2005 07 July

Ver. 5. Ye also, as lively stones; rather, "living stones." The word is the same as that used in verse 4. Christians are living stones by virtue of their union with the one Living Stone: "Because I live, ye shall live also." Are built up a spiritual house; rather, be ye built up. God builds him us on the one Foundation. The apostle says," Come to be built up; come that ye may be built up." The parallel passage in Jude 20, "But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith." Jude is apparently thinking of the human side of the work. Peter is thinking of the Divine side in the deepest sense. Christ is the Builder, as well as, the Foundation, as He, himself, said in words doubtless present to Peter's mind, "Upon this rock I will build my Church." That Church is the anti-type of the ancient temple - a building not of material, but spiritual, consisting, not of dead stones, but of sanctified souls, resting on no earthly foundation, but on that Rock which is Christ, 2 Corinthians 6:16). An holy priesthood; or literally, (into an holy priesthood). To offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. The priest must have something to offer (Hebrews 8:3). The sacrifices of the ancient Law had found their fulfillment in the one all-sufficient Sacrifice, offered once for all by the great High Priest upon the altar of the cross. But there is still a sacrifice of the hearts in the Christians. That one Sacrifice is ever present in its atoning virtue and cleansing power; and through that one Sacrifice. This "royal priesthood" vs. 9, in the spiritual temple offers up daily spiritual sacrifices. We offer the sacrifices of prayer and praise (Hebrews 13:15), the sacrifice of self (Rom. 12:1). Kenneth Wuest gives several interesting thoughts regarding this verse. "The believer is a living stone, because his life is in Christ. Further we are a holy priesthood to carry up spiritual sacrifices, not animal sacrifices as the priest did in the Old Testament, but the living sacrifice of ourselves. What a blessing to realize that God is pleased with our offerings and they are acceptable because they are given in the name of the Lord Jesus." In closing Peter refers to Jesus Christ as Divine, He sees Jesus as the Jehovah of the Old Testament. Jehovah means, "The God who saves." The angel announced that they should call his name "Jesus," (Matthew 1:21) Thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. RJS
Condensed and excerpted from Pulpit Commentary, Vol. 22, pp. 69-70

6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. This is a quotation from Isaiah 28:16. The foundation of the church was laid in Jerusalem. It was in Jerusalem that Christ died for sinners; for you and me. It was in Jerusalem that Christ arose from the dead and ascended into heaven to be on the right hand of God. It was in Jerusalem that the Holy Spirit descended on the Day of Pentecost and the church was born. We have a great and wonderful Judaeo-Christian heritage and it all came from that ancient threshing floor purchased by David as recorded in II Samuel 24:18-24.
7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious. There is a deeper meaning in these words and we record it as follows: Peter's thought is that, all the preciousness that is in Christ belongs to us and that He passes it on to us by faith. It's difficult to assimilate this into our human minds, because we fail to comprehend all that Christ has given us, both now and in eternity, but unto them which be disobedient, (disbelieving) the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner. Tradition has it that when Solomon's Temple was being built, and they were ready to lay the corner stone they could not find it. They searched the courtyard, but to no avail. Finally, they went to the quarry and under a large amount of debris they found the stone, carved and ready to be inserted in its proper place. I Kings 6:7 And the house, (Temple) when it was in building, was built of stone made ready before it was brought thither: so that there was neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron heard in the house, while it was in building.

8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. We present two reasons why the Jews rejected the Corner stone, that is Christ. 1) He did not come as a worldly prince to deliver them from the Roman oppression, (John 11:48; Acts1:7). 2) He was a poor man having no appeal to the wealthy, religious Jewish leaders, (John 15:19-23). RJS

July 3
The Glory of the Church on Earth is the
Fellowship of the Brethren
1 Peter 2:9

9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light; "Thou hast made us kings and priests." A good king loves his people and cares for them. Christ is our good King and we are kings ruling with Him. Christ is our High Priest after the order of Melchisedec, King of Salem. We are a family of royal priests before God. "A holy nation;" Christians are a people unto themselves. We live a life that is above the world; we seek a city that is created of God in the heavens. We are pilgrims passing through or sojourning for a time in this world. Rome was a martial nation, Greece a cultured nation, Babylon a commercial nation. The Christian family is people for God's own possession, or for special revelation. "Peculiar," is not odd or weird, but His "very own." God called you out of darkness into his light. God's call by his Spirit, through his Word, through the conscience, through the ministry, through providential events, reaches out to all, but especially to "the called", those who responded to the call. The call is from "darkness," i.e. ignorance, error, misery, sin, helplessness, to "light," truth, joy, purity, activity; from the sepulcher to the garden, from the dungeon to the temple, from the blackness of sin to bright "sonlight."
10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. Who in time past were not a people, but chosen in Christ in these last days to be a witness and channel of blessing to the world. In the Old Testament the Jews were the chosen ones, but they failed to recognize their Messiah and rejected His message. Therefore, God called another people for His name and they are the Christians. This does not mean that God does not have something for the Jews, He does and that is an earthly kingdom and He will establish that in the Millenium. Ours is a heavenly kingdom and we shall rule and reign with Christ for all eternity. In the Old Testament the Prophet was the mouthpiece of God, the Priest was the spiritual leader of the people, the King was the civil leader, these three offices were separated. In the new economy we see prophet, priest and king in one office, Christ. RJS

