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There will be a break in the daily readings from Pastor John until the end of August. Please continue to read and study the word each day throughout the summer!

For you were like sheep going astray, but you have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. (1 Peter 2:25) Pastor John’s Notes: The well-being of our soul is not only a matter of concern to us, but it is also a matter of great concern to God. Jesus Christ has revealed himself as the Good Shepherd who watches over our souls, and this should be a matter of great comfort to us. We may not always…

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree; so that, having died to sins, we might live for righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. (1 Peter 2:24) Pastor John’s Notes: Jesus Christ took our place in punishment. The penalty for all our sin has been paid for through his submission to the cross. We are now set free to live in righteousness. What a wonderful act of love! We call this work of God “justification,”…

When he suffered, he did not threaten but entrusted himself to the one who judges justly. (1 Peter 2:23) Pastor John’s Notes: Whenever we face abuse, we have the urge either strike back or retreat. Fight or flight. When Jesus endured abuse, he did something different by entrusting himself and his situation to God. Jesus understood the greater plans of God for his life. With these purposes in view, he put lesser things in their place. Jesus also understood himself…

When he was insulted, he did not insult in return. (1 Peter 2:23) Pastor John’s Notes: We live in a world bathed in verbal abuse. From the news media to sitcoms to endless twitter feeds, the modern media is saturated with attitudes and language that demeans everyone. I remember watching a sitcom where the entire half-hour show was composed of nothing but people insulting one another. Laugh tracks fabricated the idea that it was funny, when in truth, there was…

He did not commit sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth; (1 Peter 2:22) Pastor John’s Notes: The sinlessness of Jesus Christ is a marvel to us. Here is a man who was tempted in every way that we are, yet remained without sin. Furthermore, every time Jesus opened his mouth, he spoke truthfully, without twisting the truth to his own advantage or shaping the truth to fit a certain context. How can this be? It would be…

For you were called to this, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. (1 Peter 2:21) Pastor John’s Notes: Jesus Christ willingly suffered for us. No one took his life from him, but he gave it up of his own free will. Before he was crucified, Jesus said that his followers must also take up their crosses and follow him and that anyone who seeks to save his life will…

Household slaves, submit to your masters with all reverence not only to the good and gentle ones but also to the cruel. For it brings favor if, because of a consciousness of God, someone endures grief from suffering unjustly. For what credit is there if when you do wrong and are beaten, you endure it? But when you do what is good and suffer, if you endure it, this brings favor with God. (1 Peter 2:18-20) Pastor John’s Notes: Many…

Honor everyone. Love the brothers and sisters. Fear God. Honor the emperor. (1 Peter 2:17) Pastor John’s Notes: Peter instructed the church to honor the Roman emperor, but this must have been difficult for the early Christians to hear on many levels. Remember, it was the Romans who crucified Jesus Christ. The Roman government was oppressive and immoral. The emperor at the time of Peter’s writing was Nero, a young egomaniac who, soon after Peter’s writing blamed the Christians for…

Honor everyone. Love the brothers and sisters. Fear God. Honor the emperor. (1 Peter 2:17) Pastor John’s Notes: We don’t talk much these days about the fear of God. This phrase has been almost entirely eradicated from common speech and thought. We are happy to amplify every idea of God as loving and forgiving but seldom speak of God as being worthy of our respect and obedience, let alone a God to be feared. Some people have suggested that the…