…but god… Episode 182
Transcript
“Through Silvanus, our faithful brother (for so I regard him), I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it! She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings, and so does my son, Mark. Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace be to you all who are in Christ.”
1 Peter 5:12-14 NASB2020
It is always good to understand that most of the New Testament is just followers of Christ writing to other followers of Christ instructing, extolling and encouraging them along their journey of new life in Christ Jesus.
Peter in his concluding remarks of this letter reminds us of 3 things we should always be doing as fellow followers of Christ.
1. Remember your friends who are away on the mission field and pray for them. (“Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; and in no way alarmed by your opponents—which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and this too, from God. For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer on His behalf, experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me.”Philippians 1:27-30 NASB2020)
2. Pray for those friends that you have met along the way and continue to reach out to them and encourage them. (This has been made a much easier good thing to do with our modes of communication today, instant messaging of encouragement). “For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory.” 2 Timothy 2:10 NASB2020
3. Thus, if we pray and encourage others it will be easier for us to be able to harness the power of the Holy Spirit knowing that we are in this together. Just as Elijah and Elisha were in it together until Elijah was taken up into heaven and Elisha was given a double blessing because he learned under the tutelage of Elijah and he was willing to drop Everything to follow God and be the next prophet of Israel. “When they had crossed over, Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask me what I should do for you before I am taken from you.” And Elisha said, “Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me.” He said, “You have asked a hard thing. Nevertheless, if you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so for you; but if not, it shall not be so.” And as they were walking along and talking, behold, a chariot of fire appeared with horses of fire, and they separated the two of them. Then Elijah went up by a whirlwind to heaven.” 2 Kings 2:9-11 NASB2020
Lord we thank you for forgiveness of sins and giving resurrection power through the Holy Spirit and for giving us so many examples of faithful followers. Help us to be faithful in our walk with you. Help us to remember that we are in this fight together. Help us to pray for and encourage our brothers and sisters in Christ. We pray all these things in Jesus Name Amen…
Shalom Shalom blessings. Press in And Press on!
Hosted by Chad McBeam
