Digging Deeper – The Word of the Lord Remains Forever

Avatar photo Ryan Hoffer on September 19, 2024

 

…for “All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever.” And this word is the good news that was preached to you.

1 Peter 1:24-25 (ESV)


THE WORD OF THE LORD REMAINS FOREVER

 

The student of history knows these words to be demonstrably true. Throughout the ages, there have been many attempts to extinguish the Word of God—all of them in vain. In 1776, the French philosopher Voltaire said, “One hundred years from my day, there will not be a Bible on earth except one that is looked upon by an antiquarian curiosity-seeker.” Yet, less than sixty years after his death, the philosopher’s former residence in Geneva was being used as a repository for Bibles and religious tracts. In 1829, a minister who visited the residence exclaimed, “I know that Voltaire said he was living ‘in the twilight of Christianity,’ but blessed be God! It was the twilight of the morning, which will bring on the day of universal illumination.” Even during the Age of Enlightenment (c. 1685–1815)—a period marked by self-exploration and resistance to established institutions—the Word of God remained fixed as a historical reality. As one author put it, “No skeptic’s scoffing hammer has ever made a dent in the Eternal Anvil of God’s Word.”

Countless other stories could be given to make the case. One might call it an ironic twist of fate, but in reality, it is the simple testimony of Scripture—that God’s Word is true and accomplishes His purpose. The very fact that Peter is quoting from Isaiah 40:8, a text written around 800 years before him, should not be overlooked either. It only adds to the evidence of the veracity of the statement that the Word of God endures forever. Invest in your relationship with God today by placing this verse in the repository of your heart and committing it to memory.

 

Ryan Hoffer serves as NextGen Production Director at NorthStar. He holds an M.Div in Church History and enjoys playing the harp. He and his wife, Tiffany, live in Acworth and have three children.

The Yard Sale

Kevin Burrell on September 18, 2024

 

But I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

Philippians 3:13-14

 

THE YARD SALE

 

One afternoon, Satan was having a yard sale. On several tables, he spread out all of his favorite tools and placed prices on each one of them. The first buyer purchased a sparkling, well-kept tool labeled “anger” for $200. The second buyer bought a slightly worn “jealousy” tool for $350. The third buyer purchased the well-used “lust” tool for $1,000. All day long, people came and went.

Near the end of the day, a man saw an old tool lying on a table in the back row all by itself. It was rusted and worn, the hinges squeaked, and the handle was partly broken, but the price tag was exorbitant. The asking price was $1 million.

The prospective buyer asked Satan, “Why is this tool so costly?”

“Ahh,” replied Satan, “that is my most effective, powerful, and often-used weapon—and I hesitate to let it go. I’ve learned that Christians can eventually get over almost all of my other tools. They can recover from lust, greed, anger, jealousy, and envy. However, this tool works quietly, without them being aware I am using it. I can slip it in and keep them defeated for a lifetime.”

“What is the name of the tool?” the buyer asked.

“The tool is ‘Discouragement,'” Satan hissed. “I remind them of their sins, their past, and their failures. I remind them how weak they truly are, and they never even know what I am doing.”

Listen closely: do not allow Satan to continue using this tool against you. Rather, we must have the same attitude as Paul: “I press on!” Your sins and failures have been forgiven. You’ve been bought with a price. The power of sin no longer reigns over you. Christ is your strength where you are weak! If you have received Jesus by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, then you are a child of the living God. No weapon formed against you will prosper. Satan is a liar and the father of lies. Your old life has been nailed to the cross, and all of your past, present, and future sins have been “Paid in Full.” It is finished!

When Satan reminds you of your past, you remind him of his future. “Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things here below.” Lock eyes with Jesus and walk towards Him.

Live in victory today!

 

Love God.  Love People.  Live Sent.

Be Worth Being,

 

Kevin

Kevin Burrell has worked in professional baseball as both a player and MLB scout for the past 43 years, and currently serves as an area scouting supervisor. Kevin was drafted in the 1st round of the 1981 free agent amateur draft (25th selection overall), and played ten years of professional baseball with four different organizations. He and his wife, Valerie, live in Sharpsburg, Ga.

Digging Deeper – The Imitation of Christ

Avatar photo Ryan Hoffer on September 18, 2024

 

but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

1 Peter 1:16 (ESV)


THE IMITATION OF CHRIST

 

Sometime in the 1420s, the German-Dutch monk Thomas à Kempis wrote The Imitation of Christ. It was immediately popular, with over 250 manuscript copies appearing before 1450. With the rise of the Gutenberg press, copies quickly began to circulate in new editions and translations. It became the cherished devotional of the Middle Ages and, for many years, was second only to the Bible as the most translated and distributed book of all time.

