And now, a word to you who are elders in the churches. I, too, am an elder and a witness to the sufferings of Christ. And I, too, will share in his glory when he is revealed to the whole world. As a fellow elder, I appeal to you: Care for the flock that God […]
Read MoreCategory Archives: Christian Living
Serve Willingly
Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ. (Colossians 3:23–24) Shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, […]
Read MoreEntrusting Our Souls to God
If the righteous are rewarded here on earth, what will happen to wicked sinners? (Proverbs 11:31) For the time has come for judgment, and it must begin with God’s household. And if judgment begins with us, what terrible fate awaits those who have never obeyed God’s Good News? And also, “If the righteous are barely […]
Read MoreThe Necessity of Trials
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. (James […]
Read MoreA Steady Stream of Love
Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. (1 Peter 4:8) Nothing is more compelling witness than the love and unity that Christians exhibit toward each other, and nothing is more disturbing or disruptive to the unity of the body than Christians who are […]
Read MoreWhen the Spirit Takes Control
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22–23 NASB) Romans 8:15–17, 26–28 Good news! You don’t have to serve our old master, sin, any longer! By the Spirit‘s filling, evidences of our new nature emerge. So what occurs? […]
Read MoreThe End of the Beginning
The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. (1 Peter 4:7) During World War II, Winston Churchill encouraged and supported the people of Britain through endless dark hours. He made many memorable statements and speeches, but one rings particularly apt here. He was speaking to Parliament just […]
Read MoreA Change in Lifestyle
But remember that they will have to face God, who stands ready to judge everyone, both the living and the dead. (1 Peter 4:5) Some of you have discovered that your close friends have changed now that you’re in Christ. Regarding that, let me first warn you, and then I want to commend you. First, […]
Read MoreEmpty Lifestyles
Of course, your former friends are surprised when you no longer plunge into the flood of wild and destructive things they do. So they slander you. (1 Peter 4:4) While we may live in this foreign land, far from our ultimate home, we live for the will of God. As a result, there is a […]
Read MoreFreedom from Sin
So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too. For if you have suffered physically for Christ, you have finished with sin. You won’t spend the rest of your lives chasing your own desires, but you will be anxious to do […]
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