A New Voice of Freedom

Podcast 111, 1st John, “Pt 1, Ch 1”

Podcast 111, 1st John, “Pt 1, Ch 1”Many, I suppose, agree that the apostle John, also known as John the Beloved and John the Revelator, is, like Isaiah, one of the most unique writers in the Holy Bible. It is fitting that the Holy Bible begins with Genesis, the Story of the Creation of the World, and ends with Revelation, the Story of the End of the World. Moses, one of the most unique individuals the world has ever known, wrote the first five books of the Bible. John wrote the last book of the Bible along with the Gospel of John and the epistles of John. Another unique thing that links Moses and John is the question of their death. The Bible records Moses death but not his burial site, yet we have the marvelous story of the Mount of Transfiguration. Matthew 17:1-5And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him. Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.We know that Elias, known as Elijah, was taken up into heaven without tasting death. In other words, he was transfigured as Christ was transfigured on the Mount of Transfiguration. It also appears that Moses was transfigured. He could not have been resurrected because Christ was the first fruits of the resurrection. No one could be resurrected until after Christ was resurrected. Then there is a unique story about John for neither his death nor burial are recorded. His final fate has always been an enigma. Following Christ’s resurrection, Peter has the following dialogue with the Savior.John 32:20-23Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me. Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?The Bible gives no account of his death. A transfigured body is not a resurrected body. To be resurrected everyone must first die, even Elijah, at some point. A transfigured body is temporary. A resurrected body is forever. The Book of Revelation, his magnum opus or his last and greatest work, was written while he was exiled to the Isle of Patmos. There is no record of his death. John’s own prophetic and profound writing sets him apart. One finds things in the writing of John that one doesn’t find elsewhere. Even his gospel stands out among the other three gospels. This book covers the three epistles of John: 1st John, 2nd John, and 3rd John. John, who was with Christ from the beginning, gives us tremendous insight into the life and teachings of Christ. He is a true witness of Christ who understood the mission of Christ very clearly.1 John 1:1That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;“That which was from the beginning” is not referring to Christ’s birth on earth. It refers to the origin of Christ himself as the only begotten Son of God who is without beginning of days or end of years. He was with the Father in the Beginning with the unique assignment to save the world. Of all the scriptures ever written none are greater than the following:John 3:11-17Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.John understood what Nicodemus the Pharisee, a ruler of the Jews and a member of the Sanhedrin, did not understand. He knew the living Christ.1 John 1:2(For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)John emphasizes that by accepting Christ we have a relationship both with the Father and with the Son.1 John 1:3That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.In the two verses above John makes a clear distinction between the Father and the Son. He also makes that distinction in the Book of Revelation. It was John who saw the New Jerusalem coming down from heaven after the cleansing of the earth by fire.Revelation 21:1-5And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.In fact, when John saw in vision, the New Jerusalem coming down from heaven, he saw both the Father and the Son.Revelation 22:1-3And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:John is speaking of two thrones: (1) The Throne of God, meaning the Throne of the Father, and (2) The Throne of the Lamb, meaning The Throne of the Son. Both will live and reign on this earth in its celestial state. Only those who are saved through the blood of Christ shall inherit this earth. Paul also speaks of our relationship to both the Father and the Son. Romans 8:16-17The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.We shall be heirs of God, meaning the Father, and joint-heirs with Christ, meaning the Son. Why aren’t we “joint-heirs” with the Father. It is because the Father, who is the law of justice, could not bestow upon us that gift because of the fall of man. It was only the atonement of Christ that made it possible. The only way we can be heirs with the Father is if we become joint-heirs with the Son. Without the Son we could never return to the presence of the Father. In the Book of Revelation we read,Revelation 21:6-7And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.“What would it be like to “inherit all things”? John explains it.1 John 1:4And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.No mortal on this earth can possibly comprehend what it will be like to live in the presence of both the Father and the Son and have a fullness of joy. John tries to explain it to us. 1 John 1:5This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.Christianity gives us these terms: light vs darkness, good vs evil, God vs Satan. Who can imagine a world with no darkness. John saw it in vision while on the Isle of Patmos.Revelation 22:5And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.We understand light and darkness, of course, when speaking of day and night. Many of us, perhaps, have visited deep caverns where they turn out all lights putting you in total darkness. We are told that extended periods in absolute darkness may cause disorientation, sleep disruption, anxiety, depression, and possible hallucinations. We are light oriented. Our bodies need vitamin D. We need day and night cycles.

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Podcast 112, 1st John, “Pt 2, Ch 2”

