October 8, 2014

From Gary... race, family trees and God


It has been over twenty years since I did any genealogical investigations of my family.  Frankly, it was quite a surprising effort.  There were a few people who where of note, but mostly just ordinary people, with a few unsavory "bad apples" thrown in for interest.  There were people from native America, Germany, England, and Holland and their intermarriage makes me a person of a "Heinz 57" composition.  But, then again, isn't that true of everyone? Consider Paul's comments from Acts, chapter 17...
Acts 17:24-28 NASB
(24)  "The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands;
(25)  nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all people life and breath and all things;
(26)  and He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation,
(27)  that they would seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us;
(28)  for in Him we live and move and exist, as even some of your own poets have said, 'For we also are His children.'
If you go far enough back, we are all remotely related.  So, why all the fuss over race?  Well, we all look a little different, don't we? We act differently too (just in the U.S., northerners do behave in ways that differ from those in the south). I guess its hard for us to look past the externals and see the hand of God behind everything, but the world is what it is and its up to us to live spiritually!  And speaking of that, read the two verses following the emboldened one above- I get the idea from this that every person should seek God because of who HE IS!!  Remember also, that the world is full of all sorts of people; and some of them will be NUTS! Appreciate them anyway- God put them here!!!!

From Gary... Bible Reading October 8


Bible Reading 
October 8

The World English Bible


Oct. 8
Psalms 145-147

Psa 145:1 I will exalt you, my God, the King. I will praise your name forever and ever.
Psa 145:2 Every day I will praise you. I will extol your name forever and ever.
Psa 145:3 Great is Yahweh, and greatly to be praised! His greatness is unsearchable.
Psa 145:4 One generation will commend your works to another, and will declare your mighty acts.
Psa 145:5 Of the glorious majesty of your honor, of your wondrous works, I will meditate.
Psa 145:6 Men will speak of the might of your awesome acts. I will declare your greatness.
Psa 145:7 They will utter the memory of your great goodness, and will sing of your righteousness.
Psa 145:8 Yahweh is gracious, merciful, slow to anger, and of great loving kindness.
Psa 145:9 Yahweh is good to all. His tender mercies are over all his works.
Psa 145:10 All your works will give thanks to you, Yahweh. Your saints will extol you.
Psa 145:11 They will speak of the glory of your kingdom, and talk about your power;
Psa 145:12 to make known to the sons of men his mighty acts, the glory of the majesty of his kingdom.
Psa 145:13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. Your dominion endures throughout all generations. Yahweh is faithful in all his words, and loving in all his deeds.
Psa 145:14 Yahweh upholds all who fall, and raises up all those who are bowed down.
Psa 145:15 The eyes of all wait for you. You give them their food in due season.
Psa 145:16 You open your hand, and satisfy the desire of every living thing.
Psa 145:17 Yahweh is righteous in all his ways, and gracious in all his works.
Psa 145:18 Yahweh is near to all those who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
Psa 145:19 He will fulfill the desire of those who fear him. He also will hear their cry, and will save them.
Psa 145:20 Yahweh preserves all those who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy.
Psa 145:21 My mouth will speak the praise of Yahweh. Let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever.
Psa 146:1 Praise Yah! Praise Yahweh, my soul.
Psa 146:2 While I live, I will praise Yahweh. I will sing praises to my God as long as I exist.
Psa 146:3 Don't put your trust in princes, each a son of man in whom there is no help.
Psa 146:4 His spirit departs, and he returns to the earth. In that very day, his thoughts perish.
Psa 146:5 Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in Yahweh, his God:
Psa 146:6 who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them; who keeps truth forever;
Psa 146:7 who executes justice for the oppressed; who gives food to the hungry. Yahweh frees the prisoners.
Psa 146:8 Yahweh opens the eyes of the blind. Yahweh raises up those who are bowed down. Yahweh loves the righteous.
Psa 146:9 Yahweh preserves the foreigners. He upholds the fatherless and widow, but the way of the wicked he turns upside down.
Psa 146:10 Yahweh will reign forever; your God, O Zion, to all generations. Praise Yah!
Psa 147:1 Praise Yah, for it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant and fitting to praise him.
Psa 147:2 Yahweh builds up Jerusalem. He gathers together the outcasts of Israel.
Psa 147:3 He heals the broken in heart, and binds up their wounds.
Psa 147:4 He counts the number of the stars. He calls them all by their names.
Psa 147:5 Great is our Lord, and mighty in power. His understanding is infinite.
Psa 147:6 Yahweh upholds the humble. He brings the wicked down to the ground.
Psa 147:7 Sing to Yahweh with thanksgiving. Sing praises on the harp to our God,
Psa 147:8 who covers the sky with clouds, who prepares rain for the earth, who makes grass grow on the mountains.
Psa 147:9 He provides food for the livestock, and for the young ravens when they call.
Psa 147:10 He doesn't delight in the strength of the horse. He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man.
Psa 147:11 Yahweh takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his loving kindness.
Psa 147:12 Praise Yahweh, Jerusalem! Praise your God, Zion!
Psa 147:13 For he has strengthened the bars of your gates. He has blessed your children within you.
Psa 147:14 He makes peace in your borders. He fills you with the finest of the wheat.
Psa 147:15 He sends out his commandment to the earth. His word runs very swiftly.
Psa 147:16 He gives snow like wool, and scatters frost like ashes.
Psa 147:17 He hurls down his hail like pebbles. Who can stand before his cold?
Psa 147:18 He sends out his word, and melts them. He causes his wind to blow, and the waters flow.
Psa 147:19 He shows his word to Jacob; his statutes and his ordinances to Israel.
Psa 147:20 He has not done this for just any nation. They don't know his ordinances. Praise Yah!

