Wisdom-Trek ©

Putnam Church Message – 04/28/2024

Last week, we will investigate the Reasons for Pulling Together as Christians within a church setting and throughout our lives.

This week, we will explore how we, as God’s Chosen People, are Becoming Living Stones.

Today’s passage is 1 Peter 2:4-12, and I will read it from the NLT because it provides a better flow of Peter's message for us in the 21st century.

chosen for great honor,

and anyone who trusts in him

will never be disgraced.”[c]

has now become the cornerstone.”[e]

the rock that makes them fall.”[f]

now you are God’s people.

Once you received no mercy;

now you have received God’s mercy.”[h]

In the opening words of verse 4, we're faced with a statement of fact: You are coming to Christ…, and then a question: what does it mean to come to Christ? He is the One who was “rejected by people, but he was Chosen by God” (2:4). Jesus is the cornerstone in Jerusalem, chosen for great honor by God. In other translations, Jesus is referred to as a chosen and precious cornerstone.  This passage is a quote in Peter’s letter from Isaiah 28:16:

“Look! I am placing a foundation stone in Jerusalem,[a]

a firm and tested stone.

It is a precious cornerstone that is safe to build on.

Whoever believes >need never be shaken.[b]

Peter says that salvation by faith in the Cornerstone relieves disappointment (1 Pet. 2:6), which brings precious value to the believer's life. That's good news for those who have come to the Living Stone. But for those who have failed to notice that firm Foundation, that same Stone can become the thing that trips them up. Peter strings together images from Psalm 118:22 and Isaiah 8:14 when he refers to a rejected stone. He is the stone that makes people stumble, the rock that makes them fall. (1 Pet. 2:8). Given the context of the passage in Isaiah, Peter probably had in mind his fellow Jews who were rejecting Jesus as their Messiah (Isa. 8:14). Yet this text also has application to anybody who refuses to come to Christ, who was “rejected by people" (1 Pet. 2:4).

Peter refers here to Jesus Christ. And, to answer our question from earlier, “What does it mean, coming to Christ?" refers not to our initial conversion but to our drawing nearer to God through our spiritual growth in fellowship with God and others. The Greek verb “coming" (2:4) is a present participle connected to the main verb of the sentence, “And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple." (2:5). Peter declares that by drawing nearer to Christ, we are being built up. Notice that this verb is in the passive, not active, voice. That means God is the One ultimately responsible for our growth. We participate and do so obediently, voluntarily, and actively (see 1 Pet. 1:14-15, 22; 2:1-2). But we should never let it enter our minds that we are ultimately responsible for our spiritual growth. As Paul said in another context, “I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow." (1 Cor. 3:6). We play our parts in our own >and others' growth toward maturity, but God is the Master Gardener who brings about the effects by His grace.

We know Christ is the living stone, a precious cornerstone, and those who reject Him are bound to trip and fall. But what about those who believe in Him? Peter uses a unique metaphor for believers. He calls them “living stones" who “God is building into his spiritual temple." (1 Pet. 2:5). Where did Peter get this illustration of the people of God as a building? Back in the events recorded in Matthew 16, Peter confessed, “You are the Messiah,[a] the Son of the living God.” (Matt. 16:16), to which Jesus famously responded, Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’),[f] and upon this rock I will build my church (16:18). Peter’s confession that Jesus was the Messiah is the rock Jesus refers to.

First-century building practices often included cutting new stones from fresh quarries to fit them perfectly in place. However, a faster and less expensive way of gathering building materials was to use stones from old or toppled buildings, chiseling them to the appropriate shape, and fitting them into new buildings. Archaeologists often unearth buildings that incorporate many stones from earlier centuries. Some of these recycled blocks may even have traces of old inscriptions, revealing the original identities of those earlier stones.

The early church saw these construction practices as a great metaphor for God's work in building His church with “living stones." Whether the stones come from new quarries (Gentile believers) or old buildings (Jewish believers), they both require cutting, chiseling, and shaping to fit them into a unified and stable structure. (Blocks) Paul frequently uses this image of God building His temple. Even after the apostles, |leading pastors of the ancient church continued to use metaphors of buildings, towers, and temples in reference to the church.

Ignatius, a pastor of Antioch, was martyred early in the second century for his unwavering faith in Christ; he wrote to the Ephesian church around AD 110: “You are stones of a temple, prepared beforehand for the building of God the Father, hoisted up to the heights by the crane of Jesus Christ, which is the cross, using as a rope the Holy Spirit.” Temples were common in the ancient world, the centers of worship and meeting places for encounters with the divine. By using the temple as a metaphor for the church, with its individual stones as members, Peter emphasized the unity of the body of Christ and the supernatural presence of the Holy Spirit as believers gathered for worship and communion with God.

Even today, we're in the middle of an ongoing construction project. Christ is in the process of building up His church—those dead stones that are being quarried from the pit of sin, brought to life as “living stones,” and fitted into His glorious structure. Each time someone trusts Christ as Savior, another stone is placed into that living, growing church. Please understand that becoming a stone in a building of countless stones doesn’t detract from your significance. It enhances it! You represent a vital part in the outworking of God's plan. Without you, something would be missing. The wall would be weakened. Never underestimate your essential part in the larger community of Christ.

