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Hebrews 13:1-25; 1 Peter 1:1-2:3<\/strong><\/span> Hebrews:<\/strong> We wrap up the book of Hebrews today!\u00a0 Hebrews chapter 13 verse 2 has always stood out to me \u2013 \u201cDon\u2019t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!\u201d<\/em>\u00a0 \u00a0Powerful eh?\u00a0 When we show hospitality to strangers, we may be entertaining angels!\u00a0 Something to definitely keep in mind\u2026\u00a0 Below is an engraving from the 16th century by Georg Pencz of Abraham entertaining angels from Genesis:<\/span><\/p>\n Verse 7 I think is a great reminder for each of us to rejoice in and show some appreciation for those that helped bring us to faith and to study the Bible \u2013 \u201cRemember your leaders who first taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and trust the Lord as they do.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0 Is there someone right now that this verse makes you think of?\u00a0 Can you send them a card or a quick email of encouragement to thank them for the impact they have had on your spiritual life?<\/span><\/p>\n Verse 8 is infamous and powerful and please memorize this one: \u201cJesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.\u201d <\/em>This is an easy verse to memorize, no?\u00a0 Say it with me.\u00a0 \u00a0Hebrews 13:8 \u2013 \u201cJesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.\u201d\u00a0 \u00a0Yep, I think you got it.\u00a0 \ud83d\ude42<\/span><\/p>\n First Peter:<\/strong> Today we begin the Apostle Peter\u2019s first epistle!\u00a0 Below is a Russian Orthodox icon of Peter \u2013<\/span><\/p>\n ~ First Peter ~<\/strong> 1 Peter 1:4-6 are powerful verses: \u201cFor God has reserved a priceless inheritance for his children. It is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And God, in his mighty power, will protect you until you receive this salvation, because you are trusting him. It will be revealed on the last day for all to see. So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure many trials for a while.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0 These verses tie in nicely with the Ezekiel 44:28 comments above, no?\u00a0 \ud83d\ude42\u00a0 Are we truly glad about this priceless inheritance?\u00a0 Do we believe there is a priceless inheritance for us in heaven?\u00a0 Do we understand that we may have to endure many trials in this life before receiving this inheritance?\u00a0 Will you endure the many trials that will come your way, knowing that God\u2019s inheritance is awaiting you through His grace and your faith in Christ?<\/span><\/p>\n Verse 8 is a beautiful thought about Jesus and our relationship with him (and ties in nicely with this picture above) \u2013 \u201cYou love him even though you have never seen him.\u201d <\/em>Even though you have never seen Jesus, do you love Him? <\/span><\/p>\n Today in First Peter chapter 1 verse 15 we read: \u201cBut just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: \u201cBe holy, because I am holy.\u201d\u201d<\/em>\u00a0 Do you believe that God is holy?\u00a0 Do you believe that you are called to be holy?\u00a0 Is this a goal in your life \u2013 to be holy?\u00a0 What are some ways you can move forward on this goal of being holy?\u00a0 Have you moved forward in holiness this year?\u00a0 Will you continue to move forward in holiness next year?\u00a0 What are some specific areas of your life that God is calling you to holiness in during this coming year?<\/span><\/p>\n 1 Peter 2 verse 2 is awesome! \u201cYou must crave pure spiritual milk so that you can grow into the fullness of your salvation. Cry out for this nourishment as a baby cries for milk, now that you have had a taste of the Lord\u2019s kindness.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0 Do you crave pure spiritual milk?\u00a0 What is pure spiritual milk?\u00a0 Could it be the Word of God, the Bible?\u00a0 Do you believe the Bible can help you grow into the fullness of your salvation?\u00a0 Do you cry out for this nourishment?\u00a0 Do you drink deeply of this nourishment?\u00a0 Daily?<\/span><\/p>\n Worship Video: <\/strong>Today\u2019s readings in First Peter remind me of the Sanctus Real song \u201cWhatever You\u2019re Doing:\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n
~ Click here to read today\u2019s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~<\/span><\/em>
~ Listen to today\u2019s Scripture with <\/em>The ESV Bible<\/em><\/span> ~<\/p>\n
Author: Peter the apostle
Place: Uncertain, perhaps Rome
Date:\u00a0 A.D. 63 or 64
Content:\u00a0 The apostle Peter wrote this letter near the end of his life to comfort and encourage the Jewish Christians who were living in Asia Minor.\u00a0 He points out that suffering is part of the Christian life and that God has an imperishable reward reserved for those who trust him.\u00a0 In case any were thinking of returning to Judaism to escape from persecution, Peter points out that the church is now the chosen nation and the priesthood of God.\u00a0 Hence any thoughts of returning to Judaism were futile.\u00a0 Peter then presents the example of Christ who suffered and admonished the believers to be prepared for the same experience.
Theme:\u00a0 The theme of First Peter is triumph through suffering.\u00a0 Early Christians lived difficult lives, often paying for their faith with their lives, but this letter shows us that it is worth it, no matter what the price.\u00a0 God knows all that is occurring and in his eternal plan will work everything out for the best.\u00a0 (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers \u201cThe One Year Bible Companion\u201d p. 32)\u00a0 <\/em>A great overview of First Peter and the other \u201cNon-Pauline Epistles\u201d by J. Hampton Keathley is <\/span>at this link<\/span>. Scroll down just below his commentary on Hebrews & James to get to his commentary on First Peter.\u00a0 Below is an oil painting of Peter by the artist El Greco (known as \u201cThe Greek\u201d, but the artist\u2019s real name was Domenikos Theotokopoulos) from the early 17th century \u2013 <\/span><\/p>\n