Jude Bible Sketch

Concerned about stumbling?

 

Presented blameless?

 

What does this mean?

No one is immune from temptation. What is sin? It’s serious. The Only exemption of its consequences of Judgement on the Great Resurrection Day coming, is by the faith for salvation in Christ. God, to keep us from stumbling and to actually call us blameless in the faith, took our sin upon Himself. No one should ignore this huge loving sacrifice for us! Jesus is the reason the Church celebrates

• Christmas, that He came to live with us
  
• Good Friday, that He finished, for us on the cross, taking the punishment sin deserves
  
• Easter, that He victoriously rose from the grave so we may have life with Him
  

Are you connected to Our Father in Heaven, at peace, made holy by Jesus and kept for Him by the faith? In Christ, there’s everyday freedom to prayerfully repent, plus regularly confess along with other sinners whenever worship services are held. Taking absolute cover by the faith, our final destination is eternal life together with Him. Empowered by God’s means of grace, we’re expected to contend for the faith. We’re created to use our brains, keep praying in the Holy Spirit and persevere while we’re waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. By the grace of God we’re cautioned about deceptions and perversions which deny salvation in Christ alone. 

The Creator didn’t make us as robots to be controlled, nor to act like unreasoning animals. To have no remorse over continual rebellion against the authority of God’s Word by intentionally neglecting gifts of the Holy Spirit, is asking for trouble. To focus on ourselves and our dreams, above actively abiding in the mercy of Christ, may lead to chronic wandering further from Truth as far away as long-standing division. It shows up in thoughts, words, and actions being

• worldly
• wild
• gloomy
• dark
• harsh
• grumbler
• loud-mouth boaster
• malcontent
• scoffer
  

Lord, have mercy. Life is a struggle, yet in Christ there’s certain hope. 

The evil happening right now isn’t new. Blaspheming what isn’t understood and instinctive corruptions such as antinomianism or Gnosticism are still thriving today. 

To foolishly choose to purposely walk away from the most holy saving faith is a choice which seemingly has no consequence now, yet will actually result in irreversible eternal doom.

Jude

Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. Jude 24-25

Come, Lord Jesus be our guest.

Mercy, peace and love to us be blessed in Baptism and Communion. Oh, give thanks unto the Lord for He is good. Our Creator who provides life-giving Faith/Grace/Scripture/Truth calls us to respond to Him and encourages us to stand together. Everyone’s welcome to learn about the Word in the church established to have a role in the healing God does for us. Participating receives opportunity to repent, be forgiven, gain understanding of Truth by asking Bible study questions. Growth that happens during sharing in caring discussions is so beneficial. Above and beyond the very real sorrows and struggles, Spirit-opened minds rest in God’s help and promise. Empowered to fight against temptation, the faith discovers how to step-up standards. Whoever is trusting they’re kept in the love of Christ’s excellencies—whenever they pray with a contrite heart—are repeatedly forgiven, protected, pulled out of darkness and cleansed of the cruddy stuff that happens to them. Church prepares us for the week ahead through encouragment to keep up daily prayer. Singing, reading or listening to Scripture and materials which support the faith, help us live by grace. Joy is ours through Jesus. Being comforted and equipped by the Spirit, we’re free to diligently call sin a sin, strive to flee evil so to turn to the cross of our Savior. Carefully, we pray to build each other up in mercy.

Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart

Listen and sing

Lord, Thee I love with all my heart;
 I pray Thee, ne’er from me depart,
 With tender mercy cheer me.
 Earth has no pleasure I would share,
 Yea, heav’n itself were void and bare 
If Thou, Lord, wert not near me.
 And should my heart for sorrow break,
 My trust in Thee can nothing shake.
 Thou art the portion I have sought;
 Thy precious blood my soul has bought.
 Lord Jesus Christ, 
My God and Lord, my God and Lord,
 Forsake me not! I trust Thy Word.

Yea, Lord, ’twas Thy rich bounty gave
 My body, soul, and all I have In this poor life of labor.
 Lord, grant that I in ev’ry place
 May glorify Thy lavish grace
 And help and serve my neighbor.
 Let no false doctrine me beguile;
 And Satan not my soul defile.
 Give strength and patience unto me 
To bear my cross and follow Thee. 
Lord Jesus Christ, 
My God and Lord, my God and Lord,
 In death Thy comfort still afford.

Lord, let at last Thine angels come,
 To Abram’s bosom bear me home,
 That I may die unfearing;
 And in its narrow chamber keep
 My body safe in peaceful sleep
 Until Thy reappearing.
 And then from death awaken me,
 That these mine eyes with joy may see,
 O Son of God, Thy glorious face,
 My Savior and my fount of grace.
 Lord Jesus Christ, 
my prayer attend, my prayer attend,
 And I will praise Thee without end.
—Lutheran Service Book (LSB) 708

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3 John Bible Sketch

Does Jesus love me?

 

How would I know?

 

Wait, what song am I singing?

