We often do not truly understand sin. Because we view sin as the grand total of negative actions we have committed in our life, we often think we do not need to be forgiven of much. The truth is we often live out our lack of trust in God’s proven character. Every time we fall for the lie that God is not who He says He is, we fall into sin.

Further motivation for the Christian life (beyond our fascination with salvation and our enthusiasm for the Jesus life) is found in our recognition of God’s discipline and an appreciation of the tremendous cost of our salvation. This new life is meant to be lived openly so others are attracted to Jesus.

Always captivated by a “living hope,” Peter now transitions from lofty theological introduction to gentle pastoral direction about how to live the Christian life. He gives no complicated strategy or oppressive requirements. Peter simply describes the obvious traits of an authentic follower of Jesus.

1 Peter is a timely message to twenty-first century disciples—a letter designed to strengthen the local church living in an increasingly hostile environment; and to steel the resolve of the saints to stay the course to eternity. From eternity past to eternity future, the drama of salvation is breathtaking!

An under recognized aspect of the crucified life is the call to manage physical resources with a Kingdom mindset. Money is often separated in our minds from spiritual activities; when, in fact, money is an important way that the crucified life is put on open display. The provision of God always includes the expectation of giving something significant back to God.

Practical devotion to a local church is possibly the most neglected of all spiritual disciplines in America today. We pray when we feel need. We donate periodically to charity. We even read the Bible on occasion. But time with church family is often squeezed out by busy schedules, even among sincere believers. Why should church be a higher priority? Because church is where the crucified life is shaped and strengthened.

Godly parenting is a challenging pursuit in this generation. It requires dedication beyond virtually every other task in human life. Deuteronomy 6:2 outlines the charge. Proverbs 22:6 maps the strategy. The crucified life takes root in children only by the intentionality of diligent parents, faithful teachers, and a loving church.

A compartmentalized life is always a danger to followers of Christ. No aspect of life is to be left unchanged by Jesus. We know how to act like Christians at church…but what about at home? The crucified life finds expression in every situation of life, especially marriage!

This passage of Revelation forms one continuous drama displaying the judgment of Babylon. The woman of chapter 17 and the city of chapter 18 are the same entity. This is an appendix to the seventh bowl judgment (16:19) where these events are first mentioned. The mystery here is the identification of this recipient of overwhelming divine retribution.

We have the privilege of coming before the living God in prayer. The question is why don’t we do it more often? Sometimes we don’t know what to pray for. Sometimes the world around us looks overwhelming. When we stand before God we will always be strengthened.