Diligently Confirm Your Calling and Election
Did you know that the saying “You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make it drink” is an old English proverb that has been in use since at least the 12th century? The horse is used as a metaphor for a creature that’s strong, and obstinate, as humans can be, and water as a metaphor for something that’s necessary for survival. Now I’m not a horse person so I don’t know how common it is for a horse to refuse to drink when it’s led to water, but I do know that it’s not uncommon for someone to do everything necessary to meet a good and vital need for another in need, only to have that someone in need choose to do whatever they want to do instead. In those situations, you can’t force people to take advantage of all you’ve done to provide for them if they’re unwilling. But there are also times when people don’t cooperate with the help offered from others because they’re unaware of the help being offered.
This new sermon series is titled “Partakers of the Divine Nature” because, as Peter teaches in this letter, God, by His mighty power and grace, has given us everything we need to become people who share in His nature. By the power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in us, God enables believers to cooperate effectively with Him to add the transforming characteristics of Christ to our lives which in turn enable us to lead effective and productive lives for Christ. In other words, God has provided the water and led us to it. Do you need a drink! Do you know there’s a particular kind of water which, when you drink it, you’ll never be thirsty again?!
We invite you to come join us this Sunday morning for our in-person worship service at Leptondale Bible Church in Newburgh, starting at 10:55 AM. For those unable to attend, our service can be viewed live on the church’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/leptondalebiblechurch. This Sunday, we’ll begin a series from 2nd Peter titled “Partakers of the Divine Nature.” This Sunday’s message from 2nd Peter 1:1-11 is titled “Diligently Confirm Your Calling and Election.”
God bless!
Pastor Mike
