Tag: end is near

Attitudes about suffering!

Posted in General epistles-BibleTrekToday - November 25, 2011 - 0 Comment

Scripture reading for November 25th: 1st Peter 3:8-4:11

Some people are falsely taught that Christianity is an escape to a life here of happiness and everlasting peace.    Suffering is a part of life on earth and believers sometimes suffer because of Jesus.  Jesus, Himself, suffered as a completely innocent man among people who were supposedly ‘God’s people’.  Peter wrote to his Jewish friends who had become Christians to inform them about suffering and proper attitudes during these trials.

“Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.  Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you might inherit a blessing.” (1st Peter 3:8-9)  Our attitude and conduct should be different from those people still in the world system.  We must stay humble and consider others before ourselves.  We, like Jesus, are called to be a blessing.  We sow blessings because we have received the ultimate blessing of forgiveness and eternal life.

“Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?  But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.  “Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.”  But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.  Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope you have.  But do this with gentleness and respect,” (1st Peter 3:13-15)  Christians should be positive people, always eager to do what is good and right in God’s sight.  Most of the time, this will also bring favor with men.  Our attitude should be motivated by Christ Jesus as Lord and our desire to please and obey His example.   We live by faith and are not to be overcome with fear.  If people see this positive hope in our attitudes, they will be curious and ask us why we are so upbeat.  We should then be ready to share the Gospel.

“Therefore, since Christ suffered in His body, arm yourselves with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin.  As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.” (1st Peter 4:1-2)  Are you armed with the proper attitude to face life today?

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Called to Eternal Glory!

Posted in General epistles-BibleTrekToday - December 18, 2010 - 0 Comment

Scripture reading for December 18th: 1st Peter 1-5

Peter was the leader of the band of apostles.  He boasted of his faithfulness to the Lord and ended up denying Him three times.  As he ended his life, he wrote about suffering and glory and how Christ would come again.  He always encouraged believers to stay faithful.  He was aware of suffering that came with following Christ but always kept his eyes on the goal of seeing Christ when  He came again!

“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.  But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed.  If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and God rests on you.” (1st Peter 4:12-14)  Suffering is a part of living for Jesus Christ.  Just as Jesus Christ Himself suffered persecution, we are promised persecution because of the name of Jesus that we bear.  We should not be surprised at this, but rejoice!  An attitude of joy is the choice we are to make.   Peter taught us that the Holy Spirit would rest on us and bring glory to God through our faithful and joyful endurance.

Peter had been an eyewitness of the sufferings and glory of Jesus Christ.  He was there at the transfiguration as well as the crucifixion and then the resurrection.  He was given a charge by Jesus to care for the lambs and feed His sheep.  (John 21:15-19)  In this light, Peter instructed the elders of the church to set a good example for the others in the church.  They should not lord their authority over others, but serve willingly as shepherds of the flock of God.  (1st Peter 5:1-4)  The Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ, would soon appear and those who served faithfully would receive a crown of glory which would never fade away!

“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.  To Him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.” (1st Peter 5:10-11)  The call to share Christ’s glory is foremost in Peter’s mind!  Let this word bring joy and encouragement today in your suffering or pain!

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