Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.

 John 16:1-15

Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. John 16:7

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 16:1-15, where the text returns to the Holy Spirit as Jesus seeks to prepare the disciples for His pending crucifixion and their persecution as they follow in His footsteps to share the gospel.  This preparation is simultaneously unsettling and comforting.   Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: V1 is a transitional statement as Jesus knows that while the disciples will face momentary lapses of faith (we all do), He knows the remaining ones (all but Judas) will remain faithful to the mission He lays out before them.  There will be persecution and difficult times ahead, but if they remain in Him, and Him in them (John 15:1-10), if they love one another and remain unified (John 15:12-13, 17), and if they know the Holy Spirit (the Helper) will be with them (John 15:26), they will not fall away.  V2-4, 12 lays the groundwork for Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross and how the disciples’ will share in His suffering.  The disciples are more equipped to hear some of this difficult message now at this point in the gospel.  Yet, even now, God does not fully reveal Himself, as He only reveals Himself to us in ways that are intentional – God has a plan, His own timing, and both are perfect. V5-11, 13-15 expands on the coming of the Holy Spirit (the Helper) and by describing it as an encouragement and equal to God and the Father.
  
• What do we learn from the text about people?: In v1, we must see how people fall away – this of course does not mean if you truly abide in Him and Him in you that you can lose your salvation.  However, it does mean that if you were never truly in Him and Him in you then you can fall away.  This is both a warning and encouragement to know God and to build a relationship with Him.  In vv5-7, Jesus states to the disciples that He is going back to the Father (the disciples don’t fully understand this, but they can grasp how He is leaving them), and then because He knows that this will be discouraging, and because He knows this will weaken their faith as they will be more prone to sinful behavior, He offers them the Helper as an “advantage” for them.  In vv8-11 we see how those who do not believe in Jesus will face eternal condemnation.  V12 emphasizes how God’s ways and thoughts are not like ours (Isaiah 55:8), so He only reveals to us based on His timing and how He seeks to equip us.
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid falling away – abide in Him, and Him in you. Claim the promise of the Holy Spirit as the Helper that He provides to guide us into all the truth (v13).  Follow the example of those who believe in Him and see the Helper as an equal person of the Triune God.  Remember the Word of God – v4 – so that when we face persecution we can take comfort knowing that Jesus told us we would and that He provides the Helper to reassure us that He is still with us. 

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves, and give us the Holy Spirit to withstand hate and persecution.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and blessing.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.

John 10:22-42

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. John 10:27-28

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 10:22:42, where we see the Jewish leadership confront Jesus as He was in the temple in Jerusalem during the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah).  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: In His defense, Jesus share that (1) His works (miracles such as healing of the blind man), are done on behalf of the Father who sent Him, and these works bear witness about who Jesus is, (2) the Jewish leadership, despite their supposed knowledge of the law do not see Jesus is fulfilling all prophecy that pointed to Him - they are not among Jesus' sheep (He is the Good Shepherd - see vv1-19) because they don't know His voice otherwise they would recognize Jesus as the Good Shepherd/Christ and follow Him (vv26-27).  Jesus gives His followers eternal life and this blessing cannot be taken from them (v28).  The Father gave Jesus His sheep and The Father is greater than all (all creation, all heavenly bodies, etc.), so none of Jesus' sheep can be taken out of the Father's hand (v29).  Because all authority has been given from the Father to Jesus, Jesus should be seen as one with the Father (v30).  In v31, as the Jewish leadership prepared to stone Jesus, Jesus shares that He is innocent based on how He is performing good works from the Father.  Jesus also shares that He is doing only what the Old Testament shared (see Psalm 82:6 as referenced in v34) and playing the same role as those who taught the Word of God in OT law.  In His closing argument with this confrontation, Jesus challenges the Jewish leadership to at least believe that His works are real and that the Father is in Jesus and He is in the Father (another way of saying that Father and Son are united). Because it was not the appointed time, Jesus escapes arrest and goes to where John the Baptist had first been baptizing and many came to Him and believed because they now see that John the Baptist's prophecy about Jesus was true - vv39-42). 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Just as the Jewish leadership gathered around Jesus to confront Him - seeking to arrest and kill Him - believers can expect to be persecuted (ranging from rejection/scorn to physical imprisonment-death) in some form (vv22-24).  The Jewish leadership (with some exceptions - see vv19-21) does not believe Jesus is the Christ (Promised Messiah).  There will always be many who reject Jesus as Lord and Savior - that there is a God and Jesus is God. The Jewish leadership reject Jesus as God outright (v33) based on Jesus' statement in v30 that He and the Father are one.       
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid rejecting Jesus because You don't know Jesus.  Claim the promise that Jesus is who He says is - Lord and Savior.  Follow the example of those who are drawn to Jesus and believe - who know His voice and see Jesus as the Good Shepherd.  Do what the Good Shepherd commands because He loves and cares for us and leads us to provision and eternal rest.     

