Through the Bible for Skeptics, Seekers, and Disciples

Peter reminds these followers of Jesus who were suffering tremendous persecution to take heart knowing that Jesus suffered in order to accomplish His mission for us. Even though circumstances may be tragic and some are being killed for their faith, those who die in Christ are no longer in pain. They heard the message of Jesus, responded in faith, and they are now in the presence of God! We can bring more of heaven to earth in how we live. When we choose to forgive those who hurt us, show kindness to those who are rude, and love those who are hard to love, we demonstrate the way of Jesus and bring light into the darkness. ‭ #NewTestament #BibleCommentary #ScriptureAnalysis #Devotional #ChristianLifestyle #SpiritualGrowth #ChristianTeachings #BibleSummary #Christianity #BibleStudy #ScriptureSummary #ApostlePaul #ChristianLife #Faith #Church #EarlyChurch #Persecution #Peter #ApostlePeter

Peter breaks through stereotypes in order to guide those who follow Jesus to live differently than the world lives. For women married to an unbelieving husband should not try to argue them into the Kingdom of God but honor and respect them remembering that their beauty comes from within. For men, they should also treat women with respect as well even if they may be physically smaller or physically weaker. This is a remarkable statement affirming women as created in the image of God! They are not lesser as the Greeks may have believed. When we suffer in this world, it should be for doing good rather than because of a foolish decision. We will face persecution for our faith. We need to trust God in the face of this and not stop doing good in fear of suffering for our faith. Noah's ark was believed to be at the top of Mount Ararat so Peter's reference to Noah would make sense to them. Peter is not describing a time when Jesus preached to humans who had died but when Jesus was declared to the spiritual forces of evil to be the One who reigns! #NewTestament #BibleCommentary #ScriptureAnalysis #Devotional #ChristianLifestyle #SpiritualGrowth #ChristianTeachings #BibleSummary #Christianity #BibleStudy #ScriptureSummary #ChristianLife #Faith #Church #EarlyChurch #Persecution #Peter #ApostlePeter

Peter uses phrases that may make us feel uncomfortable. He uses phrases like "submit to your masters," "submit to the authorities," and "abstain from sinful desires." It is important to remember that God is on the side of those who are oppressed as demonstrated throughout the Scriptures. He is the God who freed the enslaved Israelites. There is an entire letter in the New Testament about ending slavery (Philemon)! Peter is not affirming dictatorships and tyrants. Those reading this are enslaved and being persecuted. The path out is not violence or revenge but kindness, peaceful nonviolent resistance, and trusting God. We should live such godly lives among those oppressing us that they see us, notice the difference in how we live, and want what we have found in Jesus. Even in the midst of the most awful circumstances, God is with us. We can experience His peace even when our society lacks peace. #NewTestament #Devotional #SpiritualGrowth #BibleSummary #Christianity #BibleStudy #ScriptureSummary #ChristianLife #Faith #Church #EarlyChurch #Persecution #Peter #ApostlePeter

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