Simon Says


As a kid I loved the game of "Simon Says" where one person (the leader) gets to call out commands that the others obey - but ONLY if the words are preceded by "Simon Says".  For example:  "Simon Says Sit..." would cause all those playing to sit.  Whereas just "Sit" would not.

Okay, so now that you know the jist of the game - let's play!

Here are some things that Simon Peter (know also as Peter the apostle - the one who walked on water, denied Jesus 3x, and then went on to be one of the largest supporters of the Gospel - defending the risen Jesus even to the point of martyrdom...) says - 

Simon Says:

"Always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you." (1 Peter 3:15) - The truth is - Christians lead a different life, one full of hope and joy even in the face of difficulty.  Being able to share your testimony about how the knowledge of a risen Lord has changed your life, for is often the "seed" someone needs to start them on their own journey.

Simon Says:

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary, the Devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." (1 Peter 5:8) - Friends, do not be deceived.  The Devil is real and his only mission is to tear you away from God by any means possible.  He will lie to you and tell you things that "sound" like truth.  He can even quote scripture - but check the things he is telling you against the words of God found in the Bible.

Simon Says:

"We must obey God rather than men." (Acts 5:29) - This one is especially hard in today's society where right is wrong and wrong is right, and those who disagree are called bigots or canceled.  We must be willing to stand firm in defending the truths of the Bible.  They are not OUR thoughts or words, but Gods.

Simon Says:

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.  Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:6-7).  Anxiety over the future is a wasted emotion.  You cannot control it.  You cannot change it by worrying.  Peace will come for you when you acknowledge God is sovereign, He is good, and He has a plan!

Simon Says:

"But the day of the Lord will come as a thief.  The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare." (2 Peter 3:10) - Our world will not always continue as it is today.  One day - maybe soon, it will all go away as we prepare for God's final judgement.  Do you believe this?  Are you ready?

And finally - Simon Says:

"Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life; and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God." (John 6:68-69) - My dear friends, if your answer to the question: "Are you ready", is "I'm not sure" or "I don't know" - understand that it starts with recognizing Jesus as the Son of God, sent to pay the penalty for our sins, and without God's grace, we are all dead men walking...

Thanks for playing the game!




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