2:11, Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul. The Jewish believers to whom Peter was writing were not living in Israel, but scattered all throughout the Roman Empire. They were tempted to join the heathen in the religious rituals that included many forms of debauchery and hedonism. We are living in the same type of world today, with the "R" and "X" rated films and pornography available, even on the national television news. What is meant by "fleshly lusts"? The desires and appetites that are gratified through the flesh, as we sometimes say. "The flesh in itself is neither good nor bad; it has no moral qualities." The category of evils here enumerated includes envying, pride, heresies. The "flesh" is used figuratively, and is a symbol of the old lower nature of man.
12 Having your conversation (manner of life) honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. A preacher gets many excuses when visiting a prospective church member or trying to win a lost person to Christ. The most popular one is, "There are church members who are hypocrites and living just like the people of the world." We are to be salt and light and our Lord said salt is of no value if it has lost its flavor, and light does not reach out to others if it is hidden under a bushel. If we were living as we should according to the latter part of verse 12, the people of the world would be seeing Christ in us and desire to attain to our level. The category of evils here enumerated includes envying, pride, and heresies. The "flesh" is used figuratively, and is a symbol of the old and lower nature of man. The phrase points to the disorganized, disordered desires of man, and includes intemperance, gluttony, bad temper, false ambitions, and covetousness. All of these are included and are accursed. "The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, the pride of life." (I John 2:16) We are taught that we are "sojourners;" foreigners, not staying here, but headed toward a higher destination. The influence of these disorderly passions are hostile to our own inward life, and they "Which war against the soul." It behooves the born again believer to be alert at all times that he does not lose his testimony and become a stumbling stone to a lost soul. RJS

July 5
Christian's Relationship to Government and
Spiritual Leaders #1
I Peter 2:13-19

13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; 14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. That means stopping at a stop sign. Just a few weeks ago, the writer was driving and being followed by another Christian in his car from another church. I did not know he was following me. Later I had an opportunity to meet this Christian in a store and the man commented to his wife, in my presence, that I was a careful driver and had used my turn signals, etc. I told him it was because the Lord was riding with me in the car and Lord always obeys the laws of the road.
15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: 16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. It is our responsibility to live every day as if that were the day of the Lord's return for His church. If we believe in the eminent return of the Lord, we will not be doing anything or saying anything that would be displeasing to Him.
17 Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king. Showing a Christian attitude to one that you know is a scoundrel is most difficult, but he is made in the likeness of God in spite of his decadence and depravity. You have a right to disagree with a person as mentioned above, but don't be disagreeable.
18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. To bring this up to modern times, this is a right relationship between employer and employee. You are exchanging your time and labor for your paycheck. Some employers are very difficult and almost impossible to please, but we are responsible to try and please them. The reverse side of the coin is that some employees are lazy and indifferent to their jobs, and they are only on the job for the paycheck. As Christians, we are responsible to give them the best we can in spite of the circumstances. 19 For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. Don't become bitter when falsely accused, just look over it and carry on. You will be the winner! RJS

July 6
Christian's Relationship to Government and
Spiritual Leaders #2
I Peter 2:20-25

20 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. Our perfect example is the Lord who was wrongly accused and buffeted for nothing. His only problem was that he was too perfect. The Jewish leaders could not stand for that, because He caused them to realize that they were not as perfect as they thought they were. Let others see Christ in you.
21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth. Even Pilate could find no fault in Christ, but to appease the Jews and get along with the powers that be in Rome, he compromised his own convictions. Don't be as Pilate was!
23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously. Our Lord knew he was innocent and even though he was to suffer, he committed Himself to the Father. The Father's judgment is both just and righteous. The word "reviled" is to wound a man with an accursed sting. Thus the tender heart of the Lord Jesus was totally wounded by man's depraved human nature.
24 Who his own self bare, our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. Peter quotes (Isaiah 53:5) and reminds us again that what Christ suffered was the awful penalty of sin, in order to free us from the awfulness of hell. "By His stripes we were healed," The cat of nine tails was used to rip open the bare back of our Lord. The leather thongs were imbedded with bits of sharp bone, brass and iron hooks. These actually ripped the flesh wide open and tore out chunks of muscle and tissue.
25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. We close this chapter realizing we have not fully covered it, but we have given you some food for the soul and mind to masticate and mediate on. We have gone astray, but now are gathered by the Good Shepherd into his own personal fold for eternity. RJS

3:1 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives. The marriage relationship has deteriorated ever since World War II. In the last 60 years, young brides don't want the word "obey" in the marriage ceremony. The young men do not understand that the wife is the weaker one, simply because that's the way God made them. With the women's lib movement, women want to be equal with men in all forms of work and have their own bank account. Neither spouse is willing to accept their God given responsibility. God directed in the Scriptures that marriage is honorable and His plan for the family. Living together without the benefit of the marriage vows and refusing to accept the other person as a lifetime partner is against the natural plan of God for a family.
2 While they behold your chaste conversation (manner of life) coupled with fear. Women have stepped over the line in so many ways that today it is not acceptable to be a virgin until marriage. In some places, even restaurants you hear women using language that would make a sailor blush. 3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; 4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. There is nothing wrong with making yourself look presentable. Even an old barn looks better with fresh paint! But your manner of dress should be modest and appropriate for where you are, and what you are doing. There is nothing wrong with slacks or jeans in their proper place. If you're climbing on a ladder or working outside in a strong wind, dress accordingly. 5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: 6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him Lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement. Peter singles out Sarah as an example of the mother of the Jewish people, because Peter is writing to the dispersed Jews and reminding them that they are daughters of Abraham. Christian ladies you are now also daughters of Sarah and Abraham because you are saved by faith. RJS