What is it about The Imitation that has allowed it to endure the ages with such universal appeal? For starters, the book is founded on the biblical text. In contemplating virtue and the ascetic practices of monastic life, à Kempis constantly draws from the Scriptures. The opening words are those of Jesus in John 8:12: “He that followeth Me, walketh not in darkness.” Another reason the book remains an ageless classic is its emphasis on one of the main principles of Christian practice—imitation. Following the opening Scripture, the author adds, “These are the words of Christ, by which we are taught how we ought to imitate His life and manners.” In the following pages, Thomas à Kempis details what this imitation looks like, addressing topics ranging from bearing with the defects of others to resisting temptation.

This idea of imitation is central to the Christian faith; indeed, it has been said that true religion is imitation. Peter reminds us in his epistle: “You also be holy in all your conduct, for it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy’” (1 Peter 1:15-16). We are followers of Christ, and as such, we imitate the perfect example set forth by Him.

 

Ryan Hoffer serves as NextGen Production Director at NorthStar. He holds an M.Div in Church History and enjoys playing the harp. He and his wife, Tiffany, live in Acworth and have three children.

Digging Deeper – Since it is Written

Avatar photo Ryan Hoffer on September 17, 2024

 

but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

1 Peter 1:16 (ESV)


SINCE IT IS WRITTEN

 

Peter strengthens the force of his exhortation by employing Scripture (something he does frequently throughout his epistle). Here, he quotes the book of Leviticus, where the phrase “you shall be holy, for I am holy” is used five times to conclude various laws and prohibitions given to the Israelites. The frequency of this phrase alone highlights its importance, as it is repeatedly brought to the reader’s attention. Moreover, it sets the tone for every command in the Levitical code—these ordinances are rooted in the character of God and will distinguish His people as belonging to Him.

Let’s look, for example, at Leviticus 19:1-2: “And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, ‘Speak to all the congregation of the people of Israel and say to them, You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy.’” This functions as a sort of preamble to the following laws. On one hand, the statement provides a simple rationale, answering the “why” as succinctly as possible. On the other hand, it is replete with authority, offering the “because.” No further explanation is needed; the reason is sufficient. This is what Peter is conveying when he echoes these words in verse 16: We are to imitate His holiness because we belong to Him. Therefore, we, “like obedient children,” ought to show ourselves as His followers by our conduct. It was true when God spoke it through Moses long ago, it was true when Peter repeated it in his epistle, and it is true for us today.

 

Ryan Hoffer serves as NextGen Production Director at NorthStar. He holds an M.Div in Church History and enjoys playing the harp. He and his wife, Tiffany, live in Acworth and have three children.

Digging Deeper – The Great Exchange: Ignorance for Holiness

Avatar photo Ryan Hoffer on September 16, 2024

 

As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct.

1 Peter 1:14-15 (ESV)


THE GREAT EXCHANGE: IGNORANCE FOR HOLINESS

 

Peter, writing to the Jewish Christians in Asia Minor (v. 1), turns his epistle to matters of personal holiness, presenting a model upon which we should base our conduct: “Do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct” (v. 14-15). Thus, there are two objects that can serve as the basis for our conduct. The first is not to be imitated—the “passions of our former ignorance.” Our lives before Christ were guided by spiritual and moral blindness, or, as Peter says, “ignorance.” The Greek word agnoia shares the root of the English word “agnostic” (a = not, gno = knowledge) and conveys a condition of not knowing. The apostle Paul also uses this word to emphasize the ignorance of unbelievers, stating, “They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance (agnoia) that is in them, due to their hardness of heart” (Eph. 4:18).

When we confess Jesus as Lord and submit our lives to Him, we are called out of ignorance or “agnosticism”—for the knowledge of His Lordship can only be bestowed upon us by the Holy Spirit (Mt. 16:17).

Peter then presents a second, better model that should serve as the basis for our Christian conduct: “As He who called you is holy, you also be holy.” We are called out of a life of estrangement from God into one of fellowship with Him, out of “not knowing” into knowing the Father. In this new, regenerate life, His indwelling Spirit enables us to imitate holiness. It has been said that the truest form of worship is imitation. Christ has given us the ultimate example, as He is the image of the invisible God. Pray that you imitate Him today, fulfilling the exhortation set forth in 1 Peter 1:14-15.