 
Oct. 8
Galatians 5

Gal 5:1 Stand firm therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and don't be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.
Gal 5:2 Behold, I, Paul, tell you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will profit you nothing.
Gal 5:3 Yes, I testify again to every man who receives circumcision, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.
Gal 5:4 You are alienated from Christ, you who desire to be justified by the law. You have fallen away from grace.
Gal 5:5 For we, through the Spirit, by faith wait for the hope of righteousness.
Gal 5:6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision amounts to anything, nor uncircumcision, but faith working through love.
Gal 5:7 You were running well! Who interfered with you that you should not obey the truth?
Gal 5:8 This persuasion is not from him who calls you.
Gal 5:9 A little yeast grows through the whole lump.
Gal 5:10 I have confidence toward you in the Lord that you will think no other way. But he who troubles you will bear his judgment, whoever he is.
Gal 5:11 But I, brothers, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? Then the stumbling block of the cross has been removed.
Gal 5:12 I wish that those who disturb you would cut themselves off.
Gal 5:13 For you, brothers, were called for freedom. Only don't use your freedom for gain to the flesh, but through love be servants to one another.
Gal 5:14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, in this: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
Gal 5:15 But if you bite and devour one another, be careful that you don't consume one another.
Gal 5:16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you won't fulfill the lust of the flesh.
Gal 5:17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, that you may not do the things that you desire.
Gal 5:18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
Gal 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are obvious, which are: adultery, sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustfulness,
Gal 5:20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousies, outbursts of anger, rivalries, divisions, heresies,
Gal 5:21 envyings, murders, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these; of which I forewarn you, even as I also forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith,
Gal 5:23 gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Gal 5:24 Those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and lusts.
Gal 5:25 If we live by the Spirit, let's also walk by the Spirit.
Gal 5:26 Let's not become conceited, provoking one another, and envying one another.

From Mark Copeland... The "Elect" Of God (1 Peter 1:2)

                      "THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PETER"

                        The "Elect" Of God (1:2)

INTRODUCTION

1. In our previous study, we noticed that Peter referred to Christians
   as "pilgrims of the Dispersion"
   a. This description implies that Christians are but strangers,
      foreigners, sojourning in a land not their own, and scattered
      about like seed
   b. With their citizenship in heaven, they may be "in" this world, but
      they are not to be "of" this world
   c. Therefore, one of their important duties is to be "separate" - cf.
      1Pe 2:11

2. One might think that since Christians are "scattered strangers" in
   this world, they are to be pitied

3. Not so, for though they are strangers in the world, they are the
   "ELECT" of God - 1Pe 1:2
   a. The word "elect" simply means "chosen" and is thus translated in
      1Pe 2:9-10
   b. There we learn that Christians are "a chosen generation"; i.e.,
      they are truly God's chosen people!

4. In this lesson, we shall consider what it means for Christians to be
   "The ELECT Of God"

[Using the comments of Peter in 1Pe 1:2 as an outline for this study,
we see first that as the ELECT of God...]

I. WE ARE A PART OF GOD'S PREDETERMINED PLAN

   A. PETER SAYS "ELECT ACCORDING TO THE FOREKNOWLEDGE OF GOD"
      1. The word "foreknowledge" comes from "prognosis" {prog'-no-sis}
      2. It means "forethought, pre-arrangement"
      3. I.e., being the "elect" (chosen) of God is in keeping with
         God's plan which He designed beforehand
      4. As B. W. Johnson says in his "People's New Testament"
         commentary:  "Their election and salvation was in accordance
         with God's predetermined purpose to save men through the
         gospel, and hence, according to foreknowledge."

   B. PAUL EXPOUNDS UPON THIS "PRE-ARRANGEMENT" IN EPHESIANS...
      1. God planned it before the world began - Ep 1:4
      2. It anticipated the "chosen" being holy and without blame -
         Ep 1:4
      3. It looked forward to the "elect" being adopted as sons - Ep 1:5
      4. This plan is according to God's good pleasure - Ep 1:5
      5. This plan has a goal that the "elect" walk in good works - Ep 2:10

   C. WAS THIS "ELECTION" INDIVIDUAL OR CORPORATE?
      1. I understand election by God to have been general, not
         particular; corporate, not individual
      2. That it would be "the body of Christ, the church as a whole"...
         a. Which God chose to be the recipients of His divine and
            gracious purposes
         b. And which He planned beforehand (foreknowledge) to carry out
            in Christ Jesus
      3. While in the "corporate" sense this choice is unconditional and
         final, as "individuals" we must be "diligent to make your
         calling and election sure" - 2Pe 1:10
         1) Just as Israel (as a nation) had been chosen by God to
            receive His blessings during the Old Testament period
         2) But individually, the Israelites also had to make "their
            calling and election sure"

[So by being in Christ, we are God's "elect", and involved in a plan
which was in the mind of God before time began and which is still in the
process of being worked out!  The implication of this is that those who
are God's "elect" are very special to God.

As we return to 1Pe 1:2, we learn also that...]

II. WE BECOME GOD'S "ELECT" THROUGH THE SANCTIFYING WORK OF THE SPIRIT

   A. SANCTIFICATION AND THE HOLY SPIRIT...
      1. Sanctification, the process by which we are "set apart" for
         God's purpose, is accomplished by the Holy Spirit
      2. There are several passages that describe the connection between
         the Holy Spirit and our sanctification - Ro 15:16; 1Co 6:11;
         2Th 2:13

   B. HOW THE HOLY SPIRIT ACCOMPLISHES THIS "SANCTIFICATION"...
      1. It is through the Word of God
         a. It was God's will that the Holy Spirit would reveal the Word
            to the apostles - cf. Jn 16:12-13
         b. Through this revealed Word, we are "sanctified" (set apart)
            - cf. Jn 17:17
      2. Therefore, when people obey the Word of God which has been
         revealed by the Holy Spirit, they become "chosen...to
         salvation" through:
         a. "sanctification of the Spirit" (the Divine side of
            conversion, as the Spirit has revealed the Word and convicts
            men of sin through it)
         b. "and belief of the truth" (the human side of conversion, as
            they believe it) - cf. 2Th 2:13-14

[Having been "sanctified" (set apart) by belief in the truth, and as
God's "elect" now a part of His eternal plan, you might expect such
privileges would call for certain responsibilities.

Indeed it does, for as God's "elect"...]

