Dear Readers,
I want to thank you so much for reading my blog. It is nothing special or deep like some other blogs, But I hope the articles have been edifying and maybe challenging to you!
This has been a diificult summer for me as I have struggled with some health problems. But I do plan on writing more articles soon for those who are interested! God Bless and keep looking to our wonderful Lord- The Lord Jesus Christ!!
(2 Timothy 4:2) Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Monday, May 21, 2012
Urgency of Prayer
(1 Peter 4:7) "But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer."
How important is prayer to you? In our verse Peter emphasizes the great importance of prayer based on the fact that we are living in the "last days." Now Peter does not use the terms "last days" here , but that is what is meant by "the end of all things is at hand." More often than not, when the Bible talks about the last days it is talking about the period of time between the ascension of Christ and His return. At other times the "last days" can refer to the tribulation period.
D. Edmond Heibert explains Peter's time reference as "The consemation of the present course of history..." There is nothing left on the prophetic calandar prohibiting Christ's return to rapture the Saints unto Himself. The time "is at hand." "Is at hand" is one Greek word meaning the time is drawing near, approaching, can happen at any moment. If we truly believe we are living in these days, and we better, than we must realize the urgency and imporatnce of prayer!! We are told in the Bible that life in these "last days" would get more and more difficult. Contray to some teaching, this world is not getting better, but Satan's attacks will grow stronger as he realizes his time is growing short. We will need to draw closer to our wonderful Savior to gain the strength we need to live effectively for Him!!
After this initial statement Peter gives us two imperitives/commands. First, "be ye therefore sober." The Word "sober" means to be of a sound mind or a clear mind, to be reasonable, to be in a right mind. This would be a mind that can think clearly because it is biblically informed. This is a mind free from the contamination of worldly thinking and unbelief. We need to have a solid foundation under us that is Bible centered so that what ever trials, temptations, and difficulties, come our way, we are prepared to handle them.
The second command is "watch unto prayer." The word "watch" means sobriety, to be alert, or to be self-controlled. Since these times will grow more and more difficult, we need to be alert and focused in our prayer life. We must cultivate a strong, vibrant, daily prayer walk. A strong prayer life is a dependent life in Christ. We cannot make it in life unless we are walking closely with our Lord depending on His strength!! (Philippians 4:13) "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
Remember Peter in the Garden with Christ right before the Cross? (Matthew 26:40-41) "And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." Peter struggled with prayer that night and he did fall to temptation and denied his Lord. Yet, this same Peter grew and now challenges us to the urgency of prayer.
Do you realize the urgency and importance of Prayer for yourself? Prayer is a vital ingredient to our survival in these days before Christ's return!
How important is prayer to you? In our verse Peter emphasizes the great importance of prayer based on the fact that we are living in the "last days." Now Peter does not use the terms "last days" here , but that is what is meant by "the end of all things is at hand." More often than not, when the Bible talks about the last days it is talking about the period of time between the ascension of Christ and His return. At other times the "last days" can refer to the tribulation period.
D. Edmond Heibert explains Peter's time reference as "The consemation of the present course of history..." There is nothing left on the prophetic calandar prohibiting Christ's return to rapture the Saints unto Himself. The time "is at hand." "Is at hand" is one Greek word meaning the time is drawing near, approaching, can happen at any moment. If we truly believe we are living in these days, and we better, than we must realize the urgency and imporatnce of prayer!! We are told in the Bible that life in these "last days" would get more and more difficult. Contray to some teaching, this world is not getting better, but Satan's attacks will grow stronger as he realizes his time is growing short. We will need to draw closer to our wonderful Savior to gain the strength we need to live effectively for Him!!
After this initial statement Peter gives us two imperitives/commands. First, "be ye therefore sober." The Word "sober" means to be of a sound mind or a clear mind, to be reasonable, to be in a right mind. This would be a mind that can think clearly because it is biblically informed. This is a mind free from the contamination of worldly thinking and unbelief. We need to have a solid foundation under us that is Bible centered so that what ever trials, temptations, and difficulties, come our way, we are prepared to handle them.
