My Online Faith Journal

   I recently read a book written by a pastor named James T. Martin called "Immersed" published in 1996.  Part of what caught my eye about it because it appears that at the time of writing the book he was at a Methodist church not far from my home.  He starts the book by describing to us our life as pictured as a circle with a throne in the middle of it.  The throne represents who is in charge and in authority of our lives.  James' conclusion not surprisingly is that Jesus should be on that throne.  But, then he asks "Where should we picture ourselves?"  The answer he says is not on the outside or at the feet of the throne, but simply not there at all.  The author goes on to say that Jesus is to be so immersed in our lives as believers that when people see us they see him.     The author goes on to give a number of points about how to do this, but the main point that I got over and over is that this comes by our surrendering our will and authority to him.  Th

Unlike many of my posts, I am simply going to upload my notes from my study in 2 Peter 1:1-4.  2 Peter Bible Study Background:   Simon Peter is the writer who claims to have been present during the transfiguration (2 Peter 1:16-18).   The object of this epistle is to guard the reader against false teaching and to exhort them to grow in the “knowledge of our Lord and Saviour” (2 Peter 3:18).   The emphasis in this epistle is of Jesus future reigning, present power and future kingdom.   It was most likely written by Peter in Rome before Jerusalem was destroyed in 70 A.D. sometime around 66 A.D.. 2 Peter 1:1-4 Peter describes himself both as a bond servant and also an apostle.   The word bond servant is doulos which means a servant, metaphor for someone who gives himself up to another’s will. Paul and Peter both referred to themselves in that manner.   They had died to the world and their own desires and were seeking His.   The word apostle is the word “apostolos” which me