Body Building

Dennis McCallum
1 Peter 4:8-11

Peter encourages every believer to use the spiritual gifts God has given them for the building up of the Body of Christ. Every believer has been given at least one special gift. All are gifted differently so don't compare yourself to another. Using our gifting to the best of our ability enhances community and is intensely pleasurable without negative side affects. Our gifting is also a stewardship so that the greater the gifting, the greater the expectation to use the gifting well.

Forget None of His Benefits

Mike Sullivan
Psalms 103

In this Psalm, David calls on himself, God's people and all of creation to praise God. C.H. Spurgeon says this Psalm peaks "overtop the rest." Because God's compassion and grace are inexhaustible and He offers mercy we don't deserve, we must forget none of His benefits. If we neglect giving God the praise He deserves, we risk becoming an ingrate who is increasingly deceived and more easily overwhelmed. But for those who revere him, His lovingkindness is from everlasting to everlasting.

Community Renewal:Christ Is All in All

Jim Leffel
Colossians 3:10-17

As Christians, we have become a new creation in Christ, not just as individuals but also as the corporate body of Christ. We are to put on the newness of Christ not merely as individuals but as a whole community. A renewed community thrives on grace, is united through love, cultivates peace, grows in truth, and reflects Christ to others.

Living in a War Zone

Scott Risley
1 Peter 2:11-12

Christians live as foreigners in a hostile land. Jesus warned us that since the world hated him, they will hate us as well. For the sake of our own soul and for the sake of our witness, Peter exhorts believers to abstain from fleshly lusts that wage war against our souls. We can overcome evil with good and silence foolish men by letting them see our good deeds.

Citizens of Heaven:Living as Temporary Residents in this World

Conrad Hilario
1 Peter 2:11-24

Since this earth is not our real home, we should conduct our lives in a way that is attractive to this world. We should not merely talk but our behavior should reflect our speech, in our community and work place. We should give respect due our governing authorities. Heavenly citizenship is available to you today because God paid a terrible price for you.

An Imprecatory Psalm

Gary DeLashmutt
Psalms 58

Imprecatory psalms that call down judgment on evil-doers may cause discomfort in modern readers and tempt them to avoid those psalms. But then one would have to excise a significant portion of Scripture. But taking a closer look, one sees that in Psalm 58 that David does not seek personal vengeance but that God would intervene to uphold His reputation. David desires the wicked rulers would repent so they can take refuge in God. Reaping the consequences of evil behavior is an act of God's love designed to bring us to repentance so we can receive forgiveness.

The Power of the Word

Dennis McCallum
1 Peter 1:22-2:3

It is the Word of God that empowers us to love fervently from the heart. It is the imperishable, life germinating seed that endures forever. The Word of God is a source of wisdom, victorious prayer, effective ministry, and character transformation. God works through his Word creating faith, nurturing growth and empowering ministry.

The Power of the Word

Scott Risley
1 Peter 1:22-2:3

It is the Word of God that empowers us to do anything good. We can't truly love others on our own, but God's Word gives us a new nature capable of real love. Scripture gives us many word pictures for the Word; It is the seed, milk, solid food, bedrock foundation, an anchor for our souls, a mirror, a lamp, fire, a hammer, a sword, pure gold and silver, rain from heaven, and finally, the sweetest honey. The Word of God is the starting point for this new spiritual life God wants to give us. This Word is also the sustainer of this new life.

Be Different

Conrad Hilario
1 Peter 1:13-22

When God calls us to be holy because he is holy, he is not asking us to be different from the culture in merely superficial ways like clothing choices or refraining from cussing. He is calling us to stand out by having higher values and a fervent love for others. If you let God transform your values and grow you in your ability to love others, you will be different in a very good way.