The second command is "watch unto prayer." The word "watch" means sobriety, to be alert, or to be self-controlled. Since these times will grow more and more difficult, we need to be alert and focused in our prayer life. We must cultivate a strong, vibrant, daily prayer walk. A strong prayer life is a dependent life in Christ. We cannot make it in life unless we are walking closely with our Lord depending on His strength!! (Philippians 4:13) "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
Remember Peter in the Garden with Christ right before the Cross? (Matthew 26:40-41) "And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." Peter struggled with prayer that night and he did fall to temptation and denied his Lord. Yet, this same Peter grew and now challenges us to the urgency of prayer.
Do you realize the urgency and importance of Prayer for yourself? Prayer is a vital ingredient to our survival in these days before Christ's return!
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Desiring Answered Prayer
We all desire that God would hear us and answer our prayers, but I wonder if we are in a position for God to answer us. Prayer is hard work! It is one area in every believer's life that could use improving. How important is prayer to you? Do you realize it is a part of our power source. We don't function well when we ignore prayer or spend very little time in it.
I want to share with you several things that will hinder the effectiveness of our prayer life:
1) Unwillingness to obey the Scriptures: (1 John 3:22) "And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight." The Greek present tense emphasizes continual keeping/obedience.
2) Cherishing Sin in Our Lives: (Psalms 66:18) "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:" To regard means to see with pleasure. There may be sins we are enjoying with out even realizing it. We must search our hearts and ask God to bring harbored sin to our attention. (Job 11:13-15) "If thou prepare thine heart, and stretch out thine hands toward him; If iniquity be in thine hand, put it far away, and let not wickedness dwell in thy tabernacles. For then shalt thou lift up thy face without spot; yea, thou shalt be stedfast, and shalt not fear:"
3) A Lack of Faith that God will Work: (Mark 11:24) "Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them." If we doubt God’s power, love, or desire to answer our prayers, why should He answer our prayers? (Hebrews 11:6) "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."
4) Unwillingness to Forgive Others: (Mark 11:25) "And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses."
5) Praying Selfishly and Not Truly Seeking God’s Will: (1 John 5:14) "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:" (James 4:3) Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts/pleasures.
6) Bad Relationship with Your Spouse: (1 Peter 3:7) "Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered."
7) Not Asking/Praying: (James 4:2) "Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not."
I am sure you can find other reasons for ineffective prayers, but this list is an important one that should be mediated on! Do you have God’s attention when you pray? Prayer is vitally important and we need to clear out the obstacles so that we stay connected to our wonderful power source.
I want to share with you several things that will hinder the effectiveness of our prayer life:
1) Unwillingness to obey the Scriptures: (1 John 3:22) "And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight." The Greek present tense emphasizes continual keeping/obedience.
2) Cherishing Sin in Our Lives: (Psalms 66:18) "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:" To regard means to see with pleasure. There may be sins we are enjoying with out even realizing it. We must search our hearts and ask God to bring harbored sin to our attention. (Job 11:13-15) "If thou prepare thine heart, and stretch out thine hands toward him; If iniquity be in thine hand, put it far away, and let not wickedness dwell in thy tabernacles. For then shalt thou lift up thy face without spot; yea, thou shalt be stedfast, and shalt not fear:"
3) A Lack of Faith that God will Work: (Mark 11:24) "Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them." If we doubt God’s power, love, or desire to answer our prayers, why should He answer our prayers? (Hebrews 11:6) "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."
4) Unwillingness to Forgive Others: (Mark 11:25) "And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses."
5) Praying Selfishly and Not Truly Seeking God’s Will: (1 John 5:14) "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:" (James 4:3) Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts/pleasures.
6) Bad Relationship with Your Spouse: (1 Peter 3:7) "Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered."
7) Not Asking/Praying: (James 4:2) "Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not."
