1 Peter 2:11–17 (NKJV) After describing Christians as living stones, Peter moves into a further discussion of the role and responsibilities of those redeemed by the blood of Jesus. He instructs the believer to abstain from lusts, to submit to kings and governors as if they were sent by God, and to be free but … Continue reading Honorable Lives
Living Stones
1 Peter 1:22–2:10 (NKJV) Peter follows up his discussion of the need to gird up your mind, living in holiness and fear, with a new line of teaching on the seed, which is the word of God. In this passage, he addresses the attitude of the believer toward the truth of God's word. He teaches … Continue reading Living Stones
Gird Up Your Mind
1 Peter 1:13–21 (NKJV) In response to the living hope of the gospel, Peter moves in this passage to a discussion of the appropriate response to such a great hope. He calls the believer to take the commitment to God seriously, and to conduct oneself in the fear of the Lord. He basically tells the … Continue reading Gird Up Your Mind
A Living Hope
1 Peter 1:1–12 (NKJV) Peter, the Apostle, and the head of the early church by some estimations (claimed by the Roman Catholic Church to be its founder and first leader) writes two letters included in the New Testament. In this letter, Peter speaks of the hope of the church. In this particular passage, he speaks … Continue reading A Living Hope
The Prayer of Faith
James 5:1–20 (NKJV) James sums up his letter to the twelve tribes dispersed abroad by addressing four things in chapter 5: the plight of the oppressive rich, the need for patience with and care for others, meeting the specific needs of those in the body, and redeeming those who have strayed. He has just spoken … Continue reading The Prayer of Faith
Four Friends
Mark 2:1–12 (NLT) February 28, 2021 The Appeal of Hope 1 When Jesus returned to Capernaum several days later, the news spread quickly that he was back home. 2 Soon the house where he was staying was so packed with visitors that there was no more room, even outside the door. Four Friends While he was … Continue reading Four Friends
Humility Wins
James 4:7–17 (NKJV) After giving a warning about asking for the wrong things from God, or not asking for anything at all, James moves to instructions about how to overcome evil. He makes clear the need for a serious demeanor toward the temptations of the world. 7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he … Continue reading Humility Wins
Wars of Selfishness
James 3:13–4:6 (NKJV) After a discussion of the power of the tongue, James moves here into a treatise about the value of wisdom. This is a revisit of the passage in chapter one where he states that anyone desiring wisdom should ask of God. Wisdom is to be desired above riches, as was witnessed in … Continue reading Wars of Selfishness
The Untamable Tongue
James 3:1–12 (NKJV) James follows up his discussion of faith v. works, or faith plus works, with a discussion of the power of the tongue. Words have a definite effect on the world around you. Your words can bring life or death, and James seeks to warn the Christians reading his letter about the need … Continue reading The Untamable Tongue
Faith Without Works is Dead
James 2:14–26 (NKJV) James continues the discussion of being doers and not just hearers of the Word with a discussion about faith without works. The premise is that both are essential in the life of the believer. Having faith will produce works, or it is not faith at all. 14 What does it profit, my brethren, … Continue reading Faith Without Works is Dead
