What The Bible Says
Good Samaritan's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
Peter was a character. “Open mouth and insert foot” is a cliché that comes to mind. God rebuked him from heaven when he said, “Master,... let us make three tabernacles...”. Jesus rebuked him, “Get thee behind me Satan...” and we know the results of his claim, “Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee.” His sword missed by three inches. He did, however, momentarily walk on water.
Christ gave the Apostle Peter a complete makeover before he wrote his epistles. With a mature passion he addresses strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. Converted Jews and converted Gentiles are become strangers and pilgrims in this world. Peter assures these believers that they are elect “through sanctification of the Spirit”, elect “unto obedience”, and elect unto “the sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ.” Gentiles are corporately “elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father.” God specifically said, “I will call them my people which were not my people” (Rom 9:24-25, Hosea 1:10,2:23). Individuals are not elect for salvation or damnation, and Gentiles were not elect to replace Israel; John Calvin was genius, but wrong on both counts.
Peter writes this impassioned charge to all believers to prepare them for victory over suffering. No matter our background, culture, upbringing or color, we are now strangers, begotten unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Americans are more accustomed to leaning on their rights than they are to leaning on their Saviour. In 2021, when we experience 2Tim 3:12, we can live 1Peter 2:20 and have victory over suffering. We have an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven. Don't you wish everyone did? Share Acts 2021 because of John 2021.
An Essay for week #2 Jan 10, 2021
Msg in audio at www.GSBaptistChurch.com/audio/gs210110.m4a
On www.facebook.com/GSBaptistChurch
Copyright © 2021 Good Samaritan Baptist Church, All Public Domain, Freely Copy and Distribute.
A weekly 300 word essay- The Penny Pulpit
Our mailing address is:
Good Samaritan Baptist Church
54 Main St. Box 99
Dresden, NY 14441