (Exodus 13:21; Deuteronomy 1:30).
God is on your side protecting you as He holds your right hand (Isaiah 41:13).
God is behind you providing protection from attacks from the rear (Isaiah 52:12).
God is always near you when you call upon Him (Psalm 145:18).
God is with you; therefore you should not fear (Isaiah 41:10).
God is for you. Because of that no one can effectively stand against you (Romans 8:31).
God dwells with you and with all those who have a humble spirit (Isaiah 57:15).
God is in you, which is your assurance of glory (Colossians 1:27).
In summary, He is everything you need! Christ is your “all and in all” (Colossians 3:11). How thankful we should be that God has made provision for our every need.
CONTEMPLATE: Based only on Psalm 23, where is your God?
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