Jesus: The Believer’s Inheritance

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  It is fascinating to observe when people talk about inheritance, ones mind would immediately cater properties, wills, houses, jewelries, and other material things. All of which are centered on material temporal things.   In 1 Peter 1:4 , although The Apostle Peter used the term “inheritance” once in his letter, Apostle Paul on the other hand, mentioned this term in his letters several times. ( Eph_1:14 , Eph_1:18 , Eph_5:5 , Col_3:24 ,) But what is so significant about this particular emphasis of Peter? After all, he made a brief description of the inheritance (verse 4-5) a believer will obtain now that he is part of God’s family.   The term “inheritance” is not something new among Jewish ears. Going back to the OT, when God divided the promised land among the 12 tribes of Israel, every tribe received a portion of the land as their inheritance, except for the tribe of Levi…”the priestly tribe”. They were the only tribe that didn’t get one. God’s reason for doing so is interesting. Th

"The American Christian Attitude-Trap"

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In the course of our search for a book about marriage, we came across a little booklet by Rick Thomas entitled, “Help! My Marriage Has Grown Cold.” We would like to highlight an important truth that the author proclaims with clarity, which truth is found in Philippians 1:29 and 1 Peter 2:21.  From theses verses, the apostle Paul makes clear that we are granted, “for the sake of Christ,” not only to “believe in him but also suffer for his sake.” In the words of Rick Thomas, “there are two gifts at salvation: the first is faith in Christ, and the second is personal suffering” (p.36). In other words, “suffering is part of our calling” (p.36); and the “‘good’ in Romans 8:28, and the point of the whole passage, is that I will be changed into the image of Christ, but will not necessarily grow healthy, wealthy, and wise” (p.14).

Those of us who have grown up in the American culture may have the tendency to fall into the trap of demanding or expecting a life that is “pain-free” (p.35, quoting Paul Miller’s “A Praying Life.”). We may tend to believe that we “deserve” better (p.35), which is contrary to the Bible’s teaching that what we deserve as sinners is hell. However, because “God so loved the world… he gave his one and only Son, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16 NIV).

To learn more about God’s calling, come and join us in the study of God’s Word. Contact us today or worship with us on Sundays at the venue indicated on our Calendar. We look forward to hearing from you and to meeting you!

 

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