Lord, for hundreds of years we have
searched for the meaning behind each of our lives to no avail. We live a lonely
existence while we search for community.
Lord, lead us to our live in Your Holy Word. Lead us to trust and truth in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.
Lord, lead us to our live in Your Holy Word. Lead us to trust and truth in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.
1
Peter 4 New International Version
Living for
God
Therefore,
since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude,
because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. As a result, they do not live
the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will
of God. For you have spent enough time in the
past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness,
orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. They
are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and
they heap abuse on you. But they will have to
give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those
who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in
regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.
The end
of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may
pray. Above
all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received
to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks
the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength
God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To
him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Suffering
for Being a Christian
Dear
friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test
you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you
participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his
glory is revealed. If you are insulted because
of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God
rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be
as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler.
However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be
ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household;
and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey
the gospel of God? And, “If it is hard for the
righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
So
then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to
their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
1
Peter 5 New International Version
To the
Elders and the Flock
To the
elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s
sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock
that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because
you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager
to serve; not lording it over those entrusted
to you, but being examples to the flock. And
when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will
never fade away.
In the
same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you,
clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,“God
opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”
Humble
yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due
time. Cast
all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Be
alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion
looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know
that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind
of sufferings.
And
the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you
have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm
and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Final
Greetings
With
the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you
briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God.
Stand fast in it.
She
who is in Babylon,
chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark. Greet one another with a kiss
of love.
Peace
to all of you who are in Christ.
We Claim
these things with the Power in the Names of Jesus; The Christ; The Messiah.
Amen.
Footnotes:
- Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Purchased Product License 01/09/2015
Notes:
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