7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered Yesterday's devotion was directed to the wives; today's is to the husbands. Giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, in most families the woman is smaller in stature and does not have the physical strength of the man. Therefore the man should help her and not place burdens on her that he can do and make life easier for her. An illustration from the television is the Archie Bunker show. Archie has no respect for Edith and thinks that because he brings in the pay check, she should do everything around the house. He is constantly putting pressure on Edith for the meals and housework. He was not the type of the man Peter is talking about here. As being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered. Note the last phrase, and act accordingly. If the husband is not treating his wife with respect and love, he is not only disobeying the Word of God, but his prayers are not reaching above the ceiling of the room in which he is praying; if he is praying!
8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful (good hearted), be courteous (humble-minded). It is amazing how few husbands open the car door for their wives today! Recently, we watched a man who has been married less than three years and he opened the door for his wife. Good hearted and humble minded are not for the wife, as far as most men are concerned. The honeymoon is over a week after the marriage and she is on her own. A good husband continues to court his wife as long as they live; he is a buddy, a friend, and kind, loving person who always thinks of her first.
9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. If you come home from work and it has been a bad day in the shop or office, don't take it out on the spouse or the children. If the wife has had a bad day with the children or someone has bent her ear half the afternoon on the phone, don't take it out on the husband or children. In other words, love and have compassion for the one you love and they will return your love ten fold. RJS

15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear. Notice the positive approach Peter gives us as we witness before our fellow men of the joy that fills our hearts and souls. We are not to be braggarts, but humble and kind as we pass out a tract or present our personal witness. What a joy it would be if the lost were coming to us and asking what is the reason of the hope that is in us?
16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conver-sation in Christ. If you have a clean tongue and mind, it is easy to be an apologist for Christ. Being apologist is not to apologize, but rather to defend your faith and hope of eternal life. If you take the Bible literally i. e., for what it says, then you are an apologist for your faith and trust that "God said what He said, and He meant what He said."
17 For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing. Many of God's people have been persecuted and suffered for their testimony down through the past twenty centuries of Christianity. And it's very possible that we too will suffer in this century for our faith and hope in Christ.
18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit. Our Impeccable, Perfect Saviour had to suffer for our sins, and this thought needs to be meditated upon by all. If we had to suffer in hell for our individual sins, we would only be suffering for ours, but He suffered for the world in his sinless body, soul and spirit. It's impossible for believers to comprehend the physical suffering, the spiritual anguish He went through to make a bridge over the chasm of hell, and make it possible for all humanity to enter into glory. His death was the satisfied and only sacrifice for the sins of the world. We are now forgiven and made new in the likeness of His holiness and will share His glory in eternity. Peter was there and he personally knew, first hand, of the suffering His Master went through for us. Peter was there and saw the kangaroo court and miscarriage of justice the night before the crucifixion. RJS

19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison. There is in the study of Hermeneutics the law of "First Mention" that means the first time we see a word or phrase in the Bible it follows that all the way through the Bible it means the same. The first mention of the sons of God is in Gen. 6:1-5. It came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose. And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh…. There were giants (Hebrew, "nephilim," this word is found 18 times in the Old Testament and every time it is translated giants, it can also mean monstrosities) in the earth in those days. Also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown. We turn to Job 1:6; 2:2 and 38:7 where the words "the sons of God" are found and where it is definitely referring to angelic beings. Satan is included in the first two references and the testing of Job. These giants were the offspring of the sons of God and women. These sons of God had left their first estate, and it was Satan's design to destroy the human race by hybridizing humans with fallen angels and therefore make it impossible for Christ to save sinners. It is this writer's contention that Satan set about on several occasions to destroy humanity and especially the Jews in order to prevent Christ from coming and completing the eternal plan for the salvation of mankind. Two illustrations will help to clear this. Pharaoh ordered the male babies killed and in so doing to destroy the Jews in one generation. Haman plotted to destroy the Jews in the Book of Esther. Esther, the queen entered the presence of her husband, the king, and pleaded for him to spare her people, from annihilation. Haman was hanged on the scaffold he had built for Mordecai and the destruction of the Jews in the kingdom was stayed. God used Esther and Moses to thwart the plan of Satan and the Jews are with us today. We should thank God that these Old Testament saints were faithful and obeyed God. Some do not accept this premise because Christians are called the sons of God in the New Testament. Moses did not know of the New Testament. With those who do not hold this position, we've no argument with them. RJS

July 12
Baptism does not save, Only Christ's Blood will save
and Complete faith in Christ's finished work
I Peter 3:20-21

20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. From Gen. 6:3 we hear God telling Noah that His Spirit will not always strive with men. In other words God had had it with the pre-flood world and it was time to exterminate them. Noah had preached to them 120 years and there were no conversions. Fallen humanity was beyond redemption and God said "Enough is enough."
21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: "Baptism represents a complete break with one's past life. As the Flood wiped away the old sinful world, so baptism pictures one's break from his old sinful life and his entrance into new life in Christ. Peter now applied to his readers the principle he set forth in verses 13-17 and illustrated in verses 18-20. He exhorted them to have the courage to commit them selves to a course of action by taking a public stand for Christ through baptism. The act of public baptism would "save" them from the temptation to sacrifice their good consciences in order to avoid persecution. For a first-century Christian, baptism meant he was following through on his commitment to Christ, regardless of the consequences. Baptism does not save from sin, but from a bad conscience. Baptism is the symbol of what has already occurred in the heart and life of one who has trusted Christ as Savior (cf. Rom. 6:3-5; Gal. 3:27; Col. 2:12). To make the source of salvation perfectly clear Peter added, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ (cf. 1 Peter 1:3)."
The above paragraph in italics is a quotation from The Bible Knowledge Commentary
22 Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him. The Author of Hebrews also tells us of what Peter is writing in verse 22, Hebrews 1:1-3 1God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; 3Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high. It is thrilling how the Bible becomes a commentary upon itself over and over again. RJS

