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Posted on 01/11/2025 5:34:16 PM PST by Kathy in Alaska
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Living in Two Worlds
We are in the midst of a study of Peter and John’s letters stuck at the end of the New Testament. I am finding that coming up with a consistent logic is very difficult. It all starts at the beginning of 1 Peter (1-2): Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the elect who are sojourners of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied. Then in verse 4 adds: reserved in heaven for you, who by the power of God are guarded through faith unto a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. And then in verse is added: but like as he who called you is holy, be ye yourselves also holy in all manner of living; because it is written, Ye shall be holy; for I am holy. So far, so good. God picked us before the creation of time (foreknowledge) and keeps us holy (sanctified) by sprinkling us with the blood of Jesus whenever will fall into sin – thus preserving us as wholly acceptable to the Father.
Then in John’s first letter (1 John 2: 9-11) it says: He that saith he is in the light and hateth his brother, is in the darkness even until now. He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is no occasion of stumbling in him. But he that hateth his brother is in the darkness, and walketh in the darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because the darkness hath blinded his eyes. Wait! – does this mean my actions can take me outside of the Grace of God? No! This is a warning for those seeking assurance that we are among those selected according to the foreknowledge of God. This is in full agreement with Jesus’ words in the sermon on the mount (Matthew 5: 21-22: “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. This a red flag – we are in danger! (as Jesus says). However, those who are “chosen” will stay in obedience to the Word and He will bring us out of danger.
The problem for us is that believers live in two worlds at the same time: Eternity and bound it time – heaven and earth. There is only one truth, but two experiences. And these two experiences are in total conflict. In Eternity the focus is permanently on God and others with us in heaven, and here we are permanently pulled to focus totally on ourselves. We simply cannot escape it. Later in Chapter 2 (verse 15) it says: Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. So, there it is – a progress report for each of us temporarily locked in time. So how are you doing? I may have to live forever to get this right – but then again, that is exactly the plan – according to the foreknowledge of God.
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Welcome to the Canteen impactplayer, and a Blessed Lord’s Day to you and yours.
Thanks for the addition to today’s Sunday chapel.
Shavua Tov.
Wishing all our Jewish troops, veterans, families, allies, friends, and Canteeners
a peaceful and prosperous week.
First of all, BEAUTIFUL topic, Kathy! Thank you! *SMOOCH*
Heavenly Father,
We ask you to place your hand of protection and peace on the families of those who have sent a loved one to serve in the Armed Forces. In their absence, give the families at home provision for their needs and strength to manage their homes alone. Help them to trust You when they’re tempted to give in to fear, to take their thoughts captive to Your truth and to rest in Your sovereignty and goodness. Comfort them in loneliness and anchor them in Your unchanging love. We ask You to use the adversity of distance for Your good — to strengthen their marriages and to deepen the bonds of family. Help the children of parents who’ve been deployed to feel Your strong love, to know Your comfort, to develop endurance and to learn to trust You.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
(Prayer is from Crosswalk http://www.crosswalk.com)
P.S. Is there any of Johnny’s Mom’s Apple Pie left? ;)
Prayers for our troops, veterans, families, allies, friends, and Canteeners
for a safe and peaceful week ahead.
He Who blessed our forefathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob - may He bless the fighters of the Israel Defense Force, who stand guard over our land and the cities of our G-d from the border of the Lebanon to the desert of Egypt, and from the Great Sea unto the approach of the Aravah, on the land, in the air, and on the sea.
May HASHEM cause the enemies who rise up against us to be struck down before them. May the Holy One, Blessed is He, preserve and rescue our fighting men from every trouble and distress and from every plague and illness, and may He send blessing and success in their every endeavor.
May He lead our enemies under their sway and may He grant them salvation and crown them with victory. And may there be fulfilled for them the verse: For it is Hashem, your G-d, Who goes with you to battle your enemies for you to save you.
G-d bless and keep your children safe, Alouette.
Thank you for the beautiful prayer..such an important prayer.
One last piece.
God Bless our military men and women who have given their all.
Thanks, unique.
YAY! Thanks! :)
Eat slowly and savor....🙂
Keep the Lord’s Day in the Lord’s way.
A blessed First Sunday after the Epiphany a.k.a. The Baptisim of our Lord (Western) / Sunday after Theophany (New Calendar Orthodox)† to all!
†Old Calendar Orthodox celebrated Christmas on January 7 so this is their Sunday after the Nativity.
Good evening, luvie, and a Blessed Lord’s Day to you and yours.
Thank you for the hymns.
Good evening to you, too, Kathy! ((hugs)) You’re welcome.
I hope you have a blessed Sunday, too...and some rest before the work week starts up again.
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