In these verses, Peter draws out another analogy. Not only are we living stones in God's spiritual house, but we are “his holy priest" called to “offer spiritual sacrifices that please God." (1 Pet. 2:5). Peter repeats this description in verse 9—“a royal priest." There's a twofold implication of our call into the new royal and holy priesthood of all believers. The first is that we have unmediated access to the throne of God. Because of our relationship with Christ—our High Priest— “So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God." (Heb. 4:16). We need no animal sacrifice to cleanse us, no earthly priest to serve as a middleman, no ritual or ceremony to give us access to the door to heaven. We have direct access to God. We can pray, “Our Father." The second implication of our priesthood is that we have the privilege—and the responsibility—of serving as priests on behalf of each other. We’re admonished repeatedly in the New Testament to intercede through prayer for each other and even confess our sins to one another. James 5:16 says, Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.

Not every believer is gifted to be a pastor, preacher, teacher, missionary, or evangelist. But we are all called to be full-time priests. At a minimum, we're to “offer spiritual sacrifices that please God.” (1 Pet. 2:5). But what does that look like? The book of Hebrews gives us a clear indication of what kinds of sacrifices are appropriate for New Testament believers:

Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name. 16 And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God. (Heb. 13:15-16) >Praising God, thanking Him, doing good, and sharing are the kinds of sacrifices that please God. All of us can serve as priests in that “holy” and “royal” order (1 Pet. 2:5, 9).

Besides being living stones in God's building and priests in His temple, we are also members of a “chosen people,” citizens of a “holy nation” (God’s Kingdom) (2:9), a new people of God “God's very own possession” (2:9-10), and the benefactors of “God's mercy” (2:10). For these designations Peter borrows language and imagery from the book of Deuteronomy, drawing an analogy between the nation of Israel as a specially chosen people of the Old Testament and the church as the special people of the New Testament. (Duet 7:6-8)

Just as God called the people of Israel to be a unique nation with a special purpose among the pagan kingdoms, He has called the church to be a unique witness of Jesus Christ amid a wicked world. Now, our heads might swell at the notion that we're chosen by God—unless we realize this wasn't an election for which we campaigned. It wasn't something we earned or deserved. Just as the Hebrew people were not chosen for any merit of their own (Deut. 7:7), Christians were not chosen for their superior intellect, beauty, influence, or morality.

When He chose us, He made us a “holy nation.” As we learned earlier, holiness means being set apart. As a “nation" among the nations, we are called for special purposes: “As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light." (1 Pet. 2:9). As such; we are “God’s very own possession.” Think about how much the value of something ordinary increases if it has been owned by someone extraordinary. An old dictionary becomes more valuable if it was Abraham Lincoln's dictionary. A desk suddenly becomes more expensive and interesting if Winston Churchill wrote his famous speeches hunched over its worn surface. And, yes, an ordinary person takes on a different kind of significance if they are the personal possession of God Almighty (2:10).

The fact that we are not our own makes a difference in how we live and for whom we live. That's the whole point of Peter's summary in 2:11-12. Renewing our relationship with God involves remembering our position in Him and responding to Him with hope, regardless of our circumstances.

 

In light of our new, unique, “called-out" position before God, Peter instantly turns the theological |into the practical. Our position as  “temporary residents and foreigners” to the world means we should live in a way that sets us apart from the attitudes and actions of our culture. These two short verses contain at least four simple yet urgent appeals. First, God’s royal priesthood must live exemplary lives (2:11-12). For unbelievers, the world is a playground of passions. But for believers, it’s a battleground of opposition and temptation. We must shout “No!" to worldly desires.

Second, God's chosen race must leave no room for slander (2:12). The most compelling defense against false accusations by unbelievers is unimpeachable integrity. Denying false charges is easy. But there must be more. We must live lives that make those charges sound ridiculous to those who know us best.

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2368 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I will guide you through the vast landscapes of biblical wisdom. Today, we’re exploring Ecclesiastes 4:13-16 from the New Living Translation.

Solomon begins by highlighting the value of wisdom. He says it’s better to be a poor but wise youth than an old and foolish king who refuses all advice.

Solomon illustrates this point by saying that such a youth could rise from poverty and succeed. He might even become king, despite having been in prison.

However, Solomon notes the fleeting nature of success. He says that everyone rushes to the side of yet another youth who replaces the former king.

He observes that endless crowds stand around the new king, but then another generation grows up and rejects him, too. Solomon concludes that it’s all meaningless—like chasing the wind.

As we reflect on Solomon’s words, there are a few key takeaways we can glean:

Value of Wisdom: Solomon emphasizes the importance of wisdom, stating that it is better to be a poor but wise youth than an old and foolish king.

Potential for Success: He illustrates how a wise youth can rise from poverty and succeed, even becoming king.

Fleeting Nature of Success: Solomon highlights the fleeting nature of success, noting how quickly people can be replaced and forgotten.

Meaninglessness of Pursuing Power: Finally, he concludes that the pursuit of power and success is ultimately meaningless, like chasing the wind.

So, as we navigate our own journeys, let’s remember the value of wisdom. Let’s seek to be wise, regardless of our station in life. And let’s not be fooled by the fleeting nature of success and power.

Join me next time as we continue our trek through the book of Ecclesiastes.

Until then, keep seeking wisdom, keep striving for excellence, and keep making a positive impact on the world around you.

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of ‘Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.’.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this Trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)

Love Unconditionally

Listen Intentionally

Learn Continuously

Lend to others Generously

Lead with Integrity

Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain….reminding you to’ Keep Moving Forward,’ ‘Enjoy your Journey,’ and ‘Create a Great Day…Everyday! See you next time for more daily wisdom!

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2367 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I will guide you through the vast landscapes of biblical wisdom. Today, we’re diving into Ecclesiastes 4:7-12 from the New Living Translation.

