“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1Peter 2:9). God is calling us out of “something” into “something” better. God is calling people out of sin into … [Read more…]

“But you are a chosenpeople, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that youmay declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into hiswonderful light” (1Peter 2:9). I will conclude our meditation on Peter’s first letter, by asking thequestion, “How does 1Peter prepare me for Christmas? Are there … [Read more…]

“With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it” (1Peter 5:12). Peter wrote his letter to encourage the church to stand firm facing the troubled times. He did so by … [Read more…]

“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast” (1Peter5:10). Reading Peter’s letter, one can hardly miss five major themes that are mentioned and expanded. It is not that we can … [Read more…]

“But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed” (1Peter 4:11-19). Suffering often brings confusion, but also brings a greater perspective on life. The Church was doing it tough. Peter wrote, “…don’t be surprised…” Reading Acts, one may get the impression that the … [Read more…]

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms” (1Peter 4:10). We operate on two levels/departments/dimensions: -the mental level: knowledge; experience; education; etc. – the mind level; -the practical level: actions; attitudes; We find this idea reflected in the way the Holy Spirit instructed … [Read more…]

“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may … [Read more…]

“Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands…” (1 Peter3:1). “Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner…” (1Peter 3:7) Peter wrote his first letter to a church that faced some kind of hardship: 1Peter 1:6; 2:12; 4:12; and … [Read more…]

For the first 300 years or so, the Christian Church faced persecution in many places throughout the Roman Empire. The persecution of Christians started in Jerusalem. The religious leaders of the day persecuted “The Way” (as it was called then) because it clashed with their traditional beliefs and practices. As the Christians spread in other … [Read more…]

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1Peter 2: 9).   “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect … [Read more…]