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Memorize Scripture: 1 Peter 2:15-17

Hiding God’s Word In Our Hearts

In the previous few verses, Peter expressed the command to be submissive to one another, and especially to the governing authorities. This is an instruction that is difficult to accept in today’s political climate, but we are called to obedience. In this week’s passage, we are given more details about what this looks like.

Read this passage on your own in 1 Peter 2:15-17.

1 Peter 2:15-17

The very first thing Peter does in this passage is explain why it is necessary. In verses 13 and 14, he gave the command to submit to the governing authorities. In verse 15, he tells us why. It is so that we can silence the talk of foolish men by our right and loving actions. In other words, our right living will prove our accusers wrong. But our own motivation in this should be proper. We do not want them to be put to shame because of a vindictive spirit, or out of revenge, bu because we want them to see God through our lives.

This is exactly what Peter wishes when he expresses that wives should be submissive to their husbands, especially if they are non-believers. It is so they “may be won over.” Our submission to the government should be for the same reasons. We want those around us to see how we live our lives for God’s sake, and we want them to respond to his will for their own lives as well.

Peter reiterates what is stated over and over throughout the New Testament. We have freedom in Christ. We can live free from the tyranny of sin in our lives. But Peter expresses a caution here: we are not to use this freedom as an excuse or a cover up for evil. We have been set free from the rule of sin, but we have accepted another Ruler. And that Ruler desires us to be submissive to human authority, unless such authority requires us to break God’s supreme law.

Peter finalizes this section with three brief commands, given under the umbrella of respect.

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Coffee Break – 11.14.2016

Your Monday Dose Of Inspiration

On this day in history: In 1832, the first streetcar went into operation in New York City. The vehicle was horse-drawn and had room for 30 people. In 1851, Herman Melville’s novel Moby Dick was first published in the US. And in 1969, Apollo 12, the second manned mission to the moon, blasted off from Cape Kennedy, FL, with President Richard Nixon in attendance.

Coffee Break

Coffee Bean Storage For Dummies – The biggest mistake most coffee drinkers make is storing their beans wrong. A fresh cup of coffee in my Chemex or Hario V60 needs the freshest beans in order to taste great. Here are a few tips to keep in mind.

Old Fashioned Insults – There are a few on this list that I may have to begin using. If I didn’t, I’d be all hat and no cattle.

Men And Women Have Grown Taller Over The Last Century – Have you ever looked at an exceptionally tall person, and wondered how they go to be so tall? It seems as if such height is seen more and more. One study shows that it is becoming more frequent, and gives some international and inter-ethnic statistics to show where it’s happening the most.

Why Do Old Books Smell So Good? – You know the smell. But do you know why it occurs, and why you like it so much?

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Memorize Scripture: 1 Peter 2:13-14

Hiding God’s Word In Our Hearts

The next section of 1 Peter 2 begins a topic that is not at all popular in today’s political climate. Peter addresses the need to submit, and he begins with submitting to the government.

See it for yourself in 1 Peter 2:13-14.

1 Peter 2:13-14

In our own political climate, we have a hard time with this passage. Many, if not most conservatives in the church, viewed the current, and out-going, president with disdain and almost disgust. Those who are more politically liberal hold the same views and fears for the incoming president-elect. When we hear passages like this one, calling us to submit to the governing authorities, we squirm. Surely that can’t mean what it sounds like, right?

In this next section of Peter’s letter, he addresses what it looks like to live our lives as lights shining in a dark world. He writes of three different areas of our lives, the relationship we should have with the government, the relationship between slaves and masters, and the relationship between husbands and wives. He begins with the biggest institution, the government, and presents it in a very positive way.

Peter is not unaware of the persecutions his readers are facing, often with the intent of getting them to recant their faith in Christ. And he does not state here that we are to follow the evil nature of any human government, when it is contrary to the nature of God’s law. What Peter gives his readers, and us, is an overview perspective, a perspective that shows the whole idea of governing authorities is a good one, and that we should obey those authorities, and respect them.

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Book Review – NKJV Word Study Bible

NKJV Word Study BibleAs a minister, one of the things I spend a lot of time with is the original languages the Bible was written in. In college, I took three years of New Testament Greek, so I know something of the basics of that language. I don’t utilize it as often as I should, and so it has become a little rusty. And, where the Old Testament is concerned, I only took one semester of Hebrew. I know so little of that language.

As a result, as I am studying for lessons or sermons, I find myself frequently using a stash of various resources to help me find the exact definition and usage of a word. This is a critical aspect of my studies, simply because our English language is so far removed from the original languages of the Bible, and meanings and definitions are important to understand. As a simplified illustration, in the English language, we have the word “love.” But in Greek, there are at least three different major terms that we translate as “love,” and even more in the Hebrew language. It’s helpful to know just what the author intended when he wrote.

That is why I love the NKJV Word Study Bible. Although this is not an exhaustive resource with everything you’d need for your studies, it does contain 1700 different key words that can give the reader a much deeper understanding of their meaning and intent.

The text is laid out in an easy to read, two column format. I wish it was printed all in black, but headings and chapter notations are printed in a slate blue color. The word study text boxes are also printed in this color, helping to differentiate them from the main text of Scripture.

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Coffee Break – 11.07.2016

Your Monday Dose Of Inspiration

On this day in history: In 1860, Abraham Lincoln was elected to be the sixteenth president of the United States, while in 1861, Jefferson Davis was elected as the president of the Confederacy. In 1894, William C. Hooker received a patent for the mousetrap. And in 1923, Jacob Schick was granted a patent for the electric shaver.

Coffee Break

Buying A French Press – Many people like to make their coffee using a French Press. I prefer a pourover, such as the Hario V60 or the Chemex. But if you are in the market for a press, make sure you get the best one you can. Here’s a quick guide to picking the right one. I have this one.

What The Oregon Trail Looks Like Today From Above – Did you know that you can still see portions of the Oregon Trail? After almost 200 years, the ruts left by the thousands of wagon trains are still visible, especially from the air. This is simply amazing!

How Do Hummingbirds Fly Without Crashing? – Hummingbirds are amazing creatures, and their ability to make split-second decisions while flying is simply amazing. These little birds are one of God’s most amazing creations!

Fall Leaves Of Colorado – I love the fall. And I love Colorado. I especially love fall in Colorado. Enjoy this footage of some spectacular fall foliage. You’ll need to watch it in full screen mode and turn up the music. It’s worth it.