Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.
Summary: Peter focuses in on the key fact of Christianity: That Jesus was put to death, was allowed to remain dead, and then was made alive again.
Continue reading “1 Peter 3:18 (b) — Made Alive”
For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.
Summary: There are four types of righteousness and two of them will get you to heaven. The only problem is that the third type is impossible to achieve and the fourth requires that somebody else achieve it and offers you a free pass. Fortunately for us, Jesus does both.
Continue reading “1 Peter 3:18 (a) — The Flavors of Righteousness”
For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
Summary: Suffering is a part of life. When we embrace it while trusting God, we grow in faith and learn a few things along the way.
Continue reading “1 Peter 3: 17 — The Up Side of Suffering”
… so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
Summary: Sometimes people resent good behavior. It makes them look bad by comparison. If they speak maliciously of you, be gentle, and show respect. Keep your conscience clear and leave the rest to the Lord.
Continue reading “1 Peter 3:16 (b) — Slandered”
… keeping a clear conscience …
Summary: Our conscience is like the red light on a car’s dashboard. It tells us something is wrong. It says, “Pay attention!” If we ignore the warning, we might survive, but our conscience suffers. Each little stain of being ignored clouds our conscience and leaves a mark that haunts us until we die.
Continue reading “1 Peter 3:16 (a) — Saying “No””
But do this with gentleness and respect…
Summary: When we share our story of knowing God with others, we need to do it in a way that communicates both with the mind and the heart. Gentleness and respect both speak to the heart.
Continue reading “1 Peter 3:15 (c) — The Keys to the Heart”
Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.
Summary: Everyone who knows Jesus has a story to tell about their meeting with the Lord. Practice sharing your story so that you are prepared to give an answer to everyone who is curious about the hope that you have.
Continue reading “1 Peter 3:15 (b) — Story Time”
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord.
Summary: Peter reminds us to invite Jesus into the center of our being. When your life is built around the God of the Universe, there isn’t anything that can scare you.
Continue reading “1 Peter 3:15 (a) — House Guest”
“Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.”
Summary: Peter warns us against the power of fear and the danger of turning our imagination against ourselves. We need to keep our focus on Godly possibilities.
Continue reading “1 Peter 3:14 (b) — Godly Possibilities”
Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.
Summary: Peter has a unique insight into suffering for our Lord.
Continue reading “1 Peter 3:13-14 (a) — Reason & Fact”