Thehammer44

Which of the qualities Peter mentioned in 3:8-9 are most evident in your congregation? Which are most needed? What can you and your friends do to change the relational climate at your church so it is more Christ like? Humility and love are evident. Compassion and sympathy to a lesser degree, but not lacking. Harmony is evident also. We are a small group therefore it is easy to be aware and concerned for others. Most needed? Harmony would be better if we had more fellowship. We really only see one another at meeting times. Compassion and sympathy depend on ones' ability to feel what the other is going thru. Which in turn depends on what God has taken one self thru. Love more. Seek Jesus more. Learn how to be more like Him. To be willing to serve others with a loving and caring attitude is key. If you have not love...........then. What is your motivation for doing anything for Christ if not that He loved us and gave His life that we may be forgiven and be called Children of God. We have no rights, we deserve nothing and yet in Him we have all. Let's share the gift!

Why is submission so difficult for us humans? Does submission require you to be silent when you don't agree or feel something can be improved? When is submission wrong for Christians? It seems to have a lot to do with pride and self will. Since I was a boy I was taught to be independent, self reliant, to do things for myself. One learns to tie his or her shoes, brush one's own teeth, ride a bike etc., It's in grained to do for your self, stand on your own two feet. All the praise and congratulations for accomplishments bring us to the point...can I surrender/ should I surrender. We cling to who we are, what we feel and our own opinions. BUT, can we find the path God has for our lives with out first surrendering completly to Him. (then not taking back the reins) The issue of agreeing, hmmm. The enemy of our souls doen't want us to find God's path for our lives. Many times he sows seeds of discourse to stop good from coming forth. We must be merciful and show patience and understanding before we interject our opinion. We must move by the leading of the Spirit before specking or trying to change(improve) things. In whose eyes are we improving? Submission is wrong when we go against Gods' commands and moral teachings. To knowingly go against His word.

Q3. That He bore my own sins? It's very profound, deep, almost too much to comprehend. And at times I don't comprehend it. It speaks to that personal relationship and brings the untouchable, unreachable Father God, ...well, close to me. I am important to God. I am significant, I matter, I am of great value. In this day and age when so many people are depressed and on meds., or being treated by doctors of many types, it is special to me to know I am loved by God. That He did that for me. What more can a friend do than lay down His life, for an ememy? For that's what I was before salvation, anti-God. Not knowing if God existed, lost in my own logic/opinions. Lost and dead in my sins. And then, By His Spirit, I was drawn to Him, Made aware of the Supreme sacrifice, for me. How could I not love Him and thank Him and want to live to serve Him. Ahh, but to hear His voice and to know He understands all my struggles and to know He loves me anyways. Whew! Too much to comprehend! Thank you Jesus, Thank you, Thank you Jesus!

According to 2:21, in what sense did Jesus suffer for you personally? As we have been called into a personal relationship with Christ, so must we share in His sufferings and live by His example and the ways of His 'holy' & 'living' Word. Since by works we can not be saved, only through His shed blood. The sinless sacrifical lamb. Who can comprehend this great mystery? In 1985, I lost parts of and damaged fingers on my right hand. During the period of healing Jesus was so close to me. He strengthened me and carried me through. As I was talking to Him one morning, I said "Lord I can relate to the suffering you went through now" ( I was relating to my physical pain.) Jesus then spoke to my spirit and said this, "No Ed, it wasn't the physical pain that was unbearable, but the REJECTION of my love that hurt the most. I was so overwhelmed. But realized that even when I thought I had a great revelation, I still needed His teaching. How do people live without knowing Jesus?

How does Christ's example speak to your situation? How is your behavior going to be different because of what you see in Jesus" character in this passage? I'm changed , in the way, that I do things with more thought and care, before I speak or act. I can usually ask myself, "would Jesus approve?" Christ has helped me to endure way beyond what I ever thought or hoped that I could. I see that I can go through problems and struggles with out giving in to the situation. I think, "for Jesus to endure all for me and you, ...then I can surely go thru my little problems. I find myself less willing to 'speak out', but listening more. I won't ever have to regret those things I didn't say.

How does being and employee "conscious of God" affect the way we act and react to injustice in the work place?Can a conscientious Christian be a complainer? Why or why not? How do you usually react to prolonged, unfair treatment at your work? We should not look the other way or bury our heads in the sand, but each incident needs to be weighed and prayed before actions. Many times what seems to be an injustice, turns out to be a co workers 'version' of what took place. Get all the facts, seek God, then act. Shouldn't be a "complainer", but should tell the truth, I mean be open and honest. To be a whiney, complainer is not bringing glory to God. Do your job or move on. Find a job you like and will and can do well. Your work is a testimony. I have prayed about; it I have endured it; I have grown spiritually, God has used situations to cause me to be stronger, more patient; more compassionate.....ultimately I started my own business so I could do things in a Christ like fashion. That was 25 years ago. Thank you, Jesus!!