I am sure you can find other reasons for ineffective prayers, but this list is an important one that should be mediated on! Do you have God’s attention when you pray? Prayer is vitally important and we need to clear out the obstacles so that we stay connected to our wonderful power source.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Are You A Disciple of Christ?
Discipleship is a very important ministry of the local church. Churches need committed men and women to serve faithfully to keep the church operating effectively for Christ. Jesus sought and found twelve men to follow Him so that He could train them for the gospel ministry (Mt. 4:18-25; Mk. 1:16-20; John 1:35-51). In Matthew 4:18-19 Jesus told Peter and Andrew that He would make them “fishers of men.” Jesus’ whole desire was to shape and mold these men for the gospel ministry. The disciples were committed and left their jobs to follow Christ (I am not saying that today everyone must leave their jobs to be disciples). To be a disciple takes a great commitment. In Luke 9:57-62 three different men sought to follow Jesus half heartedly, but all three had excuses why they could not totally commit themselves to Him and Jesus responded to them by saying: “No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the Kingdom of God.” (Lk. 9:62)
In Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus extends an invitation to all to come unto Him for salvation. Then in vv.29&30 He offers an opportunity for discipleship as people can learn of Him and serve in yoke with Him. It is truly Jesus’ desire that people will accept Him as their savior and follow Him in discipleship. According to Jesus’ words in Luke 9:23-26, discipleship is costly. Jesus expects His disciples to die to their self interests (v.23). If we are going to be a true disciple of Christ, then we must set aside all of our goals, ambitions, desires, and our will and allow Jesus to rule and guide our lives the way He wants too. A true disciple is to take up his cross and follow Jesus. A man on a cross no longer directs his own life, but he is under the will of another, namely the one who put him on the cross. A disciple must be utterly devoted to Christ (Lk.14:33).
Discipleship is extremely important because local churches need dedicated followers of Christ to function properly in God’s plan. Paul frequently was discipling others to be servants and leaders in the church. For example, Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus provide us examples of Paul’s working with them. Paul seen two young men with great potential to be church leaders and invested his time and energy in training them. According to 2 Timothy 2:2 Paul expected Timothy to also disciple other people. Timothy was to share with faithful men what Paul taught him so that they would in return teach others. Consequently, Paul is laying down the principle that discipleship is an ongoing process amongst believers preparing them to do God’s work.
Unfortunately, not all believers will be good disciples. I read somewhere that Dwight Pentecost commented that being a disciple is not all about how much you know or how much you do, but how much are you committed to Christ. Again in 2 Timothy 2:3-7 Paul uses the examples of a soldier (vv.3-4), an athlete (v.5), and the farmer (vv.5-7) to describe a good disciple. All three professions require discipline, dedication, and focus; three characteristics that produce good, obedient disciples for Christ. What kind of disciple are you? Are you discipling anybody?
In Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus extends an invitation to all to come unto Him for salvation. Then in vv.29&30 He offers an opportunity for discipleship as people can learn of Him and serve in yoke with Him. It is truly Jesus’ desire that people will accept Him as their savior and follow Him in discipleship. According to Jesus’ words in Luke 9:23-26, discipleship is costly. Jesus expects His disciples to die to their self interests (v.23). If we are going to be a true disciple of Christ, then we must set aside all of our goals, ambitions, desires, and our will and allow Jesus to rule and guide our lives the way He wants too. A true disciple is to take up his cross and follow Jesus. A man on a cross no longer directs his own life, but he is under the will of another, namely the one who put him on the cross. A disciple must be utterly devoted to Christ (Lk.14:33).
Discipleship is extremely important because local churches need dedicated followers of Christ to function properly in God’s plan. Paul frequently was discipling others to be servants and leaders in the church. For example, Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus provide us examples of Paul’s working with them. Paul seen two young men with great potential to be church leaders and invested his time and energy in training them. According to 2 Timothy 2:2 Paul expected Timothy to also disciple other people. Timothy was to share with faithful men what Paul taught him so that they would in return teach others. Consequently, Paul is laying down the principle that discipleship is an ongoing process amongst believers preparing them to do God’s work.
