johnmarkharris.net

how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?

There is a tendency for us to want to approach God on our terms, as though this is some kind of a negotiation. We are fine with Jesus, as long as he doesn’t change our plans, interrupt our schedule, or require us to do anything crazy like short-circuit “family time” by asking us to attend church. The reality is, God’s program for the world is the church. When we neglect his plan, there is no “plan-B.” The attitude that would neglect the gospel, and think one can substitute their own program for following Jesus, speaks volumes about who’s still on the throne of our lives. It’s Jesus, or it’s not. If it’s not… well, there is no plan-B. We’re called to offer people the good-news of the Gospel, not a quazi-gospel of buffet style convenience. 

Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son

Mormonism, Islam, some forms of “Christianity” still have “prophets” speaking, so they say, a word from God. I do not believe it. Not only do I not believe it, the Bible makes clear that Jesus is the final revelation, we don’t wait for another “testament” or any more books of any more Bibles… Jesus was it. When He ascended to heaven, the next word we get will be a trumpet blast. No more “prophets” no more books, we have everything we need, let’s get to work on the Great Commission.

6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

There’s no such thing as an arrogant and worried Christian, or at least there doesn’t have to be. When we really understand what God has done for us, and Who it is who’s done it, we should be awed by the sense of humility that realization brings. In the same way, the epiphany that this great and powerful God cares for you… yes, you, should drive out any fear or worry we could ever have. We don’t have to be trapped by our own ego nor do we need to be paralyzed by fear, we have God.

3 Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they see your respectful and pure conduct.

How do you get your spouse to do what you think they should do? The Bible doesn’t give advice as to how you can make someone else do something. God’s Word is only concerned with telling YOU how you should live in light of the Gospel. The best way to show the Gospel to someone is to love them, not to attack, berate, or pester them. We treat people well, no so that they will become Christians (though that’s the best way for them to do so), we treat people with respect because Jesus did the same for us, and that won’t change.

13 Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, 14 or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. 16 Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. 17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.

It’s tempting for a Believer to say they won’t follow their government because they feel it is “unjust” or take the attitude of “well I didn’t vote for that!” Yet, Peter (as well as Paul in Romans 13 for that matter) says Christians who found themselves in the brutal dictatorship of the Roman Empire of the First Century should obey the government’s direction. The goal of the Christian is not to seek “freedom” for themselves, but to make the Gospel compelling to others. To show that no matter what happens to us, we will serve others. Honestly, it’s hard to do that in a “free country.” We are very blessed to (in most ways that count) live in the freest country in the history of the world, but that also makes our job hard. It’s not our primary responsibility to fight for “our rights” but to shine forth the Gospel. To hear some people talk, as long as we get people food, shelter, education, and healthcare we’re doing “God’s work.” The reality is, those fights might be taking up so much of our time, we don’t do what God has actually called us to do, the Great Commission. Just some things to consider…