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves, cares and saves those who follow You - You are the Good Shepherd.  I am not deserving of how You love, care, and save.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me and help me turn from such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

For [Pilate] perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered him up.

Mark 15:1-20

For [Pilate] perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered him up. Mark 15:10

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, I focus on an unassisted review of Mark 15:1-20, which is the text for the next chapter of the commentary. Observations of the text based on the Sword Bible Study Method: 

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: Jesus is delivered over by the chief priests, elders, scribes and Jewish leadership council (Sanhedrin) to the Roman authorities for Pilate to ultimately decide Jesus' fate (v1). Pilate questions Jesus but other than a brief “non-responsive” response in v2, Jesus does not respond to Pilate (v5) - similar to how Jesus acted during questioning by the chief priests in chapter 14. Pilate correctly believed that Jesus had done no evil (v14) and saw envy of Jesus as the primary motive for Jesus' arrest (v10).  Jesus is not released per the custom during the Passover feast (v6) - instead Barrabas is released (v15). Pilate agrees to crucify Jesus and has him scourged (v15).  Jesus is led away and it is implied that a whole battalion (v16) is in place (hundreds of soldiers) to be prepared for wider unrest in Jerusalem given Jesus' popularity, following and the hatred stirred up against Jesus by Jewish temple leadership. Jesus is mocked as they gave Him a purple cloak (purple typically reserved for wealthy/powerful people and royalty) and crown of thorns.  He is beaten and spit upon then lead away for crucifixion (vv17-20).    
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: Jewish leadership is indeed envious of Jesus and this animates their desire to have Him suffer and die - Pilate's offer to release Jesus is roundly rejected and alarmingly the Jewish leaders want a murderer (v7) who played a role in insurrection against Roman rule (ironically something the Jews accepted but despised) - Pilate readily agrees to the release of Barrabas despite knowing this.  Roman governing power is indeed intimidating as Pilate seeks to placate Jewish leadership while avoiding wider civil unrest.   
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Envy is a powerful emotion and we see this at work with Jesus' arrest, etc.  Do not covet is one of the ten commandments.  We are to obey governing authorities (see Romans 13) except when in conflict with Jesus' commands. We are to follow Jesus' example of sharing the gospel even under threat of arrest and persecution - we are to trust that God will protect us either physically - at least spiritually.  In the face of trouble, we can take heart because Jesus has overcome the world (including death) - John 16:33.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves - thank You Jesus!  Amazing grace indeed - thank You for the greatest gift of all time - salvation.  I am not deserving...my sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

And the disciples set out and went to the city and found it just as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover.

Mark 14:12-25

And the disciples set out and went to the city and found it just as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover. Mark 14:16

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is per the commentary, the first division of the text from Mark 14:12-25 - vv12-16.  

• Using the Sword Bible Study Method focusing just on the text for today - vv12-16: (1) God in the text: we see Jesus moving forward willingly with the Father's plan to become the sacrifice needed to atone for all of the sin for all of humanity throughout redemptive history.  Annual animal sacrifices were not ultimately what God desired as He seeks our heart and our obedience - see Hebrews 10:1-18 and Psalm 40:6–8, Isaiah 1:11–15, and Jeremiah 7:21–23. This was a plan Jesus both knew about in advance and orchestrated as He is in control - of course He could have stopped His own death but He did not; (2) people in the text: We see the disciples being obedient in following Jesus' instructions for preparation for the Passover.  We also see the disciples claiming not to betray Jesus.  While it is true that only Judas betrayed Jesus to the extent that got Jesus arrested, the disciples all scattered and sought anonymity and protection upon Jesus' arrest.  (3) Sins to avoid, promises to claim, examples to follow, and commands to obey: we should stand our ground allowing Jesus to steel and strengthen us during times of persecution - we should not hide our faith.  If we understand God's will for our lives we should follow it - regardless of the cost.  

