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 calls the young men to submit to their elders in the church. But what should we do when we are under unrighteous shepherds? While navigating such a challenge is extremely difficult, the Scriptures provide us clear direction and inspiring examples of those who suffered in the same way. Peter's commands to clothe ourselves with
As he concludes his letter, Peter warns the Christians to be sober and vigilant as they face another form of suffering: the attacks of the devil. Peter compares Satan to a lion, seeking to devour the children of God. Unlike most modern Christian teachers, Jesus and the New Testament writers frequently mention Satan. In this
As we begin our study of 2 Peter, we address the question of the authenticity of this letter, one of the last to be accepted into the canon of the New Testament. Was the apostle Peter truly its author? How should we view this letter? We then turn to Peter's opening charge: that we continue
Introduction to 2 Peter and Growing Spiritually (2 Peter 1:1-15) View Lesson
Introduction to 2 Peter and Growing Spiritually (2 Peter 1:1-15) View Lesson
Peter says that just as there were false prophets in the past, there will be false teachers in the church. Therefore, we should not be surprised when they appear. Yet many Christians believe that while this has happened to other groups, false teachers could never overtake their church! In this lesson we consider Peter’s warning
Peter warns that corrupt teachers will come into the church, teachers who will be like Balaam. Although that Old Testament prophet was powerful in speech, the love of money and willingness to compromise led to his destruction and in leading Israel into terrible sin. Peter then compares Christians who return to their old way of
Here Peter gives us much to consider about Jesus' return and the associated Day of Judgment. In this lesson we explore what the Scriptures teach about Jesus' return, along with foreshadowings from the Old Testament that may provide clues. We also consider God's long-suffering character, His heart of compassion toward mankind, and how our sense
Peter concludes his letter speaking of "a new heavens and a new earth." He then describes how we should live, "looking forward to these things." In this lesson we examine the stark warnings of coming judgment and destruction of this world by fire, as well as the promise of new heavens and a new earth
The reactions from two Christians who heard this message first-hand: “This lesson demolished hundreds of years of false teaching coming out of the Protestant Reformation, and better equipped me to defend the 'kingdom-Christian message' against a wide range of opponents. I did not expect that!"” "For the first time in over forty years as a
One of the most valuable benefits of diligent Old Testament study is how this brings New Testament teaching to life. Such is the case with the book of Hebrews, illuminated by the Old Testament books of Exodus and Leviticus. We now take a short break from our study through Leviticus to reap our reward! Once
In this brief letter Paul, writing from prison, appeals to a Christian slaveowner in Colosse (Philemon) regarding his runaway slave (Onesimus). Onesimus had become a Christian through Paul’s effort, and Paul now is sending him back to his former master. Paul uses great wisdom in his appeal to Philemon, illustrating practical application of challenging aspects