Faith Bible Fellowship

Dear friends,

What does the Lord require of us as believers? Reverential fear of Him, walking in holiness, a thankful heart for forgiveness of sin, and a fervent and serious love for all people, especially other believers.

These are high standards, which being followed, prove our love for Christ is not just God talk. Yet how can we actually follow through on this quality of life? By knowing we have been born anew from above by the grace of Christ, being sure we are truly His and are not still trying to make ourselves good enough to be saved. Instead of self salvation we trust the Word of the living and abiding God who assures us we have been born of undying seed.

It is crucial we understand grace so we can give the same grace to others – letting go of revenge, bitterness, unforgiveness, grudges and condemning prosecuting judgment.(Eph. 4:25-32) In other words, practicing “agape”. Thoughtfully read 1 John 4 which tells us to test the spirits – be careful who you listen to – and stresses that love for the brethren proves we know the Lord.
Read Isaiah 40, recounting the mercy of God for His people, the truthfulness of His Word and the greatness of the LORD compared to the temporal works of man. Peter quotes roughly verses 6-8, try to see how Isaiah 40 fits in with 1 Peter 1:22-25 which will be our text for this Sunday.

Sunday, June 5 we will observe the Lord’s Supper. June 12 Kyle Vaught from Burkeville will preach and Al on June 19. Betty and I will be visiting Laurie/Shawn in Indiana.

See you Sunday,

Lee

 

 Walking in the Light is True Success [35:13m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Dear friends,

This Sunday we will see the great love the Father has for the Son and how we are to have that same kind of love toward each other. Carefully read 1 Peter 1:13-25, especially verses 21-23.The Father loves the Son,the Son loves us and gave Himself for us. We love the Father and like Christ love our fellow Christians in the same way. Christ prays in John 17:26 that the same love the Father has toward Him may also be in us.
The Father raised the Son and gave Him glory so we also will be raised out of the dead.Therefore our faith is centered not in ritual, tradition or our righteousness, but in God alone. The Father loves us because He gave us to the Son.(John 6:35-40)
Living a righteous life gives us the capacity to sincerely love each other. Obedience, a desire to please God first, is a sure sign we will love other believers.1 John 3:16-18 gives a practical way we show this kind of love.

1.How will people know we we are Christians?
2.What are the characteristics of “agapao” love in 1 Corinthians 13?
3.What is the main point of Matthew 25:31-46? In what practical ways do we show this kind of love?
4. How can you show this quality of love today?

I ask prayer that the Lord will grant us understanding
and obedience to this passage through His Spirit.

See you Sunday,

Lee

 

 1 Peter 1:21-23 [32:44m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Dear friends,

Nothing from our old life could have redeemed us, our salvation solely rests on the work of Christ, not our own. No wonder Peter refers to our life as an exile existence, not our spiritual home. So we do not set up shop here in a “cheap motel”, but we keep ourselves ready and prepared for the next world, our true home. Note Ephesians 2:12&19 – no longer are we strangers and aliens – we have a homeland in heaven; Hebrews 11:13. No wonder we are to love one another on our journey home.
The events of Jesus’ life are not by chance. How often John speaks of “His time had not yet come.” He was fully known as Messiah before the world was made as John 1:1-18 clearly states; the mystery of God becoming Man and entering into the darkness of this world on our behalf.
Remember Jesus saying to Peter “shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” And all for us as Hebrews 1:1-2 and Galatians 4:4 clearly teach.
We will concentrate on verses 20 & 21 in the context of 13-21. Here are a few questions to help our understanding.

1.How does foreknowledge relate to the teaching Jesus was a “victim” of circumstance?
2. In what way are we exiles from heaven? How does that influence our investments here on earth?
3. What is the significance of Jesus coming into the world,not being born as all other human beings?
4. How do we know the Father approved of His Son’s life?

The point of our life is to live for His glory –  win, lose, or draw. Jesus died for our sake so we would have the opportunity to live for Him.

Together in His truth,

Lee

 

 1 Peter 1:20-21 [35:53m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download