If we are to submit to our employers and respect them, what is it saying about God's expectation that we do a good job? In what sense do we dishonor God when we don't give our full effort to our jobs? A Christian should do above and beyond in his or her job. With out questionm our conduct on the job should be higher, as a 'calling' not a job. If you have sought the Lord for your work/career, then it is a vocation not merely employment. I was taught as a young man to, "work as unto God and not to man". Regardless of circumstances or pressures or complaints on our job, we can see that our work is to be dedicated to Jesus. If your employer knows of your Christian teaching and beliefs and you fall short of normal employer expectations it certainly brings dishonor to Jesus. Christians should be the best, most conscientious employees and employers. You should be known by your actions.

In what way is God's glory dependent upon us living submissive lives? How is God hurt when we get rebellious? We are His ambassadors on this earth. We are a reflection of Christ who indwells us by His Spirit. Or at least we should be. A Christian who is rebellious and disobedient directly casts a gloomy shadow on the work of our Savior. Submissive behavior and obedience, even kindness contradicts the plots of the evil one. To pray for God's guidance and truth in all matters helps us to know what to do in all situations. To be rebellious can cause others to not desire the things of God or think bad of the perceived nature of Christians. We will fail and fall short many times, but to be aware and to try each day to represent our God is a calling we all must chose to follow and work towards.

How can the good deeds we commit by living openly as Christians increase God's praise? How does our blending in detract from God's praise? Not just hearing the message over and over, but seeing is believing. To see God's ways' in action and to see that the truth works can and does draw people to Christ. All of the 'fruits' of the Holy Spirit are evidence of Gods' active presence in the lives of believers. Those who witness miracles. gifts of kindness, true joy, love without measure....can not help to bring forth praise, even those who don't consider themselves believers. On the contrary when we 'blend' in we are just denying His truth and simply saying our own faith is somewhat lacking and that being a believer isn't very special at all.

The world tells us to conform and that sin won't hurt us. What does Peter tell us to combat these lies? How can this reminder help us? The world wishes us to conform so as to 'justify' their own sins. "See he does it and he is a Christian," they say. Peter reminds us of our Heavenly status, our eternal home and future, of our chosen position in Christ, and our forgiven, mercy filled, joy filled, love filled life in Christ Jesus. So much to be thankful for and to guard with proper actions, this status. He also reminds us that we are in a war and definately have an enemy. To be alert at all times.

What actions and attitudes should this idea of being part of God's own people inspire in us? We should be aware that our attitudes and actions should be motivated by right intentions. All we do or say is a reflection on our God. We can not make a claim to be His 'chosen ones' and then live as if we were in control of our own lives. I know we can not live perfectly, with out sin, therefore it becomes the challenge to live each day with Jesus as our guide and example. With His help and the truth, through scripture, prayer and the Holy Spirit, we can live lives that may draw others to Him. In short we need to know Him to become more like Him. Praise, prayer and meditation, patience, peace and joy, with love... in all we do. Yes,... quite a challenge.

If praise is primarily for God's benefit, not your own, how should you be offering praise? At all times, in all things with heart felt praise, in obedience and with actions and with one's entire being. Regardless of our own circumstances or understanding at the moment, or what we feel like doing, but in reverent fear of God and for Him as His Love & grace & mercy abound towards His creation.

What is the mindset of a priest towards God? What action does this mind set inspire in you? The attitude of a priest towards God should be one of a servant, to serve others and bring people into a place of understanding who God is, then act as mediator/intercessor in that relattionship. He is Holy, then we need to understand how to do that. This mindset encourages me in that we are priests of our homes and we are called to a royal priesthood. It is a very meaningful and challenging calling.

Have you ever felt you were of no worth or value? Yes, before I was aware of the love of Jesus for me. I had very low self esteem and at times didn't think it mattered that I lived or died. What does 1 Peter 1:18-19 say about your worth? What does it say about God's love for you. More than silver and gold! And not perishable, but eternal. Purchased with a price, the precious blood of the Lamb. What does it indicate about the long-term value of your balance sheet and financial assets? You can take it with you! Things of this world mean very little. What are your true long term investments? Why? People:Family members... wife, children, grand children, friends and strangers alike. People are the only ones that will have the opportunity to see in Heaven.

Some people may be upset by being judged because of pride and unbelief. When one considers who God is and what the Word teaches us about Him, it would have to be that a person either doesn't care or doesn't really believe. Since God is love and truth, therefore we must be judged or nothing would be true. To not accept final judgement, is to not accept the entire truth. But yet a 'pick and choose' what you will believe. Again it is like being in control or being god of your own life.