 Excerpts from the commentary's introduction and the first (of three) division (vv12-16): 

• The title of this chapter of the commentary covering this text is "The King Prepares for His Passion," and the main idea for the entirety of the text (vv1-11) is "Jesus is both the Suffering Servant of the Lord and the Sacrificial Lamb of God, who would die for the sins of the world according to the will of God."
• The title of the first division per the commentary is "Jesus Was in Control of the Events Leading to His Death." 
• "Little did [the disciples] know that an even greater Passover was unfolding as Jesus prepared Himself to be sacrificed as our Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7)."
• "The cross did not catch Him off guard. No, it was a divine appointment scheduled, as Peter would write, “before the foundation of the world” (1 Peter 1:20)."

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and who saves - You willingly laid down Your life such that I could life now to the full and life for eternity in Heaven where You are saving a place for me. Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a gift - the greatest gift of all time.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

And they sent to him some of the Pharisees and some of the Herodians, to trap him in his talk.

Mark 12:13-17

And they sent to him some of the Pharisees and some of the Herodians, to trap him in his talk. Mark 12:13

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 12:13-17.  Excerpts from the commentary's introduction and the first (of four) division (v13):

• The title of this chapter of the commentary covering this text is "Should Christians Obey the Government?" and the main idea for the entirety of the text (vv13-17) is "[f]ollowers of Jesus should obey the government and the Lord according to what each is due." 
• "This text appears in the midst of a series of controversies between Jesus and the religious leaders in Jerusalem. Mark 11:20–12:37 is one long day. There are five confrontations altogether: (1) The question of His authority by the Sanhedrin (11:27-33); (2) The question of paying taxes by the Pharisees and Herodians (12:13-17); (3) The question of the resurrection by the Sadducees (12:18-27); (4) The question of the greatest command by the scribes (12:28-34); (5) The question of whose Son is the Christ by Jesus Himself (12:35-37)."
• "Within the context of this dispute with those who will be the authors of His death, Jesus provides the answer. He also provides some practical and basic wisdom when we are confronted by those devoted to our destruction."  
• The title of the first division per the commentary is "The Trap: Be Careful When Approached 
   by Strange Bedfellows." 
• "The Pharisees were the conservatives, the right-wingers of that day. The Herodians were the liberals, the left-wingers, advocates of big government. The Pharisees hated Jesus because He was messing with their religious agenda. The Herodians opposed Him because He was threatening their political advantage. Amazingly, Jesus brought them together! They both wanted to destroy Him." 

Broadly, we are encouraged to be alert and to guard against those who seek to destroy us.  1 Peter 5:8 is instructive here as we must understand that Satan is real and until he is ultimately destroyed at the end of the age (Revelation), we will continue this daily battle.  In the context of the text today, we must be on guard against those who seek to persecute us based on who we are and what we proclaim as believers.  While in the USA it is less likely we will be persecuted than in other places (see Voice of the Martyrs) where believers often face life-threatening circumstances for their faith, here in the USA we will face scorn and perhaps less threatening persecution.  We should abide in Him and remain steadfast in our faith and pray that we can be bold in the face of such persecution - reacting as Peter did as he and John faced down a dangerous confrontation with the Jewish elders.  Peter shared in Acts 4:20 "we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard."

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God You are an amazing God that has already defeated sin and death and You saved me, saving a place in Heaven for me, and You continue to do a work in me.  Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of my salvation, nor any of the blessings You pour out daily for me.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.

1 Peter 4

If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 1 Peter 4:14

As I continue to ponder what to study next, my Bible study this morning once again leans on DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotion, which today examines the extent to which believers are ready for persecution.  There are believers in the United States facing persecution, but whatever persecution we may face here pales in the comparison of the persecution believers elsewhere experience - go to the Voice of the Martyrs ministry website to learn more about such persecution.  John Piper challenges us to avoid anger as a response to persecution and instead we are encouraged to see our time here as Peter did as he wrote in 1 Peter 2:11 that we should view ourselves as "sojourners and exiles," and not grow too comfortable with the world.  Our citizenship and home is in Heaven - see also Philippians 3:20.  In light of this, we should become more bold in proclaiming our faith and the gospel.  Then, if we are to experience fiery trials (see 1 Peter 4:12) either in the form of insults, injury, or death we can take comfort from what Peter describes as the "Spirit of glory and of God that rests upon [you]". 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace, and comfort - giving us peace and protection when we need it most.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