 

Ryan Hoffer serves as NextGen Production Director at NorthStar. He holds an M.Div in Church History and enjoys playing the harp. He and his wife, Tiffany, live in Acworth and have three children.

Digging Deeper: How Do I Rejoice in Suffering?

Avatar photo Phil Meade on September 13, 2024

 

5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

1 Peter 1:5-9 (ESV)

 


HOW DO I REJOICE IN SUFFERING?

 

As Peter begins to comfort his grieving (literally a “sense of heaviness”) audience as they are grieved by various trials, he begins verse 6 with, “In this you rejoice.”  I always thought that was an odd way to begin a message about suffering. No one enjoys suffering, much less rejoices (literally “jumps for joy”) over it. However, Peter is using the beginning of verse 6 to remind his readers what they have to rejoice in – being born again to a living hope; an eternal inheritance; guarded for their salvation (v. 3-5) – despite their current travails. As Poole comments, “How could they be in heaviness, and yet rejoice? Their grief and joy were about different objects; they might be in heaviness by reason of present afflictions, and rejoice in hope of future glory; they might grieve as men, and rejoice as saints; sense of suffering might affect them, and yet the faith of better things coming relieve them. If their heaviness did in any degree abate their joy, yet it did not wholly hinder it; and though their joy did overcome their heaviness, yet it did not wholly exclude it.” I love how Poole says that their joy can overcome their heaviness (grief in v. 6), but not necessarily eliminate their grief.

What then is the purpose of these “various trials” (v. 6b)? It is to “test the genuineness” of one’s faith (v. 7a). As Barclay notes, “every trial is another test to strengthen and to purify our faith, and because at the end of it, Jesus Christ is waiting to say, ‘Well done!’ to all his faithful servants.” If you are like me, I am sure there have been times when you did not perform at your best while experiencing life’s trials. We can’t imagine Jesus saying “well done,” based on our earthly standards. Fortunately for us, God sees us through the blood of His Son. As E. G. Selwyn writes, “If the eye of faith endures, the day will come when it will be the eye of sight, and we shall see face to face and know even as we are known.”  

The outcome of our genuine faith should result in “praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (v. 7b). We love and believe and rejoice and are filled with glory (v. 8). Hang in there. Keep trusting. Be encouraged that Christ has “overcome the world” (John 16:33). The prize at the end of the journey is well worth it – the “salvation of our souls” (v. 9)!

 

Diggin Deeper (er):

John 16:33; 2 Cor 1:5; Rom 8:18

 

Phil Meade is a father of three, and grandfather of five. He has a Masters in Theological Studies from Liberty University, and lives in Acworth. He has led various small groups throughout his more than 20 years attending NorthStar Church. He recently retired after 33 years as a pilot for Delta Airlines.

 

Digging Deeper: Death, Where is Thy Sting?

Avatar photo Phil Meade on September 12, 2024

 

. . . Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

1 Corinthians 15:54b-55 (KJV)

. . . to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you

1 Peter 1:3b-4 (ESV)

 


DEATH, WHERE IS THY STING?

 

Perhaps the most common fear among humanity is the fear of death. This fear stems not only from the finality of death, but from the uncertainty of what lies beyond the grave. We as Christians should not fear death, as we believe the Bible clearly states that death is only final for our earthly bodies, and there is a destination after death for all people. As Paul wrote to the Corinthians (passage above), death was defeated once and for all on the cross.

Peter continues to encourage his audience by reminding them of the promises of Jesus Christ. By the grace of God, through faith in His Son, we can be born again, to a living hope (v. 3b). That hope is based on the work of Jesus (his death and resurrection, v. 3b). It is not a hope such as the hope for a job, a relationship, or some other worldly accomplishment. This is hope that should encourage us in our valleys. We become heirs to eternal life (v. 4a). This inheritance cannot pass away, cannot be spoiled, and never fades (v. 4b). Barclay astutely reminds us, “On our journey through this world to eternity we are protected by the power of God through faith . . . It means that our life is garrisoned by God and that he stands sentinel over us all our days. The man who has faith never doubts, even when he cannot see him, that God is standing within the shadows keeping watch upon his own. It is not that God saves us from the troubles and the sorrows and the problems of life; but he enables us to conquer them and march on.”

