Great Church 1

2 Peter 1:3-4
As the summer draws to a close we begin to anticipate a return to school and perhaps a new chapter in our work life. We may need to shrug off the laziness of the hotter months and begin to focus once again on our responsibilities. With this in mind we can examine ourselves and our faith life and perhaps see that we need to return to a more faithful dedication to God.

In his second letter to believers, the disciple Peter makes comment on the significance of our faith. What has God given us? What accompanies these gifts? How does it help us?

We can so easily become complacent with our connection to God. We begin to take life for granted with all the ups and downs that everyone experiences. We may get caught up in our own interests, or we may feel that we are “good enough” Christians that we need no more instruction or improvement. We become so comfortable in our faith that we fail to commit to it as we should.

But Peter, the man who was so dear to Christ and who followed him so closely, reminds us that God has given us incredible gifts. He has given us everything we need for life. And not just everything for life, but everything we need to live life to its spiritual fullness.

As Peter points out, God has called us through His goodness and glory, and in that call are the gifts of God to live a life of godliness. Knowing that God has called us, that He has embraced us in His love and glory, that He has called us to be His children, allows us and compels us to take part in the divinity of God.

These are heavy words, but what does all that mean?

God loves us and wants us to be in a deep relationship with Him. A comparison we can understand is that of a parent and children. Because God wants us to be in this familial relationship He gives us what we need – that is, He gives us that heartfelt prompt and desire to be good people. He wants us to be holy.

We may never be as holy as God, but we can participate in the divine nature of God. We can come close to God and we can become holier than we are now. When we embrace our call to faith, when we see that a connection to God is essential, it can save us from the pitfalls and failings of a sinful, human-centered life.

DAILY CHALLENGE: Set a spiritual goal for yourself. What must you do to believe that you are participating in God’s divine nature? Do you need to attend worship more often? Do you need to increase your charitable giving? Do you need to take part in work that benefits others?

Last Supper 5

2 Peter 1:3-4

The fear of public speaking is one of the most powerful of all fears. It is a frightening idea to think of standing up in front of other people and presenting information. It is especially daunting if you are called to give a message in church, because the importance of what is being said is far greater.

When I am talking to anyone new to preaching, and sometimes when I am dealing with my own anxieties over preaching, I simply point out that those who preach are never alone. The Holy Spirit is present with you as you speak. God is moving to help in that moment.

The same is true of our life of faith. We may feel that we are unable to be the type of Christian we are called to be and the celebration of Communion can make us feel even more unworthy as we confront our own sins and our own inabilities. But Peter has a message for those who believe.

What does Jesus give to us? What does this gift enable us to do?

As we take part in Communion we are taking part in a moment of invitation. We are both invited to come before God to be forgiven and to accept Christ as our Savior, and to invite the Spirit of God, through Jesus, to live within us. Christ’s presence in us gives us the ability to live a life of godliness. It is through knowing who Jesus really is that we are able to be holy and good in our living.

By accepting the sacrifice of Jesus and the presence of his Spirit in the ritual of Communion we accept the promises of eternal life and the promises of the ability to be holy. With Christ present with us we can avoid the temptations of sinfulness and the corruption that surrounds us in the world.

We must remember the words of Jesus as he instituted the act of Communion. He said, “This is my body given for you.” The cup represents his blood poured out for you. You are the person that Jesus died for. You are the person who can receive his grace and power.

Knowing that you are the center of this act, the one who receives Christ’s presence, can make you able to be strong in your faith.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you remember that Jesus is with you during Communion and after the celebration as well?