Believe Right!

Peter wasn't God's favourite. Neither was John, “ For God does not show favouritism.”  Romans 2:11 . I believe that this question stems from the conversation that Christ had with Peter after His resurrection; the one where He gave Peter charge of His sheep. In this same chapter appears the phrase “ the disciple whom Jesus loved.”  See this in John 17- 15  When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” 16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” 17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. 18 Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dres

Man's reasoning cannot comprehend having morality without striving to be godly by human effort (arm of flesh) and without the threat of punishment for sins. But man's ways and thoughts are not God's. The key to understanding is in Isaiah 55:8- 8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.” Some “men of God" single out this verse from the whole of Isaiah 55, ignore the verses before and after it and totally distort its context. But when you take the  text  out of its con text , you are left with a con. Many of us have heard this verse taught in the context of: “ God is not sinful, unrighteous and wicked and shady like you worthless sinners that are so lacking in morality. His ways are not your ways and His thoughts are not your thoughts so go and change your ways to  be like God.” The first sentence in this (mis)interpretation is basically stating the obvious: no churchgoer needs to be reminded about the godliness

It is no coincidence that John 3:16 is the most famous Bible verse. The essence of our salvation through Jesus Christ is wrapped up in this verse  and can be seen when it is read and understood  in its context .  By God's Grace, the verses immediately before and after John 3:16 help us see this context and the truth of our salvation in Christ. But first, a quick background: Christ taught from the Old Testament on the same day of His resurrection. Here's what He did as He walked with the two despondent disciples (Cleopas and his companion) on the road to Emmaus in Luke 24:27- “And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in  all  the Scriptures the things concerning Himself." That same evening, Jesus appeared to the disciples in Jerusalem (the same Luke 24;) check out what He did in verse 45 (MSG)- “He went on to open their understanding of the Word of God, showing them how to read their Bibles this way.” The New Testament hadn't been