One year ago we lost Chris Traganos, our dear friend and brother, to death. Chris ended his race strong, an upward call to us all. What happened to Chris after his death, and what will happen to us? In this lesson we look to Jesus and the apostles for the answers, and also consider how
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
Teaching Notes Can you think of any stone/rock prophecies in the Old Testament? Is there any clue provided in the Old Testament, or in anything Jesus taught, suggesting that references to special stones or rocks in the Old Testament could be pointing to the Christ? This is an excerpt from a longer lesson. Find the