Experiences of discovery, responsibility, celebration and challenge fill our entire lives from birth until the day we die. Time flies whether fun or frustrating. When have you noticed Jesus trying to get your attention? If you haven’t noticed yet, watch for it; most likely, He’ll try to connect. When you die, He wants you to join Him in heaven in His pure Truth.

Not everyone, yet some children grew up hearing and singing, “Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so. Little ones to Him belong. We are weak but He is strong!”. During family devotions, church, Sunday school and vacation Bible school, some of these kids heard the Bible actually backs this up, “Yes, Jesus loves me!”. Excited about what they heard, about what Jesus did for us, they may have told friends who seemed confused or had questions like, “what happens after we die?”. Some people are always hoping someone brings up the topic they love to talk about. 

The simple Truth: God’s gifts of grace in Christ point to His True Love. Messing up, on our part, is what we believe occurred after the fall. Error happens when we corrupt the True Faith. Under the guise of so-called truth, it’s possible to imagine false things such as thinking it’s okay to

• make up a distorted version that twists and misses the fullness of Scripture
  
• take specific things in the Bible out of context
• pick-and-choose only bits and pieces of the Word while ignoring other parts
  
• support a selfish agenda, or that of others
  
• add human opinion to so-called faith which actually suppresses Truth
  
• add the false idea that there’s more needed on our part—as though the Grace-filled gifts of God-given Faith, Word and Christ alone aren’t enough for salvation
  

God is the only Way for us. Possibly by now, most people have heard of Jesus. They’ve noticed a Bible app, a friend’s integrity, a pastor, or a church. Some are curious to receive the Word, yet, for whatever reason, some choose to reject the Church, perhaps thinking only for now and considering, maybe later. Even for those who got the Truth and walked in it, it’s just as possible to believe for a while and fall away, as it is to reject Truth in the first place.

Moms and anyone who tenderly taught us about the faith, compassionately want nothing more than that their children remain and grow in the Truth; or, return to Truth which guarantees the place together with Jesus. Apart from Jesus, the eternal alternative is a fearful and horrible situation.

3 John 4

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.
3 John 4

True or False?

People in the faith regularly hear, are inspired to live by, and trust dependable Truth spoken for us with nothing new added and nothing taken away from it. The unchanging all-knowing, all-powerful and ever-present Creator is generous to give faith for us. The faith receives Christ in gifts of perfect love, discernment, mercy, repentance, grace and peace. The moment we’re Baptized in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—the gift of saving faith believes Truth which is the very Word of God for us in the Bible. Entirely undeserved, received by no work of our own, the faith from the Holy Spirit is for all nations—every dependent child. By miraculous powerful adoption into our Creator’s family, the Almighty Father’s beloved children of all ages discover joy in the Truth. Strength to remain in Truth is fed by receiving Jesus at the Lord’s Table whenever and as often as possible. Our Savior’s blessings for the Church extend into unending life with Him. 

Ever since our original free will was lost at the fall, we began to naturally rebel against God. Struggling with pride is a place God never intended for us; yet, before creation, He had a plan to restore us with new liberty in the Gospel. Our Mediator Jesus keeps us in Truth. The Holy Spirit’s power within us repents, stands up for the faith, and resists being mislead. What’s against Christ is promoted by those who, rejecting Jesus, have chosen to have ears plugged to Truth and eyes blinded to Light.

I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority. So if I come, I will bring up what he is doing, talking wicked nonsense against us. And not content with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers, and also stops those who want to and puts them out of the church. Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God. Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself. We also add our testimony, and you know that our testimony is true. 3 John 9-12

Evil, wicked nonsense, lies—set us up for separation from the Lord who hates these destructive ways leading to everlasting death. Satan’s deceit aims to pull the faith away. Using shifty schemes to erode Truth, he falsely declares grace as a license to sin. Satan promotes selfishness, slander, blaming, minimizing and denial of error. He wants these behaviors to distract and divide from the Truth. Evil spirits are out to lure, snag us into a confused frame of mind which, purposely, disregards the entire Bible as authoritative Truth. Caught without accountability to Truth, the breath of life is being suffocated. The state of disrespect deposits heaps of hot, heavy, unhealthy energy which drowns people in despair and destruction. Self-inflicted deprivation of the Holy Spirit’s nourishing Word for Life, lack of guidance, depletes minds to put others in danger as well. Twisted-truth rejects God’s presence for believers in the means of grace. Lies are always competing for our bodies and souls, trying to manipulate us in order to prevent or steal away the faith. Betrayal and hypocrisy stoop low, thriving on malicious hostility toward people who are actually walking in Truth. The loser Devil, who fell away from Truth into hell, strategically calls such darkness good. He plots to fool us into following him into trouble and eternal miserable suffering. 

Truth—is Good News for us. To willingly and lovingly save us, Jesus was born, suffered, died, resurrected from the dead and ascended to the Father. The Holy Spirit is always near and is for us. Truth is all about rescue, healing, strength, change, and hope in the Light. Our Helper has purpose for us. Our Savior is waiting in heaven for all who

• trust and humbly seek Him
• receive His discipline
  
• take refuge in Him
• receive His forgiveness 
• are stilled by Him
• receive His encouragement
  
• are stirred by Him
• receive His protection 
  
• sing about Him
  
• receive His patience 
• are sustained by Him
  

Is the Lord showing you something? Is Jesus putting a new song in your mouth?

