Monthly ArchivesJune 2020

1 Pet 3:17–18 3:17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if God wills it, than for doing evil. 18 Because Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, to bring you to God, by being put to death in the flesh but by being made alive in the spirit. One thought:   The early church martyrs rejoiced in that through their suffering they got to be like Christ – what profound faith.     Three questions:   Christ’s suffering has a purpose (to bring us to God), do we also suffer in order that others might come to God?   How glorious is Jesus – that He, the just/righteous would suffer for the unjust/unrighteous? ...

1 Pet 3:15–16 3:15 But set Christ apart as Lord in your hearts and always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks about the hope you possess. 16 Yet do it with courtesy and respect, keeping a good conscience, so that those who slander your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame when they accuse you. One thought:   How often do we look back on a conversation and see that we could have told someone about Jesus – if only we had been ready   Three questions:   What is the gospel?   How do you feel about telling people about what you believe? Why?   How would you answer someone regarding what you ...

1 Pet 3:13–14 3:13 For who is going to harm you if you are devoted to what is good? 14 But in fact, if you happen to suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. But do not be terrified of them or be shaken.   One thought:   Peter reminds us that we may still suffer even if we are doing good in the world.     Three questions:   Can you think of any situations where Christians are being attacked for trying to do good (Christian GP’s & abortion?)   Do you feel blessed in Christ?   Check out this story of Ignatius – one of the early church martyrs. https://www.christianitytoday.com/history/people/martyrs/ignatius-of-antioch.html   Prayer:   Acknowledge God as ...

1 Pet 3:8–12 3:8 Finally, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, affectionate, compassionate, and humble. 9 Do not return evil for evil or insult for insult, but instead bless others because you were called to inherit a blessing. 10 For the one who wants to love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from uttering deceit. 11 And he must turn away from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous and his ears are open to their prayer. But the Lord’s face is against those who do evil. One thought:   We should look different in the world ...

1 Pet 3:8–18 3:8 Finally, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, affectionate, compassionate, and humble. 9 Do not return evil for evil or insult for insult, but instead bless others because you were called to inherit a blessing. 10 For the one who wants to love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from uttering deceit. 11 And he must turn away from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous and his ears are open to their prayer. But the Lord’s face is against those who do evil. 13 For who is going to harm you if you ...

Psalm 8 8:1 For the music director, according to the gittith style; a psalm of David. O Lord, our Lord, how magnificent is your reputation throughout the earth! You reveal your majesty in the heavens above! 2 From the mouths of children and nursing babies you have ordained praise on account of your adversaries, so that you might put an end to the vindictive enemy. 3 When I look up at the heavens, which your fingers made, and see the moon and the stars, which you set in place, 4 Of what importance is the human race, that you should notice them?Of what importance is mankind, that you should pay attention to them? 5 You made them a little less ...

Psalm 7 7:1 A musical composition by David, which he sang to the Lord concerning a Benjaminite named Cush. O Lord my God, in you I have taken shelter. Deliver me from all who chase me! Rescue me! 2 Otherwise they will rip me to shreds like a lion; they will tear me to bits and no one will be able to rescue me. 3 O Lord my God, if I have done what they say, or am guilty of unjust actions, 4 or have wronged my ally, or helped his lawless enemy, 5 may an enemy relentlessly chase me and catch me; may he trample me to death and leave me lying dishonored in the dust. (Selah) 6 Stand ...