Monthly Archives: August 2011
the Holy Spirit is the answer
Luke 1:26-56. Mary was amazed to find that she had been chosen of all women to give birth to the Messiah, the Son of God. Her question was not “why me?” because she knew that any time God works among … Continue reading
Posted in confidence, courage, dependence upon God, grace, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, trust
Tagged Luke 1
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return of the Holy Spirit
Luke 1:1-25. The ESV Study Bible comments on this text: “most Jews believed that for more than 400 years the Holy Spirit had not been active in Israel.” Notice the circumstances that connected to bring about revival and the move … Continue reading
Posted in deliverance, ethnic Israel, gospel, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, preparation
Tagged Luke 1
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a sure promise
2 Peter 3. Peter’s “last lecture” to his readers affirms the sure promise of Christ’s second coming in the face of future heretical doubts. To those who say that nothing ever changes, Peter reminds them that there was a creation … Continue reading
Posted in confidence, discernment, future, heresies, hope, second coming
Tagged 2 Peter 3
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a sure destruction
2 Peter 2. Having recommended the sure word of Scripture to enlighten his readers in the dark age until Christ returns, Peter speaks of the false prophets who will keep seeking to lead people away from Christ. They will bring … Continue reading
Posted in angels, Bible, destruction in hell, heresies, judgment, second coming
Tagged 2 Peter 2
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a sure word
2 Peter 1:12-21. Peter had no doubt that the scriptures would be fulfilled – that he would see Christ come in his glory someday. He had, in fact, seen a supernatural preview of that coming attraction when he personally observed … Continue reading
a sure calling and election
2 Peter 1:1-11. Peter affirms what the whole Bible attests to: that God calls believers to eternal life through the gospel, and chooses (elects) them for all eternity. From God’s standpoint, all believers have already obtained faith that saves, procured … Continue reading
Posted in atonement, gospel, grace, holiness, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, sanctification
Tagged 2 Peter 1
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living witnesses
1 Peter 5. The ESV translates Peter as if he is drawing attention to the fact that he personally observed the suffering of Jesus – and he did. But the Greek has no indefinite article, so Peter probably was not … Continue reading
Posted in church, future, Jesus Christ, perseverance, suffering, witness
Tagged 1 Peter 5
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living devotees
1 Peter 3:13-4:19. Peter encourages believers to face the times they are in with complete devotion to Christ. God may allow them to face challenges to their faith. As living devotees, them must honor Christ the Lord as holy, and … Continue reading
Posted in church, commitment, conflict, discipleship, enemies, faithfulness, Jesus Christ, perseverance, suffering, witness
Tagged 1 Peter 3, 1 Peter 4
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living examples
1 Peter 2:11-3:12. Peter encourages believers to demonstrate their faith in Christ by good deeds, through which they show the world around them that Christ can change lives. They must keep their conduct honorable. They must submit to every human … Continue reading
Posted in church, commitment, genuineness, holiness, Jesus Christ, kingdom of God, witness
Tagged 1 Peter 2, 1 Peter 3
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the living stone
1 Peter 2:4-10. Peter encouraged the Christians reading his words by comparing them with those who had opportunity to accept Christ, but had rejected him. They had a temple made with dead stones. Christ is the living stone, rejected by … Continue reading
