How To Stand Your Ground. Part [6] 12/03/2023 (Evening thought)

Matthew 26:57 And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled. 58 But Peter followed him afar off unto the high priest's palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end.

John sought a retired corner secure from the notice of the mob, but as near Jesus as it was possible for him to be. A company drew about the fire, and Peter presumptuously took his place with them. He did not wish to be recognized as a disciple of Jesus. By mingling carelessly with the crowd, he hoped to be taken for one of those who had brought Jesus to the hall.

These are two completely different approaches to the same situation, one, where John is not ashamed of the Gospel, or of Christ, the other, in which Peter is ashamed of being associated with the Gospel’s Author. In our day, some preachers are ashamed or afraid of the gospel for this generation, for to preach present truth is like walking on pins and needles. Therefore, rather than be singled out by satan for some of the same assaults from human agents, some preachers avoid the hot button issues, or sensitive topics like gay marriage and weed.

The marriage institution is like a house on fire, and burning down, yet for some strange reason, some of the contemporary preachers seem to dance around the issue, fearing to stand up, and take a stand for the right lest what recently happened to the United Methodist Church, happens to their congregations.

Genesis 6:And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, 2 That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose. 3 And the Lord said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.

May God add His blessing to the study of His word. “Good night” and God bless!

How To Stand Your Ground. Part [5] 12/02/2023 (Morning thought)

Matthew 26:31 Then saith Jesus unto them, All of you shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad. 33 Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.

For the most part, true Christians can serve God in peace and tranquility here in America, for the time being. But all of that is about to change, and when it does, we hope the lessons from Peter’s experience would have done its work already, so that, we too may be able to stand our ground, courteously, yet firmly. In the following passages, and excerpts, let us find out what exactly the devil was observing, as pertains to Peter.

Previously there was a strife amongst them, as to who should be the greatest, and when Jesus was transfigured to His glory, on the mount, Peter then offered to build three tabernacles, for he was beside himself with joy, wonder and admiration. Again, when there was a storm on the lake that had threatened their existence, Peter was the one who had asked Jesus to walk on water, and as he did so, he looked back on his fellows as one being blessed and highly favored. Satan observes all this, but now, with Jesus in handcuffs, and potentially headed to jail, Peter follows at a distance.

[The Desire of Ages pp 710] After deserting their Master in the garden, two of the disciples had ventured to follow, at a distance, the mob that had Jesus in charge. These disciples were Peter and John. The disciple John, upon entering the judgment hall, did not try to conceal the fact that he was a follower of Jesus. He did not mingle with the rough company who were reviling his Master. He was not questioned, for he did not assume a false character, and thus lay himself liable to suspicion.

Luke 22:31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: 32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!