III. WE HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF OBEDIENCE!

   A. GOD'S CHOSEN ARE EXPECTED TO BE OBEDIENT...
      1. We saw earlier in Ep 2:10 that it was part of God's plan
         before time began that the people of God would "walk in good
         works"
      2. This is all part of God's wonderful grace as defined by Paul in
         Tit 2:11-14
      3. We do not earn salvation by such good works (cf. Tit 3:5), but
         nonetheless we are to be diligent in doing them - Tit 3:1,8,14

   B. PETER WILL LATER EXPOUND UPON THE NEED FOR OBEDIENCE...
      1. As obedient children of God, we are to be holy - 1Pe 1:14-16
      2. We are even to submit to civil authorities, that we might
         silence the ignorance of foolish men - 1Pe 2:13-16
      3. Peter implies grave consequences to those "who obey not the
         gospel of God" - 1Pe 4:17

[Peter also tells servants and wives to be obedient, but this should
suffice to impress upon us that the privilege of being God's "elect"
involves the responsibility of being obedient to the will of the Lord.

Finally, being the "elect" of God also means...]

IV. WE HAVE THE BLESSING OF FORGIVENESS!

   A. WE ENJOY THE "SPRINKLING OF THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST"
      1. A clear reference to the blessing of forgiveness of sins made
         possible by the death of Christ
      2. The blessing of forgiveness is one enjoyed...
         a. When we first become Christians upon our baptism into Christ
            - Ac 2:38; 22:16
         b. As we confess sins throughout our daily walk with God -
            1Jn 1:7-9

   B. THIS BLESSING IS ONLY ONE OF SEVERAL MENTIONED IN PETER'S EPISTLE
      1. He later speaks of "an inheritance" - 1Pe 1:4
      2. And the "salvation of souls" - 1Pe 1:9
      3. He describes Jesus as the "Shepherd and Overseer of your souls"
         - 1Pe 2:25
      4. He also refers to the care of God - 1Pe 5:7

CONCLUSION

1. We hope to examine some of these blessings for God's "elect" in
   greater detail in future lessons

2. But what we have seen from 1Pe 1:2 is that while Christians may
   indeed be "pilgrims", strangers living in a world not their own, they
   are not to be pitied!

3. For by the grace of God and their obedience to the gospel of Jesus
   Christ, they are God's "elect", His "chosen ones", and as such they
   are:
   a. Part of God's predetermined plan
   b. Chosen through the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit
   c. Given responsibilities in keeping with the fact they are the
      children of God
   d. Recipients of the richest blessings God has to offer (such as
      forgiveness of sins)

4. Is it surprising, then, that Peter would address such people with:

                 "Grace to you and peace be multiplied"?

5. Certainly those who are God's "elect" receive in multiple measure the
   saving grace of God and the peace which accompanies such unmerited
   favor!

How about you?  Are you one of the "elect" of God?  You are if you have
answered the call of the gospel through the obedience of faith (cf. Mk
16:15-16; Ac 2:38-41)!

If you have not yet rendered obedience to the gospel, then please do so
today, especially in view of the following statements by Peter and Paul:

"For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if
it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey
the gospel of God?" - 1Pe 4:17

"and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is
revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking
vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey
the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.  These shall be punished with
everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory
of His power, when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints
and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony
among you was believed." - 2Th 1:7-10

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

From Mark Copeland... A "Living" Hope (1 Peter 1:3-5)

                      "THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PETER"

                         A "Living" Hope (1:3-5)

INTRODUCTION

1. In our study of Peter's epistle so far, we have noticed...
   a. That as far as the world is concerned, Christians are but
      "pilgrims"
   b. But as far as God is concerned, we are His "elect"

2. As the "elect" (chosen) of God, we are the recipients of many
   blessings that God offers to all who will obey and follow Christ
   a. One of these blessings is described in 1Pe 1:3-5
   b. There we learn that God has caused us to be born again unto "a
      living hope"

3. An understanding of this "living" hope can help Christians who are
   "pilgrims" be more joyful during their sojourn in this life

4. Therefore, in this lesson we shall examine what Peter says about the
   Christian hope that makes it a "living" hope

[Verse 3 begins with Peter praising God, and this leads us to the
first reason our hope is a "living" hope...]

I. BECAUSE GOD IS MERCIFUL!

   A. THE BASIS FOR OUR HOPE LIES NOT IN OUR OWN PERFECTION OR
      RIGHTEOUSNESS...
      1. It is a good thing that it does not, for all are sinners in
         God's sight - cf. Ro 3:23
      2. Even as Christians we find ourselves guilty before God - cf.
         1Jn 1:8,10

   B. THE BASIS FOR OUR HOPE LIES IN THE ABUNDANCE OF GOD'S MERCY...
      1. Mercy bestowed while we were yet sinners - cf. Ro 5:6,8
      2. Mercy bestowed upon the conditions of faith, repentance, and
         baptism - cf. Ac 2:36-38
      3. Mercy bestowed continually upon Christians as they repent of
         and confess their sins - cf. 1Jn 1:9

[Because of God's "abundant mercy", then, we who are sinners can have a
"living" hope!

But according to verse 3 there is another reason to have hope...]

II. BECAUSE JESUS IS ALIVE!

   A. THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS IS CRUCIAL TO OUR HOPE...
      1. If Christ is not risen, then the apostles were liars, and our
         faith is vain! - 1Co 15:14-15
      2. If Christ is not risen, we are still held guilty for our sins,
         no forgiveness has occurred! - 1Co 15:17
      3. If Christ is not risen, those who have died as Christians have
         perished, they are lost! - 1Co 15:18
      4. If Christ has not risen, then we do not have a "living" hope,
         instead we are to be pitied by others! - 1Co 15:19

   B. BUT THROUGH JESUS' RESURRECTION, WE HAVE BEEN "BORN AGAIN" TO A
      LIVING HOPE!
      1. Peter may have reference not to the process of conversion
         (though he does in 1Pe 1:23), but to the renewed hope
         produced by the resurrection of Jesus
         a. E.g., after Jesus' death and prior to His resurrection, the
            disciples were despondent
         b. But after the resurrection of Jesus, His disciples were
            "born again" in regards to their hope
         c. As Guy N. Woods says in his commentary:  "The reference here
            is...to the re-establishment of the faith of the disciples
            by the resurrection of Jesus from the dead."
      2. Surely the fact that Jesus did rise gives us reason for a
         "living" hope
         a. God would not raise a liar, so anything Jesus said about our
            hope is true - e.g., Jn 11:25
         b. Since Jesus rose from the dead, we have a firm hope that we
            too will one day rise from the dead - cf. 1Co 15:20-23

[By the abundant mercy of God, and upon the basis of Jesus' own
resurrection, then, we have been "born again" to a living hope!

