From: "FamilyNet" 

Bible Reading for December 16

1 Peter 3
[1] Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any
obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the
conversation of the wives;
[2] While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. [3] Whose
adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of
wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; [4] But let it be the hidden
man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a
meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
[5] For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted
in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:
[6] Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are,
as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement. [7] Likewise,
ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the
wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace
of life; that your prayers be not hindered. [8] Finally, be ye all of one
mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be
courteous: [9] Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but
contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should
inherit a blessing.
[10] For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his
tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: [11] Let him
eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. [12] For the
eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their
prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. [13] And
who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?
[14] But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not
afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; [15] But sanctify the Lord God
in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that
asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
[16] Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of
evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation
in Christ.
[17] For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well
doing, than for evil doing.
[18] For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust,
that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but
quickened by the Spirit:
[19] By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; [20]
Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited
in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is,
eight souls were saved by water. [21] The like figure whereunto even
baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the
flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection
of Jesus Christ: [22] Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of
God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.

1 Peter 4
[1] Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm
yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the
flesh hath ceased from sin;
[2] That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the
lusts of men, but to the will of God. [3] For the time past of our life may
suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in
lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and
abominable idolatries: [4] Wherein they think it strange that ye run not
with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: [5] Who shall
give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.
[6] For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead,
that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according
to God in the spirit.
[7] But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch
unto prayer.
[8] And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity
shall cover the multitude of sins.
[9] Use hospitality one to another without grudging. [10] As every man hath
received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good
stewards of the manifold grace of God. [11] If any man speak, let him speak
as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability
which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus
Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
[12] Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to
try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: [13] But rejoice,
inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory
shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. [14] If ye be
reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory
and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on
your part he is glorified. [15] But let none of you suffer as a murderer,
or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.
[16] Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let
him glorify God on this behalf.
[17] For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and
if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the
gospel of God?
[18] And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and
the sinner appear?
[19] Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the
keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

1 Peter 5
[1] The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a
witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that
shall be revealed:
[2] Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof,
not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready
mind; [3] Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples
to the flock.
[4] And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of
glory that fadeth not away.
[5] Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you
be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth
the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. [6] Humble yourselves therefore
under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
[7] Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. [8] Be sober, be
vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh
about, seeking whom he may devour: [9] Whom resist stedfast in the faith,
knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that
are in the world. [10] But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto
his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while,
make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
[11] To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. [12] By
Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written
briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God
wherein ye stand.
[13] The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth
you; and so doth Marcus my son.
[14] Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all
that are in Christ Jesus. Amen.


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