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4 May 2008
Word on the Web
1 Peter 2 v 6-10
The Scripture says:
"I will put a stone in the ground in Jerusalem.
Everything will be built on this important and precious rock.
Anyone who trusts in him
will never be disappointed."
This stone is worth much to you who believe. But to the people who do not believe,
"the stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone."
Also, he is
"a stone that causes people to stumble,
a rock that makes them fall."
They stumble because they do not obey what God says, which is what God planned to happen to them.
But you are a chosen people, royal priests, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession. You were chosen to tell about the wonderful acts of God, who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. At one time you were not a people, but now you are God's people. In the past you had never received mercy, but now you have received God's mercy.
The manufacturers of the food product Marmite (similar to vegemite) have over the last few years run an advertising campaign based on the question, "Love it or Hate it?" The assumption is that you are either a person who loves marmite or a person who hates it. There is no middle ground.
Peter argues that it is the same with Jesus, that there is no middle ground - he is like a stone. For those who believe in Jesus he is a foundation to build a life on but for those who don't believe he is stumbling block.
Once a "Marmite hater" always a "Marmite hater" and there is nothing worse than kissing a person who has "marmite breath"!
This is not true of Christianity though. God is a wonderful god who is always calling people out of darkness into his light. For each person there is a "before", when they were not part of God's people, and an "after" when they belonged. Peter uses images of belonging, such as a nation, or a valuable possession, to describe the church. Yet he is clear to emphasise that it is God's mercy that is the important factor and for everybody it is never too late to believe.
Pray for those you know who are not believers.
Ask that they will experience God's mercy in their lives.
Ask for an opportunity to share your faith with them.
Written by David Wells
Word on the Web
1 Peter 2 v 6-10
The Scripture says:
"I will put a stone in the ground in Jerusalem.
Everything will be built on this important and precious rock.
Anyone who trusts in him
will never be disappointed."
This stone is worth much to you who believe. But to the people who do not believe,
"the stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone."
Also, he is
"a stone that causes people to stumble,
a rock that makes them fall."
They stumble because they do not obey what God says, which is what God planned to happen to them.
But you are a chosen people, royal priests, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession. You were chosen to tell about the wonderful acts of God, who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. At one time you were not a people, but now you are God's people. In the past you had never received mercy, but now you have received God's mercy.
The manufacturers of the food product Marmite (similar to vegemite) have over the last few years run an advertising campaign based on the question, "Love it or Hate it?" The assumption is that you are either a person who loves marmite or a person who hates it. There is no middle ground.
Peter argues that it is the same with Jesus, that there is no middle ground - he is like a stone. For those who believe in Jesus he is a foundation to build a life on but for those who don't believe he is stumbling block.
Once a "Marmite hater" always a "Marmite hater" and there is nothing worse than kissing a person who has "marmite breath"!
This is not true of Christianity though. God is a wonderful god who is always calling people out of darkness into his light. For each person there is a "before", when they were not part of God's people, and an "after" when they belonged. Peter uses images of belonging, such as a nation, or a valuable possession, to describe the church. Yet he is clear to emphasise that it is God's mercy that is the important factor and for everybody it is never too late to believe.
Pray for those you know who are not believers.
Ask that they will experience God's mercy in their lives.
Ask for an opportunity to share your faith with them.
Written by David Wells
