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BIBLE LIBRARY777

Introduction to the Book of Second Epistle of Peter

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Introduction to the Book of Second Epistle of Peter Photo by Matan Levanon on Unsplash Sometimes when we read the New Testament letters, we move too fast. We jump straight into the verses and arguments. But honestly… the introduction of a book often tells us so much about the heart behind it. This letter is deeply personal and it also call 2 peter. This letter also look like an urgency call by the older aspostle, almost like someone who knows his time is coming close and on earth is short and wants the church to stay awake. Traditionally the letter is attributed to Simon Peter , the same fisherman from Galilee who followed Jesus Christ . The man who once denied Jesus… and later became a bold witness. By the time this letter is written, Peter appears older, seasoned by suffering, persecution, and long years of ministry. And that changes the tone of the whole book. This introduction is not just theological. It feels pastoral. Concerned. A bit urgent even. So let’s slowly walk thro...

The cost of following Christ according to the scripture

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The cost of following Christ according to the scripture Photo by Thanti Riess on Unsplash INTRODUCTION Many of us, we claim to follow Jesus Christ. We go to church on Sundays or Saturdays, we memorize the Bible verses and we try to help each other as the Bible instructs us. But when we read and analyze what Jesus said, we notice something very serious. Following Jesus is not being overly Christian; it is not about donating much in the church. Following Jesus is surrendering all that pull us away from him. Jesus said that following him is not easy. He said following him comes with a cost. Sometimes, at this point we get confused about the cost Jesus is telling us. Some of us, we think that cost as something materialistic. However, Jesus is not asking us for our wealth instead he is asking for our heart, to let him in our hearts. Following Jesus requires us to be committed to him and that commitment sometimes it costs us our ambition, personal relationship or comfort. While we were ...

Understanding God’s calling: How God leads us to our purposes

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Understanding God’s calling: How God leads us to our purposes Photo by K. Mitch Hodge on Unsplash INTRODUCTION Many of us in question about our purposes in this life. We sometimes wonder about our purposes here on by asking ourselves questions like how to know if it is God calling me? A believer should ask these common questions himself to understand his purpose. The Bible shows us that God calls ordinary people to fulfill huge purposes. Sometimes God calls us in a clear and direct way and sometimes it takes a time to understand God’s calling. However, here is one truth; God’s calling is not about the carrier or the position. God’s calling is living according to his purpose and willing to serve him in our lives. Understanding God’s calling requires being patient, faithful and willing to trust him when the path seems to not be clear. God calls us to open our mind and understand the spiritual truth. This is like an invitation God gives us to gain the grace of salvation. The Bible ex...

Impact of Spiritual Discipline in a world full of distractions.

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Impact of Spiritual Discipline in a world full of distractions. Photo by Sunguk Kim on Unsplash INTRODUCTION We are in the world full of distractions. Distractions always come in our daily life. Notifications interrupt conversation with friends, we engage in social media just to capture chase attention. We live in a world where multitasking is awarded for higher productivity. Being calm and silent feels uncomfortable. Staying still feels very unproductive, so focusing feels much impossible. But spiritual growth teaches one thing, the modern life seems to ignore: discipline. It is not about religion or any kind of God’s commandment but creating a special space for God in our hearts. Spiritual discipline in a distracted world does not mean isolating ourselves from the society. It is about guiding our hearts in the right way in this distracted society. Discipline is not about minding our own life and withdraw from other’s life; it is about knowing God’s purpose and willing to fulfil ...

Why does Obedience matter as Christians?

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Why does Obedience matter as Christians? Photo by  Yannick Pulver  on  Unsplash   INTRODUCTION There is a time in our lives when obedience feels like a random thing. We understand obedience just like a common thing from our elders that we have to perform to achieve certain morality. Sometimes, we do not even get the meaning of obeying. We just do it because we are supposed to do it. When God’s directions meet our path and plans, it is easy to follow him. However, sometime we see obedience as a confusing thing, When obedience does not meet what we believe or what we expect, why is hard for us to obey? Why is it hard for us to obey when something to obey feels unreasonable? Obedience becomes hard when it does not make sense. The Bible does not ignore the reality. We see many people in the Bible who we are asked to obey for no reason, who were told to obey when it makes no sense. Their obedience felt like it had no meaning but they obeyed as they were asked. For Christi...