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- Apr 25, 2006
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11 May 2008
Word on the Web
1 Peter 3 v 18-22
Christ himself suffered for sins once. He was not guilty, but he suffered for those who are guilty to bring you to God. His body was killed, but he was made alive in the spirit. And in the spirit he went and preached to the spirits in prison who refused to obey God long ago in the time of Noah. God was waiting patiently for them while Noah was building the boat. Only a few people - eight in all - were saved by water. And that water is like baptism that now saves you - not the washing of dirt from the body, but the promise made to God from a good conscience. And this is because Jesus Christ was raised from the dead. Now Jesus has gone into heaven and is at God's right side ruling over angels, authorities, and powers.
We live in a world which has a strong "blame culture". People sue others when they can find someone to blame for an accident, encouraged by solicitors promising "no win, no fee", and 100% compensation coming to you. Presumably they also make a tidy profit! Politicians and business people are also quick to point the finger elsewhere to avoid blame being placed with them.
God could have sat back and blamed humanity for getting itself in a mess. He could have sued us for the way we have mistreated His creation and indeed abused Him. Instead God's way is not to blame but to redeem and make as new. This came at great personal cost. A guiltless God-man, suffering in the place of those who are blatantly guilty. Amazing grace!
Are you quick to blame or committed to make things new? It is hard to go against the flow of current thinking, but God offers us no reward for being like everyone else.
However, the reward for the right choice is startling. Jesus, having risen from the dead, is ruling at God's side over everything, and we have an invitation to join him as co-heirs of His Kingdom for eternity.
Lord Jesus, it is hard to be different from those around me, but that is what you have called me to be. Give me courage and endurance to live according to your example, and forgive me for the times I try to fit in, rather than follow you. Amen
Written by Phil Pusey - Burton Youth For Christ
Word on the Web
1 Peter 3 v 18-22
Christ himself suffered for sins once. He was not guilty, but he suffered for those who are guilty to bring you to God. His body was killed, but he was made alive in the spirit. And in the spirit he went and preached to the spirits in prison who refused to obey God long ago in the time of Noah. God was waiting patiently for them while Noah was building the boat. Only a few people - eight in all - were saved by water. And that water is like baptism that now saves you - not the washing of dirt from the body, but the promise made to God from a good conscience. And this is because Jesus Christ was raised from the dead. Now Jesus has gone into heaven and is at God's right side ruling over angels, authorities, and powers.
We live in a world which has a strong "blame culture". People sue others when they can find someone to blame for an accident, encouraged by solicitors promising "no win, no fee", and 100% compensation coming to you. Presumably they also make a tidy profit! Politicians and business people are also quick to point the finger elsewhere to avoid blame being placed with them.
God could have sat back and blamed humanity for getting itself in a mess. He could have sued us for the way we have mistreated His creation and indeed abused Him. Instead God's way is not to blame but to redeem and make as new. This came at great personal cost. A guiltless God-man, suffering in the place of those who are blatantly guilty. Amazing grace!
Are you quick to blame or committed to make things new? It is hard to go against the flow of current thinking, but God offers us no reward for being like everyone else.
However, the reward for the right choice is startling. Jesus, having risen from the dead, is ruling at God's side over everything, and we have an invitation to join him as co-heirs of His Kingdom for eternity.
Lord Jesus, it is hard to be different from those around me, but that is what you have called me to be. Give me courage and endurance to live according to your example, and forgive me for the times I try to fit in, rather than follow you. Amen
Written by Phil Pusey - Burton Youth For Christ