I lost my oldest brother in the spring of 2023. He was a strong Christian husband, father, and man. He died of Alzheimer’s, and that was my first experience with that vicious disease. I saw him in his last days, and although he did not recognize me, I believe I saw some glint of recognition reflected from his soul in his eyes. I also believe that despite his physical and mental infirmities, his spirit inside was at peace, and in great joy. His journey was almost at an end, and he fought the good fight. All who loved him were discouraged, but those of us who believe (including his wife) knew that God promises to, “. . . wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away” (Rev 21:4, ESV). We can all be encouraged by that promise!

 

Diggin Deeper (er):

Heb 2:14-15; Rev 2:10

 

Phil Meade is a father of three, and grandfather of five. He has a Masters in Theological Studies from Liberty University, and lives in Acworth. He has led various small groups throughout his more than 20 years attending NorthStar Church. He recently retired after 33 years as a pilot for Delta Airlines.

 

Trust God – Not Circumstances

Kevin Burrell on September 11, 2024

 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.

Proverbs 3:5-6

 

TRUST GOD – NOT CIRCUMSTANCES

 

It was a bright, sunny afternoon at the local park. Zach, my son, was about four years old at the time and a bundle of high energy. On this particular day, Zach was more daring than usual. He climbed up the ladder, higher and higher, his little hands and feet moving with determination. He paused at the top, turning to look at me with a mischievous grin that told me he was about to do something unexpected.

“Dad, catch me!” he called out suddenly, his voice a mix of excitement and challenge. Before I could even fully process his words, Zach had launched himself off the ladder, a tiny blur of motion hurtling through the air.

Time seemed to slow down for a moment. I could feel my heart race, my mind flashing with the countless things that could go wrong. But just as quickly as he had jumped, I moved forward and caught him, scooping him up safely in my arms. His laughter filled the air, as if this was the most normal thing in the world. I held him close, with a mix of relief and amazement.

“Zach, why did you jump like that?” I asked, trying to keep my voice calm despite the rush of adrenaline still coursing through me.

With full trust and confidence, he gave me a simple yet profound answer that I would never forget.

“Because you’re my dad,” he said, as if that explained everything. And in that moment, it did.
To him, being his dad meant that I was his safety net, his protector, the person who would always be there no matter what. Zach didn’t need a reason beyond that—just the unwavering belief that I would never let him fall.

In a similar way, life can often feel overwhelming, with circumstances that challenge our faith and test our patience. In moments of uncertainty, it’s easy to let our emotions take the driver’s seat and allow our circumstances to dictate our decision-making.

However, Proverbs 3:5-6 calls us to a higher standard: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.”

When faced with challenges, our natural response might be to rely on our own logic, emotions, past experiences, or even the advice of others. While there is value in wisdom and counsel, this passage reminds us that true guidance comes from surrendering our understanding and trusting fully in God’s sovereignty. Our circumstances are ever-changing; however, God remains constant, faithful, and unchanging.

Trusting in the Lord requires us to acknowledge Him in all our ways—not just when it’s convenient, not just in the big decisions, but in the small, everyday moments as well. It’s in these moments that we practice faith, choosing to trust God’s plan over our feelings. When we acknowledge Him, we are invited to step back from the chaos of our emotions and circumstances and let God take control. He promises to make our paths straight, guiding us through the uncertainties of life.

Are there areas in your life where you’ve been letting your circumstances dictate your decisions or emotions? Take a moment to identify those situations and bring them before God in prayer. Ask Him to help you trust in His wisdom over your own understanding. Whenever you feel overwhelmed by a decision or situation, pause in that moment and ask the Lord for His guidance.


Take a moment to acknowledge Him, surrender your understanding, and trust that He is leading you.


Remember, your circumstances do not define you—God does!

He will show you which path to take.

 

Love God.  Love People.  Live Sent.

Be Worth Being,

 

Kevin

Kevin Burrell has worked in professional baseball as both a player and MLB scout for the past 43 years, and currently serves as an area scouting supervisor. Kevin was drafted in the 1st round of the 1981 free agent amateur draft (25th selection overall), and played ten years of professional baseball with four different organizations. He and his wife, Valerie, live in Sharpsburg, Ga.

Digging Deeper: God So Loved the World

Avatar photo Phil Meade on September 11, 2024

 

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16 (ESV)

. . . To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you. 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again.