I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face. Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends, every one of them. 3 John 14-15

Pray

Dear Jesus, thank you for warning us that the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. Patiently hold our hands as you discipline, lead and draw us near. Thank you for the Spirit helping us trust Your wondrous merciful Way through the gate home. When we ask for relief and comfort, You mercifully embrace us in our sadness, pain, and distress. Thank you for reminding us to take refuge in the shadow of your wings. You’re keeping Your children safe, so far. Guard and deliver us from evil. Redirect us away from everything false and haughty. You notice us when we’re walking away from Your Truth. You desire us to turn toward You. You are gentle with correction, always for our good. Thank you for supplying an eagerness to hear Truth. Give us a quiet strength to resist affirmation of every sin, our own and that of others. Remind us how short our time here is, so we may let go of stubbornness and get a heart of wisdom. Thank You for genuine teachers who help us absorb Your Word. Establish our work and capabilities to glorify Your Name. You open up opportunities to connect all people for whom You died. Under Your protection and guidance, let us show our joy and gratitude by doing good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the faith. Set our minds on the beauty and peace that is to come with You. Thank you, Jesus! Amen.

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2 John Bible Sketch

Are you greeted by grace?

 

Are you mended by mercy?

 

Is your journey on track toward perfect peace?

How would you describe the events of life…some weeks like a fun, carefree vacation, other times, struggling amid hard challenges or dishonored by toxic criticism? It’s good to get the laundry done, back home with your Church family. Exhausted by distress, saddened by grief, frustrated by lies, regretting failure to put God and others first—all parts of our sinful human nature need to be turned inside-out. They’re common stains to bring to the Lord who blots them all out. Jesus supplies forgiveness, cleansing, certain hope to keep moving forward, plus courage to make appropriate changes. Energized to start fresh, each new week begins cleared of guilt, washed clean, resting in God’s love and truth. Our Creator establishes blessings of joy and gratitude as He comes to us in divine worship services to

• greet grief by His grace
  
• mend mourning by His mercy
  
• feed faith in His perfect peace

2 John 3

Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father’s Son, in truth and love. 2 John 3

 

Grace, mercy, and peace are blessings that don’t show up on their own from within us.

Since sin is an ongoing problem for all people, we desperately need Baptismal blessings to be added to us from the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God’s purpose is to generously give us the gift of the Spirit so we may learn to lean on Him; plus, in love for others, tell about the hope we have in Jesus. We’re free to embrace truth about love, that even though we’re undeserving, Jesus willingly gave His life for us. In the Lord’s Supper, we receive—in, with, and under the bread and wine—the true body and blood of Christ shed on the cross. In this way of the faith, He fills us with His peace that surpasses understanding.

We can’t make this up.

Believing lies about truth and love brings dangerous confusion and harmful distress. Nothing is truly good or lovely apart from the full context of God’s Word. Truth and love are realized by the faith we receive by God’s grace; it’s not by our decision, nor by doing good things. Our Savior Jesus and his Father sent the Spirit to give the faith which beneficially fills our needs. God is in control and present in the Church, providing all we ask according to His will. Hearts of those who genuinely receive His blessings trust the Lord for help to love enemies and pray for those who hurt us in daily life. The faith turns focus toward the cross of Christ for us. Truth speaks of how Christ’s fruit of the Spirit is at work in failures and difficulties to refine the faith which turns us toward opportunities to serve others, utilizing capabilities He supplies in timing He’s planned for us. God’s gift of truth and love will completely remove our struggle against evil and all of sin’s consequences when Jesus returns for believers who will, forever, dwell with Him in the harmonious place He’s preparing for us. 

The Word explains who we are in Christ who endured our shame and keeps hope alive. It clarifies and warns of anti-Christs—those who oppose Truth and are against Christ. The faith, through eyes spiritually opened, sees errors false teachers stand for. The Spirit of Truth helps us recognize that individuals and entire organizations who make up their own version of so-called truth, intentionally reject hearing Christ’s authoritative Truth offered in genuine Love. We pray the Holy Spirit would stir all people to stop believing Satan’s lies which lead us far away from the life that our loving Father desires for us. Merciful protection in Christ frees us to maintain boundaries which avoid mingling with falsehoods and corruption of twisted, irreverent and arrogant ideologies. By God’s grace, we confidently surrender effort to convince them of Truth when they blatantly choose to reject. When ears are plugged, hearts become cold and hard. Opportunity for reasonable conversations may not transpire; yet, if it does become possible, only by the power of the Holy Spirit can we talk, in gentleness, with people who disagree with the faith or don’t trust Jesus. God may restore them in humble repentance and repair the damage they’ve caused.

It’s good to visit each other in homes and gather in the Church. 

Face-to-face intimate in-person time together is the best way to communicate effectively.

Though I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink. Instead I hope to come to you and talk face to face, so that our joy may be complete. 2 John 12

God-given abilities to create and utilize technology expand connections in community. Thanks for reading. God bless you.

