Month: March 2013

“To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood.” 1 Peter 1:1-3 TNIV

In our last post study, we worked with the very beginning of this letter’s introduction. Today we will look at the testy subject of God’s “foreknowledge.” In the Greek, the word is literally the two words for “for or forward” and the word for knowledge. So we have our English word very accurate to the thought process of the Holy Spirit. 

Our God is awesome in every way. His mind encompasses all of creation, time and eternity. My brain “goes into knots” (as one of my friends says) just to try to think about holding such concepts. Just the thought of that – WOW – more than we can conceive. The thrust in this verse is that our Lord has known us, “in His mind,” before the foundation of the world. I believe this is true both individually and collectively. Ephesians 1:4 is very clear about that fact. 

His “foreknowledge” never interferes with our freedom to choose. I have four precious children, three sons and one daughter. When they were all young children I learned (limited thought I am in my mind) their choices based on who they were and what they usually would choose. When having a choice between ice cream and fruit, everyone would pick ice cream, except my youngest, David. David would always choose fruit. Just because I knew before I asked did not mean I chosen for them. They still had their own minds and choices of the freedom God gave them in their imaging of Him. 

That is a small example of how my mind works with the foreknowledge of our awesome God. He loves us so deeply and knows ahead of time, yet allows us to choose to be chosen. I know it can get really complicated when we study this out theologically. I have done that, and it produces more “brain-knots” for me. This is my simple way to receive and be blessed by my marvelous God knowing and loving and receiving. 

Nothing about me surprises Him. Nothing about you surprises Him. We have been in His heart and mind all along. Awesome!

“To God’s elect, strangers in the world, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood.”

This is the way the Apostle Peter begins his first letter. I should say, his first letter that we have on record. I am certain he wrote many more letters, both personal and in the line of his apostolic ministry. However, this is the first one we have recorded for us by the Holy Spirit. These beginnings are so revealing regarding the writer and their relationships with those who were the recipients of the letter.

First, it is Peter. Beloved Peter who went from  having his foot in his mouth, to being one of the foremost apostles of all times. Here he is writing to “God’s elect,” a term of fondness to those in the 1st century church. They are the ones who have chosen to believe and follow the Lord in a time of persecution and difficulty. Let’s watch as we study this letter, the terms Peter uses for what we group as “church.” Nothing right or wrong intended here, just an observation.

He also calls them strangers in the world. He returns to the term “strangers” later in the chapter. Again just watching. They are scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia. If you will look at the New Testament maps at the back of some of your Bibles, you will find those designations to the top of the maps above Israel’s area. Many of you will remember that Paul wanted to go this direction on his second missionary journey but was  restrained by the Holy Spirit from going through some of them (Acts 16:6-7). It is thought that Peter visited these areas on his journeys.

The Holy Spirit is the one to govern our actions. If we are to follow Him, He will lead us to do and go where He needs us to go and do. The Holy Spirit is best able to direct us (and all ministry and church work). Our minds, demographics, observations of obvious needs, etc… are very poor substitutes for His direction.

We need to return to listening. He lives within us to lead and guide. Yet, we choose our own thoughts over Him so much of the time. May He help us to be alert to His presence – every moment. Really good to do when God Himself actually lives inside us, don’t you think? More later.

Well, a new face! Thats’ nice. I have chosen to return to Word Press with Mannaword, and have been able to get the domain name. So as you will see, we are now just Mannaword.com. 

This will enable much more, and I am excited about working with Word Press again. Thanks Blogger for the years of holding and publishing. Now it is time to take this step and move further. 

So welcome everyone, to our new home.