4d ago00:17:14Tap to summarize

Podcast 112, 1st John, “Pt 2, Ch 2”John had a unique voice and a unique calling. Is there a book comparable to The Book of Revelation? In the first chapter of Revelation, John records a vision of the Resurrected Lord that once seen cannot be unseen. Revelation 1:13-16And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.John was so overwhelmed that he fell as dead. Revelation 1:17-18And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.John is given a special assignment. Revelation 1:19Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;The Lord, of course, is referring to the special Book of Revelation which comprises 22 of some of the most fascinating chapters in the Holy Bible. John, like the other apostles, is a special witness of Christ. That appears to be his primary assignment.1 John 2:1My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:John has much in common with Isaiah who also saw Christ in Vision about 700 years prior to the birth of Christ.Isaiah 6:1-3In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.6 RONLike the other prophets and apostles John focuses on the special mission of Jesus Christ. 7 LINDA1 John 2:2And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.7 RONThe dictionary defines propitiation as ‘the act of appeasing or satisfying,’ ‘a sacrifice that removes guilt and turns away divine wrath,’ reconciliation between God and man through the atonement.’ Synonyms for propitiation are atonement, expiation, reconciliation, redemption, ransom, sin offering, and peace offering. Notice that his atoning sacrifice was not just for the chosen. It was “for the sins of the whole world.” Christ is the only God and the only Savior of the world. No one shall be allowed into the kingdom of God except those who accept Jesus as Lord. Ultimately everyone, whether in this life or the next, will know that Jesus is the living Christ, the Son of the living God who holds the keys of death and hell. Christ alone will judge the entire world, one individual at a time, for their works.Those who know Christ in this life, regardless of what religion they espouse or what Christian denomination they belong to, will be only those who keep his commandments. 1 John 2:3-6And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.If we accept the concept that Christ is creator and God of the whole world, we must also consider that he is no respecter of persons, that he loves all of his children and wants all of them to return to his kingdom and to live with him. That suggests that God will find a way to teach his gospel even where it is least expected. All truth, regardless of the earthly source, eventually leads to Jesus Christ. All lies eventually lead to Satan. The safest path is the path to truth. Everyone at birth has the spirit of Christ for they just came from their Father in heaven. All little children are saved by Christ for they are not accountable for their sins. It is incumbent, however, on those who reach the age of accountability that they devote their lives to seeking truth. Satan is the father of lies. He will attempt to pervert all truth. That is his primary job. What else can he do? He has no truth in him. He has no power of creation. In fact, he has no power at all except that which we give him or that which God allows. Listen to the words of John.1 John 2:7-10Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning. Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth. He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.Is that not a universal truth. No matter where in the world or from whose lips that truth is taught, it originated with God. If we obey that commandment it will eventually lead us back to Christ. John adds, 1 John 2:11But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.Contention is of the devil, and where there is contention, there the devil is in his element. They are his and don’t know it. John, who just said that Christ “is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world,” is now turning his attention to those who have accepted Christ in this life.1 John 2:12-14I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name’s sake. I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.Now John turns his attention back to the entire world for he is speaking universally. 1 John 2:15-17Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.Can you see the difference? More is expected of those who have more. Christ will be merciful to those who died without the law, but those who have the law will be judged by the law. To whom much is given, much is expected. But everyone knows intuitively good from evil. One doesn’t have to have the Ten Commandments to know that murder, stealing, lying, coveting, envying, and cheating are evil. It is inherent from birth because of the Spirit of Christ that is in everyone at birth. All babies are born pure. They may be bore into a world of sin but they are not born sinful. Sin is taught by man influenced by the father of lies. John now is talking to members of Christ’s church. 1 John 2:18-20Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.Synonyms for unction are anointing, blessing, inspiration, spiritual power, and divine influence. John is speaking of those who accepted Christ and then apostatized from the church. They sin willfully. John continues, 1 John 2:21-24I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth. Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: [but] he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also. Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.Those who have never known Christ cannot be antichrist in the strictest sense of the word. Even if they are against Christians, having never known Christ, they are not against Christ for he is foreign to them. Only those who have known Christ intimately and then deny him can become sons of perdition. On the other hand, if punishment is harsh, look at the opposite reward for remaining faithful to Christ. 1 John 2:25And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.

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Podcast 110, 2nd Peter, “Pt 8, Ch 3” Episode

6d ago00:14:35Tap to summarize

Podcast 110, 2nd Peter, “Pt 8, Ch 3”It is accepted that Peter was the Chief Apostle. Peter was present at all the great miracles. It was to Peter whom the Lord said,Matthew 16:19And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.Peter bears witness of earlier prophets. 2 Peter 3:1-2This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour:One thing is clear from the Holy Bible, true prophets and apostles bear testimony of the words of other true prophets and apostles. It is according to the law of witnesses.Matthew 18:16But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.Christ himself quoted from the ancient prophets.Matthew 12:39-41But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.Ironically, of course, it was Christ who revealed those words to his prophets. By quoting his prophets, he is validating his own words. Christ quoted many prophets: Isaiah, Daniel, Jonah, Moses, Eljah, Elisha, and David. The prophet he quoted most frequently was Isaiah. Matthew 13:13-15Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.Like the prophet Isaiah, Peter prophesies of the last days. 2 Peter 3:3-4Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.We are all living in the last days and can see the fulfilment of Peter’s prophecy. Peter says they are “willfully ignorant.” He compares our day to the period during Noah’s flood.2 Peter 3:4-6And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:The Lord promised that the world would never again end in a flood; however, rather than a flood, it would end in fire.2 Peter 3:7But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.Then Peter offers a unique doctrine regarding the Lord’s time.2 Peter 3: 8But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.That suggests that the Lord lives on a planet with a different time zone than ours. For example, our time is governed by our own solar system. The earth is 24,000 miles around. It spins 1000 miles an hour; therefore, our day is 24 hours long. The moon circles the earth in approximately 30 days; therefore our month is approximately 30 days long. Our earth circles the sun in 365 days; therefore, our year is 365 days long. Time is relative to our solar system. The same is true with the Lord. His time is marked by the revolutions of the planetary system in which he lives. It is unique, but it explains an enigma in the Creation story. In Genesis we read:Genesis 2:15-17And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.After eating the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, Adam did not die within twenty-four hours. Adam lived over nine hundred years but less than a thousand which fulfilled the prophesy. According to the Lord’s time, Adam died in the day that he ate the forbidden fruit.Of course that introduces another paradox. Adam, before he ate the forbidden fruit, was not subject to time as we understand it for he was immortal. Only after he ate the forbidden fruit was he subject to death. On earth it is entropy that gives time its arrow. We measure our birthdate and our death date. God is immortal; therefore, time as we understand it has no real hold on him. He may live on a planet that measures time by its revolutions, but he lives in an eternal state that is timeless, a concept that we cannot comprehend.However, it has one tremendous effect on us. Prophecies do not usually deal with calendar dates. The fact is that no one knows when Christ shall come to earth the Second Time. Many, according to Peter’s prophecy doubt the Second Coming of Christ.According to Peter it is out of mercy that Christ delays his coming. We live in a state of probation. We are given a chance to repent of our sins and come to Christ.2 Peter 3:9The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.Isaiah warned us:Isaiah 55:6-7Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.We are warned that the Lord will come at an unexpected hour.2 Peter 3:10But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.Peter is not the only prophet who prophesied that the earth would melt with fervent heat. Malachi, the last prophet of the Old Testament, made a similar prophecy.Malachi 4:1-3For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the Lord of hosts.There are other verses that refer to the world ending in fire.Matthew 13:40-43As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.Peter, however, is not trying to frighten us. He is trying to get us to repent and prepare for the Second Coming of our Lord. 2 Peter 3:11-14Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.A “new heaven and a new earth” are often spoken of Isaiah 65:17For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.Revelation 21:1And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.We must always recall John 3:16-17. Christ wants to save the world, not condemn it. John 3:16-17For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.Peter speaks of that same sentiment. 2 Peter 3:15-16And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation;&