Unfortunately, not all believers will be good disciples. I read somewhere that Dwight Pentecost commented that being a disciple is not all about how much you know or how much you do, but how much are you committed to Christ. Again in 2 Timothy 2:3-7 Paul uses the examples of a soldier (vv.3-4), an athlete (v.5), and the farmer (vv.5-7) to describe a good disciple. All three professions require discipline, dedication, and focus; three characteristics that produce good, obedient disciples for Christ. What kind of disciple are you? Are you discipling anybody?
Friday, January 27, 2012
Resting In Christ
Are you feeling tired and weary? Difficulties wieghing you down? Are you filled with any anxiety? Well, let me give you the good news that you don't have to be filled with anxiety. Hebrews 4:11 exclaims "Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief."
What rest is Paul talking about? Is it accepting Christ as your Savior? Is it the rest of heaven? There are plenty of oppinions, but I believe that the best understanding of the passage is that Paul is talking about a rest that you can enjoy even now as a believer. Notice that Paul includes himself in entering into this rest.
This rest is a perfect enjoyment of God and all of his blessings and provisions for us now. We can enjoy a rest relationship; A rest free from anxiety because we are walking by faith in the knowledge of God’s love and Sovereignty!
Listen to John Gill;
>>"but the Gospel rest is here meant, that rest which believers now enter into, and is at this present time for them, ( Hebrews 4:3Hebrews 4:10 ) and though true believers are entered into it, yet their rest, peace, and joy in Christ, is not full; they enter by degrees into it, and by believing enjoy more of it: and this is to be laboured for by prayer, hearing the word, and attendance on ordinances; and this requires strength, diligence, and industry; and supposes difficulties and discouragements, through the corruptions of the heart, and the temptations of Satan; and this is designed to quicken and awaken a godly jealousy in God's people, over themselves:"
Are you resting in Christ? You can!! Just take God at His word and cultivate your relationship to Him. There is no reason for any of us to be filled with anxiety! (Philippians 4:6-7) Be careful for nothing (do not worry); but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
What rest is Paul talking about? Is it accepting Christ as your Savior? Is it the rest of heaven? There are plenty of oppinions, but I believe that the best understanding of the passage is that Paul is talking about a rest that you can enjoy even now as a believer. Notice that Paul includes himself in entering into this rest.
This rest is a perfect enjoyment of God and all of his blessings and provisions for us now. We can enjoy a rest relationship; A rest free from anxiety because we are walking by faith in the knowledge of God’s love and Sovereignty!
Listen to John Gill;
>>"but the Gospel rest is here meant, that rest which believers now enter into, and is at this present time for them, ( Hebrews 4:3Hebrews 4:10 ) and though true believers are entered into it, yet their rest, peace, and joy in Christ, is not full; they enter by degrees into it, and by believing enjoy more of it: and this is to be laboured for by prayer, hearing the word, and attendance on ordinances; and this requires strength, diligence, and industry; and supposes difficulties and discouragements, through the corruptions of the heart, and the temptations of Satan; and this is designed to quicken and awaken a godly jealousy in God's people, over themselves:"
Are you resting in Christ? You can!! Just take God at His word and cultivate your relationship to Him. There is no reason for any of us to be filled with anxiety! (Philippians 4:6-7) Be careful for nothing (do not worry); but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
What Is Your Response?
What should be our response to the Christmas message? In Luke 2 the shepherds were visited by an angel from the Lord which proclaimed that their Messiah has finally come. This was truly good news. Other than being overwhelmed by the great visitation from the heavenly host that night, how did the shepherds respond to this great news? Verses 15-20 reveal three important responses that would be good for us to ponder and imitate.