4:1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm your-selves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin. Seeing that Christ suffered and died for us, it is also imperative that we prepare our minds that we too shall suffer for our testimony. It may not be to the death of the physical body, but it is putting to death the past life. We no longer live in our sins as the world does, but live unto Christ and ready to suffer if needs be.
2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. We refer to I John 2:15-17 where we read of the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. As we read in Romans 12:1, 2 we are to separate ourselves from the world and unto God.
3 For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness (sensuality), lusts, excess of wine (drunkenness), revellings (carousals), banquetings (drunken parties), and abominable idolatries. 4 Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil (blaspheming, taking the Lord' name in vain as they curse you for not drinking with them). The world does not understand that as Christians we can have a good time with out getting drunk. This writer was never a drinker. I did on a very few occasions take a single drink, but I did not want it, I did not like the taste. I had relatives and friends who went out Saturday night and spent the night swilling it down, only to wake up Sunday morning with a splitting headache and called it a good time. I woke up Sunday morning with no headache and laughed at them.
5 Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead. 6 For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. Peter seems to be referring to a passage in I Thess. 4:13-18, where Paul explains that the dead in Christ are not going to miss anything, but receive the same blessings as those who are alive at the time of rapture. In these sinful times in which we live, most Christians are looking for the "Uppertaker," not the undertaker. Keep looking up for our redemption draws nigh. It could be while you are reading this today. RJS

7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. Now 2000 years later, we ask what did Peter mean by the end of all things. We refer to II Peter 3:8, But beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years is as one day. If we now think as the Lord thinks, it is only two days (forty-eight hours) since Peter wrote these words. It is only common sense now to understand that truly the end is near. Be alert and aware that because of the nearness of the end we should be looking up and living as though it were our last day here on earth, or live as though we had another hundred years to live and work for Him.
8 And above all things have fervent charity (love) among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. "Agapa" love for the brethren and it is imperative that we love our fellow Christians with a reaching out to them and giving of ourselves that they will know we really love them and are concerned for their welfare. This "agapa" love covers a multitude of sins. So often we are hurt by some cutting words, and if we stop and think the person who said them did not mean to be brusque or hurtful but had something on their mind and spoke in haste. We are adding a poem that was collected many years ago for you edification.

THE TONGUE
"The boneless tongue, so small and weak.
Can crush and kill," declares the Greek.
"The tongue destroys a greater horde,"
The Turk asserts, "than does the sword."
The Persian proverb wisely saith,
"A lengthly tongue an early death,"
Or sometimes takes this form instead,
"Don't let your tongue cut off your head."
"The tongue can speak a word whose speed,"
Say the Chinese, "that out strips the stead."
The Arab sages said in part,
"The tongues great storehouse is in the heart."
From Hebrew has the maxim sprung,
'The feet should slip, ne're let the tongue."
The Sacred writer crowns the whole,
"Who keeps his tongue doth keep his soul."
(Prov. 21:23)

15th

July 15
Using Hospitality One for the Other in LOVE
1 Peter 4:9-11

9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging. The word "hospitality" actually means, "friendly to strangers." Your hospitality is seen in the way you greet strangers when they come to church. In an early church where we served, we soon found out that they were not friendly. So we put a line in the church bulletin every week, "Temple Baptist is a Friendly Church" this soon caught on and the church completely turned around. There was not a stranger that left the church without many people greeting them. Temple Baptist became a friendly church and God added to the church almost every week. The following is from the Amplified New Testament on the above verse: Practice hospitality to one another - that is those of the household of faith. (Be hospitable, that is be a lover of strangers, with brotherly affection for the unknown guests, the foreigners, the poor and all others who come your way who are of Christ's body). And [in each in-stance] do it ungrudgingly-cordially and graciously without complaining, but as representing Christ.
10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. Older people especially say they don't have a gift, and wonder why the Lord leaves them here and they want to go and be with the Lord. We always tell them there is one gift that we all have and that is the gift of prayer. A praying church is a growing church. A good practice is to take the Church Directory and pray for every member in that little booklet every week. Take time to learn the needs of each family and you will be surprised how much you will be blessed and the church will prosper and grow.
11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. Let us speak to others, not as braggarts of who and what we are, but with humility and give God all the glory for who and what we are. We have nothing to brag about because we did nothing to be saved; it was all the work of God. We only admitted that we were sinners and asked God to forgive and save us. Let us always give God the glory and praise Him for his mercy and love. And the "amen" means so be it. RJS

16th

July 16
Beloved Think it not Strange Considering
the Fiery Furnace #1
I Peter 4:12-14

12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you. Be not astonished at the burning among you, which is coming for a trial, as though a strange thing were happening to you. Peter returns to the sufferings of his readers. The address, "beloved," as in 2:11, shows the depth of his sympathy with them. He resumes the thought of 1:7; the persecution is a burning, a fiery furnace, which is being kindled among them for a trial, to try the strength of their faith. Peter tells them persecution was not to be regarded as a strange thing. The Lord had foretold its coming. Paul, in his first visit to Asia Minor, had warned them "we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God." They must learn, to acclimate themselves to it; it would strengthen their faith. 13 But rejoice, inasmuch as you are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, you may be glad also with exceeding joy. Joy in suffering now is the earnest of the great joy of the redeemed at the revelation of that glory which they now see through a glass darkly. Peter is referring to the persecution from Nero that was about to come upon the Roman world. Nero was the epitome of evil and sought to destroy the Christians in the empire. Nero was in leadership from 54-68 A. D. and was as despotic as any ruler both before and after him. Rome burned in 64 and Nero used that as an excuse to persecute the Christians, He murdered his mother, Agrippina in 59 and committed suicide in 68.
14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. Men may revile them, but God glorifieth you. The Spirit of glory, the Spirit which proceeded from the Father who dwells in the glory, in the Shechinah, that Spirit rests upon them, and sheds on them the glory of holy suffering, the glory which hung around the cross of Christ. Two of the most ancient manuscripts, with some others, insert the words "the Spirit of glory, and of power, and of God of the Spirit descending upon them and resting there The Spirit abides upon those who patiently suffer for Christ. RJS
(The light face italics are from the Pulpit Commentary).