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Podcast 109, 2nd Peter, “Pt 7, Ch 2”

1w ago00:12:30Tap to summarize

Podcast 109, 2nd Peter, “Pt 7, Ch 2”One of the roles or responsibilities of the quorum of the twelve apostles is to keep the doctrine pure. Even as early as the days of Peter, false teachers began to emerge in the church and to lead the people astray. 2nd Peter 2:1But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.False teachers have always been a curse to truths taught by the true prophets. Even in the days of Isaiah, we readIsaiah 9:15-16The ancient and honourable, he is the head; and the prophet that teacheth lies, he is the tail. For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed.It is incumbent upon all of us to look to Christ, the Bishop of our Souls, to keep us on the straight and narrow path. Even when Christ walked among the apostles he taught,Matthew 7:15"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves."And those false prophets and false teachers will find success among some members of the church.2nd Peter 2:2And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.We, of course, know the true way.John 14:5Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."Peter teaches us how to discern the good from the evil. 2nd Peter 2:3And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. He warns against those who “make merchandise” of religion. In Micah we read.Micah 3:9-11Hear this, I pray you, ye heads of the house of Jacob, and princes of the house of Israel, that abhor judgment, and pervert all equity. They build up Zion with blood, and Jerusalem with iniquity. The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the Lord, and say, Is not the Lord among us? none evil can come upon us.Micah was a contemporary of Isaiah and like Isaiah his prophecies were both for Judah and Ephraim, both past and present. Like Isaiah Micah prophesied of the birth of the Savior in Bethlehem.Micah 5:2But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah... out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel.Peter makes an interesting analogy. He uses three images: (1) He refers back to the war in heaven in which Lucifer and his followers were cast out. (2) He refers to the flood of Noah. and (3) He refers to Sodom and Gomorrah.2nd Peter 2:4-7For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly; And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:Peter’s powerful warning is not just for his day but for all time. Peter is speaking of the law of justice. Angels that rebelled against God were cast out. The entire world, save Noah and his family, was destroyed. The entire cities of Sodom and Gomorrah save Lot and part of his family were destroyed. In other words, none of the wicked are exempt from the justice of God except those who repent or those like Lot who live righteously among wicked people.2nd Peter 2:8(For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)We learn from that that grace is for those who seek grace. Grace, though always freely and generously available to everyone on this earth, is not imposed upon anyone against their will or that would take away their agency. However, those who seek grace will freely receive it; those who do not seek it must answer to justice. 2nd Peter 2:9The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:Peter defines those who are reserved unto the day of judgment to be punished.2nd Peter 2:10-16But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man’s voice forbad the madness of the prophet.Peter continues to describe the nature of those false teachers that we may avoid their lies.2nd Peter 2:17-18These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.Peter hits on target those of our own day who promise liberty but deliver only captivity.2nd Peter 2:19While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.One must only listen to the news to see clearly that he is not only prophesying of his day but of our day as well. How many today are promising liberty but delivering communism and socialism; promising freedom but taking away the freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and freedom of religion; promising liberty but are destroying the balance of power, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights; promising liberty but are robbing the rich to give to the poor, using tax payer money to bribe for votes, condemning the innocent and protecting thieves, murderers, child molesters, kidnappers, drug dealers, rapists, human traffickers, destroying the lives of innocent children by urging sex changes, denying gender, denying God, denying morality, denying the Ten Commandments, attacking Christians and Jews, punishing the righteous and letting the wicked go free? Again Peter saw our day. Our nation was founded on Christian values, yet now all Christian symbols are being removed from government property, including the halls of congress. Even after 250 years of freedom, “the latter is worse than the beginning.” As Peter so brilliantly said,2 Peter 2:20For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.Peter is a true prophet of our day. He further warns.2nd Peter 2:21-22For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.We must understand that all true scripture and the words of all true prophets was meant to be applied to one’s own present, to one’s own self, to one’s own time and circumstances. If scripture applies only to the past, it is of historic value only. The purpose of true prophets is to be a warning for all times and all places and all peoples. Truth stands regardless of temporal circumstances, regardless of culture, governments, beliefs, languages, religions, or traditions. As we should be wary of wolves in sheep’s clothing so should we be wary of those who promise liberty but are of themselves servants of corruption. If we allow them to trample on our Constitution, our Bill of Rights, our Declaration of Independence, our liberty, they not only destroy themselves but they will also bring us into bondage.