Solomon begins by observing yet another example of something meaningless under the sun. He describes the case of a man who is all alone, without a child or a brother. Despite working hard to amass wealth, he finds himself asking, “Who am I working for? Why am I giving up so much pleasure now?” It all seems so meaningless and depressing.

Solomon then contrasts the solitude of the individual with the strength found in companionship. He declares that two people are better off than one because they can help each other succeed.

He illustrates this by saying that if one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.

Solomon further emphasizes the benefits of companionship by noting that two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone?

Finally, Solomon highlights the protection found in numbers. He notes that a person standing alone can be easily attacked and defeated. But two can stand back-to-back and conquer. And he goes even further, saying that three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.

As we reflect on Solomon’s words, there are several key takeaways we can glean:

Meaninglessness of Solitude: Solomon observes that working alone and amassing wealth without companionship can lead to a sense of meaninglessness and depression.

Strength in Unity: He extols the benefits of companionship, noting that two people are better off than one because they can help each other succeed.

Support in Times of Trouble: Solomon emphasizes the importance of having someone to lean on in times of trouble, noting that a companion can provide support when we fall.

Warmth in Companionship: He illustrates the warmth and comfort found in companionship, contrasting it with the coldness of solitude.

Protection in Numbers: Finally, Solomon highlights the protection found in numbers, noting that there is strength in standing together with others.

So, as we journey through life, let’s remember the value of companionship and unity. Let’s seek to build strong relationships and surround ourselves with people who can support us in times of trouble. And let’s never underestimate the strength that comes from standing together with others.

Join me next time as we continue our trek through the book of Ecclesiastes.

Until then, keep seeking wisdom, keep building strong relationships, and keep making a positive impact on the world around you.

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of ‘Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.’.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this Trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)

Love Unconditionally

Listen Intentionally

Learn Continuously

Lend to others Generously

Lead with Integrity

Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain….reminding you to’ Keep Moving Forward,’ ‘Enjoy your Journey,’ and ‘Create a Great Day…Everyday! See you next time for more daily wisdom!

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2366 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

 

Today is the second lesson in our segment, Theology Thursday. Utilizing excerpts from a book titled: I Dare You Not To Bore Me With The Bible written by Bible scholar and professor Dr. Michael S Heiser, we will invest a couple of years going through the entire Bible, exploring short Biblical lessons that you may not have received in Bible classes or Church.

The Bible is a wonderful book. Its pages reveal the epic story of God’s redemption of humankind and the long, bitter conflict against evil. Yet it’s also a book that seems strange to us. While God’s Word was written for us, it wasn’t written to us. Today, our lesson is Walk Like an Israelite.

Dr. Heiser said that cuneiform tablets changed my life. He wasn’t kidding. As he looked back on his 15 years of graduate school in biblical studies, the turning point in how he viewed the Bible was his course in Ugaritic, a cuneiform language very similar to biblical Hebrew. This class compelled him to transform “read the Bible in context” from a naïve platitude to an issue of spiritual integrity.

Most of us have the impression that interpreting the Bible in context meant learning about a piece of pottery here, an odd custom there, or having a factual acquaintance with who was alive, and what those people were doing at the time of the biblical events.

But in his Ugaritic course, he learned that all of that can divorce the Bible from the ancient world in one critical way: It can exclude religious or theological ideas from all the “context talk.” It’s easy to presume that most of the Bible’s theological content was unique to Israel. Most of us learned that Israel shared some cultural customs with pagan Gentiles—like diet, dress, marriage, and family structure. But we thought Israel’s religious worldview was handed down from heaven, having no common links with paganism. That is not true, and the content of the tablets that have been translated since they were discovered in the past centuries changes the previous mindset.

For starters, the people of Ugarit, a city-state in ancient Syria, described their gods with words and phrases that are in the Old Testament—in many cases, word for word. Their chief deity shared the same name (El) as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. (But the El of Ugarit could hardly be called holy by biblical standards.) The honorary titles and other descriptions of the Ugarit El and his primary assistant, Baal, are applied to the God of Israel in many passages in the Old Testament.

There are other examples. The behavior of prophets and the use of divination (casting lots, consulting the ephod) have clear ancient Near Eastern parallels. The design and purpose of the Ark of the Covenant align well with the use of sacred boxes known as palanquins in ancient Egypt. Trial by ordeal—such as that found in Numbers 5, where a woman accused of adultery must drink a potion to test her fidelity—occurred in surrounding cultures. Terms for Israelite sacrifices are found in ancient Gentile religious texts. The belief that the sky was solid is part of the ancient Near Eastern cosmology shared by the Bible (Tob 37:18: Prov 8:28). The notion that the seat of our intellect and emotions was our kidneys or intestines was common throughout the ancient world.

Discovering all this was a little shocking. But God used that temporary discomfort to produce honesty with the biblical text. I needed to think like an ancient Israelite to understand the Old Testament.

Israelite religion had some significant divergences from the religions of other surrounding nations, but on the whole, there were more similarities than differences. I came to the realization that the correct interpretive context for the Bible is not the early church, the Protestant Reformation, the Puritans, or modern evangelicalism. Those historical contexts are alien to the Bible. Instead, the context for understanding the Bible is the historical, literary, intellectual, and religious context in which it was written.

Although He could have done so, God didn’t change Israel’s culture when dispensing His truth. He didn’t give Israel a new culture that was dramatically distinct from Israel’s neighbors. That choice would have produced something indecipherable to the people of the time. That would have undermined the whole enterprise of communication.