Pray

Heavenly Father, by Your own true Son, You have revealed the truth to us in love. Protect us from all who would take this truth and love from us by the deception of wise-sounding error. Keep us in Christ, who is the “way, the truth, and the life” (Jn 14:6). Amen. —The Lutheran Study Bible, p2183

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1 John Bible Sketches

Who’s in darkness?

 

Who’s in light?

How does darkness become light?

Who loves others perfectly? Nobody, but Jesus. The bright hope we have is, He and His Father sent the Holy Spirit to adopt us into the Church Family where we’re welcomed to hear about the power of God’s grace turning us from darkness to living in Light. God unconditionally loves us even though we haven’t loved Him back. Our Savior’s total-act-of-giving rescues us from the corruption of sin and its consequences. He didn’t have to do this and we didn’t deserve it. Christ’s birth, innocent human life, crucifixion, resurrection and ascension puts us in a right relationship with Our Father in Heaven. In the Light, we show our love for God by loving other people.

1 John 1:8

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 1 John 1:8

 

We cannot free ourselves from our sinful nature. 

Not owning up to our sinfulness is like calling God a liar, because His Word clearly states that we are sinners. Everyone in the world is self-centered to one degree or another. Complications show up when, rather than confessing Truth, asking for forgiveness, and praying for strength to trust Jesus alone, we 

• wrongly make excuses for selfishness
• unjustly blame another person for our own problem
• fake ignorance to all the ways we fall short of God’s standard of perfection
• are mislead by ideas of false doctrine
• disregard what He’s given us to know, even at the most basic level
• pick only what we like, not caring about the full context of God’s Word
• try to add our good work as a way to earn salvation, as though Christ’s work isn’t enough
  
• shirk responsibility to follow advice of true doctrine
  
• attempt to usurp authority
• devise our own schemes
• falsely claim our ideas are superior to the fullness of God’s Word
• manipulate others to agree with out-of-context twisted ideas, then criticize whoever objects to doing things my way

The Holy Spirit forgives and opens eyes of faith for us in the water of Baptism. 

Jesus, God’s Word and Grace for us brings Truth, repentance and forgiveness. 

Human nature would minimize, deny or ignore our own problems. People falling for worldly plots are focused on satisfying selfish desires at all costs. Anti-Christs in the world reject their accountability to Christ; they’re always trying to tell us God is not love and the Church is unnecessary. 

To avoid being sucked into lies, it’s essential to hear Truth over-and-over. The Spirit stirs us to listen and speak God’s Word, also, love and pray for enemies by the grace of God. By faith, we have genuine conversations about how situations in our lives connect to the Word of God. The Church is established to teach the faith and administer the Means of Grace. Thankfully, God is faithful to bless people who confess Truth the Bible teaches. Jesus finished the work necessary to take away guilt. He cleanses us from damaging words and deeds committed against us, too! By the faith given us, we long to be truthful about what sin is. Getting spiritual, mental, emotional and physical help we need is a step to take. Confident the work and suffering of is Christ for us, frees fear of the day of judgement. The faith keeps us from looking down at our own navel; instead, points us to recognize opportunities to love people with focus upward and forward to forever in eternity with our Lord.

1 John 1:8-9

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:8-9

 

Grace and forgiveness is God’s answer for dealing with our messiness.

More than giving up His place in heaven to be born as a human to take the punishment on the cross, dying for the sins of the whole world, Jesus is currently interceding for us as our advocate with the Father. If we reject Jesus, we choose God’s merciless wrath. Christ is the singular necessary appeasement to Our Father’s disgust over imperfection. The Holy Spirit sustains the faith we must have to be rescued. Receiving God’s mercy shows we belong to Him and are open to the Holy Spirit working in our lives by fighting against sin.

Perfectly keeping God’s ways is done in Christ who is sufficient for our salvation. We’re free to acknowledge our desperate need for help to grow up and act like we should. Striving to live as though we really care about everything the Good Lord’s telling us, we want to do better. We do not want to make a practice of habitual sin. By the faith the Spirit provides, we learn to be thankful, praying for opportunities to promote the Gospel, and that the Holy Spirit will open hearts. We long to see the people we love in heaven, place them in the Lord’s loving care, and trust His promises. The Counselor guides everyone who desires help by effectively revealing the Word throughout the world. By grace—love, joy and peace flow from Christ through us.

1 John 2:2

He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 John 2:2

Pride isn’t inline with our Creator’s design. 

Not receiving Christ’s help because of pride is the most dangerous sin. Pride works hard to distract people from the faith. There will be a time we will meet our maker, when no more healthy choices are available, no more opportunity to turn to Jesus in repentance. When we die, or on the Last Day, all people will bow and answer to whether they trust Jesus or not. Being proud, in various ways, is tied to falling for lies circulating among the rulers, authorities, cosmic powers over this present darkness, and the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. When our pride isn’t repented in the faith, it reveals the fact that we’re fine with the idea that we think and act like we know better than God. Prayers said in this faithless state-of-mind are ineffective. God looks past the arrogant who depend on their good deeds to earn a place in heaven, as well as those who flippantly sin without regret. Faithlessness ruins His generous loving plan for us through Christ. There’s no in-between or half-way connection to salvation—we either trust Jesus or trust ourselves. Thankfully, it’s not our place to make a statement on where anyone else stands with God. In His patient timing, He’ll judge whether, or not, there’s saving faith in our hearts.