But there are two more reasons discussed in verses 4-5 as to why our
hope can be described as "living".  One is...]

III. BECAUSE OF THE NATURE OF OUR INHERITANCE!

   A. THE DEGREE OF HOPE WE HAVE IS DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE INHERITANCE
      WE HAVE...
      1. If our inheritance is a good one, our hope is strong, or
         "living"
      2. If our inheritance is a poor one, then our hope is weak, or
         "dead"

   B. AS DESCRIBED BY PETER, OUR INHERITANCE...
      1. IS INCORRUPTIBLE
         a. The Greek word is aphthartos {af'-thar-tos}, meaning "not
            liable to corruption or decay, imperishable"
         b. Unlike this present heavens and earth in which now live, and
            which will one day be destroyed - 2Pe 3:10-13
      2. IS UNDEFILED
         a. The Greek word is amiantos {am-ee'-an-tos}, meaning "not
            defiled, unsoiled"
         b. It is unlike the earthly Canaan, which could be and was
            defiled by its inhabitants
         c. Our hope pertains to that where the defiled are not allowed
            to enter - cf. Re 21:27
      3. DOES NOT FADE AWAY
         a. The Greek word is amarantos {am-ar'-an-tos}, meaning
            "unfading, perennial"
         b. The word is a variation of "amaranth" which was the name of
            a mythical flower whose bloom was perpetual and whose
            loveliness never faded
         c. Such is our heavenly reward:  it will not rust, fade, or
            wither like so many things do here on earth
      4. IT IS RESERVED IN HEAVEN
         a. The word "reserved" comes from tereo {tay-reh'-o}, meaning
            "to watch, to observe, to guard, protect, to reserve, set
            aside"
         b. Therefore, our inheritance is safely guarded in heaven
            itself!
         c. No one, not even Satan himself, can steal it from you!

[Since this is the nature of our "inheritance" upon which our hope
rests, we can see why our hope is described as a "living" hope.

There is one more reason to call our hope a "living" hope:  not only is
our inheritance safely guarded in heaven, but also...]

IV. BECAUSE WE ARE SAFELY GUARDED!

   A. CHRISTIANS ARE "KEPT" FOR THE SALVATION READY TO BE REVEALED IN
      THE LAST TIME
      1. The word "kept" is from phroureo {froo-reh'-o}, and is a
         military term
      2. It means "to guard, protect by a military guard, either to
         prevent hostile invasion, or to keep the inhabitants of a
         besieged city from flight"
      3. "While our inheritance is being kept guarded in heaven under
         the watchful eye of God, we are being garrisoned about by God's
         protecting care for it." (WUEST)

   B. NOTE THAT BEING "KEPT" INVOLVES TWO THINGS...
      1. First, THE POWER OF GOD!
         a. We have the help of God Himself, who knows how to help those
            in temptation
         b. He knows how to deliver them out of temptation - cf. 2 Pe 2:9
         c. He knows how to enable them to bear with the temptation -
            cf. 1Co 10:13
         d. He supplies the armor necessary to withstand in the evil day
            - cf. Ep 6:10-13
      2. Also, OUR FAITH!
         a. To be safely guarded by God's protective care requires faith
            on our part
         b. The only way we can ever lose our inheritance reserved in
            heaven is to become unfaithful to the Lord! - cf. Re 2:10
         c. While the Bible teaches the security of the "believer"...
            1) It also teaches that a "believer" can become an
               "unbeliever" - cf. He 3:12-13
            2) And it teaches that "unbelievers" have no hope - cf. He 3:14-4:3
         d. As long as we remain "faithful", then, we have the assurance
            of God's protective care to guide us until we receive that
            inheritance reserved in heaven for us!

CONCLUSION

1. In this passage (1Pe 1:3-5), then, are four reasons why the hope
   of the Christian is called a "living" hope:
   a. Because God is merciful!
   b. Because Jesus is alive!
   c. Because of the nature of our inheritance!
   d. Because we are safely guarded!

2. A "living" hope can be a source of great joy in the lives of
   Christians; it certainly was to the original recipients of Peter's
   epistle:

      "In this (the living hope that pertains to the salvation
      ready to be revealed in the last time) you greatly rejoice,
      though now for a little while, if need be, you have been
      grieved by various trials." - 1Pe 1:6

3. Do you have this "living" hope?
   a. You do if you have received God's mercy offered in Christ, and are
      remaining faithful to the Lord
   b. If you have not received this mercy, or have neglected it through
      unfaithfulness, why not come to the Lord according to His
      conditions found in His Holy Word? - cf. Ac 2:38; 1Jn 1:9

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

From Mark Copeland... Joy Inexpressible And Full Of Glory (1 Peter 1:6-9)

                      "THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PETER"

               Joy Inexpressible And Full Of Glory (1:6-9)

INTRODUCTION

1. One of the many blessings available to the "elect" (chosen) of God is
   a very special kind of joy...
   a. For reasons we shall notice in our lesson, Christians are able to
      "greatly rejoice" (lit., "leap for joy") - 1Pe 1:6
   b. They have access to joy that is "inexpressible and full of glory"
      - 1Pe 1:8
   c. A joy so great, so glorious, that it is impossible to truly
      express with words!