17th

July 17
Beloved think it not Strange Considering
the Fiery Furnace #2
I Peter 4:15-16

15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, (The Christians of that day were often spoken of as being evil doers. They were accused of actually killing their babies and drinking the blood of the infant in the communion service). or as a busybody in other men's matters. This clause represents one Greek word, it means an ill-specter, overseer ("bishop" is the modern form of the word), of other men's matters, of things that do not concern him. Peter uses the word (episkopos) only once (1 Peter 2:25), where he describes Christ as the Bishop of our souls. It cannot be taken here in its ecclesiastical sense, "let no man suffer as a bishop in matters which do not concern him; but if as a Christian, let him not be ashamed." The Jews were often accused of med-dling in other men's matters; it may be that the consciousness of spiritual knowledge and high spiritual dignity exposed Christians to the same temptation.
16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. The word "Christian" occurs only three times in the New Testament, twice in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 11:26; 26:28), and here. "The disciples were called Christians first in Antioch." They were originally described amongst themselves as "the disciples," "the brethren," "the believers," "the elect," or "the saints;" by the Jews they were called "the Nazarenes" (Acts 24:5). The name was probably invented by the heathen and used at first as a term of derision. There is something of scorn in Agrippa's use of it in Acts 26:28. It did not at once become common among the disciples of the Lord. Peter is the only sacred writer who adopts it instead of the older names, and in connection with threatened persecution. The name Christians was not commonly used among' believers until after New Testament times. So many times when we witness, our words are turned away as Agrippa did with Paul, by saying "almost you persuade me to become a Christian." Almost but lost! What a sad commentary, but so true of those who do not want to give up their sins. They love their sins more than they love God. To give up their sins would be to forsake their friends, but there will be no friends in hell. RJS
(Light face italics from Pulpit commentary).

18th

July 18
Present and Future Judgments
And how to Escape these Judgments
I Peter 4:17-18

17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? The beginning of judgment is the persecution of Christians as Jesus taught in Matthew 24:8, 9 and following. That judgment is not unto condemnation: "When we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world" (1 Corinthians 11:32). It is the fiery trial, "which is much more precious than of gold that perishes," the refining fire of affliction. And if it first begin in us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the Gospel of God?
18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? Peter is quoting the Septuagint Version of Proverbs 11:31. That version departs considerably from the Hebrew, which is accurately represented by the Authorized Version, "Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth; much more the wicked and the sinner." Probably the word rendered "recompensed," which is neutral in its meaning, is best understood here, not of the good deeds of the righteous, but of the sin which still cleaves to all human righteousness Peter says; judgment must begin at the house of God. He adopts the inexact Septuagint translation for its substantial truth, as we now sometimes use versions which are sufficient for practical purposes, though we know them to be critically inaccurate. This is softened by what Peter says in 2 Peter 1:11…Where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? The "ungodly" are the impious, scoffers, and blasphemers; the "sinners" are men of profligate and dissolute lives. One form of evil leads to the other (cf. Psalm 1:5).
19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator. In the hour of suffering, as well as in times of prosperity, we are in the hands of a merciful and loving Father; because it is according to his will, and his will is our sanctification and salvation. Commit the keeping of your souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator. We come to the end of another chapter and know that we are doubly blessed in America. Persecution here is negligible and we have little to fear. RJS
(Light face italics from Pulpit commentary).

19th

July 19
The Minister's Job is to Feed the Flock
I Peter 5:1-4

5:1 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed. The context shows that the apostle is using the word "elder" (presbu>terov, presbyter) in its official sense, though its original meaning was also in his thoughts, as appears by verse 5. Peter recalls the night before the crucifixion and tells of his witnessing the suffering of the Lord Jesus. In the last phrase of the above verse he also was a partaker of the presence of the risen Christ on several occasions and knows of the glorious body Christ now wears in glory. Those five wounds that declare the suffering on earth are still very visible in His glory. The story is told of a catholic priest visiting a dying man and said, "I have come to forgive you your sins." The man responded, "Sir let me see your hands." The priest was surprised, but showed the dying man his hands. The man said, "There are no nail prints in your hands, you cannot forgive my sins, only Christ can do that."
2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind. It is the shepherd's responsibility to tend, feed, guide, and be a guardian of the flock. It has been said that a well-fed flock will go out and multiply. There is no greater joy to a pastor than to know his flock is out witnessing to the lost and bringing the newborn ones to the church for more food for the souls. If the shepherd fleeces the flock it is to his shame because he will answer to the Lord at the Bema Seat. The man in the pulpit for money only is not only base or dishonorable, but also is a lover of filthy lucre.
3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. If the church leader lords it over the congregation, he is a dictator and fails to be an example as a leader of men. He will also give an account to the Lord for his greediness and failure to the calling of God. The crown of glory will never fade nor wither. It is made of a garland of oak or ivy branches and leaves that would here on earth wither and fade, but in heaven it will be a living garland of that man's faithfulness. RJS

20th

July 20
Christian Humility is a Safeguard against Satan
And a Source of Strength in Suffering
I Peter 5:5b-7

