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PART 2. GOD HAS CHOSEN YOU TO BE HOLY

God chose Moses, a murderer, David, an adulterer, Jonah, a disobedient prophet,  Peter, a denier, and Paul, a persecutor of Christians. Each one, though imperfect, was chosen by God and transformed into a powerhouse of faith and maturity.  Moses led a nation out of slavery; David was King over Israel. Jonah obeyed and Ninevah repented, and Peter and Paul carried the gospel to their worlds.  

We, too, are chosen by God.  We are called to be holy.  Holiness is counterintuitive to human nature. It’s not identified on a resume or gained with financial success or titles.  Holiness is being “set apart” unto God, loving Him more than anything else in this world.

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CAN I BE HOLY? PART 1, Peters Example in the Struggle to be Holy

This is the first article in a six-part series on holiness from the books of First and Second Peter.  The word holy may seem lofty, unattainable, or restrictive. But God calls us to holiness, “Be holy because I am holy.”   Peter’s life gives us an example of how God turns an ordinary person, with doubts, fears, into a holy Christ-follower with unshakeable, obedient faith.  His life and writings give impetus to the truth that we, too, can live a holy life.

PART 2 JESUS HELPS US UNDERSTAND GOD’S PLAN (Peter’s Example)

In Part 1 of the previous post, Peter’s human understanding of God’s plan was limited.  He failed, but God in his grace and mercy continued to reach out to Peter. God’s persistent love won him.  Peter grew in knowledge and experience with God to become a powerhouse of faith.  If you haven’t read Part 1 [WHEN WE DON’T UNDERSTAND GOD’S WAYS, Human thinking and the example of Peter],  I suggest you go back and start there. 

WHEN WE DON’T UNDERSTAND GOD’S WAYS Human thinking and the example of Peter – Part 1

Human thinking is often inadequate when weighing spiritual matters. Much like a baby learning to walk or talk or run, we begin with baby steps in spiritual insight.  But we do grow as we take time in God’s word, prayer, and seeking knowledge of the Lord.  In that growing, God in his love and kindness steps in to help us.  Peter, a leading disciple, rebuked Jesus for saying he would suffer and die on the cross.  Although Peter lacked an understanding of God’s plan, he grew in spiritual understanding and became a powerhouse of faith.  His example gives me encouragement for the times I don’t understand what God is up to.