What is the will of God? Yesterday we looked at the surprising weapon Christians are to arm themselves with: the attitude of Jesus, which was an attitude of following the will of God for his life no matter what. As we continue studying 1 Peter 4:1-6, Peter goes on to say in verse 2 thatContinue reading “The one crucial step that must come before doing God’s will”
Tag Archives: peter
A story about what happens after people die
What happens after a person dies? My uncle recently sent me this story, author unknown, that tries to answer that question. On the outskirts of a small town, there was a big old pecan tree just inside the cemetery fence. One day, two boys filled up a bucketful of nuts and sat down by theContinue reading “A story about what happens after people die”
Why I am not a fan of eulogies (but why they are surprising important for church families)
I am not a fan of eulogies. I’ve told you before that one of the aspects of being a pastor that I was definitely not prepared for was death. It affects me. Some pastors tell me they love funerals, and can’t stand weddings. I’m the exact opposite. I love weddings. Funerals, though? No. I’m justContinue reading “Why I am not a fan of eulogies (but why they are surprising important for church families)”
The Christian teaching about marriage that was radical (and will certainly enhance your marriage)
Remember your wedding day? (Or maybe you are looking forward to it?) It is an amazing day, filled with crazy, happy, anxiety and joy as you publicly vow to love your spouse for life. The road before you seems clear and straight and free from any surprises or trouble. But before you know it, fiveContinue reading “The Christian teaching about marriage that was radical (and will certainly enhance your marriage)”
Why trajectory is vital to understanding the marital submission passage in 1 Peter 3:1-7
Rocket launches have been all the rage recently, with private companies getting in the new space race. I have always been fascinated with space shuttles and astronauts, and thus love watching the blast-offs! A nighttime launch with is fire trail is especially amazing. See the trajectory? All week long we have been studying a controversialContinue reading “Why trajectory is vital to understanding the marital submission passage in 1 Peter 3:1-7”
How to submit to God when life is hard
There was Jesus on the worst night of his life, knowing that horror was just hours away. He is kneeling, praying to God, experiencing human pain and anxiety, wishing like we all do that there might be another way, some escape from suffering. What do you when you don’t want to do what God wantsContinue reading “How to submit to God when life is hard”
How Peter could tell slaves to submit to masters without dignifying the institution of slavery
Does the Bible condone slavery? The passage we are studying this week, in particular 1 Peter 2:18-20, seems to do just that. As I mentioned in this week’s first post, Christian slave-owners used this passage to support slavery. Imagine being a slave hearing sermons telling you to submit to your master, even when he beatsContinue reading “How Peter could tell slaves to submit to masters without dignifying the institution of slavery”
Why and how to submit to governing authorities
Yesterday we looked at Peter’s principle in 1 Peter 2:13a, “Submit to human created authorities, for the Lord’s sake.” As he continues teaching, Peter illustrates this principle three ways: Illustration #1 – verses 13b-17 – respect and submit to the governing authorities. Illustration #2 – verses 18-20 – slaves respect and submit to your mastersContinue reading “Why and how to submit to governing authorities”
How all Christians should identify as priests
Sometimes people have bizarre reactions when they learn I am a pastor. If they had been cursing, once they find out I’m a pastor, they’ll over-apologize and try to stop. Often they’ll ask where Faith Church is and talk about how they’ll visit some Sunday. Even people within our church family can have strange reactions. Continue reading “How all Christians should identify as priests”
Can you smell what The _____ is cooking? (When Jesus give you a nickname and changes your life.)
Can you tell whom I’m thinking about? Read the title of this post. Look at the picture. The Rock! That is Dwayne Johnson’s nickname from his days as a professional wrestler. There seems to be a specific kind of person whom we nickname with the word “Rock”. Think about Rocky Balboa. Remember the character SylvesterContinue reading “Can you smell what The _____ is cooking? (When Jesus give you a nickname and changes your life.)”
Engaging Scripture 