Doug Norman
1 Peter 1:16 states, "Be ye Holy; for I am Holy." The idea behind this verse is that if we profess to be God's people - we ought to look like our God! Personal holiness is the key to God's ultimate plan for each of our lives. 2 Peter 1:3-11 tells us that all we need to fulfill this plan has been provided.
The scriptures reveal to us that God hates sin. They also reveal to us why. Sin is vile and deadly, sin destroys and robs us of all that is good. A just and Holy God must deal with sin harshly and He has by giving His Son. Jesus has conquered sin and now calls us to go and sin no more!
There is a temptation for God's people to become spiritually lethargic and begin to neglect the things of God. Enemies often arise to resist any of our efforts. As this happens, the danger is that we become weakened and potentially conform to the world around us. However, Jesus said we are the salt of the world. We cannot afford to lose our saltiness!
As God begins to raise up a testimony of the grace and power of His son - know that Satan will make every effort to stop it. The Devil hates the testimony of Christ's saving, delivering, and healing power. However, we can rest in knowing that God always rises in defense of this testimony!
All of the blessings mentioned in Isaiah chapter 43 apply not only to natural Israel but also to those who are God's children by faith in Christ. The Lord knows us by name. He promises to bring us through dark and difficult days. We are precious and honored in His sight!
Each and every follower of Christ will experience seasons of testing. This is the process that God uses to expose weakness in our hearts and lives that we may have never seen before. Peter encourages us with this truth "the trial of our faith is precious." It forms the very nature of Christ in us!
The scripture defines the true church as the "body of Jesus Christ." It is certainly more than a building, denomination, or program. Just as the human head is essential to the life and functioning of our bodies, so too, is Christ for the Church. Membership into this body comes with responsibility!
In the day we are living, many are overcome with sorrow and a sense of despair. As we begin to realize everything we have placed trust in outside of God's word is being shaken, a great discouragement settles in. It is during this season the church must rise and give an answer for the hope that is in us!
In Luke 10:38 to 42, we see a picture of two different approaches to dealing with Christ. Martha is consumed with serving while Mary chooses to sit at the Saviour's feet and draw from His strength. The question should be asked, why can't we - as Christians - take both approaches?