I. Acceptance vv.15-16: Notice that these shepherds accepted the message and were eager to see their Messiah. “Let us now go,” the grammar suggests that they were repeating the statement to each other. The particle “now” expresses urgency; they were excited. Why can’t we be this excited about the Messiah? Notice also in v.15 that they recognized that the message was from the Lord. They accepted the message as true. V.16 says that they “came with haste” and found “the babe lying in a manger.” Notice that the shepherds responded immediately. There was nothing lackadaisical about their actions. If you are reading this post and you have never accepted the Lord Jesus as your personal savior; please do so today. (You can go to our church website and read how to be saved www.faithbaptistkittery.org ) For those reading who are believers there ought to be a vigor and excitement in our hearts over the Lord Jesus!!
II. They Testified of the Messiah v.17-19: The Shepherds spread the word. They couldn’t keep the good news to themselves. They were the 1st evangelists!! V.18 tells us that the people marveled over the news. This kind of wonderful news should cause us to ponder the grace of God. V.19 explains Mary’s response to the news from the shepherds. She just silently took it all in and “pondered them in her heart.” The word “pondered” has the idea of “weighed” meaning to deeply think about all the things she heard from the shepherds and from her own angelic visit. What news! All we can do is marvel over it and share it to needy people who are living in the darkness of sin.
III. They Rejoiced v.20: The shepherds returned to their flocks glorifying and praising God for His grace in sending their Messiah. The word for “praising” may refer to singing of a song- possibly singing a Psalm from the Old Testament. This is only a proper response to such mighty works of God!!
Are we rejoicing over our Salvation? Praising God! Publicly? We of all people ought to be people of Joy!! Let us purpose to be people of joy (New Years resolution), it will greatly glorify God!!
How much do you adore your Savior?? God in His grace, over 2,000 years ago, sent our Savior into the world so that we could be reconciled to Himself.
God intervened in history & sent the Light to dispel the darkness.
The Angels rejoiced! The shepherds rejoiced! Mary & Joseph rejoiced! Zechariah & Elizabeth rejoiced! Simeon & Anna rejoiced! Let us rejoice also for we too enjoy God’s favor. Adore your Savior & Glorify Him this Christmas season!!
I. Acceptance vv.15-16: Notice that these shepherds accepted the message and were eager to see their Messiah. “Let us now go,” the grammar suggests that they were repeating the statement to each other. The particle “now” expresses urgency; they were excited. Why can’t we be this excited about the Messiah? Notice also in v.15 that they recognized that the message was from the Lord. They accepted the message as true. V.16 says that they “came with haste” and found “the babe lying in a manger.” Notice that the shepherds responded immediately. There was nothing lackadaisical about their actions. If you are reading this post and you have never accepted the Lord Jesus as your personal savior; please do so today. (You can go to our church website and read how to be saved www.faithbaptistkittery.org ) For those reading who are believers there ought to be a vigor and excitement in our hearts over the Lord Jesus!!
II. They Testified of the Messiah v.17-19: The Shepherds spread the word. They couldn’t keep the good news to themselves. They were the 1st evangelists!! V.18 tells us that the people marveled over the news. This kind of wonderful news should cause us to ponder the grace of God. V.19 explains Mary’s response to the news from the shepherds. She just silently took it all in and “pondered them in her heart.” The word “pondered” has the idea of “weighed” meaning to deeply think about all the things she heard from the shepherds and from her own angelic visit. What news! All we can do is marvel over it and share it to needy people who are living in the darkness of sin.
III. They Rejoiced v.20: The shepherds returned to their flocks glorifying and praising God for His grace in sending their Messiah. The word for “praising” may refer to singing of a song- possibly singing a Psalm from the Old Testament. This is only a proper response to such mighty works of God!!
Are we rejoicing over our Salvation? Praising God! Publicly? We of all people ought to be people of Joy!! Let us purpose to be people of joy (New Years resolution), it will greatly glorify God!!
How much do you adore your Savior?? God in His grace, over 2,000 years ago, sent our Savior into the world so that we could be reconciled to Himself.
God intervened in history & sent the Light to dispel the darkness.
