Stacey

Q5. (1:8-9) According to 1 Peter 1:8-9, what is the basis of Christian joy that is "inexpressible and glorious"? How does this joy interplay with human emotions? Is it essentially emotional? How does it differ from what is generally regarded as the pursuit of "happiness"? Extra Credit: How can you tell the genuine article of joy from the counterfeit? 1) That I am so LOVED 2,3) When I am lonely I am loved. When I am angry I am loved. When I am happy I am loved. When I am loving I am loved. When I am less than loving I am loved. When I am hurt, depressed, jealous, needy, confident, proud....I am loved. That I am loved is the constant unchanging reality and it is not based on how I feel at any given point in time. 4) We don't have to pursue it. It is not elusive. It is offered freely and with no strings attached. 5) It is quiet and not noisy. It is reassuring, calming, and brings a sense of peace. It is seeing everything crumble, only to be built up and made new. It is seeing new life in death.

God's part was dying on a cross. In the water of baptism God claimed me as one of God's own, and marked me with the cross of Christ forever. This is my protection. My part is to say "yes"

It is an interactive process. If we are chosen through the sanctifying work of the spirit there is an action in progress. We are being transformed, and that sanctifying action takes place in the struggle with obediance. We can not be totally obediant, but if we are washed in the blood of Christ we can fail, regroup, and call upon the Holy Spirit to accomplish in us what we can't by ourself. There is no question in my mind that this is the process that leads to new spiritual life. God, the author of life, did the choosing when he created the first humans to be in relationship with God. God sustains us through the sanctifying work of the spirit, and then sealed the deal by offering up his only Son so that nothing can separate us from the love of God. There is no question in my mind that forgiveness without repentance and obedience leads to a spiritual death. Without my response this is "cheap grace." Grace without growth. Grace without change. In the words of Leonard Sweet, "a body that does not change is adead body." And the choice is mine to make. There is a question in my mind as to whether or not obedience is required for the ultimate gift of salvation. I know Christians who are so distressed over the status of their salvation that they focus on this instead of trusting in Christ's sacrifice. The are not able to truly move beyond the doubt into the freedom Christ bought for us. According to the question posed, I am deceiving myself to say there can actually be one without the other. But this to me is the true faith that sets me free. My salvation is secure, I need not worry. I am free to move beyond this question. The stone has been rolled away once and for all- how can I keep from singing?

This is a board question to which there is undoubtedly a broad set of responses. I mostly like the world. I like my life. I like the daily challenges I face. None of these are bad things, and frankly sometimes heaven sounds a little boring- too homogenius, to unstimulating. I'm betting I'm wrong on this of course, and I am in for a big surprise! I do identify with my present homeland. However, too often I turn a blind eye the pain and suffering of others and this kind of behavior reflects my identifying with my present homeland before my heavenly home. It takes effort on my part to respond and feed the hungry, clothe the poor, show hospitality to the stranger, visit the prisoner, or advocate for justice. I have my moments when I come through, and when I do these things I know I am a part of bringing the kingdom of God to our here and now. This is the behavior of one who identifies with our heavenly home. I have also had a realitively easy life, so it is easy for me to think that I am in control. If I had experienced more hardships, perhaps I would have a better and truer understanding of what it means to rely on God instead of my own ability to take care of things. Regular attendance at worship and Bible study help me keep my priorities straight(er).