And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. 1 John 3:23

1 John 4:4

Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:4

God is love; the devil is overcome by the blood of Jesus.

Since we can’t see spiritual things on our own, the Righteous Light that’s already shining through Jesus, clarifies it for us. In our darkness (which everyone still has), we either come to know God as a dear Father, use His Word to show us sin, recognize it as a condition to humbly request mercy; or, we fear punishment—gladly indulge and celebrate sin, plus, affirm the way of lies. We wander from living in love when we hold pride of life, bitterness, resentment and grudges. The Lord desires we look to the cross of Christ. The faith has power to transform and bring us back again-and-again, every time we fail and repent. He doesn’t force it; if we refuse Him, that’s on us. 

Satan is a killer, a liar who’s always trying to bring eternal death by tempting, blinding and steering us away from Truth of Christ’s grace. Test what you hear and see in this world against the Truth of God’s Word. Don’t be surprised when people hate you for remaining in God’s grace. If the devil can get us to hate, he can motivate us do things which are against the compassion Christ is trying to work in us. When God’s Word is abiding in us and we repentantly stick with Him and the Church, Satan’s minions can’t trap us in the evil claws of perpetual sin, squash the faithful spirit given in Baptism, or steel the certain joy of Christ’s victory for us.

1 John 4:19

We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19

 

Love and certain hope of eternal life.

All who receive spiritual eyes of faith believe Jesus laid down His life for us. The Holy Spirit is at work reminding about gifts of the faith: Baptism in Christ and The Lord’s Supper. Those who are humbly living in Truth, seriously embrace the Word of God as an extraordinarily excellent way to be pointed toward caring about what Jesus did for us. God’s love empowers us to, gratefully, lovingly be generous with gentle respect toward others.  

Love is perfected in us when we turn, in love, toward others—ready to be hated by those who refuse the Gospel—praying the Holy Spirit would fill everyone with the faith which sees each person as one for whom Christ died. Constantly repenting and turning toward God for strength to do this, we back away from harmful thoughts, words and deeds. The faith helps us recognize and resist evil in this world. Refusal to make a practice of sinning is for our own good and the good of others. God answers each plea for mercy and gives all good things for us when we ask according to His will.

The Gospel doesn’t make us sinless—it lights the path securely grasped onto God who is love. The Spirit of Truth gives us repentant confidence in mercy. Free to take cover in His protective peace, we press forward to a day when all sadness, pain and sin is removed. Seeing Jesus face-to-face, we’ll take on His full glory. The faith excites us about loving each other now into everlasting life! Content being held by Christ’s scarred hands, we’re calmed, comforted by our Creator who is always caring about us. Energized with a purpose to smile, we breathe in grace and breathe out the Spirit of encouragement to others.

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2 Peter Bible Sketch

Want grace?

 

Want peace?

 

Want knowledge?

Do you know Jesus Christ is both fully man and fully God who existed before He created the world? He knew us well before our sinful moms conceived, that we’d be affected by the same temptation that Adam and Eve fell for. Lovingly, He bought grace for all people with the price of His blood which paid the debt of sin. Christ’s victory over death is or will be known in all nations, yet that doesn’t mean everyone actually has the faith that receives this gift of atoning work. Many refuse his humanity, deny His divinity, choose to have nothing to do with Christianity. Dark powers are working hard to pull us down the devastating spiral that ends in hell. If you don’t yet trust God’s promise to save us for heaven, pray the Holy Spirit will draw you in through the power of His Word.

2 Peter

May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. 2 Peter 1:2

Jesus, who knows all about good and evil, loved us with His life. 

Everyone faces trials, and struggles with sin. When we die, we fall asleep in the dust. Life goes on in heaven and hell. Eventually the Almighty will wake everyone up—some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. God knows how to punish, though He doesn’t want that for anyone; also, He knows precisely how to rescue. The Creator’s preference to rescue us from the consequences of sin is a gracious gift that brings to us His peace. The Holy Spirit provides the faith which trusts the work of God’s Son who is also the Son of Mary. Truth is received in the Word of God. Forgiveness is received by hearing God’s Name in the seal of Baptism when we’re adopted into His family. The Lord’s Holy Supper is comfort food for us which forgives and strengthens God’s children to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord. The Heavenly Father sees us through the lens of His Son, our brother Jesus. The Holy Spirit is our Helper who unites the Church. All glory to God!

• Punishment (hell) comes from a person’s choice to refuse to believe the Truth
• Rescue (heaven) is given by the faith to trust Truth, the righteousness of Christ

Once we’ve received the faith which offers cleansing peace, we reverently hold it dearly, cherish the Bible and strive to talk about it with anyone who may be curious and willing to listen. Forgetting and ignoring the faith is a choice to let go of it and all its benefits; still, it remains available to return to during a time of grace before you die, at the point it would be too late.

