calvarychapelvisalia's webcam video August 23, 2011 08:22 AM

More truths about Jesus, believers and unbelievers.

See 1st Peter 2:4-10

( it is interesting to see that before Peter calls us to action, or showing us how to live the Christian life in it's day to day way, he really focuses on the blessings that we have in Christ ) So, below are many of those blessings, and some sobering thoughts about those who do not want to be saved.

In approaching Jesus, we are coming to the "living stone". He is the rock of our salvation, and He is alive forevermore, and has given us life, and made us living stones as well. We can come to Him, or draw near to Him, that's the idea. 

The Lord is seeking to build us up. To make us strong, to help us to grow and mature. We are being built up. We are still a work in progress.

We can now offer spiritual sacrifices to God, that are acceptable through Jesus Christ. No more sheep, lambs, goats, bulls, etc, etc......Now, because He gave Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for sins, we can worship the Lord, we can bring to Him those things that are acceptable and received by Him. 

As believers in Jesus Christ, we can be sure we will not be put to shame. He has forgiven us for all of our sins, and they are now gone, and remembered no more. For all the days that you live with Christ, at the end of this life, you can be sure you will not be ashamed of your life. You have been saved, and will not go into judgement. 

It's not however a pleasant picture for those who do not want Jesus. They stumble over Him, and He is a rock of offense to them. Two very descriptive terms stumbling, and offense. 

Finally, back to the blessings we have in Christ, we are ......

1. A chosen generation.

2. A royal priesthood.

3. A holy nation.

4. His own special people.

5. We have been called out of darkness.

6. We have been called into His marvelous light. 

7. We are now the people of God. 

8. We had not received mercy.

9. But, we now have received mercy.

Thank You Father. You have blessed us indeed. In Jesus name Amen.


Application/Promise
1. Count your blessings, name them one by one.
2. Ask God to explain these blessings to you.
3. Turn your mind and heart to Him, and His blessings.
4. Draw near to Him, come to Him.
5. Give praise and thanks to God.