Awake Us Now

Peter tells us: "Sober up!" "Wake up!" "Resist the Devil!" He says these things not to frighten us, but to enlighten us and give us the strength we need to face what lies ahead in these last days.

God is calling His people not to imitate the world but to be imitators of Christ and of God. In these last days, we are to be awake, to be alert to what God has revealed, and to be consistent in our daily walk.

Christians should not be surprised when they suffer for the name of Jesus; rather, they should count it a privilege to participate in the suffering of Christ, and a reminder of the joy to come when His full glory is revealed!

1 Peter 4:1-11 reminds us that because of all Christ has done for us, we should leave sinful desires behind and live our lives according to God's will.

1 Peter 3:18-22 assures persecuted believers that just as Jesus' teaching, life, ministry, and sacrificial death were vindicated by His resurrection, so there will be vindication for those who hold fast to faith and life in Him!

When faced with persecution, we can give witness to the Lord Jesus Christ by refusing to return evil for evil, by answering questions in faith and humility, and by living such godly lives that false accusers are put to shame.

1 Peter 3:1-7 calls on Christian wives and husbands to practice what they believe. Everything in marriage is to done for the sake of Christ, following the example of His love for His church.

Jesus, through His life's example, shows us how we are to relate to others, even those who misuse their authority over us. All of us are servants of the Lord Jesus Christ, and we are to willingly and wholeheartedly serve Him.

Rejoicing in the Lord -- Is it an empty exercise in futility? Or a source of strength found nowhere else?

How are we to live godly lives in a society that increasingly rejects God? Do we owe allegiance to human government when "our citizenship is in heaven" (Philippians 3:20 )? Peter discusses these questions in 1 Peter 2:11 -17.

Throughout the Scriptures, God reveals Himself as a solid rock, a sure foundation, a mighty fortress. Jesus makes it clear that He is that rock, and that "the stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone" (Psalm 118:22).

When Christ returns to earth, He will surprise those living in darkness. So join His light brigade!

Peter reminds us that we cannot have true faith without practicing that faith. God's desire is that we walk before Him in humility, faith, and obedience until the day He returns.

According to the Hebrew idiom, a "good" eye washealthy,generous, and focused on both the light of God and thewell-beingof others. The "bad" eye, on the other hand, was selfish,stingy,and turned inward towards the darkness in one's soul. Do youhave a "good" eye?

The Christian life is a matter of both mind and behavior. We are to have the mind of Christ - to internalize the truth of God. But we are also to live out that truth, so that our behavior is brought into line with God's will.

Our God is a God who brings joy to His children! What are the "ABC's" by which we receive that promise of joy?

The prophets of old longed to see Messiah's day and the glories that would follow. We are actually living in those times, when the Holy Spirit has been sent from Heaven and salvation through Jesus is preached throughout the world!

The Bible never says: "God helps those who help themselves." Instead, the Lord helps the bruised and burned out. His highest joy is to help all of us who can't help ourselves!

In this world, trials are momentary... grief passes... but the grace and promises of God endure! The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ assure believers of a real, solid hope that lasts forever.

Can we be sure God hears our prayers? Why does He sometimes seem to take so long in answering?

In times of trial and upheaval, it is absolutely essential that God's people be firmly anchored in His Word. The opening of Peter's first letter to scattered believers reminds us that our faith must encompass both theology and the practice of that Word.

How difficult is it for us to always pray and never give up? How necessary is it?

Why is this Awake's longest Sunday message? We stepped out in faith and asked God to act!

What is the gift of discernment, and what connection does it have to spiritual warfare? Discover the purpose of this spiritual gift from God.

Does God work miracles today? If so, why? What are His purposes for doing such wonders?