Intro: I am truly enjoying our new Bible Study Video Series: The Chosen. If you haven’t been joining us on Wednesday evenings, you are missing a blessing. It’s not too late; simply go to our website and click on the Bible Study tab on the menu bar. You will be able to get caught up very quickly. There are so many valuable lessons we can apply to our lives. Each one nudges us forward with a renewed perspective of the Living Word of God—Jesus—and how we grow as his disciples. Christians represent God to others; we witness to the reality of our reconciliation with God made available in Christ. I cannot imagine what life would be like without Jesus and I am so glad I will never know.
The world does not recognize Christ, so we must help them see the Lord in us. In the Old Testament, heaven came to earth symbolically in the Tabernacle/God’s dwelling place. In the New Testament, heaven came to earth in Jesus/God with us. And, at Pentecost, heaven came to earth in the work of the Holy Spirit who lives in every believer. Everything in heaven is directed by God—operates by his principles and authority. So, the chosen should be permeated with the glory of heaven.
Please do not allow the world to define you. Instead, invite God to reveal to you who he created you to be; a person with great worth, value, and special gifts he designed just for you. Truthfully, because believers are loyal to God, we automatically position ourselves in opposition to the world’s way of thinking, speaking, and acting. Being rejected by the world is no big loss; being cherished by God is the greatest treasure.
1 Peter 2:9-12 NLV
9 But you are a chosen group of people. You are the King’s religious leaders. You are a holy nation. You belong to God. He has done this for you so you can tell others how God has called you out of darkness into His great light. 10 At one time you were a people of no use. Now you are the people of God. At one time you did not have loving-kindness. Now you have God’s loving-kindness.
11 Dear friends, your real home is not here on earth. You are strangers here. I ask you to keep away from all the sinful desires of the flesh. These things fight to get hold of your soul.
12 When you are around people who do not know God, be careful how you act. Even if they talk against you as wrong-doers, in the end they will give thanks to God for your good works when Christ comes again.
Prayer: Lord, I am so grateful to belong to you; heaven is my home. Thank you for the love and mercy you extend to anyone who desires a relationship with you. As your children, may we honor you with how we live. In Jesus’ name. Amen.