Through the Bible for Skeptics, Seekers, and Disciples

The apostle Peter offers hope and encouragement for a group of believers experiencing persecution. They have a hope in Jesus that can help them endure. Suffering can actually help them grow to become more pure and holy. The word “elect” means they are chosen by God. This does not mean others are rejected. Other passages declare that “all who call on the name of the Lord will be saved.” When we read a passage that is unclear, we can interpret them with clearer passages. When God chooses someone, He blesses them to be a blessing to others. God is inclusive not exclusive. “If you need hope, borrow it from someone else.” - John Burke, founding pastor of Gateway Church in Austin and author of Imagine Heaven #NewTestament #Devotional #SpiritualGrowth #BibleSummary #Christianity #BibleStudy #ScriptureSummary #ChristianLife #Faith #Church #EarlyChurch #Persecution #Peter #ApostlePeter

The apostle Peter wrote to believers in Asia in what is now known as Türkiye. These Christ-followers were being persecuted and suffering for their faith. He wrote them to give them hope and guidance on how to live a godly life in a pagan world. He shared one of the most remarkable ideas: when we follow Jesus we are given all we need for life and godliness. We have the capacity to experience the divine nature of God! #NewTestament #Devotional #SpiritualGrowth #BibleSummary #Christianity #BibleStudy #ScriptureSummary #ChristianLife #Faith #Church #EarlyChurch #Persecution #Peter #ApostlePeter

James rebukes wealthy people who were causing others to suffer. He encouraged those who were suffering to persevere. God never promised a life without suffering but to be with us in our suffering. If you are overwhelmed with guilt or fighting an illness, we are to come to others for help and prayer. The prayer of person right with God is effective! #NewTestament #BibleCommentary #ScriptureAnalysis #Devotional #ChristianLifestyle #SpiritualGrowth #ChristianTeachings #BibleSummary #Christianity #BibleStudy #ScriptureSummary #ApostlePaul #ChristianLife #Faith #Church #EarlyChurch #James #Wisdom

When we covet we have impure motives. When we do this we are aligning ourselves with the ways of the world. Rather than being proud we need to humble ourselves so that God can lift us up. James encourages followers of Jesus to avoid destruction through slander, judging, and other sins but instead submit to God and resist the devil. When we come near to God, we will discover His presence drawing near to us. When we reject the darkness and lean into our faith, we experience more of God in our life. ‭ #NewTestament #BibleCommentary #ScriptureAnalysis #Devotional #ChristianLifestyle #SpiritualGrowth #ChristianTeachings #BibleSummary #Christianity #BibleStudy #ScriptureSummary #ApostlePaul #ChristianLife #Faith #Church #EarlyChurch #James

James warns us that the tongue is a dangerous part of the body that remains difficult to tame. An untamed tongue can do a great deal of damage like how a tiny spark can become a forest fire. Followers of Jesus should avoid selfish ambition, bitterness, and envy. Instead we should seek God for His wisdom which is “pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.” #NewTestament #BibleCommentary #ScriptureAnalysis #Devotional #ChristianLifestyle #SpiritualGrowth #ChristianTeachings #BibleSummary #Christianity #BibleStudy #ScriptureSummary #ChristianLife #Faith #Church #EarlyChurch #James #Wisdom

We should not show favoritism by treating those who are wealthy differently than those who have very little. Followers of Jesus love our neighbors as we love ourselves. When we refuse to do the right thing, it’s like breaking all of the law. Faith without works is dead. We cannot earn our way into God’s presence. Jesus often rebuked the religious leaders because they believed they deserved God’s blessings. When we are humble and acknowledge that we need God’s help, He will be with us, empower us, and send us out to do the good works that are motivated by our faith. #NewTestament #Devotional #SpiritualGrowth #BibleSummary #Christianity #BibleStudy #ScriptureSummary #ChristianLife #Faith #Church #EarlyChurch #James #Wisdom #Works

The half brother of Jesus and leader of the church in Jerusalem was one of the first martyrs for his faith. James shares wisdom for how to live in our broken world. He shares that we should have a different perspective when facing trials. Some trials come because we live in a fallen world, but God can bring good from this such as developing perseverance. We can avoid trials by not falling into temptation. God does not tempt us. It is our own evil desires that lead us astray. We don’t have to struggle with doubt like a wave going up and down with the wind. Instead we can develop a faith greater than our circumstances. #NewTestament #Devotional #SpiritualGrowth #BibleSummary #Christianity #BibleStudy #ScriptureSummary #ChristianLife #Faith #Church #EarlyChurch #James #Wisdom

The author of Hebrews ends the letter with important reminders on how followers of Jesus should live. We are to love each other as brothers and sisters, to show hospitality to strangers, to live pure lives by keeping our marriage bed pure, to avoid the love of money but remaining content, and to remember our leaders by imitating their faith. We can trust God because He will never leave us nor forsake us, and He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.. There is no reason to fear people. “What can mere mortals do to me?” In light of this, we should continue to do good out of gratitude for all He has done for us. #NewTestament #BibleCommentary #ScriptureAnalysis #Devotional #ChristianLifestyle #SpiritualGrowth #ChristianTeachings #BibleSummary #Christianity #BibleStudy #ScriptureSummary #ApostlePaul #ChristianLife #Faith #Church #EarlyChurch #Hebrews

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ NIV) The Lord disciplines those He loves because we are His children. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later though, God’s discipline produces a harvest of righteousness and peace. “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” (‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:14-15 NIV) “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.”” (‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭‭28‬-‭29‬ NIV) #NewTestament #BibleCommentary #ScriptureAnalysis #Devotional #ChristianLifestyle #SpiritualGrowth #ChristianTeachings #BibleSummary #Christianity #BibleStudy #ScriptureSummary #ApostlePaul #ChristianLife #Faith #Church #EarlyChurch #Hebrews

In Hebrews 11 we discover one of the most succinct definitions of faith along with several heroes of faith - men and women who trusted God and lived out what they believed. Some experienced the blessing they hoped to experience on this side of eternity. Others were persecuted or even killed because of their faith. They received what God promised on the other side of eternity. Here’s the definition: “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” (‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11‬:‭1) We are invited to trust God fully even though we cannot see Him. Even still we can have confidence and assurance He can be trusted. Because “without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11‬:‭‭39‬-‭40‬ NIV) #NewTestament #BibleCommentary #ScriptureAnalysis #Devotional #ChristianLifestyle #SpiritualGrowth #ChristianTeachings #BibleSummary #Christianity #BibleStudy #ScriptureSummary #ApostlePaul #ChristianLife #Faith #Church #EarlyChurch #Hebrews