What this means is that inspiration operates within a cultural context chosen by God in His sovereign wisdom. We cannot honor God’s choice of communication strategies if we refuse to ignore the deep worldview connections shared by both Israelites and pagans.

The profound contextual overlaps between Israel and her pagan neighbors was a wise theological tactic on God’s part. When divergences in Israel’s theology appear in the text—and there are some dramatic, stark points of contrast—they scream for attention on the part of the ancient reader. Unlike the pagan deities, Israel’s God could not be cajoled like an idol; Yahweh could not be brought down to earth and tamed. Laws about sacrifices were set in specific covenant contexts, giving them a unique theological dimension. Yahweh would rather have faith and loyalty than sacrifice. That is our short study for today.

The lessons that make up Theology Thursday on the Wisdom-Trek Podcast for the next couple of years will satisfy the statement, “I Dare You Not to Bore Me with the Bible.” I trust you’ll enjoy them—and, of course, not be bored.

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of ‘Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.’.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this Trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)

Love Unconditionally

Listen Intentionally

Learn Continuously

Lend to others Generously

Lead with Integrity

Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain….reminding you to’ Keep Moving Forward,’ ‘Enjoy your Journey,’ and ‘Create a Great Day…Everyday! See you next time for more daily wisdom!

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2365 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I will guide you through the vast landscapes of biblical wisdom. Today, we’re diving into Ecclesiastes 4:1-6 from the New Living Translation, where Solomon shares some profound insights on the vanity of life under the sun.

Let’s jump right in.

Solomon begins by painting a vivid picture of the oppression he witnessed under the sun. He saw the tears of the oppressed, with no one to comfort them. The oppressors held great power, leaving their victims utterly helpless. He describes it as a bleak and stark reality.

Faced with this harsh reality, Solomon comes to a startling conclusion. He believes that the dead are actually better off than the living. In death, they are free from the oppression and suffering that plague the living.

But Solomon doesn’t stop there. He goes a step further, declaring that the most fortunate of all are those who are not yet born. Why? Because they have not yet seen the evil that is done under the sun. They are spared from experiencing the pain and suffering of this world.

Solomon’s observations don’t stop with the oppression he sees. He also notices that many people are driven by envy. They’re motivated to succeed because they envy what their neighbors have. But Solomon sees this pursuit as futile, as meaningless as chasing the wind.

On the flip side, Solomon also observes the folly of idleness. He says that fools fold their idle hands, which leads them to ruin. There’s a danger in laziness and inactivity.

In contrast, Solomon advocates for contentment. He says it’s better to have one handful with quietness than two handfuls with hard work and the constant pursuit of more.

As we reflect on Solomon’s words, there are some key takeaways we can glean:

Recognition of Oppression: Solomon doesn’t shy away from acknowledging the oppression and suffering that exists in the world.

The Vanity of Envy: He warns against being motivated by envy, recognizing it as a futile pursuit.

The Danger of Idleness: Solomon also highlights the danger of laziness and idleness, which can lead to ruin.

The Value of Contentment: Finally, he extols the value of contentment, urging us to find satisfaction in what we have rather than constantly chasing after more.

So, as we navigate this journey of life, let’s heed Solomon’s wisdom. Let’s seek to live lives of contentment, free from the bondage of envy and the folly of idleness. And let’s remember that true wealth is found not in the abundance of possessions but in a heart that is satisfied with what it has.

Join me next time as we continue our trek through the book of Ecclesiastes.

Until then, remember to live life to the fullest, follow God’s wisdom, and positively impact the world around you.

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of ‘Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.’.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this Trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)

Love Unconditionally

Listen Intentionally

Learn Continuously

Lend to others Generously

Lead with Integrity

Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain….reminding you to’ Keep Moving Forward,’ ‘Enjoy your Journey,’ and ‘Create a Great Day…Everyday! See you next time for more daily wisdom!

Putnam Church Message – 04/21/2024

Last week, we asked, and hopefully answered, “How can I stay clean in a corrupt society?” This is crucial to have a Biblical impact on society as ambassadors for God's Kingdom.

This week, we will investigate the Reasons for Pulling Together as Christians within a church setting and throughout our lives.

Let me start today with a short story. Before Andrew Jackson became the seventh president of the United States, he served as commander of the Tennessee militia. During the War of 1812, his troops reached an all-time low in their morale. A critical spirit spread among them. They argued, bickered, and fought amongst themselves. Reportedly, Jackson called them all together on one occasion when tensions reached a breaking point and said, “Gentlemen! Let's remember, the enemy is not here; it is over there!" Our politicians today would do well to remember these words.

What a sobering reminder for the church today! As we explore the next section in 1 Peter, we will learn “Reasons for Pulling Together.”

 In John 13:35, Jesus said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”  This verse is the basis for our closing hymn. To our shame, the world sometimes looks on Bible-believing Christians as self-seeking and factious, even unloving and argumentative. We aren't always known for our love and support for one another. Instead of being loyal and fiercely committed to each other, in some churches, they tend to look for ways to pick at each other, to put down rather than build up. How strange! Fortunately, this is not the spirit that we have here at Putnam. The frequent occurrences of brother bashing and sister smashing indicate that we need to remind ourselves of the reasons for pulling together.

