Confirming our calling and election

”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…]

A new celebration

“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…]

Do not worry

“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…]

Into His marvellous light

“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…]

Out of darkness

“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…]

The true grace of God

“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…]

Called to eternal glory

“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…]

Sharing in Christ’s suffering

“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…]

Good stewards of God’s various grace

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms” (1Peter 4:10). We operate on two levels/departments/dimensions: -the mental level: knowledge; experience; education; etc. – the mind level; -the practical level: actions; attitudes; We find this idea reflected in the way the Holy Spirit instructed … [Read more…]

Revere Christ as Lord

“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 that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may … [Read more…]