5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: (Note that God tells us to humble ourselves. There is no Scripture where God says He will humble us. To pray for humility is a waste of time and effort, because we are to humble ourselves. Dwight Moody on one occasion went into a hall where 250 men were on their knees praying for God to raise the money to send a Missionary out to a foreign field. Mr. Moody saw 500 soles of the shoes of the men praying and said to these praying men, "Get up from your knees and open your wallets and send the Missionary, because that is your responsibility." There are thousands of souls out on the field that need to be saved). for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Yes, God will resist those who take pride in their Christianity and look down on others who do not seem to be as spiritual as they are. Notice, God will give grace unto the one who humbles him of her self and walks before fellow Christians in the spirit of humility.
6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. When we put forth a false humility before others, we will not be honored in the presence of the Lord. It's very easy to be a proud Christian. When we succumb to pride, God sometimes humbles us by taking away or destroying the things we love most. If our concerns are towards forbidden things and we have anxieties for the mundane we are getting close to being carnal. The Greek word for "care" in the 7th verse is actually "anxiety" in the English. We are to cast all our anxieties on Christ and the whole of our worries will be resolved. Anxiety is a self contradiction of humility. Unbelief is an exalting of self against God and the one who is depending on self is failing to trust God. God is always concerned about us therefore why should we worry; He has everything in control. Exercising faith in every aspect of life is without doubt the most difficult thing for Christians to do. Often we think we can do whatever it is without God, and when we do this we are taking our care out of His hands, and we are saying, "I don't need you to help me with the problem." RJS

21st

July 21
Look Out for the Devil; He is Seeking to Devour You!
I Peter 5:8-11

8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. The "sober" is better translated as "mentally self-controlled," and "vigilant" has the idea of being "awake, alert, and watchful" because of your adversary. We are to never let down our guard because Satan is always on the attack. In our military, the guard on duty has the responsibility of protecting the lives of his fellow service men and women and the greatest breach of military code is to be sleeping on guard. Matt. 24:42-44 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. 43But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. 44Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
Even as we are to be looking for our Lord's return, we are to be alert to the wiles of the Devil as he is always ready to pounce on us and destroy our testimony.
9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. The best answer is to be found in James 4:7-10 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. 9Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. 10Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. Note we are to humble ourselves and God will do the rest.
10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. 11 To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. Technically, we have arrived at the end of this little book, but Peter adds an addendum or benediction expressing his love for his fellow workers, and the church at Babylon salutes these dispersed Jewish believers. 12 By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand. 13 The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son. 14 Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen. RJS

22nd

July 22
Salutation and Provision of all the Christian Virtues
II Peter 1:1-3

1 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. His name, he wrote "Peter" simply in the First Epistle; here he writes "Simon Peter" now. Apparently, he is writing to the same Churches as before. He gives his full name. That name contains the history of his soul: and Simon tells of his admission into the old covenant by circumcision; Peter tells of his admission into the new covenant through faith in Jesus Christ. He had passed through a great spiritual change. So had those to whom he was writing; they had been gathered, one by one, into the fold of Christ, some from heathenism and some from Judaism. His first name identified that he was a Jew, as they were; he bore the name of one of their old patriarchs. It means "hearing." God once heard the prayer of Leah and gave her a second son. God had heard the prayers of Simon (Peter) Barjona and gave him a new name. Peter is one of those twelve foundations on which are the names of the twelve Apostles of the Lamb (Rev. 21:14).
2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord. The knowledge of God is the sphere in which grace and peace are communicated to the soul; they cannot be found outside that sphere. "Full knowledge" is the theme of this Epistle as "hope" is of I Peter. The meaning of knowledge is not merely of intellectual apprehension, but of deep contemplation; the knowledge which implies love, and only love can concentrate continually in close meditation toward its object.
3According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue By life, Peter is referring to the life of the soul and that life is in union with Christ. The word "godliness" is used by Peter four times in the book and is also recorded in Acts 3:12. Paul uses the same word in is his Pastoral books, I Timothy nine times, and II Timothy and Titus one time each. All of God's attributes are used in the perfection of the saints. God is in the process of building within our lives, His likeness for our relationship with Him in eternity. Hallelujah! RJS

23rd

July 23
We are Partakers of His Divine Nature
II Peter 1:4-7

4Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. Some years ago we purchased a little ceramic loaf of bread that was filled with little cards on which were printed Bible verses and were called "Precious Promises" that we would take out and read at the table before we had the blessing. Every time you read one of these little cards you had received another precious promise. We have escaped the corruption of the lusts of the world and are now living above them, that is, we should be. If we are really living for Christ, we are living a very sheltered life and that sheltering is from the Holy Spirit who is working in our hearts and these precious promises are reminding us that we no longer belong to the world, but are living above it.
5And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge. 6And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. This notable passage, grows out of what precedes and into what follows and has a wealth of instruction. True Christian character consists of manifold elements. Here is a chain no link of which may be omitted, a structure no stone in which may be lacking, a body no member of which may be wanting. 1. It is certain that faith is the primary essential of the character. It is the root out of which grows, the foundation on which faith rests. Faith is great, it is life giving. 2. Each of these elements of character demands careful contemplation. "Virtue" is an element of character that will save a man from being a chameleon. "Knowledge," - discernment, intelligence. "Thou shalt love… with thy… mind and heart." "Temperance," - self-restraint; as Jeremy Taylor says, "reason's girdle as well as passion's bridle." "Patience,"- the silver side of the shield whose iron side is temperance, - endurance, meekness, continuance in well-doing. "Godliness," - not the whole of piety, but fellowship with God, walking with God, being the "friend of God." "Brotherly kindness," - the duty of equals to equals - constant kindness. "Charity," - better the great king-word, the dear home word, "love;" the sunshine on the whole landscape of character. The Shechinah glory in these temples of clay is letting Christ shine through you, that is, Christian character. RJS
(the above light face italics is from the Pulpit Commentary) Vol. 22, P. 33.