Let’s begin our study by reading 1 Peter 1:22 – 2:3 on page 1887 in your Pew Bibles.

and all their glory is like the flowers of the field;

the grass withers and the flowers fall,

25     but the word of the Lord endures forever.”[c]

Peter offers some vital thoughts on unity within the body—a unity that can be weakened and even shattered amid suffering and loss of hope. As we can see, Peter's readers go through various trials, as we sometimes do. Some were tempted to conform, compromise, or give up altogether. They were getting nervous—and getting on each other's nerves! But that wise old apostle, likely having reflected on Jesus' message of unity during his ministry, prescribed an easily overlooked antidote for the disease of defeat—unity.

Scattered, distressed, tested, and tempted—Peter's original readers experienced all the ingredients of a loss of hope and a fragmenting of community. In this context, Peter began what we might call his motivational message, taking on the role of a coach or personal trainer, encouraging his team to pull together. Because they were part of the same family, they needed to go in the same direction and pursue the same goal.

What is it that makes this possible? How do believers support one another? How do we develop unity and community so we don't live lonely and hopeless lives? Peter gives us three answers to this question in the first part of verse 22. First, unity requires “obeying the truth.'' We don't follow inner urges,| the example of others, |or our cultural norms.| We obey the truth —God's standard of what it means to be Christians. Second, it requires “purity of soul." This excludes all pride, prejudices, grudges, and bitterness. It means getting rid of—cleansing—those things that stand between brothers and sisters in Christ. Third, it requires a “sincere love." Because of our obedience to the truth and cleansing of our soul allows us to love without hypocrisy. We are given extra measures of grace to overlook the faults of others.

Verse 22 then moves from the conditions that make loving unity possible |to the command that makes it real: Love each other deeply with all your heart. On the surface, it may look like Peter is repeating himself—show sincere love; they are to Love each other deeply with all your heart. Peter uses two different words for “love" in this single verse. The New Testament primarily uses two Greek words to describe love. One is philos, which refers to a brotherly love or the love of a friend. The other is agapè, a higher expression of unconditional love (see 1 Cor. 13:4-7). Both types of love are used in 1 Peter 1:22. When Peter spoke of “sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters,” he used the word Philadelphia - brotherly love. Then, in his exhortation, Peter called his readers to "Love each other deeply,” using the higher form of love, agapaõ. However, this final expression of love is modified by the adverb ektenõs, which means “with all your heart.”

In practical terms, Peter's exhortation means we must support each other. Some people we know are suffering from the devastation of divorce. They need help from others in God’s family who have been through this and know how to get through the feelings of rejection, shame, and loneliness. Some have recently lost loved ones and need someone to walk with them through the dark valley of grief. Others are wrestling with an addiction, and they need somebody to come alongside them and say, "I've been there. I know what it’s like to be one decision away from falling back into the mire. Let me help.” In short, we all need—and we can all provide|—that refuge of care and encouragement Peter describes as fervently loving one another from the heart.

This kind of selfless love doesn't come naturally. Our old selfish nature kicks against it with all sorts of excuses—

“Those aren't my gifts.”

“Other people have more experience in that.”

“I have my own problems.”

“I wish I had time!”

But Peter preempts all our excuses when he dives into four essential reminders of why we are to care for and support each other in the family of God. Bulletinß

First, we are all children of the same heavenly Father. Note the logical connection between verses 22 and 23. We “Love each other deeply with all your heart.” (1:22). But why, Peter? “For you have been born again” (1:23). The implication is that we all have the same Father. While the specific circumstances that led up to our conversions to Christ are unique, we believers were all reborn spiritually the same way: “not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.” (1:23). We are all members of a permanent family—brothers and sisters in Christ. Peter's point? Because you’re all born into the same family of God, live like it!

The second reason we need to pull together as a family is because we take our instruction from the same source. The living and abiding “Word of God” endures forever. Peter's reference to the Word of God as “the seed” by which we are reborn may reach back to Jesus' parable of the sower and the seed in Matthew 13:1-23. For that seed to take root and bear fruit, it must be well-planted and watered in our lives. It always amazes me when the same Scripture—read, taught, or preached to the same group—leads to radically different results with different people. That’s because the Word needs to be understood, embraced, and applied, not merely heard.

Note how Peter quotes Isaiah 50:6-8, intentionally contrasting the frailty of the human flesh with the power of the Word of God. Peter might even have had Jesus's rebuke in his mind when He asked Peter, James, and John to pray with Him on the Mount of Olives. As they kept dozing off instead of supporting Christ in prayer, Jesus said, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matt. 26:41). How true this is! Even though the Word of God is powerful, effective, and imperishable, we are quite the opposite: weak, defective, and perishable. So, to pull together as God's family, we need to receive the instruction from God's Word and diligently implant it in our minds, hearts, and lives.

The specific sins in 1 Peter 2:1 are the most frequent barriers to mutual support, so they deserve a closer look.

The Greek word kakia is a general word for evil. It could also be translated as “wickedness” or “depravity.” In this passage, it characterizes those who are entrenched in the world system and exhibit the malicious spirit of the world.

The Greek word dolos means “cunning" or “treachery." It involves more than just lying to a person's face. It includes acting in ways that are disingenuous or two-faced.

The Greek word hypokrisis refers to one who acts a part, “being one thing inside and another thing outside."

The Greek word phthanos refers to “envy" or inappropriate “jealousy.” Commenting on Peter's use of this word, Edward Selwyn describes envy as “a constant plague of all voluntary organizations, not least religious organizations, and to which even the Twelve themselves were subject at the very crises of our Lord's ministry.” Envy remains one of the “favorite indoor sports" among fellow believers.