The Angels rejoiced! The shepherds rejoiced! Mary & Joseph rejoiced! Zechariah & Elizabeth rejoiced! Simeon & Anna rejoiced! Let us rejoice also for we too enjoy God’s favor. Adore your Savior & Glorify Him this Christmas season!!
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Peace & Blessings Multiplied
(2 Peter 1:2) Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,
Do you have peace? Do you have it when the trials surround you? You can! This verse is a part of Peter's opening greeting to a people who know something about trials and persecution. They needed encouragement so Peter writes this prayer wish for them.
Peter's desire is that grace and peace would be multiplied to them. Here grace is God's blessings because they are reconciled to God. Grace pardons and sanctifies. Peace also comes from being reconciled to God and having our sins forgiven. The peace Peter prays for here is a calmness of heart in the midst of trials.
Peter writes that peace and grace can be multiplied to them. the word for multiplied can also mean to abound, to have more than enough. Peters audience needed this grace and peace and it could be theirs. You and I also need it and it can also be ours. How?
Notice Peter says "through knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord." The Word for "knowledge" in Greek is επιγνωσις meaning true, clear, full knowledge, to know exactly, completely. It is a personal, intimate knowledge where one understands more through a relationship, a growing knowledge- getting to know something that changes or effects us. This is different from γνωσις- (knowledge) such as academic knowledge of facts.
We grow in this first word for knowledge by our experience with God and how He works in our life. By learning more about Him and as we watch Him at work through every aspect of our lives, especially through trials & difficulties.
The objects of this knowledge is our God and His self-revelation to us- His Son the Lord Jesus.
Therefore, we must have a strong, vibrant relationship to our Father and to our Lord to enjoy wonderful peace and grace. Experiential knowledge changes us, draws us closer to our God, puts us in a position to experience more of His blessings (to recognize them too), and allows us to greatly enjoy the peace that we can only receive from our God and our relationship to Him.
We can have wonderful peace and have it abundantly! The stronger our relationship to God the more peace we experience, the more blessings we receive, the more joy to fill our hearts no matter what goes on around us. It can all be ours in Christ!! Are you experiencing it? I hope so.
Do you have peace? Do you have it when the trials surround you? You can! This verse is a part of Peter's opening greeting to a people who know something about trials and persecution. They needed encouragement so Peter writes this prayer wish for them.
Peter's desire is that grace and peace would be multiplied to them. Here grace is God's blessings because they are reconciled to God. Grace pardons and sanctifies. Peace also comes from being reconciled to God and having our sins forgiven. The peace Peter prays for here is a calmness of heart in the midst of trials.
Peter writes that peace and grace can be multiplied to them. the word for multiplied can also mean to abound, to have more than enough. Peters audience needed this grace and peace and it could be theirs. You and I also need it and it can also be ours. How?
Notice Peter says "through knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord." The Word for "knowledge" in Greek is επιγνωσις meaning true, clear, full knowledge, to know exactly, completely. It is a personal, intimate knowledge where one understands more through a relationship, a growing knowledge- getting to know something that changes or effects us. This is different from γνωσις- (knowledge) such as academic knowledge of facts.
We grow in this first word for knowledge by our experience with God and how He works in our life. By learning more about Him and as we watch Him at work through every aspect of our lives, especially through trials & difficulties.
The objects of this knowledge is our God and His self-revelation to us- His Son the Lord Jesus.
Therefore, we must have a strong, vibrant relationship to our Father and to our Lord to enjoy wonderful peace and grace. Experiential knowledge changes us, draws us closer to our God, puts us in a position to experience more of His blessings (to recognize them too), and allows us to greatly enjoy the peace that we can only receive from our God and our relationship to Him.
We can have wonderful peace and have it abundantly! The stronger our relationship to God the more peace we experience, the more blessings we receive, the more joy to fill our hearts no matter what goes on around us. It can all be ours in Christ!! Are you experiencing it? I hope so.
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