Suffer for the Right Reasons

1 Peter 4:14-16 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.

Peter made it clear in the previous verses that we should not find it strange when fiery trials come. However, he also clarifies in today's verses that the fiery trials he speaks of are those that come as a result of living for Jesus. In other words, there are times when we suffer trials, but those trials come as a result of rebellious decisions on our part. They come as a result of choosing to be friends with the world, and not following the Lord. They come from our choices to sin, even when God's Word warns of the consequences. Peter makes it plain and clear that the type of suffering that is endured for the glory of God is suffering that comes when we refuse to compromise our faith, and refuse to agree with the world and its ways. Suffering that glorifies Jesus comes when we do what is right, even though we know it will bring criticism, rejection, and persecution. If suffering comes because we have a lousy, mean-spirited, attitude when dealing with others, that is on us and it does not glorify God in any way. However, if trials come because we speak the truth in love and live out that truth in humility; Peter tells us to endure, not be ashamed, and know we are blessed because it is evidence that God's Spirit rests upon us. People will blaspheme Him as they persecute us, but by enduring, with joy, we glorify Him. If we are going to suffer in this world, let it be for the Name and cause of Christ; because the real glory of enduring will be soon revealed when He returns, and those who persecute us pay the ultimate price. Bottom line? Suffer for the right reasons...God's reasons!

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).

Obediently and Faithfully Endure

1 Peter 4:12-13 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.

Do we find it odd, or strange, that we suffer when we do what is right? Do we behave as if we are immune from suffering, when trials come; especially when we are doing our best to live for the Lord? If so...why? Did not Jesus warn His disciples, and us, that persecutions and tribulations were coming? Are we not warned in God's Word that times will grow worse as His return draws closer? Why then do we behave as if this is something new we are hearing or experiencing? Rather than worry and complain, or falsely accuse God of not caring; rather than acting as if somehow any one of us is exempt from suffering, why not be glad with exceeding joy when trials come as a result of being faithful to God? It certainly is not a natural reaction for any of us; that is truly understood. However, we have the ability, by the strength of the Holy Spirit, who lives within us, to overcome our feelings and overcome the lies of the devils. We can have exceeding joy in the midst of trying times. Let us not forget that Jesus overcame the world and all its circumstances. Therefore, in Him, we too have overcome. We can certainly rejoice in that now, but imagine how much more we will rejoice at His appearance! That alone should put us in the mindset of victory knowing that regardless of what He allows, at the end of this path we walk with Him, there is great heavenly reward for those of us who obediently and faithfully endure.

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).

Self-serving or God Honoring

1 Peter 4:10-11 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

For those of us who are using our gifts, talents, and abilities to serve, why are we serving? What is our purpose? What is our aim? As I ask this question, I think of John the Baptist who was persecuted for preaching a message of truth that was contrary to that of the religious leaders of his day. However, even in the midst of the persecution he continued to faithfully proclaim God's message. Today, proclaiming the Gospel and truths found in God's Word will bring persecution, because God's truth flies in the face of what the world says is right and acceptable. Sadly, many have taken God's truth and twisted it in order to avoid offending the world, and are using it for their own self-serving purposes. Many speak the Word of God for their own popularity and personal gain. They claim to have a heart for people and claim that what they do is ministry for the sake of others, but in actuality they are wolves in sheep's clothing. There are some of us who may not be as blatant as some of those who claim to be ministers of God, but we are using the gifts that God has given us, not for God's glory, but for our own glory. Peter made it clear that when we speak we are to speak God's truth; not man's words or our opinions that are based on our wisdom. When we serve, we ought to serve with a heart to glorify Jesus so that when people look at us they see more of Jesus and less of us. John the Baptist's attitude remained the same, no matter what the occasion. When Jesus came on the scene, John directed the disciple that followed him to follow Jesus instead. Even when he faced persecution, John held on to the attitude that Jesus must increase and he (John) must decrease. Jesus warned that if we seek a pat on the back from men, then that will be the extent of our reward. The bottom line is that we will either be self-serving, or we will choose to do what is right and be servants who are God honoring. Which one are we?

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).

Seat Warmers or Servants

1 Peter 4:10-11 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

What are we doing with the talents and abilities God has given us? When we think of what it means to be good stewards, our thinking goes right to the material things God has blessed us with. However, what we will give account for is not just the material things God has allowed us to have, but the talents and abilities He has given us. Our talents and abilities were not given so we could glorify ourselves. They were given to us for God's glory. We were not given eternal life so that we can be professional seat warmers in church. We were saved and separated unto the Lord so that we can serve Him and serve each other. We all have some talent or ability that can be used to encourage and edify others. Some of us have been given the ability to speak. That means we can preach, teach, or be a person who encourages others using God's Word; not for our own glory and boasting, but the Lord's glory. Some of us have talents and resources God has given us that can be used for encouraging, edifying, helping, and blessing others in the local church. Sadly, many of us would rather use those talents and abilities to make money in the world, serve the world, and gain wealth for ourselves. Instead, we gather, as the church, to be served and fed, but then complain when we feel that OUR needs are not being met. Each of us has the ability to be a blessing, and do something that will glorify the Lord and help others who are going through trying times. In a world that is selfish, self-centered, and concerned with "me, myself, and I", we as the church need to stand apart and be servants; servants of God who are ready to serve one another, every moment of every day. God did not create us to be seat warmers. He created us to serve Him by serving others, and the day is soon coming when we will give account for how we served.