And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1:19-21

The devil is a liar who brings on temptations which would make us slaves to sin, destroy relationships, and drive us away from the faith. Watch out not to become a fool by falling for lies and then repeating foolishness while reveling in the entanglement of what’s corrupt. Scoffers will scoff about all of Scripture, even Christ’s resurrection and the resurrection of the dead when He comes again.

The faith provides healthy warnings which wake us up to true freedom. It stirs us to cling to multiplied grace and peace in the knowledge of our Lord. Patiently, God gives, perfects, increases and strengthens saving faith which repents and keeps us turning toward Him for protection. When we are afraid, He reminds us we are safe with Him. Actively waiting in hope for what is next, we’re free to rest in the Word’s promises which prepare us to be ready for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. 

Wandering the earth as it is now in this life, we’ll be perplexed by deceived and confused people who hurt, lie to, and slander each other without regret. This will go on until we die or when Jesus comes back. We do well to pray for each other and daily dig into the Truth of what keeps us connected to our Savior’s comfort.

But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. 2 Peter 3:8-10

Praise the patient Lord who isn’t wanting anyone to die without the faith. In the context of His multi-dimensional time, deeper and higher than we can comprehend, we pray for loved ones and everyone to receive all the benefits and joy Truth provides. The faith grows awareness of dangers such as remaining slack and ignorant. Living in darkness is to deny or twist Truth. Living by faith is to seek the Light of God’s will which receives mercy, grace and knowledge of our Savior. Get the faith and grow. Go to church!

You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. 2 Peter 3:17-18

Listen and learn more.

• 2 Peter
• Intro
• Radio
• Word Endures
• 30 Minutes 123 and 124

1 Peter Bible Sketch

Are you ready to answer?

 

Are you prepared to die?

 

What does “by the grace of God” mean?

Questions are answered in the Word of God. His grace prepares us to keep planting trees, breathe freely and worry less. The Son of God Jesus Christ gives, in the faith, a share in His risen life; purpose to live and to love people. Through hearing His Word spoken and sung, we’re empowered by Him to trust His mercy as well as desire priorities He designed for us. Christ already defeated sin, death and the power of the devil; yet, Satan is always enticing us into ways that could cumulate to a point we would leave or reject the faith. Almighty Jesus commands Baptism; water used together with the Word of God is one of the miraculous means of grace for saving faith. Baptism gives an inheritance of living hope, total healing and final glory in Christ. We have opportunity to get a taste of the gift now in the Lord’s Supper which nourishes us with forgiveness and strength to keep moving forward in faith. Read more on frequently asked questions.

…To those who are elect exiles… May grace and peace be multiplied to you.… Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. … 1 Peter 1

1 Peter 3:15

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, (1 Peter 3:15)

 

There’s help available.

It’s possible to reject the Truth by choosing to not pay attention to the One who pays attention to us. Turning toward God is an element of being helped and prepared in Truth for the eternal blessings. We can trust that the Son of God who gives us His Word always has us in mind; it was His idea to be born of a virgin woman for us. Jesus perfectly obeyed the Father who loves us deeply. Because of our sin, after Jesus died to take away our punishment He descended to hell to proclaim the victory and show the spirit world what He did to fulfill the promises God made for us.

“The risen Christ is the sneak preview of what is to come for all who have been baptized into His death and live in faith.”—read more at His Resurrection Means Your Resurrection

“The disciples not only saw these men with their eyes, but they also heard them with their ears, speaking with Jesus … at His ascension into heaven when He would return to the Father.” —read more at The Glory of God’s Children

“Christ dwells only in sinners.”—read more at A Word on the Equality Act

We’ve been given the Word and Sacrament for living to follow the risen Jesus Christ to the poor, meek, destitute, lonely, burdened, sick, sinners; and sharing what we have been given, through caring conversations, rituals, traditions, devotions, and service.

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9

There’s one way for us to be forgiven in the eyes of God who initiated grace for us in Baptism.

Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
1 Peter 3:21

Welcome to church—we pray you’ll check it out. Feel free to mingle with people who are not of the world, but are in the Word praying to be ready to answer everyone who asks about the faith that comes by hearing. Leaning on Jesus, we enjoy merciful freedoms to confidently live in the world now and forever in the new creation. As God’s family of believers, we don’t want to meddle or go where we’re not meant to be involved; yet, knowing the end is near, we’re led by the Spirit to

• pray to take heart that Jesus has overcome the world
• thank the Counselor who keeps our focus on eternal life with God
• pray to be asked about the object of our faith
• pray to grow up into a grace-filled reverent way of living
• pray to be equipped by the strength the Lord gives us in His Word—to resist the devil so he would flee and we may be rid of malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, slander—to be thankful for God’s merciful forgiveness
  
• pray that we may tenderly show mercy and witness through our words and actions
• pray the steady joy we have in Christ may gently encourage others
  
• pray to compassionately spread God’s commands, highlighting peace rewarded in living them as well as grace in failing
• pray for opportunities to do good and glorify God by sharing gifts given for us
  

Questions about our reason for the hope we have, in faith, while grieving various trials of long-suffering hard times, illness, chronic disorders, injustice, estrangement, abuse—we answer according to the Gospel. Praying for our enemies, strengthened to not retaliate, by faith we endure, grow in character, and forgive as Christ has forgiven us. Forgiving doesn’t make the wrong okay or make a way for evil to continue. Everything in life is directed according to God’s gracious purpose. 

