One day Jesus will return and make all things right! When He returns, He will eradicate all evil.
God operates on a different time frame as for Him “a day is like 1000 years and a 1000 years is like a day.” God is patient not wanting anyone to perish. He is giving us the time to turn to Him, and then one day there will be a new heaven and a new earth.
In light of Jesus’ imminent return, we need to live in a way that is pleasing to God and to be diligent in our faith.
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April 27, 2024
Peter addresses the presence of false teachers and prophets within the Christian community. They offer a false idea of freedom that actually is destructive. They lead others astray with their false teachings and immoral lifestyles.
Peter gives examples from the Old Testament of God's judgment on those who engage in sinful behavior, emphasizing that God knows how to rescue the godly and to punish the wicked. Peter underscores the idea that God is watchful and that those who engage in evil deeds will ultimately face consequences.
This chapter highlights the importance of discernment and being cautious about who we follow and listen to in matters of faith.
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April 26, 2024
The apostle Peter urges believers to grow in their faith and live a godly life. We have everything we need to do so because we have access to God’s divine nature! He emphasizes the importance of adding virtues to one's faith, listing qualities like goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly affection, and love. These virtues are seen as a pathway to becoming more like Christ and living a life that pleases God.
When we forget we have been forgiven, we live a more corrupt version of life.
Peter reminds his audience that their faith is founded on eyewitness accounts of Jesus' ministry and teachings. The chapter also addresses the reliability of Scripture, stating that prophecy is not a matter of human interpretation but comes from God, and it should be a guiding light for believers in a dark world.
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April 25, 2024
Peter encourages the overseers of the churches to care well for those in their church family. To all believers, he reminds us of the importance of humbling ourselves. The proud will fall, but those who humble themselves will be lifted up!
We may suffer in this world, but one day all will be judged. God will make all things right. There will be justice. Those in Christ will be seen in light of the forgiveness we’ve experienced through Jesus. Those who do not want to be with God will not be forced into His presence for all eternity.
There is a spiritual realm at work. We need to choose the light and refuse to give into the darkness that seeks to divide and destroy us. As we live in the light, we can bring that light to those around us.
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April 24, 2024
Peter reminds these followers of Jesus who were suffering tremendous persecution to take heart knowing that Jesus suffered in order to accomplish His mission for us.
Even though circumstances may be tragic and some are being killed for their faith, those who die in Christ are no longer in pain. They heard the message of Jesus, responded in faith, and they are now in the presence of God!
We can bring more of heaven to earth in how we live. When we choose to forgive those who hurt us, show kindness to those who are rude, and love those who are hard to love, we demonstrate the way of Jesus and bring light into the darkness.
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April 23, 2024
Peter breaks through stereotypes in order to guide those who follow Jesus to live differently than the world lives.
For women married to an unbelieving husband should not try to argue them into the Kingdom of God but honor and respect them remembering that their beauty comes from within.
For men, they should also treat women with respect as well even if they may be physically smaller or physically weaker. This is a remarkable statement affirming women as created in the image of God! They are not lesser as the Greeks may have believed.
When we suffer in this world, it should be for doing good rather than because of a foolish decision. We will face persecution for our faith. We need to trust God in the face of this and not stop doing good in fear of suffering for our faith.
Noah's ark was believed to be at the top of Mount Ararat so Peter's reference to Noah would make sense to them. Peter is not describing a time when Jesus preached to humans who had died but when Jesus was declared to the spiritual forces of evil to be the One who reigns!
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April 22, 2024
Peter uses phrases that may make us feel uncomfortable. He uses phrases like "submit to your masters," "submit to the authorities," and "abstain from sinful desires." It is important to remember that God is on the side of those who are oppressed as demonstrated throughout the Scriptures. He is the God who freed the enslaved Israelites. There is an entire letter in the New Testament about ending slavery (Philemon)!
Peter is not affirming dictatorships and tyrants. Those reading this are enslaved and being persecuted. The path out is not violence or revenge but kindness, peaceful nonviolent resistance, and trusting God.
We should live such godly lives among those oppressing us that they see us, notice the difference in how we live, and want what we have found in Jesus.
Even in the midst of the most awful circumstances, God is with us. We can experience His peace even when our society lacks peace.
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April 21, 2024
The apostle Peter offers hope and encouragement for a group of believers experiencing persecution. They have a hope in Jesus that can help them endure. Suffering can actually help them grow to become more pure and holy.
The word “elect” means they are chosen by God. This does not mean others are rejected. Other passages declare that “all who call on the name of the Lord will be saved.” When we read a passage that is unclear, we can interpret them with clearer passages. When God chooses someone, He blesses them to be a blessing to others. God is inclusive not exclusive.
“If you need hope, borrow it from someone else.” - John Burke, founding pastor of Gateway Church in Austin and author of Imagine Heaven
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April 20, 2024
James rebukes wealthy people who were causing others to suffer. He encouraged those who were suffering to persevere.
God never promised a life without suffering but to be with us in our suffering.
If you are overwhelmed with guilt or fighting an illness, we are to come to others for help and prayer. The prayer of person right with God is effective!
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April 18, 2024