”These people are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them” (2 Peter 2:17). Wells are a symbol of life….water means life. A well without water is a symbol of death…there can be no life without water. A dry well – a well without water – offers a … [Read more…]
Peter was more than ready and willing to remind his brothers and sisters about the need to confirm their calling and election…that is to live continuously in a state of: knowledge of God and Jesus, the Lord; participation in the divine nature, by “escaping” the worldly corruption “caused by evil desires”; making an effort to…grow … [Read more…]
”Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:10, 11). Peter’s experience, augmented by the Holy Spirit’s inspiration led … [Read more…]
“I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father’s kingdom” (Matthew 26:29). The great message of Christmas was/remains that God is with us. This, I believe is the essential meaning of Christmas. God is so … [Read more…]
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30). Generally, the … [Read more…]
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1Peter 2:9). God is calling us out of “something” into “something” better. God is calling people out of sin into … [Read more…]
“But you are a chosenpeople, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that youmay declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into hiswonderful light” (1Peter 2:9). I will conclude our meditation on Peter’s first letter, by asking thequestion, “How does 1Peter prepare me for Christmas? Are there … [Read more…]
“With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it” (1Peter 5:12). Peter wrote his letter to encourage the church to stand firm facing the troubled times. He did so by … [Read more…]
“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” (1Peter5:10). Reading Peter’s letter, one can hardly miss five major themes that are mentioned and expanded. It is not that we can … [Read more…]
“But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed” (1Peter 4:11-19). Suffering often brings confusion, but also brings a greater perspective on life. The Church was doing it tough. Peter wrote, “…don’t be surprised…” Reading Acts, one may get the impression that the … [Read more…]