L. Turner

In verses 5:10-11 It is really telling me about God's love for me. It is very meaningful to me because it lets me know that no matter what I maybe going through now, God will bring me through and make me strong. And it also gives me hope knowing that He has called me to eternal glory. This is just a small journey compared what awaits me.

In 1st Peter 5:8-9, Peter is telling us to be self-controlled and alert to the wiles of the devil and to stand in faith and resist him. The instructions give by the Apostle Paul is very similar to those of Peter's. They both are telling us to be stong and stand in faith and to resist the devil. But not in our own strength, but in the power of the Lord. They both are encouraging us to stand strong in FAITH.

1st Peter 5:8 says that we are to be self-controlled and alert; because the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. This verse tells us plainly that the devil wants to destroy us; therefore it is extreamly important that we be alert so that we can resist him.

According to 1st Peter 5:7 we are instructed to cast all are cares upon the Lord that includes our fears. The reason that we should do this is because He cares for us. And we are to do this by standing in faith and resisting the Devil. I will apply this verse in my life by doing what it says, not become anxious about anything, but stand in faith regarding any cares that may try to over take me.

We discern a person's humility through their actions when in position of small things. If they are proud when given a position of authority of any kind, then we know that they will be even more when put in a position of great authority. They should be acting more like Jesus, not power thirsty Hitler. They should demonstrate a true servant's attitude.

We should always seek God in whatever we do, but especially when we are chooing our leaders. Our leaders should be men and woman after God's own heart. Jesus should be the example that they are seeking after, not power. Jesus was the Son of God and He was humble even to the point of death. He did not see anything wrong with washing the disciples' feet. He should be the example that we look at when choosing our leaders, then we will have to be concerned with whether or not the man or woman of God will become a power-monger.

First of all, it is wrong to twist anyone's arm to make them do something. God, Himself does not force us to do anything. Whatever we do, should be done from a position of love for God and His people. As true servants of God, whatever we do for His people should be because we want to. Jesus did not come to save us because He was forced or convienced against His will, but because of His love for us, therefore, we should become like Him in whatever we do. We must always be willing and obedient.

I have learned that Eldership is no trieval title, but a position of responsibilty. You are responsibile for God's people, which is no small matter.

We must be willing to die, especially to ourselves, so that the enemy will find nothing in us. If we are more concerned with our lives and our comfort, we will be useless to God.

If we are never persecuted, it must mean that we are doing something wrong. The student is never greater than the teacher. Christ suffered and was persecuted and if we are indeed part of the body, then we too must face persecution. Being persecuted let us know and brings us joy and happiness; because than we know that we are joined with Christ.

When suffering for Christ, it brings Him glory and causes me to feel joy; knowing that whatever this present suffering, there is nothing to compare to the thought of living forever in the presence of God. In addition, when knowing that what I may suffer will bring a smile to His face, it is all worth it.

The danager of trying to avoid persecution and suffering for Christ, may cause you to quit what God has called you to do. And it will definitely cause you to fore-fit the glory and the joy that knowing you are suffering for Christ's sake. What greater joy than to be found among the worthy.

No one, especially non-christians wants to be judged. Judgment is not a very popular subject. They want to do whatever they feel like and expect God to slap them on the hand and say, "That's alright baby, I understand." But judgment is a reality for all people. We all will give an account for our lives spent in this earth, whether we like it or not. And if we know and uderstand this truth, it should inspire in us the fear of God and a desire to live a life that is well pleasing to Him.

Non-Christians attempt to get you to sin with them, so that they can see your "attitude" mind set toward sin. They also want to feel good about themselves. If you supposely are christian and do what they do, they can say, see you are no better than we are, you practice the samething. See, you are not holier than thou. Many times christians will go alone with them, just to feel lefted out. One way to resist this type of temptation is to limit your association with or exposure to non-christians. Non-Christians attempt to get you to sin with them, so that they can see your "attitude" mind set toward sin. They also want to feel good about themselves. If you supposely are christian and do what they do, they can say, see you are no better than we are, you practice the samething. See, you are not holier than thou. Many times christians will go alone with them, just to not feel lefted out. One way to resist this type of temptation is to limit your association with or exposure to non-christians.

When the scriptures say to arm yourselves with the same "attitude" as Christ had, I believe that it is saying to develop the same mind as Christ, which is the attitude that we are finished with sin, that we will no longer live our lives for the sinful and lustful things of this world.

I hae been baptised in the tradition of immersion, which to me represents my death, burial and ressurection in Christ Jesus.

The aspect of this verse that most touched me was the truth that I am reconciled to God. Understanding the sacrifice that Jesus made has really affected me deeply, to know that He loves me so much that He gave up all to reconcile me to Himself. I kow that I can pray and God will hear and answer me; because of His sacrifice.

I believed that it would be hard to be an effective witness during times of persecution; because as human being when trouble hits we are more concerned about ourselves. The same answer would apply to the second half of this question. In Peter's four stated instructions, the one that I need to cultivate most is learning how to reply with gentleness

With all sincerity all of the qualities that are listed in 1st Peter 3:8 seems to be operating within our church. I must say that I a m blessed to have been sent to this church by God.

When a man treats his wife wrong it shows that he has no respect for her and it also shows his character. A man that would treat his wife wrong is probably a very selfish person. And we know that selfishness will hinder one's prayers. But even more, God doesn't listen to the prayers of hypocrites and sinners.

A husband should relate to his wife through wisdom and knowledge of her vulnerability as a female and also through the knowledge of her need for love, respect and understanding. When a husband does this it demonstates his love and care for her. When either a man or woman tries to dominate the other, it shows a lack of respect for the other person and it is very harmful to the relationship. It causes conflict. It is also not pleasing to God, God never intended for man to dominatene each other. This goes contrary to His will.

A person cultivates inner beauty from abiding in the presence of the Holy Spirit. You gain true character by yielding to the Spirit if God, thus allowing Him to govern your life. I believe that true character is important to God; because it is a reflection of Him. When a christain women demonstates the beauty and character of God, her husband is well pleased with her and he will desire to stay with her. We know that the bible says that in the presence of the Lord there is fullness of Joy, so when a woman demonstates God's character it will bring pleasure to her husband.

Women should always try to look their best; because not only does it reflect on them, but it also reflects on their husband and on God. When a women spends so much time on her outer beauty, she will neglect what's more important, her time spent in the presence of God so that her inner beauty maybe cultivated. There must be a balance between the two, her time spent in the presence of God and her time devoted to making her outer self beautiful.

I believe that the idea of submission for humans is difficult because it implies giving up something. It also implies that that you will be subject to the dictates of someone eles. No, submission does not require you to be silent when you disagree with something or feel that something can be improved upon. Submission is wrong for christians when it violates the laws of God.

Sin like anything in our lives can only have power over us if we let it. Many times we allopw things in our lives. We should always at all times be God inside minded, then we can live unto righteousness. The bible said in Matthew 6:33 that we are to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness (His way of being and doing right). If we seek God first in all things, then sin will not get a qrip on us. We must crucify our flesh (our way of thinking) all sin begins in the mind first