Swept Away By Grace—A Study in I Peter (part 4)—Blessed Dispensation of Grace
Consider the truth of how blessed we are to be in this dispensation of Grace. The prophets of old spoke of the Messiah to come, longing and yearning for that day. It was by faith that they looked forward to His arrival. They told of His coming to suffer and die that we might be saved; yet, they did not know when or how this great act of salvation would come to the earth. So it is Peter, crying forth:
Swept Away by Grace—A Study in I Peter-part 3: Broken for Joy
I think for us to understand Peter’s letter, we need to remember for a moment who Peter was and is. Here was a man who was a self-reliant, strong, rugged fisherman who knew how to work hard, get things done through the storms, and who had a loyal heart. He was amazed by the truth that Christ called him to be a disciple. He had left everything that he knew and trusted in to follow after Christ without a moment’s hesitation. For three years he had followed Christ and he had grown to love Christ; although, there were moments he didn’t fully understand what was happening. Many times along that part of his journey his faith had been tested and at times he had failed. Christ had confided to his apostles the plan was that he would die and would rise again to new life so that all might be saved; yet, Peter didn’t want to hear that. All Peter could see was the moment before him and did not understand the reality of eternity until later—but at that moment in the garden Peter rose up to defend Christ and Christ had said no.
Original Artwork used by permission of Ronald Barba and is protected by copyright—for information on obtaining copies please click on the picture or follow the link below.
He was not worthy to be called as a child of God. Christ was beaten, tortured, ridiculed and hung on a cross to die. Christ was then buried and rose from the grave on the third day. Now for a moment imagine the agony of Peter’s heart those three days. Even then, he
Swept Away by Grace-A Study in I Peter part 2—Born Again Into this LIVING HOPE
I Peter 1: “3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”
photo courtesy of @istockphoto.com
Think of this, we who are dead in our own sin are raised to a new life—we are born again to life eternal with Christ. Are you alive as a Christian or merely existing with a long sour face? Think of this, born again into a living, lively hope. If you do not feel like rejoicing over that truth, then do you really understand the gospel? God chose me, this broken, self-exalting heart that was dead to God. He gave me new birth into His family—the family of the King of the Universe and provided for me the promise of an inheritance in heaven with Him. Why would I ever weep or mourn over trivial losses here on earth? I am alive because He lives. Furthermore my salvation is secured and kept by the power of God. He not only provided the grace that saved me—He has provided the Grace I need today for whatever I face and the Grace that will lead me all the way home. So again, are you ALIVE and living forth Your LIVELY HOPE in Christ Jesus?
Imagine the magnificent joy that arose in Peter’s heart when he realized the truth of Christ’s resurrection and then Christ came to him and called him with the mission to preach the gospel despite his own failures. Peter knew the truth of what was Grace.
Listen to this song. He’s Alive with David Phelps
© 2014 Effie Darlene Barba
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to any brands, products or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides regarding the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Because I See thy Gift of Grace
By Effie Darlene Barba
A pilgrim’s journey through this land
Through meadow’s soft and desert sand
Beside the gentle bubbling streams
With flowers kissed by sunlit beams
Or rushing, roaring water falls
Whose beauty gasps and danger calls
Twinkling stars in the dark of the night
That guide my way and shed their light
The gentle breeze across my face
Whispering words of God’s sweet Grace
Creator Lord with all You do
What else on earth could I pursue
For all I have and all I am
Is due to You—Oh precious lamb
Who chose to die and pay my price
That I find in You, my paradise
And now I see through different eyes
This course on earth no more disguise
Its beauties shine, your glory clear
I feel the warmth your breath is cheer
To warm the chill within my soul
Like fireplace lit in winter’s snow
You blessed my life with love’s sweet kiss
That hope and joy arise amidst
The darkest trials I may face
Because I see thy Gift of Grace
© 2014 Effie Darlene Barba
Artwork is used with written permission of Ronald Barba who owns the copyright. His work can be found at: http://fineartamerica.com/art/all/ronald+barba/all
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to any brands, products or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides regarding the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Swept Away by Grace-A Study of I Peter Part 1—Blessed, Chosen Pilgrims
When wondering where we should travel next in our studies, I suddenly this morning began reading I Peter and was swept away by Grace. I wanted to run ahead and include every verse of I Peter at once; yet, I realized that we need to savor every word of this letter. So, I have determined that we shall go through this book; one part at a time. At the same time we must also see the whole without forgetting to view it within the context. Thus I urge you to go and to read I Peter Chapter one in its entirety with prayer for understanding.
Artwork by permission of Ronald Barba, please click on picture for more information on how to obtain.
Let us begin with verses 1-2.
Continue reading Swept Away by Grace-A Study of I Peter Part 1—Blessed, Chosen Pilgrims