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).

That Is True Love

1 Peter 4:8-9 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.

Outside of the presence of the Lord in our lives, the greatest comfort we have in the midst of troubling times is the love and encouragement of fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Jesus put great emphasis on love; our love for God and our love for one another. It is during times of tribulation that our love should shine brightly. When the world and the devils launch their attacks, that is when we are to put love into action more than ever. That is when we are to strive to have unity, exercise forgiveness, and work toward restoring those who stumble and fall away; especially those who get caught up in the web of lies that are put before our eyes every day. One aspect of loving each other is being hospitable toward one another. It is amazing what God can accomplish, in our midst, when we open up the doors of our homes to welcome a hurting brother or sister in Christ. Our homes can be a refuge, in times of trouble, when we allow Jesus to use us and what He has provided to be a blessing to others. The bottom line is that love can be one of our greatest weapons against the evil that seeks to destroy us. Our love for God can shine brightly in this dark world, when we love each other as God commanded. When troubling times arise, rather than focus on our own suffering, let us look outwardly to the suffering of others, and ask God to help us be a blessing and comfort to someone else. If we cast our cares upon Him, because He cares for us; we can then come alongside others and help them carry their burdens. (1 Peter 5:7; Galatians 6:1-2) That, my dear brothers and sisters, is true love.

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).

Joyfully Anticipating

1 Peter 4:7 But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.

The hope we have in the return of our Lord should give us the strength to endure whatever suffering God allows. When we see what is happening in the world today, rather than throw us into a panic, it should encourage us to live righteously, knowing that Jesus will return soon to take us up to be with Him. There is much that is being put before our eyes to provoke fear and panic. In the midst of that fear we will be tempted to make decisions that do not line up with God's Word, or His plan for our lives. Rather than focus on the news, let us focus on the Word. Rather than make decisions in our own wisdom, based on fearmongering, let us turn to God in serious, fervent prayer, asking for His wisdom. This is not a time to be crippled by fear, or a time to have a "whoa is me" attitude while in the midst of persecution and suffering. Instead, this is a time to have hope, knowing that the time is growing very short for those who are corrupt, who are wicked, and who are persecuting God's people, to be judged and punished. This is a time to bow in prayer, lifting our hands in praise, and keeping our eyes on the Lord; while joyfully anticipating His promised return. When it is all said and done, our hope is not in this world or the things of this world, but in our Living Hope, Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord.

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).

A Message Worth Living and Dying For

1 Peter 4:5-6 They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.

The Gospel message has not changed, and its purpose has not changed. It is the same message that we heard, that may be presented differently by different followers of Jesus, but ultimately accomplishes the same thing. It is the life changing message that brings the dead to life, and we have been made stewards of that message. What are we doing with it? It is a message that brings life, death, change, and even persecution. It is life (life eternal and life to the fullest) for those of us who believe. It is eternal death for those who reject it. It is a change of heavenly worth for us who accept it, and live it. However, it will also bring persecution. Men will judge us, mock us, and even put us to death, but it is the message that enables us to live for God; for when we accept, and truly call upon Jesus, we are indwelt, sealed, and empowered to live for the Lord. I don't know about you, but I'd say that is a message worth living and dying for.

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).

Count It An Honor

1 Peter 4:3-5 For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you. They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

There are many of us who lived a good portion of our lives living for self, and the world. We placed value on things that have no eternal value; things that appealed to the flesh and fed selfish ambitions. We had friends who encouraged the kind of behavior that kept us on a path to eternal destruction. If we truly called upon Jesus, a change should have occurred in our lives that caused our former companions to question our sanity. After all, who would give up all the drinking, partying, and promiscuous behavior, in order to stay home, read their Bible, pray, go to church, tell everyone they can about Jesus, and be faithful to their spouse and family? Who does that? A true believer and follower of Jesus does...that's who. Are we living such a different life now, since coming to know Jesus, that those who know us barely recognize us? Is there such a drastic change in our behavior that those who knew us "back in the day" think we have lost our minds? Do we have friends or family who decide that they want nothing to do with us because we have become one of those "born again crazy people" who believe the fairy tales in the Bible? If so, we are in great company. The fact of the matter is that if we choose to live for Jesus, truly live for Jesus, many of our unsaved friends and family will mock our lives, and will even choose to separate themselves from us. They will criticize our "old fashion" life choices, and criticize us for not wanting any part in our "old life" activities. They will mock and criticize us for refusing to allow our families to walk on the same path we once cherished. The bottom line is that we will lose "friends", and have family members who will turn their backs; if we have truly surrendered our lives to Jesus. We must never be discouraged from living for the Lord or serving Him. When it is all said and done, we will all stand before the Lord, whether saved or unsaved, and give an account for how we lived. Those of us who know Jesus, will be judged in order to determine loss or gain of reward, while the unsaved will give an answer for their refusal to accept Jesus and receive their eternal sentence of condemnation. Instead of shying away, and being discouraged by the persecution, let us count it an honor to be persecuted for the Lord, and proclaim His Name with more fervency than ever.