Sinners who are redeemed members of the Church depend on God’s helpful compassionate connections. In our trustworthy community of believers, He multiplies the benefits of wisdom, grace, experience and Biblical education. He unites us in the true faith. We share His affectionate concern for all people. Jesus bled for us, washes us to have a good conscience and protects us. We’re thankful for His process of love that adopts us into His family.

Spiritual life isn’t logical since it’s not by our own ability, will, choice, reason or strength that we repent. There’s more to it. It’s God’s power that ransomed flawed people which guards and renews the gift that’s available until the temporary hostility of the world’s struggles will be destroyed when Christ returns.  

1. With Jesus, as we continue in the faith, the best is yet to come by grace when we’re brought into a fantastic everlasting future. The Holy Spirit through the Word of God points us to think eternally as we await our perfect peace kept in heaven for us.
2. Without Jesus, everything in life is futile because death apart from God offers no hope for everyone who rejects Him. People who choose to replace God by living apart from the faith will experience the dire consequence of suffering eternally.

How hospitable are you? How would you rate your attitude? Discover more about hospitality.

Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:9-11

As Christians, we don’t see ourselves as potentially becoming what we’d consider to be perfect on our own. Without Christ’s work, everyone would be doomed. God delights in us. He likely frowns or laughs at what we might consider perfection. We shouldn’t expect anyone to make things just right, to fit the flawed ways we want. Always, we can entrust ourselves to the faithful Creator who forgives and perfects our faith by His sacrificial work. Sustained and grounded in the Truth of His perfect love, He mercifully makes us ready for everything—the easy, fun, effectual smooth days, also the scary, sad and painfully difficult chunks of life. God’s purposes are always functioning. He is in control of everything.

If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 1 Peter 4:14

The Holy Spirit keeps us trusting until we arrive in The Promised Comfort of Heaven. Sharing the Good News isn’t appropriately done under compulsion, manipulatively or domineering to coerce others. Acting like a jerk, pretentiously proud and powerful, isn’t helpful. By grace, we care for and protect people by telling the Truth of the Word of God—the sufferings of Christ for us. Everyone’s better-off by concentrating on examples of Jesus’s style of engaging with people to bring them God. He gathered with people of many backgrounds, conversed kindly using gentle encouragement as a way of interacting with sinners who were humbled by Him. Immitating Christ, by faith, we’re empowered to remind people they’re cherished by our Heavenly Father who loved us with His life.

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 5:6-11

1 Peter video, Bible studies, sermons, podcasts

• Verse of the Week
  
• Radio
• Intro
• The Word Endures 
  
• 30 Minutes: 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121
• Prepared with a Reason

James Bible Sketches

What do you ask for?

 

What do you lack?

 

Which comes first, talk or hearing?

Do you ever wonder how to hear what God has to say? Certain Bible apps, studies/services at church, Christian radio streaming, podcasts, videos and websites are available. Peace comes in faith, by prioritizing and establishing regularity to hear what Jesus has done for us and all the reasons why it’s important. If we tune out God’s Word, we lack the Source of Life. Utilizing the Word’s guidance in relating to each other leads us to strive to—not react poorly—in patience, respond kindly. Everyone in our world, potentially, may be weak, vulnerable, proud or pushy. Truth in Christ flows compassionately, no matter what we’re going through or have previously experienced. God wants us to ask Him for the wisdom we need at all times.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. … Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:5-6,17

James 1:19-20

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. James 1:19-20

Doing what’s right is to meekly see we’ve failed to do what’s right. 

What opportunities are lost when we’re quick to speak before listening, thinking and praying? Having closed ears to another’s story or ideas cuts off meaningful communication. Harsh, unhelpful negativity would turn people away from Truth.

So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! … no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. … Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. James 3:5,8-9,13-18

The spirit of repentance is received by the faith the Holy Spirit supplies. Christ blesses with forgiveness, comfort and courage. The faith of a person who gets into the Word of God is living and active. Faith’s seed produces all types of fruits that help and care for people. Good actions don’t make people right with God, Jesus does. Although true faith in Christ is invisible, it shows up in the healthy activities of life.

James 4:6

But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6

True or false?

Although we don’t always see it, God knows the full extent of what’s at war with the faith. The present darkness of the world and our sinful passions stir up the kind of deceptive trouble that destroys souls. Human nature is so off that it could even go as far as to claim to use the faith as an excuse for bad behaviors such as tyrannizing or manipulating others out of arrogance and blame-shifting to avoid repentance. Sin shows up, big time, as mismanaged priorities. Rude talk as well as pick-and-choose Scripture out-of-context to serve selfish desires abuses God’s good commands. Engaging in quarrels is a waste of time that creates distressing chaos and distracts from the joy of life.

