1 Peter 3: Make a Defense

Make a Defense

1 Peter 3:14-15 tells us that when someone attacks you for your righteousness (in being with the Lord's will) then be ready to have a defense for your faith when asked why you have hope. This does not say "make sure to argue with people" when they disagree with you. This is defend your faith with your story. Understand who Jesus is to you and who he was historically. Tell people about the work God has done in your life and tell your story. Be a witness. Show and tell them why you have hope in God and in Jesus. Share when asked.

PLEASE SEE THE LOGOS AND LINKS BELOW TO SHARE VIA EMAIL, TWITTER, FACEBOOK, PINTEREST AND GOOGLE PLUS. THANKS!

Mark 1- Fulfilling the Prophecy

Fulfilling the Prophecy 

Mark 1 gives us a condensed version of several chapters in the book of Matthew and other gospels as well. While the Book of Mark is known to not give any credit to a specific author, it is credited to be written by Mark the Evangelist who was a close associate of the Apostle (disciple) Peter. You remember Peter? Peter was one of Jesus' disciples and is the same one that denied he knew Jesus (three time before the rooster crows).

In reading through this chapter a couple of things jumped out to me that I wanted to point out.

First, for some this is silly and not needed to be pointed out, but for others this is their first time seeing and understanding this. The arrival of Jesus and details of his life were written before he was ever born...like YEARS before he was ever born. In verses 2-3 it is pointed out that the prophecy of Jesus is unfolding. The words in Mark are quoted from Isaiah 40 to point out that the prophecy is being fulfilled. This was not some random guy who did cool stuff, but God in the flesh sent to unite us with God by being sacrificed for our sins (even the ones we don't think are a big deal)

In Mark 1:40-45 Jesus shows his heart to a leper and heals him. I saw in the NIV the word used to describe how Jesus saw the leper was indignant- NIV. Indignant means showing anger for perceived unfair treatment. Also, the NLT describes his heart as being full of compassion- NLT. A third version (English Standard Version) is Jesus having pity- ESV on the leper. The point is, how is your heart when you see injustices in the world? The sick? The poor? The wrongfully imprisoned? The homeless? Jesus did not look at the leper and tell him what he did wrong in life that led to leprosy, but he healed him. He saw the need and he met it.

It is time for us to see the needs and meet them. Orphans. Battered women. Children's Hospitals. Homeless. Convalescent homes. Can you pick something to meet a need? Now is the time.

PLEASE SEE THE LOGOS AND LINKS BELOW TO SHARE THIS VIA EMAIL, TWITTER, FACEBOOK, PINTEREST, ETC. THANKS.