“…you are a CHOSEN generation, a ROYAL priesthood, a HOLY nation, HIS OWN SPECIAL PEOPLE, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who CALLED YOU OUT OF DARKNESS into His marvelous light; who once were NOT A PEOPLE but ARE NOW THE PEOPLE OF GOD, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.” (1 Peter 2:9-10)
- God’s CHOSEN PEOPLE are no longer restricted to the Hebrews of Israel only; His holy nation now embraces the church of Jesus Christ, which includes both JEWS AND GENTILES. “…you also, as LIVING STONES, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 2:5)
- As a ROYAL PRIESTHOOD, we are dedicated, or set apart, to serve God, What Does This Mean? As Christ’s church, we are a royal priesthood to declare the praises of God. And each of us, as a part of that royal priesthood, is responsible for OFFERING SACRIFICES PLEASING TO GOD and representing God to the world around us.
- HOLINESS requires the ability to care for everyone while remaining apart from everyone and BEING ONE and the same time. Holiness refers to the BODY AND NOT JUST TO THE SOUL AND THE SPIRIT. It speaks to DISCIPLINE and ORDER, SELF–CONTROL and RESISTING IMPULSE.
“YOU MADE ALL the delicate, inner parts of my body and KNIT THEM TOGETHER in my mother’s womb. Thank you for MAKING ME so wonderfully complex! It is amazing to think about. Your workmanship is marvelous—and how well I know it. YOU WERE THERE while I was being formed in utter seclusion! YOU SAW ME before I was born and SCHEDULED EACH DAY of my life BEFORE I began TO BREATHE. Every day was RECORDED IN YOUR BOOK!” (Psalms 139:13-16) Now, you have given us the choice to FOLLOW YOUR PLANS OR NOT.
But we do know this, “No weapon formed against us shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against us in judgment We shall condemn. This is the HERITAGE (nachălâh: what I take possession of) OF THE SERVANTS OF THE LORD, And their righteousness is from Me,” Says the LORD.” (Isaiah 54:17)
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham