What this blog is about and what I hope it does...

I hope this will be a simple fun tool for us to grow in our understanding and surrender to God through the Bible as we connect over the web. Reading the Bible is both simple and difficult. What could be easier than opening a book and reading? Yet we've all done that and wondered what sections of the Bible mean? What's with the book of Leviticus? What is Revelation really about? Is the Song of Songs about marital love or is it supposed to be more 'spiritual' than that?

So, my intent is for this blog to be a tool that helps us in our faith. A forum for better understanding. An honest place of sharing that nurtures us as we follow Jesus together.

(There are a few resources I have included under "PAGES" that may be a helpful start, especially to those newer to reading the Bible. It's located just below this and to the right. Also included is a READING OUTLINE. If you miss a day, go on to the next rather than trying to catch up.)

ONE LAST NOTE: you don't have to join or set up an account to share comments. Just click 'comment' at the bottom of a post, click the drop down and click 'anonymous.' Then write your post and if you want sign it with your first name and finish by clicking 'Post comment.' I would love to hear your thoughts.

11.11.2010

1 Peter 4:1-6

NIV Reading
Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. 2 As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 3 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. 4 They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. 5 But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 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.

Verses 1-2 are the main thrust, and they are extraordinarily challenging in their simplicity. Here's the thrust: since Christ proved by His own suffering that He did this, you also are to "arm" (make ready, prepare yourself, equip yourself) by adopting the same attitude which is (and here's the challenging part) to live not by your (my) own desires and wants (defined as 'human desires'), by rather by God's will, wish, desire. The way I say this (BUMCers may have heard this several times): the battle for our souls is fought on the field of our own wants. And as much as I personally am a fan of free market society, this is the potential downside we need to be aware of: that getting, achieving, satisfying our wants is the priority. Most Christians I meet would deny they live by this principle, but in actual practice, it is undeniable that this is a ruling power in our lives. Thoughts...
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1 comment:

  1. DocNovember 13, 2010 at 7:50 AM

    I have to admit I struggle daily with first figuring out whether a desire is mine or from God and secondly not acting on a desire if I'm not sure . Daily , I tell ya . How does one know ?
    Pastor Matt gave some guidelines a couple years back in a sermon ......like is " It " in keeping with God's character ? Would compliance bring peace ? Maybe I need to go back and dig that sermon out for a reread .If I can find it , I'll update ya'll.

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