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Podcast 108, 1st Peter, “Pt 6, Ch 1”

2w ago00:17:36Tap to summarize

Podcast 108, 1st Peter, “Pt 6, Ch 1”Peter, introducing himself by his given name and by the name that Christ assigned him upon their first meeting, addresses his second epistle to the new converts of the church, both Jew and Gentile.2 Peter 1:1Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:What is very significant about the introduction is that there is no more of the ambiguity that existed in the early days as Simon and all the other apostles were discovering who Christ was and who they were and what their role was in his kingdom on earth. Throughout Christ’s ministry he taught the apostles that he would die and be resurrected and they would take over his ministry. Even following the Savior’s death, there was some question about his resurrection. Christ had to prove that he was the resurrected Lord. Upon appearing to his apostles, Christ said, Luke 24:39Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.There are many levels of faith. The twelve apostles were in the presence of Christ, taught directly by Christ. They witnessed Christ healing the sick, raising the dead, restoring sight to the blind. Now Christ is no longer with them to speak for himself. The next generation of converts have only the apostle’s words as well as those others who saw Christ after his resurrection that Christ was truly the resurrected Lord. What faith today does it take to believe a missionary who has never seen the Lord?Christ addresses that issue to Thomas who refused to believe unless he sees the risen Lord.John 20:29Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.Peter also addresses that issue to new converts.1 Peter 1:8Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.In a beautiful definition of Faith, Paul captures the heart of what faith is.Hebrews 11:1Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.Faith and Hope are closely tied together in Paul’s definition. Synonyms for substance are essence, nature, core, heart, reality, being, character, and fundamental nature. We think of substance as matter, material, composition. It is ironic to put substance as “things hoped for.” Substance suggests reality, certainty, assurance. Hope, however, suggests expectation, anticipation, aspiration, and desire. In other words, Paul is saying that faith gives reality to hope. Faith brings hope out of the stage of ‘wishful thinking’ and makes it a reality. Without faith one cannot have hope. Faith then is an action word. Faith puts into motion that which makes hope become a reality. The sheer genius of Paul’s definition is how he connects reality to faith and hope. He says faith is evidence. Evidence is a stronger word that substance. Evidence means proof. Synonyms are verification, confirmation, documentation, validation, and substantiation. Evidence is used in court. To Paul it makes the invisible world visible. Even if one hasn’t seen Christ one can know that he exists through faith. The difference, however, between religious evidence and court evidence is that religious evidence is not transferable. For example, one can know with certainty that Christ exists because one has evidence. But for another to have that evidence transferred to them, they too must exercise faith. Why is that so? First of all, it is by the design of the Almighty God. We were not sent to earth to validate that which can be seen with the naked eye. The Bible shows very little interest in science. What we call science is wonderful. It is essential to physical life, but it is not essential to salvation and exaltation. We were sent to earth to gain faith. Science, as essential as it is to life, does not give us power in the spiritual realm. Faith alone gives us power in the spiritual realm. God is omniscient and omnipotent, not because he understands science. He is omniscient and omnipotent because he understands law, both temporal and spiritual. The resurrection, for example, was not brought about by temporal laws. There are no temporal laws on our planet or in the universe that can bring about a resurrection. There are no temporal laws that can give us eternal life. God uses temporal laws all the time. He is the author of temporal laws, but temporal laws are secondary in God’s kingdom, not primary. Temporal laws may provide us physical comfort, but temporal laws cannot save us. Christ alone can do that because he was obedient to all of Father’s commandments. First he overcame sin. Then he overcame death. Only by overcoming sin could he overcome death. We all sin; therefore, we do not have the power within ourselves to overcome sin. Christ, who was sinless, does; therefore, Christ can forgive us for our sins. That is the effect of grace, and grace is spiritual not temporal.Peter put it best. 2nd Peter 1:2-4Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.Where can you find such language as that in science? Peter wants us to be “partakers of the divine nature.” That is extra-terrestrial. That cannot be found on this earth. That can only be found in Christ, our resurrected Lord. We are children of God. Our spirits are in the image and likeness of our Father in heaven. We have a divine nature; however, because of the fall, we suffered both a temporal death—the separation of the body from the spirit—and a spiritual death—the separation of our spirit from God. The only reason Christ came to earth and submitted himself to the laws of man was to atone for our sins, not his, to satisfy the law of justice, which he never broke, and through his grace bring us back into the presence of God. Without the atonement of Jesus Christ that divine nature would mean nothing because without Christ, we would be forever tied to this earth, subject to Satan’s power. Peter, a hands-on prophet tells us how to be partakers of the divine nature. 2 Peter 1:5-8And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.Most Christians are familiar with Paul’s exquisite definition of charity. 1st Corinthians 13:1-13Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.To be partakers of the divine nature, Peter urges us to make our calling and election sure.2nd Peter 1:9-10But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:“Calling” means foreordination. All of us who came to earth to gain a body were foreordained to return to God. We were foreordained, not predestined, because of agency. To have full agency we had to leave the presence of God and prove our faith to him. We did not have to come to earth. We chose to come to earth. In Job we read,Job 38:4-7Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?