24th

July 24

Is Your Life Barren or Fruitful?
II Peter 1:8-9

8 For if these things be in you, and abound; The word used here implies possession; these graces must be made ours. They must be wrought in our character. They will increase and multiply, for the grace of God cannot lie still, it must ever he advancing from glory to glory. They make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Literally, they make you not idle nor yet unfruitful towards the full knowledge. Now we know only in part, we see through a glass darkly; but that imperfect knowledge should be ever growing, increasing in fullness. The graces of Christian character, are in the heart, and will lead towards a fuller knowledge of Christ. They will not allow us to be idle, they will bring out the fruit of good works; of faith that draws the Christian into the knowledge of Christ. If you are growing in the Lord, you are slowly developing a Christ-like pattern of thinking. Your thoughts are moving more and more to the spiritual and away from the thinking of the world. Down through the years this writer has wondered how the writers of many books and movies could possibly dream up the weird thoughts and concepts that are put together to create the plot. The Christian mind does not allow us to think along these lines.
9. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off; literally, for he to whom these things are not present is blind, short-sighted. We cannot attain to the knowledge of Christ without these graces, for he who has them not is short-sighted, like one who blinks with his eyes when he tries to see distant objects and cannot bear the full light of day. Such a man can only see the things which lie close around him, earth and earthly things; he cannot lift up his eyes by faith and he cannot "see the King in his beauty" (Isaiah 33:17). The word for "short-sighted" occurs only here in the New Testament. And hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins; literally, having incurred forgetfulness of the cleansing from his old sins. Every Christian needs to read Galatians 5:22, 23 where Paul speaks of the fruit of the Spirit. Do these nine facets of the Spirit reflect in your everyday life? We should see them reflecting from us to others everyday. RJS

25th

July 25

Giving all Diligence to Make our Calling and Election Sure
II Peter 1:10-11

10Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall. Later on, in II Peter we shall see what apostasy is and there seems to be no return when apostasy entangles us with the former manner of life or wickedness. Many of the apostate Jews in the Old Testament were given opportunities to repent, but they did not, and died in their sins. In these days of Christianity there is also a sin unto death, 1 John 5:16-17. The foremost sin unto death is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit; another is to reject Christ and die in your sins; a third is to become apostate and unrepentant. When one rejects Christ as the only sacrifice for sin, there remains no other sacrifice. He will suffer the punishment of willful rejection. Willful apostasy is different from ordinary backsliding. The backslider that returns to the faith and repents is again in good favor, but the apostate continues on in his sin and goes from bad to worse. The apostate is helpless and hopeless before God and man. We have approached the negative side of verse 10, but there is also the positive side. If we seek the Lord He will seek us. God never turns His face from the repentant sinner and always welcomes them back into the fold.
11For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Paul said we look through dark glasses now, and actually we would be blinded if we could look on the glory that is set before us with these natural eyes. The kingdom mentioned here is beyond description and in both the mind and heart we can only think of it in earthly terms. It is beyond our fondest imaginations. Our finite minds cannot understand it now, but it is more glorious than anything in this world. The mansions and palaces of this earth are as beggar's shacks down by the tracks compared to the mansions that God has prepared for us in heaven. John gives us a worm's eye view of the glory of heaven and the New Jerusalem in Revelation, but even that we cannot comprehend. RJS

26th

July 26

Peter's Testimony Concerning Himself
and His Demise
II Peter 1:12-15

Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of those things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth. To paraphrase the above, "In view of the reason I have stated as necessary to enter into eternal life, I will not neglect to remind you of those things that you already know, and are established in them." As a young preacher I was tempted to turn from the normal preaching, as the people had already heard that for so long, it would be old hat. I was thinking I should try to give them something new. But after much prayer, I decided that only by the preaching of the Word would people be saved and edified. Here's a quote from an old country preacher, "I tells them what I'm going to tell them, then I tell them and after that I tell them what I done told them."

13Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance. I think it good while I am in this body to continue stirring up your minds and refreshing your memory. Anything short of that is for the minister to be negligent of his duties.
14Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me. We know that Peter was speaking of his martyrdom as prophesied in John 21:18-22. Peter was referring to the words that the risen Lord gave him before the ascension, as recorded in Acts 1:9-11.

15Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance. Remember that very few people in the first century were able to read. Peter wanted to instill in the minds of those to whom he wrote this Epistle, the great truths of the Gospel, in order that they might not only pass along to the next generation his writings, but by word of mouth. Peter like Paul was much concerned about the persecution of Nero and knew that only a miracle of God would save the lives of Christians in order that the Gospel would be propagated to all following generations, even until the Lord's return. RJS

27th

July 27

No Fables, Only Truth
II Peter 1:16-18

16For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. The above verse is applicable to today as never before. The present social-political attitude in America is that the Bible is antiquated and just a group of fables written in ages past by the Jews. It has nothing to do with today's enlightened man. In New Testament times ancient Grecian fables were part of the culture. Paul speaks of this in Titus 1:14 and he knew also that there would come a time when people would reject the Bible as a series of fables. However, both Apostles give eyewitness of the power and majesty of the Lord Jesus. They had a personal contact with Christ and could not deny the miracles and teaching of the Messiah.

17For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Both Peter and the writer of Hebrews were well aware of the resurrection and glorification of the Son after He finished the work He was sent to do. Peter had seen and heard too much to deny again the presence and power of the Lord as he had done the night before the crucifixion.

18And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. Peter was on the mount of transfiguration and heard the Father's words from heaven, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."

19We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts. Peter was there on several occasions when the Lord appeared to them in bodily form. He knew of the five hundred that had witnessed the Lords' glorified body of Christ. Paul met the Resurrected Jesus on the turnpike to Damascus, and his life was changed immediately. They both desired that we should understand and know Him as they did. RJS

28th

July 28

The Resurrection is one of the Most Attested
Fact to be found in the Bible
II Peter 1:20-21

20Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. Many of the Old Testament writers wrote things they did not understand. They knew they were just a penman and wrote the words given by the Spirit that moved within them. Moses and the Prophets wrote as they were moved by the Holy Spirit; they wrote about things that would come true in their proper order and at the designated time, but they did not understand it when they were writing.

