In a world that's hostile to Christian faith, and where suffering is sure to afflict God's people, Peter urges Christians to arm themselves for the battle that lies ahead. This passage tells us to think the way Christ did, and so be prepared for suffering, temptation, and judgment.

Peter exhorts Christians to remain zealous for good works, even in the face of suffering and persecution. He points our attention to the blessing that will come from God when his people commit themselves to goodness instead of revenge.

Guest preacher Mike Christ provides an overview of the book of Jonah, with poignant and timely applications concerning our anger toward God and others, our posture toward his commands, and ultimately how Jesus Christ stands in our place.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is no mere add-on to Christian faith - a risen Jesus is utterly essential for our salvation. These verses in Romans 5 provide a rock-solid foundation of assurance that God will carry on the work of salvation that he began in each believer.

Peter turns his instructions for marriage toward husbands, and in one power-packed verse, sets a high bar for their leadership in the home. Husbands are to show honor to their wives for their weakness, and for their glory. Find out what a Christian husband's leadership should look like, and how it points us toward Jesus Christ.

Peter's exhortation to "keep your conduct honorable" turns to the marriage relationship, where he begins by urging Christian wives to live in glad submission to their husbands. This counter-cultural message helps Christians in marriage relationships to faithfully carry out their God-given assignments.

Peter exhorts slaves to submit to their masters. Despite the difficulty of thinking about the Bible and slavery, Peter's exhortation extends to all Christians when they endure unjust suffering. This passage will help prepare us for seasons of suffering, by assuring us that God will reward our patient endurance, and pointing us to Jesus Christ as our example.

Peter begins to flesh out Christians' "honorable conduct" in the world by exhorting us to living in willing submission to civil government. An undeniably contentious issue in our own day, God's word has essential wisdom for us in how to relate to our earthly authorities, with our eye on Jesus Christ.

Peter's instructions to Christians turn toward their relationship to the unbelieving world around them. The sinful desires that live within us are at war with our new Spirit-born desires, and are working to sabotage the health of our souls and the strength of our witness for Christ in the world. How can we fight back against indwelling sin, and ensure the church's faithful testimony for Christ's Kingdom?

The story of Abraham and Hagar provide Christians an important lesson: God knows better than we do, and we are simply to trust in his sovereign care instead of leaning on our own understanding.