Jesus' Disciples 12.18.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today we are completing our studies on the book of I Peter, please read Chapters 3-5 in your Bible or you can Click Here to read them online. If the link does not work you can copy and paste this one into your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I%20Peter%203-5&version=9

Today we are reading about the duties of husbands and wives; rewards through suffering; and the duties of the elders. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that we can not live in fear of believing in Christ nor should we be ashamed to tell others.

There is just One True Source of spiritual knowledge and strength, that it God's Word. The Holy Spirit led the apostle Peter to write, "As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen." (I Peter 4:10-11). We must not modify or ignore the only Guide to Life that our Creator has given as the standard by which we must live.

The last recorded words that Jesus spoke personally to Peter were on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, when Jesus asked him to teach the Gospel, (See John 21:15-17). Peter fulfilled that commission by passing the Word along to all of us. However, Peter knew from experience that witnessing for Christ would bring persecution and the temptation to become secret disciples. "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf." (4:12-16).

All who accept Jesus into their lives will face some type of persecution at one time, but we can not let that stop us from teaching others about Him nor can we hide in shame for our beliefs. We hear timeless stories of people who have died by holding true to their faith in Christ, even Christ Himself died, but He rose again and gave us life. We have nothing to fear because we are not alone and have a much better life awaiting us. Jesus tells us whom to fear, "Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 10:26-32). Anyone that harms any one of God's people will have to answer to Him.

Only God decides when it is time for you to join Him in heaven, until then He wants you to tell others about Jesus and the blessings awaiting them if they accept Him. Walk with your head up high knowing that you are one of Jesus' disciples, He is right there with you through it all and will take care of you every step of the way.

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
We are so thankful that there is nothing in our past or future that can separate us from Your love or daily provision for our lives. You provide the necessary tools to overcome the difficulties we encounter from earliest childhood to present day. Though the enemy seeks to disrupt our lives, pollute our minds and sear our conscience we will not be defeated by evil. Instead we overcome evil with the steadfast goodness You instill in our hearts as we hold dearly to the light of Your Word. We say “no” to ungodliness and worldly passion as we eagerly wait for our great hope in the second coming of Your Son, Jesus, who will unite us with You, our Father, in heaven. Keep us faithful and ever hopeful. In Jesus' name..........Amen.

Enjoy the rest of your day/night!
God Bless and Merry Christmas,
Christina

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