The New Testament tells the story of Jesus, the promised Christ, and the beginning of His church. In it, we find the good news of the Kingdom of God, our King’s teaching, the revelation of God’s nature and character, and what it means to follow Christ. We hope that our study of the New Testament books helps you understand the love of God more fully and to love Him and others with all your heart, mind, soul and strength.
Peter refers to Christians are "living stones" who are being built into a spiritual house for God. He then discusses three Old Testament prophecies about Jesus that refer to Him as a stone. In this lesson, we look at prophecies referencing stones that reveal different aspects of Jesus’ life and mission. These build our faith
Peter reminds Christians that we have been called out of darkness into God's marvelous light. This theme of light and darkness is found throughout Scriptures. With the benefit of other insights from the New Testament, as well as unforgettable quotes from an early Christian writer, we can better appreciate the significance of Peter’s statement. This
Peter calls us to "honor the king," to submit respectfully to whatever governing authorities we are under. Paul also spoke about this principle in Romans 13, where he said that these authorities have been established by God. In this lesson we consider the implications of this challenging teaching, in light of Scriptural examples and early
Peter gives a sweeping statement that covers the range of our relationships: "Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king." In this lesson we explore his call for Christians to fear God. Why not call us to love God, instead? Isn’t loving God a much better motivation than fearing Him? Is the
Peter calls slaves to submit to their masters. How do we grapple with this disturbing counter-cultural teaching, and how might its principles apply to Christians today? Peter also calls wives to submit to their husbands. Can we dismiss this commandment as a relic from a backward, unenlightened era; or does it still apply in Christian
After addressing the wives, Peter turns his attention to the husbands. He calls them to treat their wives with honor and understanding, "that your prayers may not be hindered." We first consider the challenging New Testament teaching for Christian husbands, to lay down their lives in love to meet the needs of their wives. We
So Your Prayers May Not Be Hindered (1 Peter 3:7-12) View Lesson
So Your Prayers May Not Be Hindered (1 Peter 3:7-12) View Lesson
Peter begins by giving us guidance for when we face suffering, including persecution. Yet, are we really being persecuted for the sake of righteousness? Peter then explains that Jesus "preached to the spirits in prison" after His death. We examine how early Christians understood this puzzling passage, and how it sheds light on what happens
Persecuted for Righteousness; Hades and Baptism (1 Peter 3:13-22) View Lesson
Persecuted for Righteousness; Hades and Baptism (1 Peter 3:13-22) View Lesson
Suffering as a Christian has been the overarching theme of this letter of Peter. Here Peter addresses the personal, internal suffering that comes from denying our own desires for sins of the flesh. Then he calls us to devote ourselves to four things: being watchful in prayer, having fervent love for one another, being hospitable,
Peter says we should not think it strange when we are tested. We explore the significance and range of this word in Scripture, also translated "to try" (or even "to tempt" when Satan is involved). While the Lord tests us for good, we must never put God to the test. In view of the various
Peter exhorts his fellow elders to be good shepherds of the flock. We first consider Peter’s unusual role in the church, and then examine the historic controversy surrounding his role. Historically, the Catholic Church has asserted that Jesus established Peter as the first pope, while Protestants reject such a claim and tend to focus on