SCRIPTURE: 2 Peter 2-3 “Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be?” (2 Peter 3:11) Peter started his letter by reminding us that we have everything we need to succeed for God. He then describes the people who devoted their lives to immorality (ch.2), and the coming judgment (ch.3). God is…
Author: Norm
Put some muscle into it
SCRIPTURE: 2 Peter 1 “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness…” (2 Peter 1:5) Through Jesus, we participate in the divine nature (the Holy Spirit) (v.4). Through the Spirit, we have everything we need to live godly lives (v.3). “For this reason…” grow your faith into lives overflowing with goodness, etc. This is…
Do not be disrespectful!
SCRIPTURE: Acts 22:30-23:5 “For it is written: ‘Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.’” (Acts 23:5) Jesus followers should not be disrespectful, they should speak the truth in love. If Paul was disrespectful for calling the high priest a ‘whitewashed wall’, what about Jesus? “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you…
Kingdom citizenship for all!
SCRIPTURE: Acts 22:22-29 “Is it legal for you to flog a Roman citizen who hasn’t even been found guilty?” (Acts 22:25) Paul is a Roman citizen; I am a Canadian citizen. In this world, citizenship has its perks and pitfalls. Right now I would not want to be a Greek citizen. Paul claims the advantages of being…
Witness to grace
SCRIPTURE: Acts 22:12-21 “You will be his witness to all people of what you have seen and heard.” (Acts 22:15) My experience of Jesus is changing me, and I am not afraid to admit it. In fact, I want others to know that they can experience this life change as well. Knowing Jesus is not making me…
Reading the Bible with Jesus: Psalm 103
You can find more about my weekly Bible readings HERE. This week I am focusing on Psalm 103 (Monday, August 17 – Sunday August 23)
Blinded by the Light!
SCRIPTURE: Acts 21:37-22:11 “I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, ‘Saul! Saul! Why do you persecute me?’” (Acts 22:7) Prior to conversion, Paul was a mean religious guy, zealously harassing others for God! Many religious people are like pre-conversion Paul – mean in the Name of God! With hate protests, suicide bombs…
He reigns forever!
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 145 “Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations.” (Psalm 145:13) God has always been in charge of the Universe, and always will be. When Adam and Eve were made rulers in creation, God did not lose control Himself. When Adam and Eve surrendered control to Satan, God did not…
Through suffering into glory!
SCRIPTURE: 1 Peter 4-5 “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” (1 Peter 5:10) The message of grace in this graceless world is indeed good news. But accepting this good news does not…
To this you were called
SCRIPTURE: 1 Peter 1-3 “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” (1 Peter 3:9) We have not only been saved BY grace, we have been saved FOR grace. To be gracious, to share the blessing of…