The End is Near
1 Peter 4:1-7
Pastor Jerry Koller

A review some of the things Peter has already touched on regarding sin: 1 Peter 1:14-16; 2:1; 2:11; 2:16; 3:8-9; 3:18; 3:21

Christ died for our sins once for all. Once means what was done by Jesus was so complete, it would be valid forever, never needing to be repeated again.

“Arm yourselves” is a military term. They were to arm themselves with Jesus’ mind, with His understanding, with His manner of thinking and feeling as far as sin is concerned.

They were to arm themselves because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin.
· The “he” is a reference to one who has placed his faith and trust in Jesus.

In Christ, we have ceased from sin—or better, from the bondage of sin.

The time being referred to is the time before they came to Christ. There is no need to continue sinning in the same fashion.

The word Gentiles is used in regard to those still in bondage to sin—those who are lost and without Christ.

The moment we are born, we are born dead—spiritually. Unless something changes, we will remain spiritually dead until something—until Someone—changes us.

The dead can come to life. That is why the Gospel is called the Good News.

The Gospel points the way to salvation through Jesus Christ.

We are made alive by grace through faith. And we are to live out our new life in righteousness.

Jesus is coming again. There is nothing stopping Jesus from returning at any moment apart from God’s timetable.

Are you ready?

· Arm yourselves.
· Avoid sin.
· Be of sound judgment.
· Be sober in spirit.
· Pray.

· Caroline Bocock has been terribly ill as she is dealing with a Lyme Disease outbreak. Some of her symptoms included being in excruciating pain, having blackouts, issues with sleeping, darkening vision, random skin issues, a constant headache since 11/5, and so much more. She is taking a regiment of medications to get the it under control.
· Nolan Marshall (son of Dan & Tracy) is receiving outpatient therapy, but hasn’t found an even keel yet. His school is refusing to let him return to the classroom. The Marshall family is still very much in crisis mode and continued prayers are appreciated as they try to adjust medications and work with Nolan to manage his diagnoses.
· Shirley Means (Miriam Bryant's sister) who is hospitalized for the second time this month with heart problems and breathing issues. She is in Henderson, Nevada.
· Candace (daughter of Vasha Ferguson's friend, Leslie Robinson) is 44 years old and recovering from a stroke at a nursing home. She is unable to walk, her short-term memory and movement on her right side are impaired; speech is good.
· Marge Benham is doing well. She is working with physical therapy on weight bearing activities.
· Shannon French (son of Curt & Patty Bales) continues eye drop treatment for an infection. It looks the damaged part is creating new cells and hopefully healing.
· Joyce Bocock has completed chemo and radiation; praise God that both tumors have shrunk significantly more than expected; evaluating additional treatment options.
· Check out our monthly prayer card on-line at southhavenfbc.com under “Weekly Bulletins” for a list of those with on-going needs.

First Baptist Church
1635 76th Street
South Haven, MI 49090
269-637-1291
southhavenfbc@gmail.com