Hebrews 11

And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect. Hebrews 11:39-40

I continue my study of Hebrews, and this morning my focus is Hebrews 11:20-40, and my unaided observations of the text.  Here, building on text throughout chapter 11, v20-40 continues the "hall of faith" by providing readers with examples of the faithful, who, while they did not see fully see the promises made by God, nonetheless trusted God and endure and persevered in their faith - many despite deadly persecution. These include Issac (v20), Jacob (v21), Joseph (v22), Moses (v23-28), the faithful Israelites who crossed the dry Red Sea (v29), the faithful who marched around the walls of Jericho (v30), Rahab (v31), Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, and Samuel (v32).  Many other unnamed (but not insignificant) "who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight" (v33-34). V35-38 shares how some were tortured, mocked, flogged, imprisoned, stoned, sawn in two, destitute, afflicted, mistreated - not worthy of this world, etc. The application for all of us is that we should follow in the footsteps of these faithful and be prepared for whatever the world throws at us as Jesus tells us that we should take heart as Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33).

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is with me always - never leaving or forsaking me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You love me.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

“And a Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who turn from transgression,” declares the Lord.

Isaiah 58-60

“And a Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who turn from transgression,” declares the Lord. Isaiah 58:13-14

I continue my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series.  My study of Isaiah moves on to day 2 (of 5) of week 21, which looks at Isaiah 58-60.  Day 2 reviews God's words on fasting from Isaiah 58 (see post yesterday) and then looks at Isaiah 59 where God mostly focuses on Israel's sin and wickedness but starting in v16, God points to a redeemer who intercedes on our behalf.  Of course this redeemer is Jesus Christ.  Ligonier provides this post as an encouragement for those who stand for the truth of Jesus Christ in the face of persecution.  The post shares that "...we might feel like giving up and going along with the crowd, but that would be the worst mistake we could ever make. A day is coming when God will no longer withhold His wrath but suit up for battle. He will repay His enemies according to their deeds, not graciously as He did on the cross, conquering us by bringing us over to His side. Instead, the Lord will conquer His enemies on that day by giving them the full measure of His just wrath (Isa. 59:15b–19)."

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer:  Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God - I know You love me and I know You give me life - to the full now, and for eternity in Heaven.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You love me.  My sin is great and it continues.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from such sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses for Zach and Dustin to point them to You.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us....Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

1 Peter 1-5

Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us....Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 1 Peter 2:11-12, 3:15-17

Day 355 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as I move further into the New Testament - this morning I read 1 Peter. My commentary notes: "[t]he historical record of Acts does not mention the apostle Peter after the Jerusalem conference, but it appears that his ministry proceeded in the same time period as the missionary efforts of the apostle Paul....Both of Peter’s letters are evidently addressed to the same audience, principally Gentile Christians throughout Asia, Bithynia, Pontus, Galatia, and Cappadocia. These are some of the same areas where Paul had established churches on his preaching tours and include the same Christians to whom Paul had addressed some of his letters....Without doubt this is a time of hostility, if not actual physical persecution, against all Christians. Therefore, the subject of Peter’s first letter is suffering, and the thrust of the letter is an exhortation to steadfastness. Peter begins by recounting for his readers the blessings which they have in their redemption, and then encourages them in the fact that in Christ they are God’s special people. But Peter also reminds them that, as God’s redeemed ones, they have a responsibility to glorify God in their lives."

*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®). Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition. 

One can easily make the case that today, here in the United States, Christians face hostility for our views, for example on such topics as gay marriage and abortion.  In a broader context while some talk about tolerance, in general given the polarization we see, there is less tolerance.  Therefore, I am zeroing in on Peter's words on how we are to stand firm in the faith in the face of hostility.  Peter encourages us to live such lives - in both words and actions - that others cannot find fault in us.

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who lived a sinless live yet You freely laid down Your life for me....incredible....the greatest gift of all time.  Thank You Jesus!  Of course I am undeserving.  I have worry and other sins.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sins towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

1 Peter 1

Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls. v8-9

Both the MacArthur Bible Study Commentary (for purchase) and OverviewBible.com indicate that this general epistle addressed to believers in modern day Turkey (map) focuses on believers response to persecution and suffering.  In v1-9, Peter reminds us of our eternal rewards that await (v4-7) and how there is a purpose in our suffering (v7). 