2. In this lesson, we shall focus our attention on Peter's remarks in
   1Pe 1:6-9 concerning this "inexpressible joy" that Christians are
   blessed to have

[Notice first that in verse 6 Peter begins by saying "IN THIS you
greatly rejoice..."  He is referring to those things which serve as...]

I. THE BASIS FOR INEXPRESSIBLE JOY

   A. THERE ARE "PAST" GROUNDS FOR REJOICING...
      1. We have been "set apart" by the sanctifying work of the Holy
         Spirit - 1:2
      2. We have been "sprinkled" with the blood of Jesus Christ - 1:2
      3. We have been "born again" to a living hope - 1:3

   B. THERE ARE "PRESENT" GROUNDS FOR REJOICING AS WELL...
      1. We are God's "elect" - 1:2
      2. We are "kept" by the power of God through faith - 1:5

   C. AND THERE ARE "FUTURE" GROUNDS FOR REJOICING...
      1. We have an "inheritance" reserved for us in heaven - 1:4
      2. We look forward to the "salvation" which will be revealed in
         the last time - 1:5, cf. 1:9

[All these blessings (past, present, future) serve as the basis for
inexpressible joy.  Because of them, we can "greatly rejoice!"

Exactly how great is this joy?  In verses 6-7, Peter explains...]

II. THE EXCEEDING GREATNESS OF THIS JOY

   A. IT ENABLES ONE TO REJOICE EVEN IN TRIAL (1:6)
      1. No matter what degree of suffering one may experience, in
         Christ there is joy to match it
         a. As Peter explains in 1Pe 4:12-13
         b. As he and the rest of the apostles exemplified in Ac 5:
            40-41
      2. How can Christians find joy in such trials?
         a. Informed Christians understand the purifying nature of such
            trials - 1Pe 1:7; cf. 2Co 4:17-18
         b. Knowing what trials can produce, it is possible to be joyful
            in trials - cf. Jm 1:2-4,12; Ro 5:1-4

   B. WHAT KIND OF TRIALS?
      1. The word "various" includes all kinds
      2. Primarily, it includes those which come as a result of living
         for Christ - e.g., Mt 5:10-12
      3. But we can also rejoice in the everyday afflictions of life
         a. E.g., sickness, heartbreak, frustration, approaching death
         b. For these things also provide an opportunity to test our
            faith, hope, love, longsuffering and patience

[If one is able to rejoice even in the midst of such trials, surely they
have a joy "inexpressible and full of glory"!

But how can Christians be sure to possess this joy?  For it must be
admitted that all do not, and there are times when even the best of us
do not.

In verse 8, Peter alludes to two things which I suggest are necessary
to...]

III. POSSESSING THIS INEXPRESSIBLE JOY

   A. WE MUST LOVE JESUS...
      1. "whom having not seen you love"
      2. Jesus is the ultimate source for being able to rejoice in all
         things - cf. Php 4:4
         a. He has promised that if we truly love Him, He and His Father
            will be with us - Jn 14:23
         b. If Jesus is with us, we can receive that joy which is
            inexpressible! - Jn 15:11; 16:33
      3. But can we who have never seen Jesus, love Him?  Yes!  - cf.
         1Pe 1:8
      4. How can we come to love Him we have not seen?  Through a
         devotional study of:
         a. The Old Testament, with its prophecies of the Messiah
         b. The Gospels, with their description of His life, teachings,
            compassion, suffering, death, and glorious resurrection
         c. The Acts, with its action-packed portrayal of the Lord
            working together with His church
         d. The Epistles, where we learn of many blessings found in
            Christ, and of His ministry as High Priest interceding in
            our behalf
         e. The Revelation, in which we learn of the glorious victory to
            be won by the Lamb and His followers

   B. WE MUST ALSO BELIEVE IN JESUS...
      1. "Though now you do not see Him, yet believing..."
      2. Through believing in Jesus we can "rejoice with joy
         inexpressible and full of glory"
      3. But such faith is more than a mental assent, or academic
         knowledge of Jesus
      4. It involves the key element of faith itself, which is "trust"
         a. Trusting in His commands to be for our ultimate good
         b. Trusting in His promises to be fulfilled
         c. The kind of trust that prompts us to obey Jesus
            wholeheartedly
         d. This kind of faith comes from the Word of God - Ro 10:17

CONCLUSION

1. When we have this kind of faith in Jesus, and when we truly love Him
   with our whole being...
   a. A blessing we receive is that "joy inexpressible and full of
      glory"!
   b. A blessing that can sustain us till we reach the end (goal) of our
      faith:  salvation! - 1Pe 1:9

2. And that is because this "inexpressible joy"...
   a. Is based upon many other blessings:  past, present, and future
   b. Enables us to joyfully persevere through all kinds of trials in
      this life

3. But again, this blessing is only for those who truly love Jesus and
   believe in Him...
   a. Do you love Jesus?  If you do, you will keep His commandments
      - Jn 14:15,23
   b. Do you believe in Jesus?  If you do, you will do what He says
      - cf. Lk 6:46

Are there commandments of Jesus you have not yet obeyed?  If so, why not
obey them today so that this "inexpressible joy" can be yours as well!

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

From Mark Copeland... Ministering Not To Themselves, But To Us (1 Peter 1:10-12)


                      "THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PETER"

           Ministering Not To Themselves, But To Us (1:10-12)

INTRODUCTION

1. Already in Peter's epistle we have seen several blessings enjoyed by
   the "elect" of God...
   a. E.g., born again to a "living" hope - 1Pe 1:3
   b. E.g., having a joy "inexpressible and full of glory" - 1Pe 1:8

2. As one continues in verses 10-12, he finds that Peter expands upon
   the topic of the "salvation" Christians enjoy as a result of their
   faith (please read)

3. If one takes the time to contemplate upon what is found in this
   passage, he should not fail to be impressed with how privileged we
   are in God's sight
   a. For there we learn that we are the recipients of a gospel that
      was prophesied and has come to us only through the efforts of a
      very distinguished company of individuals!
   b. And in their efforts, they were ministering not to themselves,
      but to us who are now Christians!

[To illustrate just how privileged we are, let's begin identifying
those who have ministered to us...]