The word rendered "interpretation" which is found nowhere else in the New Testament; the corresponding verb occurs in Mark 4:34, "He expounded all things;" and Acts 19:39, "It shall be determined or settled." These considerations, strengthened by the context, seem to guide us to the following explanation. No prophecy of Scripture arises from the prophet's own interpretation of the vision presented to his mind for it was from God that the prophecy was brought, and men spoke as they were borne on by the Holy Spirit. The prophets searched diligently into the meaning of the revelation vouchsafed to them; they did not always comprehend it in all its details; they could not interpret it to themselves; the written prophecy arose out of the interpretation of the revelation supplied by the same Spirit from whom the revelation itself proceeded. Therefore the prophetic books of Holy Scripture are sacred and precious, and we do well in giving heed to them; though the day-star of the Lord's own presence, shining in the illuminated heart, is holier still. Other views of this difficult passage are: Prophecy is not its own interpreter; the guidance of the Spirit is necessary. Or, prophecy is not a matter for the private interpretation of the readers; only the Holy Spirit can explain it, but the explanation adopted seems most accordant with the Greek words and with the general sense of the context (compare St. Paul's teaching in 1 Corinthians 12:10). RJS

29th

July 29
False Prophets and their Destructive Teachings
II Peter 2:1-3

1But there were false prophets also among the people, (there arose false prophets among the people) even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them (denying the Master who bought them), and bring upon themselves swift destruction. Such contenders would commonly prophesy false things, and they spoke without divine direction. Most all of the ancient heresies propagated false teachings regarding the Lord Jesus Christ. The same is true today; the cults all have one thing in common; their rejection or misconception of who Christ was and what He did. Following is a direct quote from Science and Health with key to the Scriptures, by Mary Baker G. Eddy. The 1900 edition, page 330. "The material blood of Jesus was no more efficacious to cleanse from sin, when it was shed upon the 'accursed tree,' than when it was flowing in his veins, as he went daily about his Father's business." In other words, Christian Scientist's believe that the blood of Christ was shed for nothing. You and I know it bought our freedom from sin, the power of sin and the presence of sin and eternal life, Amen!

2And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. In the twentieth century there were more new cults under new names than in any three preceding centuries. The problem is that they are just old cults rehashed. These have been around since the early church, only the names have changed. False religions have been around ever since Nimrod.

3And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. Every cult is born or renewed under a new name for the founder to make financial gain for himself. Peter says, "make merchandise of you." However in the last part of verse 3 there is a time of judgment coming for the false prophets and it is none other than damnation from God and man. They have a hotter place in hell reserved for them and will not escape the judgment of God. Let us beware of these false teachings. RJS

30th

July 30

Two Illustrations Angels and the Citizens of Sodom
II Peter 1:4-5

4For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment. Your writer believes this is referring to fallen angels impregnating pre-flood women and creating a hybrid race that could not be saved, therefore, God had to destroy them and saved only Noah and his family in the ark. We have other references, including Satan coming to Eve in the form of a serpent. The demoniac of Gadara whose name was Legion and the Sons of God mentioned in Job included Satan. Moses used the words the 'Sons of God" in Gen. 6:4 and the result was giants or monstrosities. If these "sons of god" were sons of Seth, why didn't Moses call them the sons of Seth? Why would they have created giants when they impregnated the daughters of men? Another argument is that these fallen angels are in Tartarus according to I Peter 3:19-20 and incarcerated in chains until their final judgment. An argument against this is the words of Jesus in Mark 12:25. That the angels in (the sphere of) heaven are sexless. That does not say the fallen angels did not have the power to take upon themselves the body of a man as demons did in the New Testament. All the above makes an interesting study, but we can only be sure of our positions. When we get to heaven and we can ask the Lord all about it, if we are still interested when we get there. If all the former things are passed away we will not be concerned about these mundane things and only want to enjoy the fellowship of our Lord.

5And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly. The word "eight" is the word for new beginnings. In the musical scale there are only seven notes and the eighth note is the beginning of another octave. We need to remember that we are the sons and daughters of Adam and Noah. Noah had the old Adamic nature and he and his posterity passed it on to all mankind. All of this said that we must realize that we need to be born again of God and become new creatures in Christ. RJS

31st

July 31
The second great Illustration
II Peter 2:6-8

6 And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomarrha into ashes con-demned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly. The words "turning into ashes," occur only here in the New Testament. These cities were literally wiped from the face of the earth. Here are some interesting thoughts: After the separation of Lot from Abraham, every time Lot moved his flocks to new pastures the move was towards Sodom. After they were forced to leave the city by the angelic messengers that came to deliver them, Lot's wife looked back, her heart was still in that wicked city. Her children that refused to leave had perished and she perished along with them because her heart was still there. Lot's daughters were also morally debauched by the wickedness of Sodom. They committed incest with their father and their sons. Moab and Benammi were the fathers of two peoples who became enemies of Abraham's seed, the Jews. Moab was the father of the Moabites and Benammi was the father of the Ammonites. It is true, the children follow the example of their parents and it behooves every Christian parent to live so that they will guide their children in the ways of the Lord.

Making them an example unto those that after should live ungodly. The example is to be a lasting warning; literally, an example of those that should live ungodly; i.e., an example of their punishment and their terrible end.

7 And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked. There is no record that Lot ever returned to fellowship with Abraham. Lot hated the way the Sodomites were living, but there is no record that he witnessed to them. He even offered his daughters to the citizens of Sodom when they came to his house and sought to take, by force, the angelic messengers that came to deliver him.

8 For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds. It was either Lot's or his wife's choice of moving to Sodom. Lot was disgusted with their lifestyle as we are of that lifestyle today. Pray for all in this disgusting lifestyle to be saved! RJS

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