I Peter 3

I was busy yesterday meeting someone very early for breakfast in Napa, CA and then flying home.  Had a great night soul-winning last night with over 175 being saved through our people's efforts.  God was so good to us.  I had the privilege of praying with 20 myself and it was a great night.  I am writing about I Peter 3 since that is where I started this morning.  Here are just a few thougths: 1) LIKEWISE, "ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands"...  The "Likewise" is based upon chapter two which tells us that we are to "follow his steps".  We are to live like Jesus.  In regards to this, the apostle tells us that wives should follow their husbands, they should have "chaste conversation" (lifestyles), and let their adorning be "the hidden man of the heart".  Then verse seven says:  "Likewise, ye husbands, ...."  We too as men who are privileged by God to have a dear wife, ought to behave as Jesus would had He been a husband.  We should dwell with our wives according to knowledge, and many other things!  Our whole lives are based upon "likewise".... following the steps of our Savior! 2) SPIRITS IN PRISON- vs. 19 says:  "By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;"  This is referring to the souls in Abraham's bosom, or paradise that were awaiting the payment for their sins by Jesus on the cross so that their faith in God was proved valuable.  God doesn't take credit, so the payment had to be paid before the Old Testament saints could get into Heaven.  So they were captives of death in Paradise, but outside of Heaven's shores.  These were the souls in prison.... locked up by death, and kept out of Heaven until the blood of Jesus paid for their sins in full.  They were enjoying paradise, but it was only a waiting room for the real thing.... Heaven.  Here are other verses that prove this: Ephesians 4:8  Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.  (saints in captivity "Abraham's bosom" or "Paradise") Revelation 1:18  I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.  (used the key to unlock the portion of hell; "hades" place of departed spirits.... a great gulf separated the good from the bad) and bring home to Heaven the OT saints.  Hope this helps some in your understanding.  If you have any questions, please feel free to ask me.  May God bless you!!  Pastor Mike Mutchler