I. WE HAVE BEEN SERVED BY "THE PROPHETS"!

   A. WHICH IS THE MAIN THOUGHT OF THIS PASSAGE...
      1. When the prophets prophesied, they were often intrigued by 
         what they revealed - 1Pe 1:10-11
         a. This is because they were inspired or moved by the Holy 
            Spirit, and not by their own will - cf. 2Pe 1:21
         b. Therefore, they often expressed perplexity concerning those
            things they prophesied - e.g., Dan 7:28; 8:26-27
      2. But as pointed out in our text, it was revealed to them that
         they were not serving themselves, but us! - e.g., Dan 12:8-9

   B. CONSIDER THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS POINT...
      1. We who are Christians have been served by such people as:
         a. Moses, Samuel, and David
         b. Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel
      2. These men (and many others) spent their lives, and in many 
         cases even gave their lives, in service to you and me!
      3. Yes, these great "heroes of faith" suffered much in their 
         service to God and to us who are now in Christ - cf. He 11:
         36-38

[Does this not indicate that we must be very special in God's sight?
We who have been ministered unto by the prophets of Almighty God, and
who endured all these things for our sake?

And yet, there is even more...]

II. WE HAVE BEEN SERVED BY "THE HOLY SPIRIT"!

   A. THIS THOUGHT IS ALSO EXPRESSED IN OUR TEXT...
      1. For it was the Holy Spirit who inspired the prophets to 
         proclaim things to come - 1Pe 1:11
         a. It was He who inspired David and Isaiah to foretell the 
            sufferings of Christ - e.g., Ps 22; Isa 53
         b. It was He who likewise moved the prophets to proclaim the 
            glories to follow
            1) E.g., the resurrection of Jesus - Ps 16: 9-11
            2) E.g., His ascension and coronation - Dan 7:13-14
      2. And it was the Holy Spirit who inspired the apostles to reveal
         the gospel - 1Pe 1:12
         a. As Jesus promised He would, in His discourse to His
            apostles - Jn 16:13
         b. As Paul said He did, in writing to the Ephesians - Ep 3:5

   B. AGAIN, CONSIDER THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS TRUTH...
      1. Through His ministry of inspiration and revelation in the
         lives of the prophets and apostles, we have been served by the
         Holy Spirit
      2. Because of His work, we have today the completed revelation of
         God's Word in our hands!
      3. This is in addition to the "sanctifying work" of the Holy 
         Spirit to which Peter referred in 1Pe 1:2

[Do we appreciate the service that the Holy Spirit has rendered for us
throughout the ages?  Is this not an indication of the great value God
must place upon His people?

But there is even another group of distinguished individuals who served
their lives in our behalf...]

III. WE HAVE BEEN SERVED BY "THE APOSTLES"!

   A. THIS WE CAN GLEAN FROM VERSE 12...
      1. "...those who preached the gospel to you"
         a. This is a likely reference to the apostles of Jesus Christ
         b. Who were commissioned to preach the gospel, as recorded in
            Mk 16:15-16
      2. As they carried out this "Great Commission", they considered
         themselves but servants for those to whom they preached
         a. As Paul said, they were but "seed-throwers" and 
            "water-boys" - cf. 1Co 3:5-7
         b. They were serving as servants of Christ - 1Co 3:21-4:1; 
            2Co 4:5

   B. THEREFORE, WE HAVE BEEN SERVED BY MEN...
      1. Such as Peter, James, John, and Paul
      2. Who gave their lives for our sake, to convince the world that
         our faith in their testimony is not unfounded, but that Jesus
         did indeed rise from the dead! - cf. 2Co 11:24-29

[When we take the time to think about those who spent their lives 
ministering to us, we can't help but conclude that Christians hold a 
very high place in God's scheme of redemption as it has unfolded 
throughout the ages!

But before we conclude this lesson, let me point out another noble 
group that has served those who are God's "elect"...]

IV. WE HAVE BEEN SERVED BY "ANGELS"!

   A. VERSE 12 TELLS US THAT ANGELS HAD A KEEN INTEREST...
      1. In things prophesied by the prophets
      2. In things proclaimed by the apostles through the gospel

   B. WHY SUCH A KEEN INTEREST?
      1. They too were involved in the process of foretelling and 
         revealing the salvation in Christ!
         a. E.g., Gabriel's appearances to Daniel - cf. Dan 8, 9
         b. E.g., Gabriel's appearances to Zacharias and Mary - cf. 
            Lk 1:11-19, 26-38
      2. But like the prophets, angels were also in the dark concerning
         the details of coming salvation
      3. And so, the angels were serving not themselves but us! - cf. 
         He 1:13-14

CONCLUSION

1. Our Father in heaven must hold His "elect" (the church) in high 
   regard to have them served by such a distinguished company!

2. To be so privileged should motivate us to praise God for His grace
   and to devote our lives in grateful service to Him and His people

3. But the grace God bestowed toward us reached its peak when addition
   to all these (prophets, the Holy Spirit, apostles, angels) He sent
   His only Son to serve us as well!

   "just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve,
   and to give His life a ransom for many." - Mt 20:28

Shall we not respond with grateful service through faithful obedience
to His Will?

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

From Mark Copeland... Fortifying The Focus Of Our Hope (1 Peter 1:13)

                      "THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PETER"

                Fortifying The Focus Of Our Hope (1:13)

INTRODUCTION

1. Up to this point in his epistle, Peter has summarized some of the
   blessings enjoyed by God's "pilgrims"...
   a. Their election, sanctification, and sprinkling of the blood of
      Jesus - 1Pe 1:2
   b. Their rebirth to a living hope - 1Pe 1:3
   c. Their incorruptible inheritance, reserved in heaven - 1Pe 1:4
   d. Their being kept by the power of God through faith for the 
      salvation to come - 1Pe 1:5
   e. Their great joy, which is inexpressible and full of glory - 1 Pe 1:6-9
   f. The honor of having been served by a distinguished group of 
      individuals - 1Pe 1:10-12

2. Starting with verse 13, we find a series of exhortations...
   a. These exhortations are based upon the wonderful blessings listed
      previously (note the connecting word "therefore")
   b. These exhortations are found throughout much of the rest of the
      epistle

3. The first exhortation relates to the "hope" that we have as 
   Christians - 1Pe 1:13
   a. In which we are charged to "rest your hope fully upon the grace 
      that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ"
   b. Put another way, we are being charged to "fortify the focus of 
      our hope"
   c. What this means, and how we are to accomplish it, will be the 
      focus of this lesson

[Let's start by first noticing...]