The Greek word katalalia means “evil speech." It refers to speaking ill of another, slander, and defamation, which is especially prevalent when a rumor is passed around. This disparaging gossip destroys our confidence in an individual and can weaken that person’s reputation.

In my earliest years growing up in the Chamberlain family with ten kids, on an apple orchard, certainly not wealthy, living in an old farmhouse with three bedrooms and one bathroom, my mom and dad reminded us about the need to stick together as a family. “We may have a few differences inside these walls, but kids, remember, if your brother or sister needs you, you take care of them. You love them. You pull for them." This is the same pep talk we, brothers and sisters in Christ, should use today.

The third reason for pulling together is because we have our struggles in the same realm. Peter begins chapter 2 with “Therefore," continuing to build on the implications of our relationship as brothers and sisters in the family of God and our common tutelage under the Word. In light of this, we should put aside five things we all struggle with. (Remove Soiled Shirt) Just as we remove a soiled shirt, we are to strip off malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander. Notice that all of these have potentially disastrous effects on our relationships with others, and each one flies in the face of Peter's call for brotherly love (Philadelphia) and unconditional love (agapê). Peter narrows in on areas where every believer will continue to struggle for the rest of their life.

The fourth reason we ought to pull together as the family of God is because we focus our attention on the same objective (2:2-3). For over three years, Peter had followed Jesus closely, listening to His words, tracking His actions, and witnessing His mighty deeds. He had personally tasted the kindness of the Lord as Jesus showed him patience beyond measure and forgiveness beyond what he deserved. And because of his growth in Christlike spiritual maturity, Peter could encourage his disciples to follow the same path. As newborn babies, believers must feed on the milk of the Word and grow in their understanding and application of their salvation. If the goal of the Christian life is spiritual maturity, then the nourishment comes from God's Word, and the model is God's Son.

Jesus Christ is the sure hope in hurtful times, but tragically—in some circles —the family of God is the source of the hurt! We must all strive to set aside our petty differences, embrace our common salvation, and live as reflections of hope for the sake of our brothers and sisters in Christ. That sounds simple and easy, but it is a full-time task, as with all solid relationships!

Strangely, in some churches where biblical teaching and theological knowledge are strong points, love and unity are weak. These are legalistic churches with many rules but little compassion. Similar to the Pharisees of Jesus’s day. Christians must strive for both maturity in knowledge and unity in love. We should keep the important objective of Christian growth at the forefront, treat each other with humility and respect, and help each other along the path as we seek to become like Christ. Jesus set the example, then His disciples showed that it could be done. Only the remnants of our old natures keep us from doing the same. We need to put off the old and pull together around the new!

While I do not sense disunity within Putnam, let's take a few minutes to probe our hearts and habits in light of Peter's lesson, which mainly consists of the four reminders of the need for unity. Let us ask ourselves these questions:

First, are we treating our fellow believers as children of the same heavenly Father (1:23)? Disunity in churches is often indicated by practices such as gossiping about other believers, complaining about leadership, grumbling about decisions, criticizing others' shortcomings, and developing cliques. Take a few moments to examine your own family and social life and note any of these or other indications of disunity that you might be exhibiting. Especially consider specific people toward whom you have exhibited unloving attitudes or actions.

Second, are you actively seeking to implant the seed of God's Word in your heart (1:23-25)? When it comes to relationships with others, it's easy to become merely a hearer of the Word rather than a doer. Take time now to set out specific actions you'll take to submit yourself more intentionally to the instruction of God’s Word. Do you faithfully hear it and regularly read it and study it? Do you ponder its meaning and significance for you personally? Do you plan specific actions to respond to the Word of God? Applying God's truth isn't automatic. It calls for the discipline of personal follow-through.

Third, what everyday struggles affect you the most in your relationships with others (2:1)? Do you struggle the most with malice (evil thoughts, intentions, or actions)? Deceit (lies, half-truths)? Hypocrisy (putting on a show, hiding real intentions, covering motives)? Envy (spite, jealous feelings, ambitious actions that harm others)? Slander (gossip, unrestrained criticism, cynical comments, exaggerated sarcasm)? Be painfully honest, now. How have these things specifically hurt others?

Fourth, is Christlike spiritual maturity your primary ambition (2:2-3)? Stop and think before you answer. What is your top priority in life? What are you directing most of your time, energy, and money? If a video crew were to follow you around for a week, or if an accountant were to flip through your checkbook, would anyone conclude that your growth as a Christian is the most essential thing in your life? Defend your answer with some real examples.

These questions can help you get to the root of the issues, but until you decide to do what's necessary to come together and provide love and hope for your fellow believers, absolutely nothing will change. Take time in prayer to ask God to conform you to the image of Christ. Ask for help in “putting aside" old habits that produce disharmony and hurt, and putting on the new habits that promote harmony and hope.

Next week, we will continue to explore the letter of 1 Peter in a message titled “Becoming Living Stones.” Invest some time reading 1 Peter 2:4-12 for next week’s message.

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2363 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I will guide you through the vast landscapes of biblical wisdom. Today, we’re exploring Ecclesiastes 3:16-22 from the New Living Translation.

Solomon starts by addressing the corruption he sees even in the courtroom. He observes that, under the sun, there is evil in the justice system. Even the courts of law are not immune to corruption.

But Solomon doesn’t lose hope. He reminds himself that, in due season, God will judge everyone, both the good and the bad, for all their deeds.

Solomon then reflects on the human condition. He ponders how God proves to people that they are no different from animals. Both humans and animals share the same fate—they both breathe, and they both must die. Solomon finds this reality to be meaningless.

