In Christ, we have a new life, a new beginning. We are born again. If this means anything, especially for those who accepted Christ after childhood, it must mean that they will live differently than they did before. Who hasn’t heard some incredible stories of those who, having been in the world, experienced a radical … Continue reading –>
Yes, Jesus died for our sins, and our hope of salvation is found only in Him, in His righteousness, which covers us and causes us to be accounted righteous in the eyes of God. Because of Jesus, you are “accepted before God just as if you had not sinned.” – Ellen G. White, Steps to … Continue reading –>
Read 1 Peter 3:8-12. What point is Peter making here about how Christians should live? What does he repeat that he already wrote about in 1 Peter 2:20-21? Peter starts out telling them all to be of “one mind” (homophrones). He’s not talking about uniformity, in the sense of everyone having to think, do, and … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: 1 Pet. 3:8-12; Gal. 2:20; 1 Pet. 4:1-2; Rom. 6:1-11; 1 Pet. 4:3-11; 2 Sam. 11:4. Memory Text: “For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the LORD is against those who do evil” (1 Peter … Continue reading –>
Read Ellen G. White, “The Impending Conflict,” pp. 582-592, “The Scriptures a Safeguard,” pp. 593-602 and “The Time of Trouble” pp. 613-634 in The Great Controversy. Ellen G. White advocated that Seventh-day Adventists be good citizens and obey the law of the land. She even told people not to openly and flagrantly disobey local Sunday … Continue reading –>
Despite knowing that human organizations and governments are flawed and sometimes sinful, and despite their bad experiences with governments and religious leaders, both Paul and Peter urged early Christians to submit to human authorities (1 Pet. 2:13-17, Rom. 13:1-10). Christians, they say, should pay taxes and contribute to compulsory labor obligations. As far as possible, … Continue reading –>
Read Romans 13:1-7; Ephesians 5:22-33; 1 Corinthians 7:12-16; and Galatians 3:27-28. How does what Paul says compare to what Peter says in 1 Peter 2:11-3:7? Paul addresses some of the issues raised in 1 Peter 2:11-3:7 in several places. What he says is remarkably consistent with what is found in 1 Peter. For example, like … Continue reading –>
Read 1 Peter 3:1-7. What special circumstance is Peter addressing in this passage? How is what is said relevant to marriage in today’s society? There is one significant clue in the text that enables the careful reader to work out the issue that Peter deals with in 1 Peter 3:1-7. In 1 Peter 3:1, Peter … Continue reading –>
Read 1 Peter 2:18-23. How do we today understand the difficult content of these verses? What principle can we take from them for ourselves? A careful reading of 1 Peter 2:18-23 reveals that rather than an endorsement of slavery, the texts give spiritual counsel on how to think about difficult circumstances that, at the time, … Continue reading –>
Though written long ago, the Bible nevertheless touches on issues very relevant today, such as the relationship between Christians and their government. In some cases, it’s pretty obvious. Revelation chapter 13 talks about a time when obeying the political powers would mean disobeying God. In such a case, our choice is clear. (See Thursday’s study.) … Continue reading –>