I. OUR DUTY TO FORTIFY THE FOCUS OF OUR HOPE

   A. THAT IS THE PRIMARY EXHORTATION IN THIS PASSAGE...
      1. I.e., the words "rest your hope fully upon the grace that is 
         to be brought to you" is the main point of this verse
      2. The other exhortations which precede it are subsidiary
      3. And will be considered later

   B. WHAT IT MEANS TO "REST YOUR HOPE FULLY"
      1. It means to "set your hope perfectly, unchangeably, without 
         doubt and despondency"
      2. As the NASV puts it:  "fix your hope completely on the 
         grace..."
      3. Therefore Peter is exhorting us to make our hope one that is
         complete, strong, and not wavering

   C. THE CULTIVATION OF A STRONG HOPE IS THEREFORE A CHRISTIAN DUTY...
      1. We have a duty to develop and fortify our hope
      2. Just as we need to cultivate patience, self-control, etc., so
         we need to cultivate our hope!
      3. For without a hope that is strong...
         a. Our faith may waver
         b. We are subject to fear, doubt, and depression
      4. Yes, the cultivation (or fortification) of our hope is 
         essential to living joyful and victorious lives as Christians!

[This is the main point of verse 13, an exhortation to fortify our 
hope, to make it stronger.  Just as we are to grow in faith and love, 
so we are to grow in hope!

To do this effectively, it is important to give thought to...]

II. IDENTIFYING THE FOCUS OF OUR HOPE

   A. AS DEFINED IN VERSE 13, OUR HOPE IS...
      1. The "grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of 
         Jesus Christ"
      2. I.e., the unmerited favor that we will receive when Jesus 
         comes again!

   B. AS ALLUDED TO IN THE PRECEDING TWELVE VERSES, OUR HOPE IS...
      1. The "inheritance...reserved in heaven for you" - 1Pe 1:4
      2. The "salvation ready to be revealed in the last time" - 1 Pe 1:5
      3. The "praise, honor, and glory" we shall receive "at the 
         revelation of Jesus Christ" - 1Pe 1:7
      4. The "end of your faith--the salvation of your souls" - 1Pe 1:9

   C. IN VIEW OF ALL THESE VERSES, THE FOCUS OF OUR HOPE IS TO BE...
      1. The coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the wonderful grace 
         He will bring!
      2. The wonderful praise, honor, and glory we shall receive when 
         He comes!
      3. The complete and final salvation of our souls from sin and its
          effects!
      4. The receiving of our wonderful inheritance, the heavenly city,
         which is incorruptible, undefiled, and that does not fade 
         away!

[Such is to be the focus of our hope.  And as stated previously, the 
main charge in this passage to "rest our hope fully upon the grace that
is to be brought to you" (to fortify the focus of your hope).

How we accomplish this is now considered as we examine...]

III. WHAT IS NECESSARY TO FORTIFY THE FOCUS OUR HOPE

   A. "GIRD UP THE LOINS OF YOUR MIND"
      1. "gird up" is an oriental expression...
         a. It refers to the act of gathering up around the waist the
            long, loose robes warn by those in the east
         b. Such "gathering up" was necessary or one's progress in 
            running or some other act of exertion would be impeded
      2. With the use of this metaphor, Peter is saying...
         a. We must put out of the mind all things that would impede 
            the free action of the mind in connection with developing 
            our hope
         b. We must put out of the mind such things like worry, fear, 
            or obsession with material possessions
      3. I.e., remove anything and everything that is not conducive to 
         having a strong hope in the coming of our Lord
         a. Such as carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life - 
            cf. Lk 21:34-35
         b. Such things as these "choke" us and hinder our ability to 
            bear fruit (such as the fruit of a strong hope) - cf. Lk 8:14

   B. "BE SOBER"
      1. The word "sober" means "to be calm and collected in spirit, to
         be temperate, dispassionate, circumspect"
      2. It is that state of mind in which the individual is self-
         controlled, able to see things without the distortion caused
         by worry or fear
      3. I.e., to fortify the focus of our hope requires a CALM and 
         SERIOUS attention to the task at hand - cf. Lk 21:36 ("Watch
         therefore, and pray always...")
      4. We cannot cultivate and fortify a strong hope if we are so 
         "weak-minded" that we allow things to divert us away from our
         true calling!

CONCLUSION

1. And what is our calling?  To sojourn through this life as pilgrims,
   but with a hope that is resting fully upon the grace we will receive
   when Christ comes again!

2. The problem with many Christians today is NOT that they have no 
   hope...
   a. But that their hope is weak and shallow
   b. And that is because they are preoccupied with the affairs of this
      temporary life

3. To remain faithful to the Lord, we need to heed Peter's exhortation
   to fortify the focus of our hope by...
   a. Freeing our minds of those things which would hinder us
   b. Being more serious about the kind of lives our Heavenly Father 
      would have us live - cf. Lk 12:35-40

Our next lesson will elaborate upon how God would have us live; but for
now, are we living for God at all...?

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

From Mark Copeland... Proper Conduct As Obedient Children (1 Peter 1:14-21)

                      "THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PETER"

             Proper Conduct As Obedient Children (1:14-21)

INTRODUCTION

1. In our previous study, we saw from verse 13 that we have the
   responsibility to fortify the focus of our hope and set it fully
   upon the grace that we are to receive when Jesus comes again

2. Another responsibility we have as Christians is to conduct ourselves
   as "obedient children" - 1Pe 1:14

3. While the need to be obedient is often misconstrued by some as
   sounding legalistic, it is stressed in the New Testament nonetheless
   - cf. He 5:9; 2Th 1:8

4. In what way are we to be obedient?  There is much the Bible has to
   say on the subject...
   a. But in this lesson we shall focus our attention to 1Pe 1:14-21
   b. Where we learn that "Proper Conduct As Obedient Children" has
      both negative and positive connotations (i.e., both "thou shalt
      nots" and "thou shalt")

[For example, we learn from verse 14 that as "obedient children"...]