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Podcast 107, 1st Peter, “Pt 5, Ch 5”

2w ago00:17:57Tap to summarize

Podcast 107, 1st Peter, “Pt 5, Ch 5”How different the world is because of the letters of the first apostles. It gives a personal approach to religion. Peter, a humble fisherman, once was named Simon. When called by the Savior to be a disciple, Simon’s name was changed to Cephas or Peter, meaning rock. He was given the keys of the kingdom that whatsoever he bound on earth would be bound in heaven. What does it mean to be bound on earth and in heaven? It is referring to covenants, for example, such covenants as the marriage covenant. It is a form of sealing such as husband and wife, parents and children. God sees everything from an eternal perspective. In Christian terms it means the circle does not have to be broken, that families may be together forever. Initially Adam and Eve were married by God which became the model for all marriages. For example, we find it in the Abrahamic CovenentGenesis 17:4-9As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations. Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee. And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee. And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God. And God said unto Abraham, Thou shalt keep my covenant therefore, thou, and thy seed after thee in their generations.It is an everlasting covenant. That same Priesthood given to Abraham was given to Peter. Along with the other apostles Peter was a personal witness of Jesus Christ.But that covenant is far reaching. Consider the Parable of the Ten Virgins, only five of whom are allowed into the marriage feast. Those who are allowed are bound forever with Christ in his Kingdom. Those who are not allowed do not have an eternal covenant with God. God is a forever God. He lives in eternity. Christ died for us that we may return to his presence and there remain forever.1 Peter 5:1The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:The role of an apostle is to be a witness of Christ to the world. Peter is not only a personal witness of Christ, he is also a teacher. For Peter’s words, as with all the apostles, to be meaningful, we must consider his letter written directly to us, with his signature. 1st Peter 5:2Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;That invitation has never been rescinded. It is the role of all Christians to “feed the flock of God.” God has given all of his children special gifts of the spirit and the Lord expects us to use those gifts in service to our fellow man.Romans 12:3-6For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;Like Peter, Paul also teaches humility and love.Romans 12:9-18Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.The Lord has distributed his gifts to all men and women throughout the world, and he expects us to use those gifts in service to our fellow man regardless of race, color, culture, creed, or country. Again, we look to Paul1st Corinthians 12: 4-11Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.One can see by the list above that those gifts are manifested in many different ways. For example, what would we do if there were not men and women who have the gifts of healing. That does not refer only to miraculous healing. That refers to doctors, nurses, scientists, and all others who find ways to heal people. It refers to those who invent technologies that preserve life and discover healing herbs or develop healing medicines. How many diseases have been conquered? How many today are working on cures for cancer, diabetes, and a myriad of other infirmities of mankind? I am old enough to remember the first polio shot. I remember the first heart transplant. Are those not gifts of healing. Notice that “the same God which worketh all in all.” All gifts of healing, regardless of who gets the credit, are gifts from God. Happy is the day when we all learn that simple lesson. Everything good comes from God. Everything evil comes from Satan. We are all provincial. We see our own back yard. The whole world is God’s domain. In the following Paul is speaking of the Church established by Christ.1 Corinthians 12:12-13For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.He is speaking of a church that is now teaching the gentiles. But let’s also step back and consider not just the Church Christ established but the entire world, for God is father of us all. We are one to him. His domain is the world, not just Christians. Every person born on this earth is a child of God. Read the following in that context.1 Corinthians 12:14-26For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. And if they were all one member, where were the body? But now are they many members, yet but one body. And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.If it is true for the world, it is an even a greater burden among Christians to treat all as equal, not just other Christians. 1 Corinthians 12:27-31Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

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Podcast 106, 1st Peter, “Pt 4, Ch 4”