In death, Solomon sees equality. Both humans and animals go to the same place—they come from dust, and they return to dust. There’s no real advantage that humans have over animals.

Solomon wrestles with the question of what happens after death. He asks, who can prove that the human spirit goes up while the spirit of animals goes down into the earth? It’s a question that remains unanswered.

Despite these existential questions, Solomon finds a glimmer of hope. He sees that there is nothing better for people than to find happiness in their work. That, he concludes, is our lot in life. And no one can bring us back to see what happens after we die.

As we reflect on Solomon’s words, there are a few key takeaways we can glean:

Corruption Exists: Solomon acknowledges the presence of evil and corruption even in places meant for justice.

Divine Judgment: He finds hope in the idea that God will judge everyone for their deeds in due time.

Human Condition: Solomon reflects on the human condition, recognizing the equality between humans and animals in life and death.

Uncertainty of the Afterlife: He wrestles with the uncertainty of what happens after death, posing a question that remains unanswered.

Finding Happiness: Despite life’s uncertainties, Solomon encourages us to find happiness in our work, recognizing it as our lot in life.

So, as we continue on our journey through Ecclesiastes, let’s remember to find joy and satisfaction in our work, even in the face of life’s uncertainties. And let’s hold on to the hope that, in due season, God will bring justice and judgment to all.

Join me next time as we explore more wisdom from the book of Ecclesiastes.

Until then, keep trekking, keep seeking wisdom, and keep making a positive impact on the world around you.

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of ‘Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.’.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this Trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)

Love Unconditionally

Listen Intentionally

Learn Continuously

Lend to others Generously

Lead with Integrity

Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain….reminding you to’ Keep Moving Forward,’ ‘Enjoy your Journey,’ and ‘Create a Great Day…Everyday! See you next time for more daily wisdom!

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2362 of our Trek. The purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I will guide you through the vast landscapes of biblical wisdom. Today, we’ll be delving into Ecclesiastes 3:9-15 from the New Living Translation.

In these verses, the Teacher continues to reflect on the cyclical nature of life and the appointed times for various activities. He acknowledges the beauty and purpose of God’s timing, emphasizing the importance of embracing each season of life.

Let’s uncover the profound insights found in Ecclesiastes 3:9-15.

The Teacher reflects on the futility of human labor and the burden that God has placed on all people. He acknowledges the reality that despite our efforts, we cannot control the outcome of our labor.

What insights can we glean from the Teacher’s reflections on the futility of human labor?

The Teacher acknowledges the futility of human labor and the burden that God has placed on all people. He recognizes that despite our efforts, we cannot control the outcome of our labor.

Now, let’s explore verses 11-13.

The Teacher acknowledges the beauty and purpose of God’s timing, recognizing that God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He acknowledges the eternal nature of human existence, with God planting eternity in the human heart. Despite our inability to see the whole scope of God’s work, the Teacher concludes that there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. He emphasizes the importance of eating, drinking, and enjoying the fruits of our labor, recognizing that these are gifts from God.

What insights can we glean from the Teacher’s reflections on the beauty and purpose of God’s timing?

The Teacher acknowledges the beauty and purpose of God’s timing, recognizing that God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He emphasizes the eternal nature of human existence, with God planting eternity in the human heart. Despite our inability to see the whole scope of God’s work, the Teacher encourages us to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can, recognizing that these are gifts from God.

Now, let’s examine verses 14-15.

The Teacher affirms that whatever God does is final and cannot be changed. He emphasizes God’s purpose for people to fear Him and acknowledges the cyclical nature of human history. What is happening now has happened before, and what will happen in the future has happened before, because God makes the same things happen over and over again.

What insights can we glean from the Teacher’s reflections on the finality of God’s actions and the cyclical nature of human history?

The Teacher affirms that whatever God does is final and cannot be changed. He emphasizes God’s purpose for people to fear Him and acknowledges the cyclical nature of human history. What is happening now has happened before, and what will happen in the future has happened before, because God makes the same things happen over and over again.

And there you have it, my fellow trekkers, insights from Ecclesiastes 3:9-15. The Teacher’s reflections remind us of the beauty and purpose of God’s timing, the futility of human labor, and the finality of God’s actions.

As we reflect on the Teacher’s musings, may we embrace each season of life and find joy in the gifts that God has given us. Until next time, keep seeking wisdom and make it a part of your daily trek.

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)

Love Unconditionally

Listen Intentionally

Learn Continuously

Lend to others Generously

Lead with Integrity

Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you next time for more wisdom from God’s Word!

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2361 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

Today is the first lesson in a new segment called Theology Thursday. Utilizing excerpts from a book titled: I Dare You Not to Bore Me with the Bible written by Bible scholar and professor Dr. Michael S Heiser, we will invest a couple of years going through the entire Bible, exploring short Biblical lessons that you may not have received in Bible classes or Church.

The Bible is a wonderful book. Its pages reveal the epic story of God’s redemption of humankind and the long, bitter conflict against evil. Yet it’s also a book that seems strange to us. While God’s Word was written for us, it wasn’t written to us. Today, our lesson is The Ancient’s Guide to the Galaxy.

God chose a specific time, place, and culture to inspire people to produce what we read in the Old Testament: the ancient Mediterranean and the ancient Near East of the second and first millennia BC. Understanding the worldview of this culture can lead to a more faithful understanding of Scripture on our part, especially when it comes to understanding how the Israelites viewed God and the universe.