1 Peter 1:1b-3b (ESV)

 


GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD

 

Peter calls his readers “elect,” chosen by the “foreknowledge of God the Father” (v. 1-2a). As Hiebert notes, “The opening characterization of the readers as elect was meant to strengthen and encourage them in their affliction. The doctrine of election is a ‘family truth’ intended to foster the welfare of believers.” Peter is addressing the exiles as one of the family of Christ; loved, and not forsaken.

If you believe in Jesus as your Lord and Savior, then you are a member of the family of God. He loves us enough to send his only Son to die for our sins, to provide a bridge to span the chasm that exists due to our sinful nature. According to Peter, the Triune God is at work: the Father, who plans with purpose and foreknowledge; the Holy Spirit, who activates the plan (sanctifies/sets apart); and, Jesus, the object of our worship and instrument of our salvation, who sprinkles with His blood to bridge that chasm (v. 2b). As Barclay comments, “It is in the purpose of God that the Christian is called. It is by the work of the Holy Spirit that his life is hallowed towards God. It is by the sprinkling of the blood of Christ that he is cleansed from past sin and dedicated to future obedience to God.”

Peter reminds his readers that God, in His great mercy, causes us to be born again (v. 3b). Peter wishes them grace and peace (v. 2b), despite their trying circumstances. When we get discouraged, we should always remember that we are loved, immeasurably! God has shown us mercy (even in our sin), not punishing us with what we deserve. He has extended His infinite grace, blessing us with what we did not earn. How can we become discouraged knowing that blessed truth?

Think back to a time in your life when you experienced discouragement. Now, think of the person who came alongside you and loved on you. What sacrifice did they make to comfort and encourage you? What road did they walk enabling them to be the perfect person to encourage you? Now imagine how much infinitely more Jesus loves you, to give His life for you!

 

Diggin Deeper (er):

Gal 2:20; 1 Thess 1:4

 

Phil Meade is a father of three, and grandfather of five. He has a Masters in Theological Studies from Liberty University, and lives in Acworth. He has led various small groups throughout his more than 20 years attending NorthStar Church. He recently retired after 33 years as a pilot for Delta Airlines.

 

Digging Deeper: Sojourners in a Foreign Land

Avatar photo Phil Meade on September 10, 2024

 

13 These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. 

Hebrews 11:13 (ESV)

1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia

1 Peter 1:1 (ESV)

 


SOJOURNERS IN A FOREIGN LAND

 

Peter addresses the people as “exiles,” which also translates to strangers, pilgrims, and foreigners – a temporary “sojourner” in a foreign land. In the ancient manuscript The Epistle to Diognetus, the author gives his definition of what pilgrims are: “They inhabit the lands of their birth, but as temporary residents of it; they take their share of all responsibilities as citizens, and endure all disabilities as aliens. Every foreign land is their native land, and every native land a foreign land… they pass their days upon earth, but their citizenship is in heaven.” 

In the book of Hebrews, chapter 11 (colloquially known as the “faith hall-of-fame”), the writer notes that the heroes of the OT were “strangers and exiles on the earth” (Heb 11:13). The writer is referring to Abraham and Sarah, who were sojourners in a foreign land. They had every reason to be discouraged, as they had to wait many years for the promised-son from God to arrive. They never lost hope, and kept their faith even in the depths of discouragement.

Jesus reminded his disciples that, 19 “If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you” (John 15:19, ESV). Jesus is trying to warn his disciples of their coming persecution. He knows that they will be deeply discouraged at times, and all but one will be martyred for their faith. However, as Dods notes, “The hatred of the world, instead of being depressing, should be exhilarating, as being an evidence and guarantee that they have been chosen by Christ.”

Being a follower of Jesus is no guarantee of an easy life (quite the opposite, actually). We are “in” the world, but we are not “of” the world. Obviously, we are called to engage in this life, which at times can be a discouraging journey. We are also to keep our eyes focused on the life to come, which should serve as a source of encouragement as we face the inevitable storms. In my former life as an airline pilot, I kept my suitcase at home always partially packed, only changing out what was needed for my upcoming trip. We should treat our Christian journey on earth in a similar fashion. Always be packed and ready to travel – this is not your home!

 

Diggin Deeper (er):

Ex 23:9; Eph 2:19

 

Phil Meade is a father of three, and grandfather of five. He has a Masters in Theological Studies from Liberty University, and lives in Acworth. He has led various small groups throughout his more than 20 years attending NorthStar Church. He recently retired after 33 years as a pilot for Delta Airlines.