2w ago00:14:57Tap to summarize

Podcast 106, 1st Peter, “Pt 4, Ch 4”Becoming a follower of Christ has a great price. We naturally assume that all good comes from God and all evil comes from Satan. That is true. For agency to exist we must be enticed by one or the other. It is the law of opposition. That is the only reason that Satan is permitted to live on the earth. Agency is primary to progression. It is one of the greatest gifts of God. It is why earth was created. It is why we came to the earth from the world of spirits living in immortality with God and were given a physical body. That too increased our agency for the flesh suffers temptations that the spirit does not.1st Peter 4:1Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;During the war in heaven the choice was very simple. Those who accepted Christ followed Michael, the archangel. Those who rejected Christ followed Lucifer and his angels. The battle was massive for a third part of the hosts of heaven sided with Lucifer. Lucifer’s goal was very simple. He wanted to overthrow Christ and become God.Isaiah 14:12-14How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.The war in heaven was also seen in vision by John the Revelator.Revelation 12:3-4And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.Satan is on earth now and his primary target is to destroy those who follow Christ and take away their agency. That was his primary target in heaven.Revelation 12:7-9And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.That same battle continues on earth today. As in heaven so on earth we are given two choices, to follow Christ or to follow Satan. Satan is very cunning. One can divide the tactics of Satan into three classes. The first tactic is the same as he used in heaven. It is cunning. Satan is known as the father of lies, and it was through lies that he persuaded a third part of the hosts of heaven to follow him. They lost the war in heaven, and they were all cast down to the earth with him. He continues those lies today. On earth, however, one thing changed dramatically. In heaven we were only spirits. We did not have a body of flesh and bones; therefore, we were not tempted by things of the flesh. Satan and his angels have never had a body and never will have a body. That is why they want to possess our bodies. Some even went into the bodies of swine. Satan kept his cunning. He is still the father of lies, but he increased his tactics. In addition to his cunning, his lies, and his deceit, he now appeals to the natural man, the lusts of the flesh. He wants us to think that the flesh is everything and we should all eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die. It is perhaps his most effective tool, but he has a third tactic. It is a repetition of the one he used in heaven. In heaven Lucifer recruited the other spirits to follow him. And they became his disciples. A third part of heaven followed him and became sons of perdition like himself. On earth, however, he recruits the spirits of those who refused to follow him in heaven. He recruits fallen man. Many in the flesh who fought with Michael against Lucifer in heaven have become soldiers in the army of Satan on earth. Therefore, we have a third enemy. Enemy one is the Cunning of Satan. Enemy two is the Natural Man. Enemy Three is the Craftiness of Man, or, in other words, the craftiness of those who came to earth and gained a body. In heaven they followed Michael. That is why they earned the right to come to earth and gain a body. However, on earth, they follow Satan, most unknowingly. The subtlety is that in heaven those spirits who followed Lucifer knew who their master was. They rejected Christ and worshiped Lucifer. Those in the flesh who follow Satan do not always recognize their masters. Often they follow Satan thinking they are serving God. It is devious. It is subtle. It is deadly. Peter tells us.1st Peter 5: 8Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:Following Satan thinking we are following God is perhaps the most cunning of all his tricks. Peter teaches us to overcome the natural man.1st Peter 4:2-4That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:It was Peter who introduced another concept that perhaps many Christians have overlooked. God is in heaven. He is omniscient. He sees all, both the living and the dead. He is concerned for all, both the living and the dead. For example, we learn from 1st Peter Chapter Three that those who drowned in the flood were taught by Christ after death in the spirit world during the time between his death and the resurrection.1st Peter 3:18-20For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.In Chapter Four Peter again addresses the issue of the dead.1st Peter 4:5-6Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead. For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.In the above Peter tells us why Christ taught the spirits of those who were dead: “that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.” That tells us that everyone who comes to this earth will be taught of Christ whether in this life or the next. Christ is the savior and redeemer of the entire world from Adam to the last man and woman on earth. He is the Christ. Those who are not taught the gospel of Christ on earth will be taught the gospel of Christ in the spirit world so that the judgment will be fair. Christ does not hold people accountable for laws they were never taught on earth. The mercy and grace of Christ covers everything. God is both just and merciful. Nevertheless, everyone of Adam and Eve’s posterity, before they meet Christ at the judgment bar, will have heard of Christ whether on earth or in the world of the spirits of the dead. That is part of the law of agency. We must all choose for ourselves whom we will follow, Christ or Satan.After teaching that gospel principle, Peter turns his attention to the living.1st Peter 4:7-10But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. Use hospitality one to another without grudging. As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.Christ expects those who know the gospel to preach the gospel to others. We are all, who know Christ, stewards of the manifold grace of God. Notice the faith God has in the members of his church.1st Peter 4:11If 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.It was Peter who said that the trials of our faith were as gold. He continues that theme. 1 Peter 4:12-14Beloved, 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.

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Podcast 105, 1st Peter, “Pt 3, Ch 3

3w ago00:15:47Tap to summarize

Podcast 105, 1st Peter, “Pt 3, Ch 3Perhaps few verses have been more abused and more misunderstood than those found in Chapter 3 of First Peter. For example, 1st Peter 3:1Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;Many husbands misinterpret the phrase, “be in subjection to your own husbands” as meaning that the husband has power over the wife. They have simply ignored everything else Peter said as well as other apostles and prophets. This is written to the wives, not to the husbands, but notice the wording, “be in subjection to your own husbands.” It is an admonition against adultery. For one thing he is commanding the wife to only have sexual relations with her husband just as the husbands are commanded to only have sexual relations with their wives. Adultery is condemned in the Ten Commandments. Infidelity and the destruction of the home can bring down not only the home but also a nation. He is also talking to wives whose faith is stronger than their husbands. “If any obey not the word,” is speaking of the husbands who do not follow the words of Christ. Peter’s advice is that the only way the wife can win her husband to Christ is” by good conversation.” It means, in addition to their language of patience they also win by the language of love taught by the Savior. They are encouraged to be an example to their husbands. Peter is talking about marriage between husband and wife which can only endure through harmony not contention. Peter continues,1st Peter 3:2While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.“Chaste conversation” means fidelity to the marriage covenant. “Coupled with fear” means fear of God. “Fear of God” refers to keeping the commandments of God. Our first parents, Adam and Eve, were married by God. That is the Christian standard, that husbands and wives love each other, remain faithful to each other and faithful to God. That is the model God established for bringing children into the world. God is teaching the ideal where children have the role model of both father and mother. We know in our world that the ideal is not always attainable, but that never lessens the importance of the ideal. Though we must often adjust to the circumstances, we must always strive toward the ideal. God is merciful to those single parents who heroically raise their children alone. God never condemns that which is beyond our control. My second wife, who was abandoned by her first husband at the birth of their seventh child, raised all of her children entirely alone without any child support and limited education. She went on to get her bachelor’s, master’s and PhD degrees while raising seven children. My first wife died of cancer. My children were grown, save one. When Linda and I married our families merged, giving us 13 children which grew to 45 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren, and growing. She often speaks of the miracles she experienced when circumstances appeared intolerable.Peter speaks of the wearing of apparel in a very interesting way. He is really speaking of false pride.1st Peter 3:3-6Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.Peter is not attacking expensive clothing. He is addressing priorities. If our rich apparel comes between us and God then it becomes a detriment to our spiritual growth. It becomes a distraction to the more important things of life. To Peter the important things of life are spiritual. “Let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible.” It is the idea of who is master. We cannot serve both God and Mammon. Peter refers to the chaste women of the past who put their trust in God. That is very ancient doctrine. In proverbs we read,Proverbs 3:5-6Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."The author of Proverbs is King Solomon, perhaps the wealthiest man on earth at that time. Solomon was not condemned for being wealthy neither was Abraham. Peter is not Politically Correct. He believes in the unity of marriage but acknowledges differences between men and women. 1st Peter 3:7Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.Peter acknowledges that men are physically stronger than women, nothing more. We know where he would stand in allowing men in women’s sports as if they were biologically equal. When he speaks of “knowledge,” he is speaking of scientific knowledge, of biological and natural differences, not intellectual, spiritual, or moral differences. In fact, he acknowledges the perfect equality of men and women before God. He said, “as being heirs together of the grace of life.” Together means perfect equality in heaven as it should be on earth. The grace of Christ is offered equally to all of us. Salvation is offered equally to all of us. Our standing with God is offered equally in all of us. There is no respecter of persons and no inequality with God. Those who use their physical or circumstantial strength to bully others will answer to God for their misbehavior. The victims on earth will be the conquerors in heaven for Christ will always take the side of the innocent. Peter admonishes us to be of one mind with our spouses.1st Peter 3:8-11Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.That is a formula for a perfect marriage and a formula for a perfect and peaceful society. That is what it will be like in the Millennium. The only thing that separates us in the eyes of God is the level of righteousness. 1st Peter 3:12For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.“Them” has no gender. One can hear the words of Christ in the words of Peter.1st Peter 3:13-17And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.Peter clearly defines the role of Christ, our Savior.1st Peter 3:18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:The entire purpose of Christ was to bring us to God. Christ died for our sins so that we may once again live in the presence of God the Father. John makes it very clear that Both Christ and the Father shall dwell together in heaven. In speaking of Heaven, John said,Revelation 22:2-5In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.Have you ever wondered what heaven is like? Perhaps if would help if you imagined the ideal family life on earth. Paul said, 1st Corinthians 11:11-12Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord. For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God.To God the relationship between husband and wife was meant to be eternal. In the next verse of 1st Peter, Peter says a very puzzling thing.1st Peter 3:19-20By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.

