While I was reading 1 Peter 4: 3-6, it inspired me to write this blog entry. So, here goes. Verse 3 is saying that for the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we chose to walk in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead. In verse 4 it's basically saying that people whose lives change radically at conversion might experience contempt from their old friends. They might be scorned not only because they refuse to participate in certain activities but also because their priorities have changed and they are now headed into the exact opposite direction. Their lives incriminate their friends' sinful activities. Mature christians should be trying to help new believers resist such pressures of opposition by helping them to be faithful to Christ, surrounding them as new friends, and encouraging them to develop all new habits and kick all old habits and help them to find activities that are not only enjoyable but positive for their new found spiritual growth. Now, I completely agree with what I just wrote previously because I'm not the type to go out and party and such. I've always been a homebody and I prefer it that way. I have found so many new things to do, that I'm incredibly excited about and it's helping me to stay in God's word. For example, I'm using my talent for writing to try and reach out to the unsaved. Those of you who are not saved, there's still time. It is not too late. Come on, what are you waiting for? Stop holding yourself back and stop letting other people and things hold you back as well. We have to learn how to be bold in Christ. The sooner that we learn that, the better off that you'll all be, trust me. As soon as you do so, you'll be saying to yourself, "why the heck did I wait so long?" "This is awesome!" "God is awesome!" The way I see it, there's just one God and one God only. Why do you like to go out and party and drink? It's not my idea of fun. You'll go home that night, pass out in bed, and then wake up in the morning and not remember anything that happened last night. Now, I don't know about you all, but I'd much rather wake up the next morning remembering everything that had happened the night before. That's how really good memories are made and you will treasure them forever, just like you should treasure God forever. I know from my own personal experience. I'd rather be who I really am than be something I'm totally not. It's all about being true to yourself and true to God also. Stop lying to yourself, and have some respect. Jesus loves you and he wants you to have a really close relationship with him. So, stop waiting, and just go for it! Anyway, sorry to get off subject here, lets go back to the bible verse. Ok so, Verse 5 says this: "Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead. Verse 6 says this: " For this cause was the gospel preached also to those that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. In other words, verse 5 is trying to say this: The basis of salvation is whether we have believed in Jesus, but the basis for judgement is how we have lived our lives according to Jesus and his teachings. All people will be judged: believers for the rewards they will receive; unbelievers for punishment. Those who inflict persecution are marked for punishment when they stand before God, so we must be completely ready. This might give you a new perspective on your activities and actions today. Are you prepared to explain them to God? I think I am. In other words verse 6 is saying that, many people who were in the early church had several concerns about life after death. In Thessalonica, Christians worried that loved ones who died before Christ's return might never be able to see Christ. Peter's readers needed to be reminded that the dead ( both the faithful and their opressors) would be judged. The judgement will be perfectly fair, he points out, because even the dead have heard the Gospel. The Good News was first announced when Jesus Christ preached on the earth, but it has been operating since before the creation of the world, and it affects all mankind, the dead as well as the living. I guess the point that I'm trying to make here is that no matter how badly your suffering, you must remain fully committed to God with all of your heart. He will never let you down, He's always there when you need Him, but first, you must call on Him, and He will fully take care of the rest. I already did, and I've never felt better, God is amazing and so are you, and let nobody tell you differently. You are who you are, and if people don't like it, then screw them, they're not worth your time and they're not worth crying over. When something doesn't exactly work out the way you were hoping it would be, don't whine about it, be happy about it because it's really a blessing in disguise, and because God has other plans for you, no matter how big or small they might be. We all must praise the Lord no matter what we're going through. To conclude this blog entry, I just want to tell you all that no matter what your going through and how hard it is, keep your chin up, keep smiling,stay strong,stand firm, and be persistent with God. Don't worry, be happy, you will get through this. May God Bless you all and goodnight.
