https://www.belovedchurch.com/messages/2968/ The idea that we should live a life free of struggle is a relatively recent one. We should expect to have trials and challenges. How we respond to these reveals our character and our values. If we are Christians, our responses should be like Jesus. Jesus did not repay evil with evil or insult […]

EYES FOR ME The recent passages have been addressing specific relationships within the framework of a Christian life. Peter now shifts his focus to all believers. First, we are called to love one another. We are to be like-minded, sympathetic, compassionate and humble. As believers, we should look to the example of Jesus. How did Jesus

https://www.belovedchurch.com/messages/centered-marriage/ This week’s passage is both familiar and controversial. In modern society, calling for a wife to be submissive to her husband can be a challenging message. This passage has also been abused by men in the past in order to subjugate women. Peter’s purpose here is not to demean women or elevate men. In keeping with

https://www.belovedchurch.com/messages/suffer-in-good-company/ In verse 18, slaves are told to submit to their masters, and not just the good ones. It is relatively easy to submit to a loving spouse or a great boss. It is much more difficult to be Christlike in the face of an angry teenager, a screaming tyrant or cheating significant other. Our responses

WRONG ENEMY Sin is deceptive. We tell ourselves our sins are not that big of a deal. We may know we need to work on areas of our lives that are not perfect, but we justify and compare ourselves to others. “At least I am not as bad as (fill in the blank).” Peter tells

GROWING & BUILDING Peter tells us we are to rid ourselves of a lot of bad qualities. We are not to be people of malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, or slander. In a recent survey of young Americans who have left the church, the number one reason for leaving was perceived hypocrisy by older believers. We

HOPE FULLY SET Our salvation is based only on the power and work of Christ. We did nothing to earn our salvation, but we do have a responsibility to walk righteously and in obedience. Verses 13-15 tell us how we can live in light of our salvation. We are to live soberly and alert to

IF NECESSARY Peter walked with Jesus. He spent as much time with the Lord as anyone in his circle. He betrayed Jesus and was received back into a loving relationship. He knew the mercy of God in an intimate way and it informed his life and teachings. After his introduction, Peter pivots to praising the

BE ON MISSION “What does it look like to live in biblical community together? Acts 2 gives us a wonderful picture of a family of believers experiencing life together. Verse 42 speaks about their devotion to teaching, fellowship, shared meals and prayer. This group learned about God, laughed together about shared joy, and prayed together

“Love” is an overused and misunderstood word in modern English. We say we love a certain fast-food restaurant, a puppy, and our family all using the same word. Love is not affection, attraction or butterflies in our stomachs. “Like” is a warm feeling and “lust” is a strong emotional or physical craving. If we want