In v8 Peter defines faith as love and joy in something "not seen" - I feel compelled to write on this because I would argue that Jesus Christ is real and visible through those believers that live as a "living sacrifice", as a "light", through the church and our brothers and sisters in Christ, and through the Holy Spirit.

I would hope that people see Jesus in me as I see Jesus in others and I FEEL the evidence of the Holy Spirit in me.  I DO have that "inexpressible and glorious joy" and my hope is that others see this in me as real.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God who has given me Your Word, the Holy Spirit, the church, brothers and sisters in Christ and of course everything!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of the blessings You pour out for me.  I gossip, worry, etc. and have other sins...daily!  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul and mind and love others as You love him.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. v16-17

Paul's closing thoughts to Timothy begin with a warning about persecution and how all believers will face it during their lifetime in some form or another (v12).  Yet he includes several encouragements, including how God has "rescued" Paul from persecution on each occasion (v11).  He then moves on to encourage Timothy to rely on scripture as a source of strength.  As v16-17 indicates, I can unequivocally state in in my own life that scripture is useful and it has equipped me for the circumstances I face, including persecution, my role as a father and husband, and for the good works I pursue in service for Christ.

Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5

Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. v15-18

John Piper wants us to more broadly view v16-18 to include v15 as he believes it provides important context.  In the post I reference, Piper writes that v15 "is a radical call to counter intuitive, counter cultural love. Don’t repay people evil for evil. Do good to everyone always."  He goes on to state that Paul wants us to "rejoice always" and that this "is not the kind of emotional response one would ordinarily have to being mistreated and treating others better than we are treated".  Finally, Piper states that we can rejoice and be thankful always - even in the face of persecution - by praying and by being "in a continual disposition of thankfulness to God".

Piper than gives us greater insight into how we can pray and be in a "continual disposition of thankfulness to God".  

In particular I am encouraged to set aside specific times of day for prayer and to create habits of prayer - much like Daniel's three times a day (see Daniel 6).

I am grateful for John Piper's insights into Paul's letter to the Thessalonians.  

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are worthy of thanks, praise and prayer as You are the source of life and all good things.  You have blessed me beyond what I deserve and my cup runs over.  Thank You Jesus.  Yet again I am not deserving.  I sin...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me.

John 15

They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me. v21

As Jesus continues to speak to the disciples ("The Twelve"), in the "Upper Room" during the "Last Supper", He encourages (v18-25) them to remain strong in their faith, regardless of the external/worldly challenges they may feel.

At least a couple of key points.  We belong not to the world but to Jesus and His eternal kingdom (v19). This is where our identity lies and it implies that our lives should express who we are and it should be clear to others who we are.  We are to be a light.  This includes our response to hate, persecution, and intolerance, as our response should encourage others to seek God (see also v21) - the implication of Jesus' words are that people treat believers with intolerance in part because they don't know God.

Stephen's prayer to God (Acts 7:59-60) upon his stoning is a great example. Perhaps this left a mark on Saul (Paul).

On the subject of intolerance and persecution, although the context of this video is the approaching end times, John Piper We should respond in love.  Piper uses 1 Peter 4 and the entire chapter is a great read on how we should respond to suffering and difficulty.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who helps me stand firm in my faith - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of all the blessings You pour out on me.  I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.   Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 
 

And he went outside and wept bitterly.

Luke 22

And he went outside and wept bitterly. v62

We all know the passage of how Peter denies Jesus three times before the roster crows, just as Jesus indicated to Peter the prior evening.  Peter is obviously feeling threatened and understandably denies Jesus out of fear for his life.  The question becomes - what would each of us do when perhaps confronted with a "gun to our head" by someone seeking to do harm to Christians?  While it may be difficult to tackle this question hypothetically, John Piper takes a crack at it here.

Piper refers to Matthew 10 where it says: "[b]ut whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven" (v33) and "[a]nyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me" (v37). 

Another question arises which is: can I lose my salvation once saved? Piper takes a crack at this also. 

I am not going to resolve these questions this morning, but I am nonetheless encouraged by the scripture referenced by Piper in his posts:

If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 1 Peter 4:14

Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Matthew 10:28

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who sustains and protects me every day from harm of all kinds - thank You Jesus!  I am undeserving of Your love and protection.  I daily miss the mark.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.