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Podcast 104, 1st Peter, “Pt 2, Ch 2”

3w ago00:14:13Tap to summarize

Podcast 104, 1st Peter, “Pt 2, Ch 2”Peter occupies a special place among the apostles. His name was Simon but Christ gave him the name of Cephas which means stone. John 1:42And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.The Greek equivalent is Petros, which also means rock or stone. Therefore, he is generally known as Peter. There is another scripture dealing with the name of Peter that is easy to misunderstand. It is a famous scripture.Matthew 16:13-17When Jesus came into the coasts of Cæsarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.Peter was often the first to act and the first to speak. He was the first to get out of the boat and walk on water. Here he is the first to acknowledge Christ as the Son of the living God. Jesus blesses Peter for his answer and then teaches Peter and the other apostles an important doctrine of Christianity. He said, “for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.” Jesus is speaking of revelation. Only through revelation can anyone know Christ. Paul tells us:Galatians 1:11-12But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.The following synonyms are given for ‘revelation’: divine communication, inspiration, prophecy, heavenly message, vision, oracle, disclosure of truth, communication, enlightenment, awakening, etc. Some things can only come through revelation. A testimony of Christ is one of those things. Even though Peter was in the presence of Christ, still he only knew that Jesus was the Christ through revelation. Christ is teaching that principle to Peter and to the other Apostles. Christ continues.Matthew 16:18-20And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.Jesus is playing on the work ‘rock.’ As stated, it was Jesus who gave Peter the name ‘Cephas’ or rock, but Peter is not the rock upon which the church is built. Christ is. 1 Peter 2:1-5Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.Christ, not Peter, is the ‘living stone.” 1 Peter 2:6-7Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,All Christians agree that Christ is the ‘chief corner stone, elect, precious.” Those who believe in Christ, not Peter, ‘shall not be confounded.” It is Christ who is precious. It is Christ who is ‘the stone which the builders disallowed.’ It is Christ, not Peter, who is “made the head of the corner.” It is Christ also who is a ‘stone of stumbling.’1 Peter 2:8And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.Therefore, when Christ said to Peter, “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church,” he was not referring to Peter. He was speaking of himself. Christ is the rock, and only through revelation can we know that Christ is the chief corner stone. Christ must always remain the central figure. That is powerfully emphasized in Peter’s own words.1 Peter 2:9But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:It was Christ who calls us ‘out of darkness into his marvelous light.’ Also, note the phrase, “But ye are a chosen generation.” That would have been offensive to the Jews for they saw themselves as The Chosen Generation. The title is the same but now it does not refer only to the Jews. It refers only to the followers of Christ whether Jew or Gentile. Another change that would have been very offensive to the Jews is “royal priesthood.” Before only the literal seed of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob held the royal priesthood. Now it was also to be given to all followers of Christ. Once only Israel was the holy nation. Now only followers of Christ are ‘the holy nation.’ Those who belong to the holy nation are called out of darkness into his marvelous light. Peter continues.1 Peter 2:10Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.In time past they were not the people of God but now they are. Who are the people of God? Once it was only the literal seed of Abraham. Now it is only the followers of Christ regardless of their genealogical tree. That is why they are called a ‘peculiar people.’ Before they had not obtained mercy, but now they had. The mantle of the priesthood has shifted from physical blood line to spiritual blood line, from lineage to faith, from the law of Moses to revelation of Christ. But to become members of that ‘chosen generation,’ that ‘royal priesthood,’ that ‘peculiar people,’ there is a price to pay. They must become pure.1 Peter 2: 11-16Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.Gentiles now are defined as those who do not belong to the Church of the Firstborn. Members of Christ’s church are the elect, the chosen ones. They now have a higher law to live than the strict Mosaic law. In the words of Paul, Ephesians 2:15Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;For example, The Ten Commandments, repeated by Christ, never grow old or wear out or become outdated. They remain firm, but the Sermon on the Mount presented a higher law. The Ten Commandments condemned adultery. The Sermon on the Mount condemned lust, the prelude to adultery. The two great commandments of love the Lord and love our neighbor, superseded the Ten Commandments with the knowledge that if we lived the Royal law, we would naturally live the Ten Commandments or the Law of Liberty. Peter teaches the higher law.1 Peter 2:17-21Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king. Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:That requires more than the Mosaic Law required. Rather than an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth, it is to ‘Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.” Which are the harder commandments to obey, The Mosaic Law, or the New Gospel of Jesus Christ?

