Sun 6 Nov

During the course of this year, a number of Presbyterian Churches in our area celebrated significant anniversaries. Essendon, Flemington, Wyndham and Clifton Hill to name just a few. What was society like when these churches were established? Did they face persecution as they sought to establish the light of the gospel? We can leave the research to the historians. As we come to Peter’s letters in the Bible, we know that he was writing to Christians who were facing the challenges of persecution, and seeking to work out how to live God honouring lives in the light of persecution. Peter encourages them to live holy lives in the light of the God they follow. If our God is holy then it stands to reason that His followers will be holy. The obvious question is, “What does holy life look like?” Peter gives plenty of instruction on what such a holy life would like so that followers would not be mistaken. A holy life would not conform to evil desires in which we once lived. Peter indicates what evil desires we should get rid of  - malice, deceit, hypocrisy, slander to name just a few. A holy life would live in reverent fear of the God we follow. If one does not have a fear of God, one must ask whether we are living a holy life? A holy life would see brothers and sisters love each other deeply. A holy life has a craving for the Word of God. How is holiness displayed in your life?