August 24, 2022

Hello Advent Family,

Peter is a man of action. He leaps and then looks where he is leaping. I love that his writing is so action oriented as well. He doesn’t beat around the bush or waste time with long explanations his just says what he wants to say. Let’s look at a few verses in chapter 4 where he tells us how we should be living as followers of Jesus.

The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

He is basically saying get to work. Pray, make sure to love God and others it’s the most important thing. Use the gifts God has entrusted you with. He doesn’t feel the need to motivate us into action, he is basically a Nike commercial saying just do it. Something about that resonates with me. It is almost as if for Peter using your gifts to build the church is a no brainer. For many of us over the years following Christ has become a more intellectual or emotional connection than one of action. Perhaps we could all use a little more of the spirit of Peter. May we be people that live, act, and love as Jesus calls us to, using our gifts to build His kingdom.
 
In His Grip,
Pastor Dave

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