Growing in grace is Peter’s bedrock for living the Christian life. It’s how we as Christians live in expectant hope (1 Pet. 1:3–12), live holy lives in society and in the home (1 Pet. 1:13–3:7), suffer for our faith while serving others (1 Pet. 3:8–5:11), develop Christian virtues (2 Pet. 1:1–11), listen to the prophetic word, avoiding erron
A consistent query that has been emphasized over the past few blogs has been “What does the fulfillment of prophecy look like?” I ask the question again because there is a subtle but critical dilemma occurring the world over that impacts people’s perceptions about faith and the validity of biblical truth. Namely, how will the world end? I asked a f
In regards to potential threats to the church, some are very familiar with the quote, “We have far more to fear from within than from without.” It is what follows that brings me to my knees, “The unbelief indulged, the doubts expressed, the darkness cherished, encourage the presence of evil angels, and open the way for the accomplishment of Satan's
Upon reflecting on the nature of prophecy, the difference between modern prognosticators (of the religious and political stripe) and the biblical prophetic word should be increasingly apparent. But have you ever asked yourself what will it look like, the fulfillment of prophecy that is? It is possible to preach something for so long and not really
Former NAD President Charles Bradford once said: “The threat of hanging wonderfully clears the mind.” How apropos to a generation that ironically believes in its own invincibility yet is surrounded by harbingers of a dark night in world history. This is not a cynical or nihilistic statement, but an observation of the current political upheavals, ca
Society’s preoccupation with the extraterrestrial and the supernatural touches a multitude of life experiences. Consider the yearly box office ticket sales of the multi-media franchises, curiosity with space exploration, and the burgeoning interest in psychic experiences.[1] Beyond, but inclusive of the spiritualistic leanings of much of the
“I hate bureaucracy.” Have you heard that? Have you thought it? Is it necessary in the church that is supposed to be an organic body? Idealists often shout from the rooftops that we don’t need organization. I’ve even heard sermons condemning “church structure.” The irony is that those who oppose it either: (1) function within some other type of str
Last week’s lesson looked at Living for God, and we specifically focused on suffering. The emphasis was not that Christians live with a martyr complex, but that faithfulness to Christ, worshipping Christ, and spreading the Good News about Christ will inevitably draw the ire of our eternal enemy. While this week’s lesson focuses on Suffering for Chr
“God wants me to be happy.” Have you heard that before? Have you said that before? A growing discontent, resident in more modern pop-culture Christianity, seems more willing to “justify” engaging in ethical and intellectual immorality with the rationalism of “happiness.” But the question needs to be asked: “To what end?” What is the end-game or end
In today’s culture, households are usually either hierarchical or egalitarian institutions. Unfortunately, when some read the New Testament (NT) they misunderstand and misappropriate the divinely inspired counsel overemphasizing either of these modern notions of society. One concept that is misunderstood and misused is the concept of submission. Th
