As we look back at the written Word of God, we are privileged to understand how blessed we are today. In the book of I Peter, the apostle wrote to those early Christians who forged on in perilous times (what a great example they have given us). They lived in a world that was hostile toward the name of Jesus of Nazareth.
Their longing was to be once again physically in the presence of their King in whom they had placed their trust. All of this sounds familiar, does it not? Much like us today they felt as though the Lord Jesus Christ would come soon. They were in great affliction and needed great comfort. Here in I Peter chapter 1, Peter was moved by the Holy Ghost to pen these very words that give such a great reference to the birth, life, death, burial and resurrection of Christ. Notice what Peter says, v10 Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: v11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. v12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into. Our early predecessors, the prophets, had been blessed by God to prophesy concerning “…the grace that should come…” (v10) They searched out the coming of the Messiah (v10,11) and also “…testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ…” (v11) as well as His resurrection. Yet even with all of that revelation they did not have the blessing of seeing His birth, His life, His death, His burial and His resurrection take place on this earth. Nor did they have the blessing of looking backward to see how Christ came, He lived, He died, was buried and is alive forevermore. Further we see they were not partakers in the same manner, as New Testament Christians “…of the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven…”(v12) What a blessed Christmas you and I get to enjoy with the full knowledge of what has already taken place in that birth, life, death, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! What a blessed Christmas to know the indwelling presence of the Holy Ghost! Never take for granted what God has blessed us with as you celebrate Christmas this year! - Pastor James, Associate Pastor, Sharon Baptist Church
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Sharon Baptist church is an independent, fundamental Baptist church located in Hampton, VA.
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