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Podcast 103, 1st Peter, “Pt 1, Ch 1”

3w ago00:18:11Tap to summarize

Podcast 103, 1st Peter, “Pt 1, Ch 1”When we think of the four gospels, we naturally think of Matthew, Mark, Luke, & John. When we think of the leadership of the apostles, we naturally think first of Peter and then of James and John, for they were singled out. It was to Peter whom Christ gives the keys of the priesthood.Matthew 16:18–19And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.Only Christ can give the keys for only Christ holds the keys.Revelation 1:18I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.Revelation 3:7These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth.In his opening statement, Peter establishes himself as an apostle of Christ. He is writing his Epistle to the new converts of the church.1 Peter 1:1Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,Notice the doctrines taught in his opening statement for they are applicable to all Christians:1 Peter 1:2Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.Elect means ‘chosen’ or ‘picked out.’ The children of Israel were referred to as God’s elect.Isaiah 41:8But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend.Isaiah 45:4For Jacob my servant's sake, and Israel mine elect.The title of elect has now been transferred to those who become members of Christ’s true church. Peter refers to members of Christ’s church as the elect. Paul also refers to members of Christ’s church as the elect.Colossians 3:12Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved...That is a very significant and bold assertion. Peter speaks of making our “calling and election” sure.2 Peter 1:10Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:It isn’t enough just to be a baptized member of Christ’s church. One must also have one’s calling and election sure. One way to look at that is the principle of “enduring to the end” which is a very common theme in the Holy Bible. In the Book of Revelation, the promises to the Seven Churches were all dependent upon those who endured to the end. The phrase to each church was, “to him that overcometh.”Peter also speaks of the “foreknowledge of God.” We often attribute the following three attributes to Christ: omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent, all powerful, all knowing, and all present. He knows the past, the present, and the future. An attribute of the ‘elect’ is ‘sanctification of the spirit.’ Paul taught,2 Thessalonians 2:13God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:Sanctification means to be made holy. Synonyms are holiness, consecration, purification, dedication, devotion, spiritual refinement, spiritual cleansing, Godliness. Peter offers two primary conditions of sanctification. First obedience. God cannot sanctify us if we do not strive to obey all of his commandments. To be made holy means to be made free of sin. That, leads to the second criteria: “sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ.” Only through Christ can we be made holy. Only through Christ can we be purified and cleansed of our sins. It is not a one-time event. Enduring to the end means daily repentance, daily striving, daily prayer. Peter, in his apostolic position, says “Grace unto you,” meaning the grace of Christ which can cleanse us, and “peace, be multiplied,” meaning peace of conscience and soul.Peter, as an apostle, bears witness of Christ. 1 Peter 1:3-5Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.In Peter’s words, it is God the Father who raised Christ from the dead. Now Christ has given us the promise of eternal life with Christ to those elect who endure to the end. Notice the eternal nature of the images above: “lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead”; “inheritance incorruptible”; “that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you”; and “kept by the power of God.” But first, to have our calling and election sure, we must “endure” the trials of mortality.1 Peter 1:6-7Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:Job, the symbol of enduring the trial of his faith, observed. Job 23:10That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire...Speaking through Isaiah the Lord said, Isaiah 48:10I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.In Malachi we read,Malachi 3:2-3But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap: And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.As with Malachi, the last prophet of the Old Testament, Peter also speaks of end-time. That is what he meant when he said, “might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. That refers to the Second Coming of Christ. The apostles lived and communicated with the Savior on a daily basis; however, until the Savior comes again, we must accept him by faith.1 Peter 1:8Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:It is the end game that we must consider. It is the endgame that makes the trial of our faith worth it.1 Peter 1:9-12Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.As we read Peter, we need to keep the word “elect” in our minds because it comes with a great price. It is not a passive phrase. One may lose his or her election through disobedience. Peter cautions. 1 Peter 1:13-16Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.“Hope to the end” means to ‘endure to the end.’ To ‘gird up our loins’ means to ‘tighten our belt’ ‘to fortify ourselves against opposition,’ ‘to be resolute.’ To be “sober” is to be of sound mind and sense and judgment. Notice that grace comes at the end, at the final judgment, where we are cleansed from all sin so that we can be with Christ in his kingdom, so that we can be invited to the ‘wedding feast.’ Of the ten virgins, only the five wise were allowed into the wedding feast. The other five were good, but they were unprepared. They didn’t endure. They ran out of oil. We must be holy ‘in all manner of conversation.’ That means in our daily lives, in our business dealings, in our communication with our fellow travelers. We can never let our guard down. That is why we must ‘pass the time of our sojourning here in fear.’ Peter teaches us to pray to the Father. We must pray to the Father in the name of Jesus Christ. That is the order of prayer.1 Peter 1:17And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:We are saved by grace but judged for our works. Those who think that works do not matter

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