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by Sandy Shaw
Peter writes about the origins of God’s people. How did they get their existence? Where did they come from? What is God calling His people to be and do?
These are massive questions to which Peter gives answers – answers which will help disciples grow and mature, and who are prepared to cope with opposition and persecution when it comes.
Peter explains how men and women became and become disciples of Jesus Christ – by being born again into a living hope, having been chosen and sanctified by God the Holy Spirit, and cleansed and sealed by the blood of Jesus.
There is not a hint of anything human in all of this. It is totally a work of the grace of God.
We see this on the Day of Pentecost when the risen and ascended Jesus poured out the Holy Spirit upon 120 disciples, who were prayerfully awaiting the next move of God.
It was all of God – and He still does this.
When enemies appear, and pressures and tensions arise, it is important to know that you are anchored to Jesus Christ the rock.
Peter certainly understood the significance of that. His name signified rock. He had been Simon – an unstable ‘reed’ swaying in the wind. Now, a different ‘breeze’ was sustaining him as he preached and wrote. That ‘breeze’ continues to blow.
If it is to what you have done you are anchored, then when the first whiff of an adverse wind appears, you will not be as stable as God wants you to be. You might be shaken, and quickly capitulate and conform, for the sake of superficial peace.
Jesus reminded His disciples in John Chapter 15 verses 16; “I chose you – you did not choose Me. I chose you to go and bear fruit – fruit that will last.” That assurance stabilises us in tough times. It is not our choice – but God’s.
We are justified by faith. It is by grace you have been saved through faith – and this not from yourselves – it is the gift of God. Ephesians Chapter 2 verse 8 – check it out to make sure it is there – I never want to say anything in these articles unless it can be backed up and supported by Scripture.
These fundamental basic truths are to be found in the books of Romans and Ephesians – along with other various vital truths – but how many people are there in the church who remain totally unaware of these essential elements in the foundations?
Sound solid foundations determine what we are able to build with our lives in the service of our gracious loving God.
“Almighty God – give us time now and again to check that we have laid sound solid foundations. We are living at a time when so many areas of light and truth as we have these in the Bible – are ignored, concealed, misrepresented and explained away – or withheld from believers in Jesus Christ. We pray for the Church of Jesus Christ and for those whose responsibility and calling is to preach and teach. Holy Father, in Jesus Name we pray. Amen”
Alexander 'Sandy' Shaw is pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship in Nairn, Scotland. Nairn is 17 miles east of Inverness - on the Moray Firth Coast - not far from the Loch Ness Monster!
Gifted as a Biblical teacher, Sandy is firmly committed to making sure that his teachings are firmly grounded in the Word.
Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.
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