1 Peter 3
By Luke Sanders
I went to college at California Baptist University which is a private Christian school. I was involved with the men’s choir there, during the three years that I was involved with the music program I learned some very interesting things about how we value a person. We all know that in the secular world individuals are judged based on their outer appearance, however did you ever think that Christians did the very same thing??? (more…)
1 Peter 2
When I was growing up, I loved playing sports, more specifically, basketball. I was always the first to get picked because I was pretty good at it, but when it came to being picked for playing soccer, that was a whole different story. No one wanted me to play on their team for soccer because I couldn’t kick a ball, even if they paid me. I wanted to be chosen because I liked sports, but I was usually one of the last ones picked because I wasn’t good.
Now, what exactly does any of this have to do with 1 Peter 2? Everything!
1 Peter 2:9, “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” WOW!! What a bold statement to be made by Peter. Originally, God had chosen Israel as the holy nation of God. They were the “misfits” of the world, if you will.
Yet the region of Israel was chosen by God as His people, as His children. Of all the people in the world, the Lord chose to bless the nation of Israel, regardless of their position or status. So too, does that become the truth for us.
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“As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”
I can tell when my daughter is really trying to be obedient. If we ask her to do something, she will do it and then say after “Good job” really loud. The reason why she knows it is good is because my wife and I reaffirm her that she is doing what we ask and let her know when she is not doing it. God has his way of doing the same thing with discipline and encouragement. (more…)
Brad Ormonde Jr. teaches from James 3 with a message titled, “Revealer of the Heart”.
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James 5
Do you remember asking your parents for something that you thought they would never let you do and they said, “yes”? You are blown away because you never expected they would answer with a yes. Most likely you did not ask something that was going to be bad or hurtful. You knew somewhat how to ask and what to ask for. And, once you get a yes, it sure does make it easier to ask questions to your parents. We read here in James 5 about prayer and not just any prayer but that of faith. What is this prayer of faith? (more…)
James 4
By Jared Saavedra
The world doesn’t really know what to do with “humility.” People love when others have it, but hate to have it themselves. For a Christian, however, humility is the means by which we receive the grace of God. James 4 reminds us that pride is dangerous territory. It is worldly, and even makes us an enemy of God (James 4:4).
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