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).

What Will We Choose?

1 Peter 4:1-2 Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.

Peter continues the thought from the previous chapter. Since therefore we are dead, buried, and resurrected with Christ, and He suffered for us, we are to take on the same mind as Christ. Our willingness to suffer, even if unto death, is a weapon to use against the enemy. The word "arm" Peter used means to equip oneself with weapons. The enemy's desire is that we forsake our relationship with the Lord when we experience persecution and suffering. The devils want us to be convinced that God does not care, and that He is wrong for allowing us to suffer. However, we are called to counter those attacks by taking on the mind of Christ and enduring with joy and peace, knowing that our suffering here on earth is only for a short while. Peter goes on to remind us that because we are alive in Christ, we are dead to sin. Therefore, we are not to choose sin in response to times of suffering. We are to forsake the world, its ways, and the lust thereof. We are to commit our lives to serving Jesus. Romans 6:6 states it best, "Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that we should no longer serve sin." 2 Corinthians 5:15 also tells us, "And that He died for all, that they who live should no longer live unto themselves, but unto Him who died for them, and rose again." Living for Jesus with joy in the midst of persecution and suffering is a choice. When it comes, and it will, what will we choose?

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).

I Surrender to You

1 Peter 3:18-22 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison, who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water. There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him.

In today's verses we see that Peter uses Noah as an example of the ultimate victory we have in Jesus. He endured persecution while building the ark and preaching the judgment that was coming. When the flood came, the world was swallowed up in death, but Noah and his family were saved because God sealed them in the ark. Peter tells us that baptism is an antitype of the flood. In other words, baptism does nothing for us physically. It cannot cleanse us of any physical impurities, but it is symbolic of the cleansing we experience when we accept Jesus as our Savior. Many dismiss baptism because we know that we are saved by faith alone in Christ Jesus. However, baptism is our first step of obedience in our walk with Jesus. It is an outward confession to both God and man. It is symbolic of our death, burial, and resurrection in Christ; death to the flesh and our association with the world, and our separation unto God, to live for Him. If we have truly called upon, and accepted, Jesus as our Savior and Lord, then we should have no issue whatsoever taking the first step of publicly professing that we are surrendering our life to Jesus. Baptism is the message to the world that we have victory over death, in Christ Jesus, and that we belong to Him. More importantly, it is a message to the Lord saying, "Jesus, you are not only my Savior, but also my Lord, and I will surrender my life in obedient service to You until You come back to get me, or take me home to be with You."

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).

Sunday Message: "Eyes Up!"

https://youtu.be/A6b-fHeA9t8
 

Will We Tell Them?

1 Peter 3:18-20 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison, who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water.

What a truly sad and tragic day it will be for those who have rejected Jesus' offer of eternal life. The agony and regret that the rich man must have felt, suffering in Hell, while watching Lazarus in Abraham's bosom, in Paradise. The thought that Lazarus' suffering was so short in comparison to the eternal prison of suffering he found himself in (Luke 16:19ff). In today's verses we read that Jesus spent time preaching to those who perished during the days of Noah, for their unbelief. Imagine the dread and despair, after so many years of suffering, to hear Jesus Himself confirm Noah's message to the masses who rejected and likely mocked Noah for preaching God's message, and building the Ark. How many have put themselves in Hell because they refused to believe in the only begotten Son of God. How many are perishing today because of unbelief? How many of our family and friends have we refused to speak to, and tell about Jesus, because we are too embarrassed about, or afraid of, what they will think or say? What will it take for us to realize the seriousness of the consequences of not sharing Jesus with others? The tragedy of what has been said already is that this is not the end of torment for those who are already in Hell. A day is coming when Hell will give up the dead to be judged at the Great White Throne Judgment. After they stand before God and are judged, then they will be cast into the Lake of Fire to finish out their eternal sentence. The good news is that we still have an opportunity, today, to win someone to Christ, or at the very least give them the opportunity to consider and choose. The question is, "Will we make the effort, or will we just go about living our own life and trying to accomplish our own plans; ignoring God's desire and plan for our day, and life?" There are many who will perish today. Some will go into eternity without hearing someone give them the option to choose Jesus, while others will go into eternity having heard the good news and rejecting God's offer. The truth is that we just do not know which one it is that God puts before us today. However, regardless of which, we need to live out the Gospel and open our mouths in obedience to God's command to preach the Gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15). What will we do today, if we honestly seek out opportunities, and God opens doors? Will we tell them?

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).