“Cosmology” refers to how we understand the universe’s structure. The biblical writers’ conception of how God structured the heavens and earth represents a particular cosmology.

The Israelites believed in a universe that was common among the ancient civilizations of the biblical world. It encompassed three parts: a heavenly realm, an earthly realm for humans, and an underworld for the dead. These three tiers are reflected in the Ten Commandments: “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth,” Exod. 20:4.

We find an Israelite understanding of the heavens in Genesis 1:6-8, which describes it as an expanse, with waters above and below: “And God said, ‘Let there be an expanse (raqia) in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters.’... And it was so. And God called the expanse (raqia) Heaven or sky.”

The Heaven or sky thought to be a solid firmament, separated the waters above from the waters below: “When he established the heavens, I [Wisdom] was there; when he drew a circle on the face of the deep, when he made firm the skies above, when he established the fountains of the deep,” Prov. 8:27-28.

The firmament dome surrounded the earth, with its edge meeting at the horizon—“the boundary between light and darkness” (Job 26:10). It was supported by “pillars” or “foundations,” thought to be the tops of mountains, whose peaks appeared to touch the sky. The heavens had doors and windows through which rain or the waters above could flow upon the earth from their storehouses (Gen 7:11: 8:2: Psa 78:23: 33:7).

God was thought to dwell above the firmament, the sky, as described in Job 22:14,“Thick clouds veil him, so that he does not see, and he walks on the vault of heaven.”

The earth sat upon the watery deep. The “waters below” speak not only to waters that people use, but also to the more bottomless abyss. Thus, the earth was surrounded by the seas (Gen 1:9-10), having arisen out of the water (2 Pet 3:5). The earth was thought to be held fast by pillars or sunken foundations (1 Sam 2:8: Job 38:4-6: Psa 104:5).

It was thought that the realm of the dead was located under the earth. The most frequent term for this place was sheol  Prov 9:18: Psa 6:4-5: 18:4-5). The word for “earth” (erets) is also used—the graves dug by humans represented gateways to the Underworld. In Job, the realm of the dead is described in watery terms: “The dead tremble under the waters and their inhabitants. Sheol is naked before God, and Abaddon has no covering,” Job 26:5-6.

Jonah’s description is perhaps the most vivid. Though in the belly of the great fish, Jonah says he is in the Underworld: the watery deep “at the roots of the mountains,” a “pit” that had “bars” that closed forever (Jonah 2:5-6).

Becoming familiar with the ancient Near Eastern worldview can help us interpret the Old Testament. By understanding the Israelites’ concept of cosmology, we have a better idea of their perceptions of God.

The lessons that will make up Theology Thursday on the Wisdom-Trek Podcast for the next couple of years will satisfy the statement, “I Dare You Not to Bore Me with the Bible.” I trust you’ll enjoy them—and, of course, not be bored.

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)

Love Unconditionally

Listen Intentionally

Learn Continuously

Lend to others Generously

Lead with Integrity

Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you next time for more wisdom from God’s Word!

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2360 of our trek. The purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I will guide you through the vast landscapes of biblical wisdom. Today, we’ll be delving into Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 from the New Living Translation.

In these verses, the Teacher reflects on the cyclical nature of life and the appointed times for various activities. He contrasts the times of sorrow and joy, mourning and dancing, to emphasize the balance and rhythm of life.

Let’s uncover the profound insights found in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8.

The Teacher begins by acknowledging the cyclical nature of life and the appointed times for various activities. He recognizes that there is a time for every activity under heaven, including birth and death, planting and harvesting.

What insights can we glean from the Teacher’s reflections on the appointed times for different activities?

The Teacher emphasizes the cyclical nature of life and the appointed times for various activities. He recognizes that life is characterized by seasons, each with its own purpose and timing.

Now, let’s explore verses 3-5.

The Teacher continues to contrast the times of sorrow and joy, mourning and dancing, to emphasize the balance and rhythm of life. He recognizes that there is a time for both destruction and construction, sadness and joy, mourning and dancing.

What insights can we glean from the Teacher’s reflections on the contrasting times of sorrow and joy?

The Teacher highlights the balance and rhythm of life, acknowledging that there is a time for both sorrow and joy, mourning and dancing. He recognizes that life is characterized by a series of contrasts, each contributing to the richness of human experience.

Now, let’s examine verses 6-8.

The Teacher continues to contrast various activities and emotions to emphasize the balance and rhythm of life. He acknowledges that there is a time for searching and a time for giving up, a time for keeping and a time for throwing away, a time for tearing and a time for mending. He also recognizes that there is a time for silence and a time for speech, a time for love and a time for hate, a time for war and a time for peace.

What insights can we glean from the Teacher’s reflections on the contrasting times of searching and quitting, keeping and throwing away, tearing and mending, silence and speech, love and hate, war and peace?

The Teacher celebrates the diversity of human experience, recognizing that life is characterized by a series of contrasts. He emphasizes the importance of embracing the various seasons of life and finding balance and rhythm in the midst of change.

And there you have it, my fellow trekkers, insights from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. The Teacher’s reflections remind us of the balance and rhythm of life, with its appointed times for various activities and emotions.

As we reflect on the Teacher’s musings, may we embrace the diversity of human experience and find balance and rhythm in the midst of life’s changes. Until next time, keep seeking wisdom and make it a part of your daily trek.

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)

Love Unconditionally

Listen Intentionally

Learn Continuously

Lend to others Generously

Lead with Integrity

Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you next time for more wisdom from God’s Word!