Truth encourages us to take an honest look inside ourselves, resist the devil by acknowledging what is sin—not to revel in it, but mourn it—then, humbly receive God’s mercy and grace with gratitude. Jesus provides the calm peace to those who ask Him for wisdom.

Let God lift you up.

Do you set daily reminders? Why not establish a routine Bible and prayer time to thank God for what He has done in Christ. In the faith, we’re free to personally and along with others in congregation, confess sin and ask the Lord for forgiveness. The Lord hears prayer requests for motivation to stay turned toward Him as well as inspiration to effectively help and offer grace to others. All the spiritual gifts are ours by showing up to participate at places, with other sinners who are praying and growing, where Jesus offers Himself, perfectly, in order to perfect worshipers by forgiving and strengthening us to move forward with a grateful heart. During good times and each difficulty—even in the toughest of situations that we don’t understand—blessings of Jesus are working on our virtues, also, on the character of others.

When our ungrateful wayward mind/voice/action wanders where we know it shouldn’t go, utilizing the power given to us in prayer, our goal is to intentionally stop heading down that path. When we turn toward God in mindful prayer, we know He walks us where we need to be. We trust He spiritually carries and protects us. Habitual prayers request things like discernment, forgiveness, strength, unity and opportunities. It’s good to know our compassionate Lord desires to hear concerns and desires. The Holy Spirit moves us to pray for excellent things such as humility of faith, that He would remove our wanting what’s wrong, faulty thinking, greedy ambition, grudges and resentment. Apologetic and prayers for direction can continuously be flowing. Faith keeps us wanting to remember others in prayer: family, friends, congregation, church, education and community. We may ask for courage to let the joy of the faith in Jesus, bubble up and overflow onto those around us. We can pray for insight on how to comfort (and be comforted), encourage (and be encouraged), uplift (and be uplifted). All of us are sinners whom the Holy Spirit has power to move to take positive action. Especially regarding those who’ve wandered away from the truth, we ask for inspiration to participate in ways which would call them back so that sharing the Gospel leaves all grumbling, complaining and concerns at the foot of the cross and the empty grave of Jesus who is pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason in light of grace and mercy.

Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful. James 5:7-11

Farmers are patient in certain aspects they manage as it relates to the business of crop production while weather, machinery glitches and market conditions aren’t theirs to control. Even though we aren’t responsible to control everything, we may pray for ourselves and one another. Our unreliable, irresponsible, cold, unkind, self-righteous, partial, sour attitudes may be turned toward the Light for forgiveness and patience. Energy of the Gospel produces good fruit that doesn’t push people around or away, but serves their souls hope and nourishment for growth. 

Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. James 5:13-15

James 5:16

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. James 5:16

In Christ we’re firm in purpose, striving to be honest, affectionate, merciful and patient.

In this world, though we expect trouble, there’s wonderful opportunity to abide in the One who is perfect. We can pray over all the strains of suffering. Calling the pastor and friends in the Church for prayers isn’t putting attention on ourselves as much as putting ourselves in God’s hands and trusting Him and His people. Whatever the Good Lord decides, is what is best for those who love Him—ourselves and those in our circles whom suffering affects. Asking others to pray for us points them toward Christ and reminds them of the privilege to talk to God. Sharing needs and prayers allows the Light to shine in dark corners.

Focus on what we have been given.

Contentment and joy are rewards of the faith’s certainty. Jesus is the one and only judge. He lovingly hears prayers spoken in the faith. He mercifully cares for all people. His perfection through suffering completely erases he debt of sin we owe. He’s redeemed me and others who believe. Receiving His gracious gifts empower us to trust Him completely. Absolutely nothing we do adds to His work for us which absolves us from the responsibility of sin and it’s consequences. Our Creator Jesus is always working within us to perfect our faith, making us mindful of the excellent big picture He’s preparing for us. Abiding in Truth—acknowledging that when He returns, His power will destroy all that He declares is evil—believers are provided ability, through His Word, to be heard in prayer and trust His beautiful plan. Delighted to hear the Gospel spoken, we strive to live in the Light’s peace which surpasses understanding. The Father designed us to be Christ’s own subjects, by the Holy Spirit’s faith, held safely forgiven in the Masterpiece. He colorfully draws us into Himself as a perfected mix in Christ’s glorious humility. We’re a creative work-in-progress yet to be revealed. Compassionately, God will fully unite those throughout the ages who fear, love and trust Him. We’ll be together with Jesus—having tears wiped away for eternity. As He promised, because we are in Christ, we, too, shall never see death.

More on the Letter of James

• intro
• The Word Endures (17 studies) 
• sermon 1:16-21
• sermon 1:22-27
• study 1
• study 2
• study 2b
  
• study 3
• study 3b
  
• study 4
• study 4b
  
• study 5
• study 5b
  
• 30min 1:1-15
  
• 30min 1:16-27
• 30min 2:1-17
• 30min 2:18-3:5
• 30min 3:6-4:10
• 30min 4:11-5:6
• 30min 5:7-20
• overview trip