I. WE ARE NOT TO CONFORM TO FORMER LUSTS

   A. UNDERSTANDING WHAT PETER IS SAYING...
      1. The word "conform" ("fashion" in the KJV) means "to conform
         one's self (i.e. one's mind and character) to another's
         pattern"
      2. The "former lusts" refer to the evil desires and behavior in
         which we once engaged, and in which the world continues to
         engage
      3. In essence, then, Peter is saying:
         a. "Don't act like you once did, or like those still in the
            world."
         b. "Do not adopt their sinful habits, mannerisms, dress, and
            speech, which you did before you became Christians."

   B. APPLYING WHAT PETER IS SAYING...
      1. We will not seek to act like those who are not Christians
      2. For Christians are not to be "conformists", but true
         "non-conformists", or "transformists" - cf. Ro 12:1-2
         a. "Conformists" simply imitate others, sometimes claiming to
            do so only outwardly
         b. But "transformists" are those who:
            1) Have undergone a true change on the "inside"
            2) And who manifest the difference on the "outside"
      3. To behave properly as "obedient children", then, we need to be
         sure we are not adopting the sinful habits or mannerisms of
         those in the world
         a. Like accepting the popular fashions of our society which
            appeal to fleshly desires
            1) E.g., short dresses, tight "designer jeans", and other
               immodest apparel
            2) Christians, rather than conforming, are to adorn
               themselves in modest apparel - cf. 1Ti 2:9-10
         b. Like filling our speech with suggestive language or jokes
            - cf. Ep 4:29; 5:3-4
         c. Or delighting in various forms of entertainment which cater
            to fleshly desires - cf. Php 4:8
      4. But too many Christians DO conform to the world and its
         lusts...
         a. Therefore it is not surprising to hear many becoming
            entrapped by the world
         b. As is indicated by the rise of marital unfaithfulness and
            divorce
      5. So Christians need to heed what Peter is saying (as well as
         what was said by John - 1Jn 2:15-17)

[In a more "positive" vein, we learn from verses 15-16 that as
"obedient children"...]

II. WE ARE TO BE HOLY IN ALL OUR CONDUCT

   A. CONCERNING THE WORD "HOLY"...
      1. It is closely related to the words "sanctify" and
         "sanctification"
      2. All of which stress the idea of being "set apart"
      3. To be "holy", then, means that we are "set apart" or dedicated
         to God

   B. WE ARE TO BE "HOLY" FOR AT LEAST TWO REASONS...
      1. The first reason is that given in our text:  "For I (God) am
         holy."
         a. The God who has called us through His gospel is a holy God
         b. He Himself is "set apart" from sin and wickedness
         c. His very nature demands a similar holiness on our part -
            cf. He 12:14
      2. It is also Jesus' desire that we be holy (He died for this
         very purpose!) - cf. Ep 5:25-27

   C. NOTE ALSO THAT WE ARE TO BE HOLY IN "ALL" OUR CONDUCT!
      1. Holiness is not something we put on when convenient, like on
         Sundays
      2. Instead, our daily life, our entire conduct is to be "set
         apart" in service to the Lord - cf. Ro 12:1
      3. For this to be true, every aspect of our life must be in
         harmony with God's demand for holiness!
         a. This means our work, our speech, our dress, our
            recreation...
         b. ...ALL should be in harmony with the principles of God's
            Word
      4. Even the most mundane things, when done in keeping with God's
         Will, become a part of our holy service to God!
      5. Can it be said of our lives, that we are holy in all our
         conduct?
         a. Do we go about our business, our play, with the thought of
            being "set apart" to the Will of God, so that it is evident
            in our business or play?
         b. I am sure that all of us can improve in this area of our
            service as "obedient children"!

[There is one more point that can be made in reference to our conduct
as "obedient children", taken from verses 17-21...]

III. WE MUST CONDUCT OURSELVES IN FEAR

   A. AS PILGRIMS, "FEAR" HAS A PROPER PLACE DURING OUR SOJOURN...
      1. Even as Jesus taught His disciples - Mt 10:28
      2. And as Paul wrote the Philippians - Php 2:12

   B. PETER GIVES TWO REASONS FOR SUCH "FEAR"...
      1. In view of the judgment by our Father - 1Pe 1:17
         a. He will not be partial - "without partiality"
         b. He will be personal - "judges according to each one's work"
         -- No one will receive special favors, no one will escape His
            discerning eye!
      2. In view of the high cost of redemption - 1Pe 1:18-21
         a. We were not redeemed from our sins with silver or gold
         b. But only by the precious blood of Christ!
            1) Who was without blemish and without spot
            2) Who was foreordained to die for our sins before the
               world began
            3) Who came to this earth for our sakes
            4) By whom our faith and hope are in God!
         c. Any Christian who does not conduct himself in a manner
            appreciative of the price paid for his sins, can expect a
            fate worse than death if he does not repent! - cf. He 10:
            26-31

CONCLUSION

1. From verses 14-21, then, we learn that "Proper Conduct As Obedient
   Children" means that...
   a. We are not to conform ourselves to former lusts
   b. We are to be holy in all our conduct
   c. We are to conduct ourselves in fear

2. Paul said much the same thing in writing to the church at Corinth:

   "Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse
      ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit,
         perfecting holiness in the fear of God."  (2Co 7:1)

3. This we cannot do on our own, but by the redeeming grace of God...
   a. We can be forgiven by the precious blood of Christ
   b. We can be strengthened by the power of His Spirit to live the
      sort of lives pleasing to our Heavenly Father

Have you responded to the grace of God in order to receive such
wonderful blessings? - cf. Ac 2:38

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011